Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 Guide: Dates, Tips & What to See

Every February, Sapporo turns winter into something playful, bright, and quietly impressive. Parks fill with towering snow sculptures, streets glow after dark, and the city feels both festive and calm at the same time. The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most well-known winter events, drawing visitors for its scale, craftsmanship, and the simple joy of seeing snow shaped into art.

The 2026 edition is expected to continue this tradition, featuring new large-scale sculptures, refreshed lighting, and seasonal events to be announced closer to the dates. While the core experience remains familiar, each year brings subtle changes that make the festival feel fresh again.

This guide focuses on what matters most when planning a visit. You’ll find expected dates, where the main festival sites are, what to see first, and how to move through the city without rushing. It also covers simple itineraries, winter packing tips, and practical advice so your time in Sapporo feels smooth, even in the cold.

Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 Dates and Best Time to Visit

Best days to go

If you want space to actually stop, look closely, and take photos without being nudged along, aim for weekdays. Weekends get busier fast, especially around Odori Park in the afternoon and early evening. Japan Cheapo also notes the festival spans eight days, which helps if you can plan for a midweek visit.

Best times of day

• Daytime feels clearer for sculpture detail. You can see the texture, the carved lines, and the way snow reflects pale winter light.
• After dark is for the atmosphere. The lighting changes how everything looks, and Odori and Susukino feel livelier at night with people lingering longer. Japan Cheapo notes that sculptures are typically illuminated at night.

Where the Festival Happens (Main Sites)

The Sapporo Snow Festival is spread across three main areas of the city. Each site feels different, and knowing what to expect helps you pace your visit instead of trying to see everything at once.

#1. Odori Park (Main Site)

Odori Park is the heart of the festival and the place most people picture when they think of Sapporo in February. The park stretches through the city center and fills with giant snow sculptures, performance stages, and wide walking paths lined with lights.

This is where you’ll see the largest and most detailed works, often inspired by landmarks, pop culture, or historical themes. It’s also where events and shows usually happen in the evenings.

Plan to spend two to three hours here if you want to walk the full length at an easy pace, stop for photos, and take breaks. The park is easiest to access from Odori Station, with multiple exits leading straight into the festival area.

#2. Susukino Site (Ice Sculpture Street)

The Susukino site feels smaller but more intimate. Instead of snow, this area focuses on ice sculptures, set along the streets of Sapporo’s nightlife district. Clear ice blocks are carved into animals, figures, and abstract shapes that glow under streetlights and signage.

This site works best after sunset, when the contrast between ice, neon lights, and falling snow creates a very different mood from Odori Park. Many people combine this visit with dinner nearby.

Be careful while walking here. Streets and sidewalks can be slippery, especially late in the evening when temperatures drop.

#3. Tsudome Site (Family-Friendly Snow Activities)

Tsudome is the most active and playful site. It’s designed around snow slides, tubing areas, and open spaces where people can actually interact with the snow rather than just look at it.

This site is especially popular with families, kids, and groups who want to move around and stay warm. It’s less about sculptures and more about experience.

Tsudome is located farther from central Sapporo. During the festival, shuttle buses usually run from major subway stations, making it manageable even without a car.

What to See and Do (Top Experiences)

With multiple sites and hundreds of displays, it helps to know what to focus on first. These experiences tend to stand out most for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike.

✅ Prioritize the large snow sculptures

Start with the biggest sculptures at Odori Park. These are the most detailed and time-consuming to build, and they draw the largest crowds later in the day. Walking the park from one end to the other lets you see them gradually instead of rushing from highlight to highlight.

✅ Stay after dark for illuminations

The festival changes completely once the lights come on. Snow surfaces glow softly, shadows deepen, and the sculptures feel more dramatic. Odori Park and the Susukino site both work especially well at night, even if you’ve already seen them during the day.

✅ Try hands-on snow activities

If you visit the Tsudome site, make time for at least one activity. Snow slides, tubing, and open play areas help break up the day and keep you warm. This is a good option if you’re traveling with kids or want a more active experience.

✅ Look for winter food stalls

Food stalls are scattered around the main sites, especially near Odori Park. Expect warm, simple comfort food that works well in the cold. Hot soup, grilled snacks, and sweet treats are common, and stopping to eat gives you a natural break from walking.

✅ Slow down for photos

It’s tempting to treat the festival like a checklist, but the best moments often come from slowing down. Watch how light hits the sculptures, notice small carved details, and wait for crowds to thin before taking photos. Early mornings and late evenings are usually quieter.

2026 Highlights (What Is Different This Year)

Each year, the Sapporo Snow Festival keeps its familiar shape while adding a few new touches. The 2026 edition is expected to follow that pattern, with updates announced closer to the festival dates.

