When it comes to events symbolizing winter in Hokkaido, it has to be the "Sapporo Snow Festival." Held every February in Sapporo city, this festival transforms the entire city into a gigantic art gallery made of snow and ice for a special week.
Walking around the city, you will be amazed by exquisitely detailed snow sculptures, and at night, the light-ups create a fantastic scenery. Whether it’s your first visit or your nth time, the festival has a charm that captivates the heart.
Especially the 2026 edition is expected to be even more spectacular due to recent technological advances and international attention. The grandeur of the snow statues, the transparent sparkle of the ice sculptures, and the warmth of local gourmet food—all combine to make winter in Sapporo an unforgettable travel destination.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the 2026 "Sapporo Snow Festival," covering dates, access, how to enjoy, etiquette, and nearby sightseeing. After reading this, you’ll be able to enjoy winter in Sapporo 120%.
*Photos in this article are images or from past events.
1. What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the world's largest snow and ice festivals held in Sapporo city, Hokkaido.
It started in 1950 when local junior high and high school students created six snow statues in Odori Park. This was highly praised by local residents and tourists, and the scale has grown year by year. Today, it is an international event attracting over 2 million visitors from around the world.
The festival is characterized especially by artistic works made of snow and ice. From gigantic snow statues over 10 meters tall, delicate ice sculptures, to the magical nighttime light-ups, winter art envelops the city of Sapporo.
Additionally, there are delicious Hokkaido winter delicacies from food stands and the international snow sculpture contest, making it full of fun not only for viewing but also for participation.
2. Basic Information about the Sapporo Snow Festival
・Dates
The 2026 festival will be held for 8 days from Wednesday, February 4 to Wednesday, February 11 (National Holiday).
All the venues operate simultaneously and are bustling with many visitors both day and night.
・Venues
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held at three main venues across Sapporo city.
- Odori Venue (Odori Park): The main stage. The center of gigantic snow statues and light-ups.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/px6CXhb9oHdU9UYf9 - Susukino Venue: Night area with rows of ice sculptures.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LQMD2AAqU8jLPV8KA - Tsudomu Venue (Sapporo Community Dome): Family-oriented with snow slides and interactive attractions.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YVAR9fuwrEAEF5678
・Rain Policy
The festival is generally not canceled for light snow or rain. However, some events may be scaled down or entry restricted depending on the weather. Since snow and ice sculptures may melt due to rain, checking weather updates is essential.
・Official Website
Latest information is continuously updated on the official site.
URL: https://www.snowfes.com/
3. Highlights and Features of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The biggest attraction of the Sapporo Snow Festival is undoubtedly the highly artistic snow and ice sculptures. Especially the large snow statues at the Odori venue are made with the cooperation of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and local construction groups, and their scale and perfection are breathtaking.
During the day, the gigantic snow statues shimmer in silver-white beauty, and at night, lighting and projection mapping make the sculptures appear as if alive and moving. In recent years, many works themed on anime and movies have gained popularity especially among the younger generation.
The Susukino venue features mainly ice sculptures. Transparent ice illuminated by street lamps and neon lights transforms the entire area into an ice corridor at night. The ice carvings look completely different by day and night, making them perfect for photography.
The Tsudomu venue is a hands-on snow play area. With sleds, snow tubes, mini snowmobiles and more, it is popular among families. The indoor area has rest spaces and food corners, allowing visitors to enjoy without worrying about the cold.
4. History and Origins of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival began shortly after World War II, in 1950. Junior and senior high school students in Sapporo made snow statues to cheer up the local people. This initiative sparked cooperation with local newspaper companies and the city, and in 1955 the Ground Self-Defense Force joined. This enabled large-scale snow statue creation and the event gradually evolved into the magnificent festival it is today.
The "International Snow Sculpture Contest" started in 1974, becoming internationally known as a place where artists from around the world compete in snow art. Teams from Asia, Europe, America, etc. now participate, making it also a venue for cultural exchange.
With a history of over 70 years, this festival is not only a winter tradition for Sapporo citizens but also a symbol of pride for Hokkaido.
5. Connection with Japan’s Snow Culture
In Japan, snow has traditionally symbolized "purity" and "tranquility." Many haiku and waka poems have been composed about snowy landscapes, and winter aesthetics are deeply rooted in Japanese hearts.
