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Event Guide · Hokkaido

Sapporo Snow Festival

FebruarySapporo2027 (77th): Feb 4 (Thu) – Feb 11 (Thu, holiday), 8 days
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Overview

Overview

Sapporo's signature winter festival of snow and ice, which began in 1950 when local junior high and high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. Held at three sites — Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome — it features giant snow sculptures, citizens' snow statues, ice sculptures, and the International Snow Sculpture Contest. Admission to all sites is free, and in recent years more than 2 million people have visited each year (2,539,000 in 2026).

When
Usually early February (about one week)
Confirmed dates: 2027 (77th): Feb 4 (Thu) – Feb 11 (Thu, holiday), 8 days
Venue
Odori Park (Odori Site, West 1–West 11 chome), plus the Susukino Site and Tsudome Site
Official website
https://www.snowfes.com/
Official website (English) ↗
Highlights

Highlights

The Odori Site is lined with giant snow sculptures over ten meters tall, and at night there are illuminations and projection mapping on the large sculptures (2026 example). Each site offers something different: the International Snow Sculpture Contest at 11 chome, ice sculptures in Susukino, and snow slides at Tsudome.

Times

Times

Odori Site illuminationUntil 22:00

The site can be visited 24 hours a day. Per the official FAQ and Odori Site page (example from the 2026 festival; details for 2027 are scheduled to be updated in mid-December 2026)

Susukino Site illuminationUntil 23:00

The site can be visited 24 hours a day. Per the official FAQ (2026 example). On the final day, it is listed as until 22:00

Tsudome Site opening hours10:00–16:00

Per the official Tsudome Site page

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The ground is packed snow and ice and extremely slippery, so wear non-slip winter boots or attachable shoe grips (the official FAQ notes that grips can be bought for about 1,000 yen)
  • ✓The Odori Site stretches about 1.5 km from West 1 to West 11 chome, so it's easier to enjoy in two visits: see the sculptures properly by day, then come back for the illuminations at night
  • ✓The Sapporo TV Tower observation deck at the east end of the Odori Site offers a view over the whole site
  • ✓The Tsudome Site closes at 16:00, so visit in the morning or around midday and save Odori and Susukino for the evening
  • ✓Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino are connected by underground walkways, handy for getting around on cold days
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Odori Station (Subway Namboku, Tozai, and Toho Lines)Right outsideOdori Site
  • Susukino Station (Subway Namboku Line)Right outsideSusukino Site
  • Sakaemachi Station (Subway Toho Line)About 15 min on footTsudome Site. Shuttle bus available
From major stations
  • Sapporo Station: Subway Namboku Line to Odori Station (1 stop; you can also walk via the underground walkway)
  • Sapporo Station: Subway Namboku Line to Susukino Station (2 stops)
  • Odori Station: Subway Toho Line to Sakaemachi Station, then shuttle bus or walk to the Tsudome Site
Extra buses & shuttles
A shuttle bus runs from Sakaemachi Station to the Tsudome Site (2026 example: adults 200 yen one way; free for elementary school age and under, age 65 and over, etc.; cash only, no IC cards; about every 5–10 min; operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus)
IC cards (Suica etc.)
The Sapporo Municipal Subway accepts SAPICA as well as nationwide interoperable IC cards such as Kitaca, Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA. However, the Tsudome shuttle bus is cash only (2026 example)
Getting back
  • Odori and Susukino stations tend to get crowded around the end of the illuminations, so shift your timing slightly or walk to the next station
  • Roads freeze at night and get especially slippery, so allow extra time to walk to the station
  • Check the Sapporo City Transportation Bureau for the latest last-train times
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Weekends and holidays (the final day, 2/11, is a national holiday), and from evening into the night when the illuminations are on
Quieter times
Weekday mornings
Time needed
Allow about 2–3 hours to see the whole Odori Site
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
According to JMA normals, Sapporo in February has a high of around -0.4°C and a low of around -6.4°C, so temperatures below freezing at night are normal. Wind and cold snaps can make it feel even colder
What to wear
A thick down coat or similar with layers underneath, gloves, a hat, a scarf, and non-slip winter boots (or shoe grips). Disposable hand warmers are handy too
Rain, snow & typhoons
The festival generally goes ahead even in snow. Check official announcements for cancellations of individual events in severe weather
Where to check for cancellations
News on the Sapporo Snow Festival official website (https://www.snowfes.com/)
☁ Hokkaido weather in February →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Follow the sorting rules at the venue's trash bins or take your trash home
  • !Do not touch or climb on snow or ice sculptures
  • !For drone flights and tripod use, follow the latest guidance on the official website
  • !Smoking on the street is restricted in designated areas under Sapporo City ordinance
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Use toilets at the venue or in nearby underground shopping areas and commercial facilities. They get busy at night and on weekends, so go early
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers around Sapporo and Odori stations fill up quickly during the festival. It's best to leave suitcases at your hotel
Paying at food stalls
Some stalls and booths are cash only, so bring cash as well
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs and others around Odori and Susukino
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
The venues have packed-snow surfaces, which can make getting around with a wheelchair or stroller difficult
Food