Special evening events and stage performances are also expected to return. These tend to rotate through the festival period rather than happening every night, so it’s worth checking the official schedule once it’s published to see what aligns with your visit.

At the Susukino site, ice sculpture competitions often bring subtle changes each year. Designs shift, lighting styles evolve, and new carving techniques sometimes appear, which keeps the area feeling fresh even for repeat visitors.

Because announcements roll out gradually, the best approach for 2026 is to plan around the core festival experience and leave space to adjust once the final highlights are confirmed.

Suggested Itineraries

Planning a rough structure helps you enjoy the festival without feeling rushed. These sample plans focus on pacing, warmth, and seeing the highlights at the right time of day.

1-Day Plan (Fast Visit)

This works well if you’re short on time or stopping in Sapporo as part of a longer Hokkaido trip.

👉 Morning - Start at Odori Park while it’s still quiet. Walk one side of the park slowly, focusing on the largest snow sculptures. Daylight makes it easier to see carving details and take clear photos.

👉 Afternoon - Warm up indoors. Cafes, underground shopping areas, and nearby attractions around Odori and Sapporo Station are ideal. This break helps you last through the evening without getting too cold.

👉 Evening - Head to Susukino after dark. The ice sculptures look best under city lights, and it’s easy to combine this with dinner nearby before calling it a night.

3-Day Itinerary (Best Overall)

This pace lets you enjoy the festival without overloading any single day.

Day 1: Odori Park and City Sights

Spend most of the day at Odori Park, covering the full length at an easy pace. Take breaks, revisit sculptures after sunset, and watch how lighting changes the atmosphere. End the day with a warm meal nearby.

Day 2: Tsudome and Indoor Stops

Visit the Tsudome site during the day for snow activities and open space. Afterward, shift to indoor experiences like shopping arcades, museums, or food spots to stay warm and rest.

Day 3: Favorites and Susukino at Night

Use the final day to revisit what you enjoyed most. This could be a second walk through Odori Park, more photos, or extra time at Susukino in the evening if weather conditions were better.

Where to Stay in Sapporo During the Festival

Where you stay makes a big difference in winter. Short walks, easy subway access, and places to warm up quickly matter more than usual during the Snow Festival.

#1. Odori Area

Staying near Odori Park puts you right in the middle of the main festival site. You can step out early in the morning or return easily after dark without long travel times. Hotels here book out quickly and tend to be priced higher during the festival, so early reservations help.

#2. Sapporo Station Area

This area is practical and well-connected. Trains, subways, restaurants, and underground walkways are all close by, which helps on colder days. It’s a good base if you plan to explore beyond the festival sites or take day trips.

#3. Susukino Area

Susukino works well if you enjoy evening activities and food options. It’s close to the ice sculpture site and has plenty of dining choices nearby. Expect more noise at night, but also easy access to nightlife and late meals.

Getting to Sapporo

Most visitors arrive in Sapporo by air, with a few simple options once you land.

✈️ Flying to New Chitose Airport (CTS)

New Chitose Airport is the main gateway to Sapporo and one of Japan’s busiest domestic hubs. There are frequent flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities, as well as some international routes during winter.

From the airport, the easiest way into the city is the JR Rapid Airport train. It runs often, takes about 40 minutes, and stops at Sapporo Station. Trains are warm, reliable, and easy to manage, even with luggage.

Airport buses are another option, especially if your hotel is not near a major station. They take longer but drop you closer to some accommodations.

🚊 Arriving by Train

If you are already in Japan, you can reach Sapporo by taking the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, then transferring to a limited express train to Sapporo. The full journey takes several hours, so this option works best if Sapporo is part of a longer Hokkaido trip.

Getting Around Sapporo During the Festival

Sapporo is one of the easiest cities in Japan to navigate, even in winter. The Snow Festival sites are spread out, but public transport makes moving between them simple.

Subway and IC Cards

Sapporo’s subway system is the most efficient way to get around during the festival. Stations are well marked, trains run frequently, and platforms are warm. If you already use an IC card like Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA, it will work in Sapporo. Otherwise, you can buy a local IC card at stations.

Short-term subway passes are available and can save money if you plan to move between sites multiple times in a day.

Reaching Each Festival Site

• Odori Park is directly connected to Odori Station, making it the easiest site to access.
• Susukino is one subway stop away from Odori, or a short walk if the weather allows.
• Tsudome is farther out. During the festival, shuttle buses usually run from major stations, which is the easiest option.