The Sapporo Snow Festival can be said to be a modern expression of that snow culture. The idea of transforming snow from an "inconvenience" into "art" reflects a uniquely Japanese sensibility.
Additionally, it is characterized as a "community-participation festival" that brightly colors Hokkaido’s harsh winters. Local people cooperate to build snow statues and welcome tourists—this warm culture touches the hearts of visitors.
6. Access Information
・Nearest Stations and Access
[Odori Venue]
Right outside Sapporo Municipal Subway "Odori Station." About 10 minutes on foot from Sapporo Station.
[Susukino Venue]
Immediately outside "Susukino Station" on the subway. Ideal to combine with night sightseeing.
[Tsudomu Venue]
15-minute walk from "Sakaemachi Station" on the Toho subway line. Free shuttle buses operate during the festival period.
From the airport, it takes about 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station by the Rapid Airport train. Within Sapporo city, the venues are scattered but easily accessible by subway or walking.
7. How to Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival
・Recommended Events with Dates and Details
- Large Snow Statue Light-Up Show (Odori Venue)
Lighting starts around 6 PM. The projection mapping combining music and video is a must-see. - International Snow Sculpture Contest (Odori Venue)
Exhibits snow sculptures created by teams from around the world. The high artistic value is astonishing. - Ice Plaza (Susukino Venue)
At night, the ice sculptures are illuminated in blue and purple lights, creating a fantastic atmosphere. - Snow Athletics (Tsudomu Venue)
A snow play area for children. Recommended for families.
・Clothing
In February, temperatures in Sapporo are around -5°C during the day and can drop below -10°C at night.
For cold protection, thick coats, down jackets, gloves, ear muffs, scarves, and shoes with slip-resistant soles are essential. Especially since roads freeze below zero degrees Celsius, good shoe grip is important.
・Items to Bring
- Heat pads (stick-on or hand warmers)
- Mobile battery (smartphone batteries drain faster in cold)
- Small foldable umbrella (for snow protection)
- Camera (plenty of opportunities to photograph night light-ups)
8. Precautions & Etiquette
・Photography Etiquette
Touching or climbing the snow and ice sculptures is strictly prohibited. When taking photos, be careful not to block paths or disturb other tourists.
・Crowded Times and Areas
The busiest times are around 6 PM to 8 PM. Especially the center of Odori Park and intersections near the Susukino venue get crowded. If you'd like to take your time taking photos, visiting between 9 AM and 11 AM is recommended.
・Behavior During Crowds
Do not stop moving in crowded areas; walk along the lines. If you want to enjoy viewing snow statues slowly, weekday mornings are ideal.
・Others
As an outdoor event, neglecting cold-weather measures may lead to health issues. Taking frequent breaks in cafes or underground shopping malls allows for more comfortable viewing.
9. Nearby Tourist Spots
There are many sightseeing spots in Sapporo city that you can enjoy alongside the Snow Festival.
Sapporo TV Tower (Eastern end of Odori Park)
A superb viewpoint to look down on the snow statues. Beautifully lit up at night.
Sapporo Clock Tower
A historical building with a photogenic snow-covered appearance.
Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office)
A Meiji Era building that contrasts beautifully with the snow. The interior is available for tours.
Nijo Market & Sapporo Jogai Market
Popular markets where you can enjoy Hokkaido’s seafood such as crab, salmon roe, and sea urchin.
Moerenuma Park
An art park designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Snow sculptures are magical here.
Jozankei Onsen
About one hour by car from central Sapporo. A healing spot where you can enjoy hot springs while viewing snowy scenery.
In Conclusion
The 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival is a special event where snow, light, art, and community warmth blend together. With more than 70 years of history, this festival continues to evolve and is not merely a sightseeing event but a place to experience winter in Hokkaido itself.
The entire city becomes a snow art masterpiece, and the scenes of people exchanging smiles in the cold embody an emotion beyond words. The grandeur of the snow statues, the sparkle of the ice sculptures, the warm food, and the warmth of people’s hearts—all make winter in Sapporo extraordinary.
For visitors, the Sapporo Snow Festival offers a precious journey to experience the uniquely Japanese winter culture of "enjoying the cold." We hope you will savor such heartwarming moments in Sapporo in 2026.
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