Home > Blog > Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan

Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan

As part of our guide for visitors to Sapporo, we present this guide to the Sapporo Snow Festival (scheduled for February 4 – 11, 2026). The Snow Festival is the biggest of the festivals in Sapporo; more than two million visitors from around the world come to see stunning snow and ice sculptures that turn Sapporo into a giant outdoor art gallery.

2026 Sapporo Snow Festival

— When is the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival?
— Where is the Snow Festival in Sapporo located?
— Three Main Venues for the 2026 Snow Festival in Sapporo
— How do we get to the Snow Festival in Sapporo?
— How Much does it Cost to Attend the Sapporo Snow Festival?
— Events and Activities at Sapporo Snow Festival
— Who Attends the Sapporo Snow Festival?
— History of the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido
— Travel Tips for Visiting the Snow Festival in Sapporo
— For Travelers Planning Ahead
— Who are the Sponsors for Sapporo Snow Festival?
— Surprising Things About the Sapporo Snow Festival
— Other Snow-Related Attractions in Sapporo

More details below.

When is the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival?

The dates for the next Sapporo Winter Festival are February 4 to February 11, 2026. The event lasts for eight days, giving visitors plenty of time to explore all the venues and enjoy the festive mood around the city.

Where is the Snow Festival in Sapporo located?

The Sapporo Ice Festival takes place at three main venues across the city: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome (Community Dome).

Odori Park Site (大通会場)

The heart of the festival, stretching about 1.5 km through central Sapporo from Odori 1-chome to Odori 12-chome. This is where you’ll find the most impressive large-scale snow and ice sculptures, projection shows, and local food stalls.
Address: Odori Nishi 1–12 Chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
Nearest Station: Odori Station (Subway Namboku, Tozai, and Toho Lines)

Susukino Site (すすきの会場)

Located in Sapporo’s lively entertainment district, the Susukino site features stunning ice sculptures, illuminated at night with colorful lights.
Address: Ekimae-dori, Minami 4-jo to Minami 6-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804
Nearest Station: Susukino Station (Subway Namboku Line)

Tsudome Site (つどーむ会場 / Sapporo Community Dome)

Situated in the eastern part of Sapporo, this family-friendly venue offers snow slides, snow rafting, and indoor play areas for kids. It’s perfect for visitors who want hands-on snow fun.
Address: 885-1 Sakae-machi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0852
Nearest Station: Sakaemachi Station (Subway Toho Line), then 10–15 minutes by foot

Three Main Venues for the 2026 Snow Festival in Sapporo

Odori Park (大通公園)

Odori Park is the heart of the festival and the most famous site. It stretches for about 1.5 kilometers through downtown Sapporo, filled with enormous snow sculptures, stages, and illuminations. Here, you’ll find everything from detailed recreations of world-famous buildings to adorable characters from anime and pop culture.

At night, colorful lights bring the snow sculptures to life — a truly magical sight that makes the cold disappear. Don’t miss the night illuminations, which usually last until 10 p.m. They give the whole park a romantic and dreamlike glow.

Susukino (すすきの)

Located in the nightlife area of Sapporo, the Susukino site focuses mainly on ice sculptures rather than snow. The ice glistens beautifully under neon lights, creating a cool, crystal-like street atmosphere. Visitors can even pose with the sculptures, and in some years, there are small ice bars serving hot drinks or cocktails made with local spirits.

Tsudome (つどーむ)

A bit farther from the city center, the Tsudome site is perfect for families and children. Here, you can try snow slides, snow rafting, and even snow mazes. It’s less about art and more about fun — a playful winter park that both kids and adults can enjoy. There are also food stalls inside the dome offering warm Hokkaido dishes like corn soup, ramen, and grilled seafood.

How do we get to the Snow Festival in Sapporo?

The Sapporo Snow Festival is mainly held at three venues: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome (Community Dome). The easiest way to reach the festival is by subway. From New Chitose Airport, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station (about 40 minutes), then transfer to the Namboku or Tozai Line depending on your destination.

Odori Site: Located right in the city center, directly above Odori Subway Station.
Susukino Site: Just one stop south of Odori on the Namboku Line.
Tsudome Site: Take the Toho Line to Sakaemachi Station, then a short shuttle bus or 10–15-minute walk.

All venues are easy to reach, and since the festival runs in winter, warm clothing and snow boots are recommended.

How Much Does it Cost to Attend the Sapporo Snow Festival?

Admission to the Sapporo Winter Festival is completely free for all visitors. Visitors can walk around the sculpture areas, take photos, and enjoy the winter atmosphere at no cost. However, some food stalls, snow activities, or special exhibitions may charge small fees. If you plan to visit the Tsudome site, where there are snow slides and family attractions, bring a little cash for snacks and rides. Overall, it’s a very budget-friendly event perfect for everyone.