Walking and Accessibility

Central Sapporo is flat and walkable, but snow and ice can slow things down. Underground walkways connect many stations and shopping areas, which helps avoid cold wind and slippery sidewalks. Strollers are manageable at Odori Park, though Tsudome is better suited for families with older kids due to uneven snow surfaces.

What to Pack for the Sapporo Snow Festival

February in Sapporo is cold, and being comfortable makes a big difference in how long you enjoy the festival. Dressing well lets you stay outside longer without rushing from one indoor stop to the next.

Clothing and Layers

Layering works best.

• A thermal base layer keeps warmth close to your body
• A fleece or insulated mid-layer adds warmth without bulk
• A waterproof, insulated outer jacket protects against wind and falling snow

Avoid cotton where possible. It traps moisture and makes the cold feel harsher.

Footwear for Snow and Ice

Good shoes matter more than anything else.

• Wear insulated, waterproof boots with good grip
• Slip-on traction aids can help on icy sidewalks
• Thick socks keep feet warm during long walks

Streets around the festival are cleared, but packed snow and ice are common, especially at night.

Accessories That Help

Small items make cold days easier.

• Gloves that let you use your phone
• A warm hat that covers your ears
• A scarf or neck warmer to block wind

Phone and Camera Tips

Cold drains batteries faster.

• Keep phones and cameras in inside pockets
• Carry a small power bank if you plan to take photos at night
• Touchscreen-friendly gloves make photography easier

4 Super Useful and Practical Tips Before You Go

A few small choices can make the festival feel smoother and more enjoyable, especially when crowds and cold combine.

1. Managing Crowds

Arrive earlier than you think, especially at Odori Park. Late mornings and early afternoons are calmer, while evenings draw larger crowds for lighting. If you want photos without people in the frame, aim for early morning or later at night on weekdays.

2. Staying Safe on Ice

Sidewalks and crossings can be slippery, even when cleared.

• Walk slowly and keep your hands free
• Avoid smooth soles or fashion boots
• Use underground passages when possible to stay warm and dry

3. Cash, Cards, and Convenience Stores

Cards are widely accepted in Sapporo, but having some cash helps for food stalls and smaller purchases. Convenience stores are everywhere and useful for warm drinks, snacks, and quick breaks from the cold.

4 Language and Navigation

English signage is common around festival areas and transit stations. Translation apps work well if you need help reading menus or directions, and staff at information points are usually helpful.

3 Other Places Worth Visiting While You Are in Sapporo

If you have extra time beyond the festival, Sapporo and its surroundings offer a few easy stops that pair well with winter weather.

1. Nijo Market

Nijo Market is a good place to warm up and eat well. Small seafood shops and casual restaurants serve fresh crab, scallops, and simple rice bowls. It works best in the morning or early afternoon before crowds build.

2. Sapporo Beer Museum

This indoor stop is an easy break from the cold. You can learn about the city’s brewing history and enjoy a tasting at the end. It’s a relaxed visit that doesn’t require much planning.

3. Mount Moiwa

For a different view of the city, Mount Moiwa offers an observation deck with wide views over Sapporo, especially after dark. Clear winter nights make the city lights stand out, and the ropeway ride itself is part of the experience.

Easy Day Trips

If your schedule allows, short trips outside the city add variety.

• Otaru is known for its canal, glass shops, and quiet streets in winter.
• Jozankei offers hot springs and snowy scenery, a welcome contrast to busy festival days.

These places are easy to fit around the Snow Festival and give you a fuller sense of Hokkaido beyond the sculptures.

FAQs

Is the Sapporo Snow Festival free to attend?

Yes. All main festival sites, including Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome, are free to enter. Some activities or attractions at the Tsudome site may have small fees.

What are the opening hours for each festival site?

Odori Park is accessible throughout the day, with sculptures illuminated in the evening. Susukino is best visited after dark when the ice sculptures are lit. Tsudome usually operates during daytime hours, especially for activities and snow play.

Daytime temperatures often sit around -3°C to 0°C, with nights dropping lower. Wind can make it feel colder, so proper winter clothing is important.

Is the festival worth visiting if I only have one day?

Yes. Even one full day is enough to see Odori Park and visit Susukino in the evening. A shorter visit just requires better timing and fewer stops.

What should I wear, and do I really need snow boots?

Warm layers, an insulated jacket, gloves, and a hat are essential. Snow boots or waterproof shoes with good grip are strongly recommended, as sidewalks can be icy, especially at night.

Disclaimer

Festival dates, events, transport details, and schedules may change closer to February 2026. Information shared here is based on general patterns and publicly available details at the time of writing. This content is for educational purposes only. Travelers should check official Sapporo Snow Festival announcements and local sources for the latest updates before planning their visit.