Events and Activities at Sapporo Snow Festival

The festival features hundreds of massive snow and ice sculptures, many built by artists and teams from Japan and around the world. Each site has its own highlights:
Odori Park: The main venue, famous for its giant illuminated snow sculptures, concerts, projection mapping shows, and food booths serving local Hokkaido dishes.
Susukino: Known for its beautiful ice sculptures, which look even more magical at night under the city lights.
Tsudome: A family-friendly site with snow slides, snow rafting, and activity zones for children.

There are also local food stalls, souvenir stands, and hot drink spots to help you stay warm while enjoying the snowy wonderland.

Who Attends the Sapporo Snow Festival?

Every year, more than two million visitors from Japan and around the world come to experience the Sapporo Ice Festival. It attracts families, couples, photographers, and winter sports lovers.

Artists and ice sculptors come to Sapporo to join the International Snow Sculpture Contest. Teams and tourists come from countries such as the United States, Canada, China, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, and many European nations.

The event brings together people of all ages and nationalities, creating a cheerful and festive atmosphere that celebrates winter culture and creativity across the city.

History of the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido

The story of the Sapporo Snow Festival started humbly in 1950. After a long, snowy winter, a group of local high school students decided to build six snow sculptures in Odori Park. What began as a small school project soon captured everyone’s imagination. Locals came to see the sculptures, and the event attracted around 50,000 visitors, an amazing number for something so simple and spontaneous.

In 1955, the Japan Self-Defense Forces joined the festival, bringing with them the manpower and tools needed to create larger and more detailed snow artworks. Their participation transformed the event from a small local gathering into a major city celebration.

The festival’s idea was simple but powerful — instead of seeing snow as a nuisance, people in Hokkaido would embrace it as part of their identity. Snow became art, and art brought people together.

From Local Fun to Global Fame

Through the years, the Sapporo Snow Festival continued to grow. In 1965, a second venue opened in Makomanai, and in 1972, the year Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics, the festival gained worldwide attention. International visitors were amazed by the massive snow creations, some taller than buildings, some shaped like temples, famous landmarks, or even beloved cartoon characters.

By 1974, the International Snow Sculpture Contest began, welcoming teams from all over the world to showcase their skills. This turned the festival into a truly global event where art had no language barrier, just snow, creativity, and passion.

In the 1980s, another site was added in Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district, where shimmering ice sculptures joined the snowy masterpieces. The festival became a symbol of winter joy — blending Japanese craftsmanship, modern creativity, and international friendship.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Snow Festival in Sapporo

Arrive early or late in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds
Visit Odori Park first, then head to Susukino after dark for the ice sculptures
Families with kids should spend half a day at Tsudome for snow slides and outdoor fun
Best photo times: Daylight for clear details; evening for magical lights
Getting around: Odori Park is right in the city center. Susukino is just one subway stop away. Tsudome can be reached by Sapporo subway (Tōhō Line) and a short shuttle bus ride.
What to eat: Try Hokkaido ramen, jingisukan (grilled lamb), or fresh seafood bowls. Many stalls appear only during the festival season.

For Travelers Planning Ahead

If you’re visiting Hokkaido in 2026, the Sapporo Snow Festival is the number one winter event you shouldn’t miss. It’s family-friendly, romantic, and full of unique local charm. Whether you come to take photos, try winter sports, or simply walk through glowing snow sculptures, it’s an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

And for those who want to make the most of it, plan your trip early. Book your flights, accommodation, and transportation in advance.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is supported by a number of major companies and local organizations, including DCM Co., Ltd., Hokusen Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Bank, Hokuyo Bank, Hokkaido Credit Guarantee Corporation, Sapporo Subcenter Development Corporation, The Life Insurance Association of Japan (Sapporo Branch), Dogin Card Co., Ltd., and Sapporo Chuo Urban Co., Ltd.

The Sapporo Snow Festival sponsors help make the event possible each year, from the creation of massive snow sculptures to the operation of festival venues and activities.

Surprising Things About the Sapporo Snow Festival

The snow sculptures are huge, literally building-sized
Many sculptures are carved by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)
It takes more than 30,000 tons of snow and not all of it comes from Sapporo
There is a snow sculpture competition with teams from around the world
The sculptures light up and change colors at night
Food stalls everywhere — It’s not just a “snow festival,” it’s a food festival too

Beyond the Sapporo Snow Festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of winter attractions throughout the city. For those interested in skiing and snowboarding, Sapporo Teine Ski Resort offers Olympic history and a wide range of courses for all skill levels, while Bankei Ski Resort provides a convenient, beginner-friendly option with night skiing and snowboard-focused facilities. Sapporo Moiwayama Ski Resort is another popular choice, known for its scenic slopes and panoramic night views of Sapporo City.

Winter travelers may also want to visit Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, a historic venue from the 1972 Winter Olympics that offers impressive views of the city and insight into Sapporo’s winter sports heritage.

Together, these attractions make Sapporo an ideal destination for visitors who want to experience snow festivals, winter sports, and seasonal sightseeing—all within the city.