Food

Local favorites
Local specialties from around Hokkaido (food booths at the Odori Site)RamenSeafoodJaga-butter (baked potato with butter)
Vegetarian & halal
Vegetarian and halal labels are rare, so it helps to look up nearby restaurants in advance
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Hotels in Sapporo get busy and prices tend to rise during the festival, so book early

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Sapporo Snow FestivalPR

PRSee more places to stay near Sapporo Snow Festival on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Sapporo

Zoo

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo / Maruyama

Opened in 1951, this is Hokkaido's oldest zoo and is run by the City of Sapporo. Set next to Maruyama Park, its grounds cover about 22 hectares and are home to around 140 species of animals.

Aquarium

AOAO SAPPORO

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo / Tanukikoji

An urban aquarium on the 4th to 6th floors of moyuk SAPPORO, a shopping complex facing the Tanukikoji shopping arcade. Built around the concept "The Wonder of Life: Seeing the Unseen," it serves as a gateway to nature in the middle of the city and stays open until 22:00.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Experience

Shiroi Koibito Park

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

A confectionery theme park attached to the factory of Ishiya, the maker of Shiroi Koibito, a classic Hokkaido souvenir. It offers production line tours, sweets-making experiences, cafés, and shops, and the shops and rose garden can be used without an admission ticket. It's about a 5-minute walk from Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai subway line, making it easy to reach from central Sapporo.

Experience

HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE

Hokkaido ・ Kitahiroshima

A ballpark centered on ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, open 365 days a year. On non-game days, you can enter the stadium's outfield area for free and enjoy stadium tours, hot springs, kids' facilities, and restaurants. It's about 17 minutes from Sapporo Station to Kitahiroshima Station on the JR Rapid Airport, then about 5 minutes by shuttle bus from the station.

See all attractions →
Events

Events & festivals in Hokkaido

February

Otaru Snow Light Path

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

Usually about one week in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)

2027: Feb 6 – Feb 13

February

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually about 6 days in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)

2027 (68th): Feb 6 – Feb 11

April–October

Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display

Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya

Usually every night from late April to October 31 (about 20 minutes from 20:45)

2026: Apr 28 – Oct 31 (held nightly; currently underway)

May

Sapporo Lilac Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually mid- to late May (about 10 days at the Odori Site, and 2 days on the final weekend at the Kawashimo Site)

June

YOSAKOI Soran Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually Wednesday to Sunday (5 days) in early to mid-June

2027 (36th): Jun 9 (Wed) – Jun 13 (Sun), 5 days

July–August

Sapporo Summer Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually late July to mid-August (the beer gardens run for about 4 weeks; Hokkai Bon Odori is held during Obon, and the Susukino Festival for 3 days in early August)

July

Otaru Ushio Festival

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

Usually Friday to Sunday in late July (3 days, with a grand fireworks display on the final night)

August

Hakodate Port Festival

Hokkaido ・ Hakodate

Usually August 1–5 (fireworks on the first day, parades on the 2nd and 3rd)

September–October

Sapporo Autumn Fest

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually early to late September, or into early October (about 3 weeks)

2026: Sep 11 – Oct 3 (currently underway)

November–March

Sapporo White Illumination

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually late November to mid-March of the following year (the Odori Site runs from late November to December 25)

2026: Opens Nov 20 (Odori Site until Dec 25; Ekimae-dori Site until Feb 11, 2027; Minami 1-jo-dori, Kita 3-jo Plaza, and Sapporo Station South Exit until Mar 14, 2027)

December–March

Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually held daily from mid- to late December (once there is enough snow) until around mid-March

December

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy

Hokkaido ・ Hakodate

Usually starts in late November to early December and runs until December 25

2026: Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 25 (Fri)

See all events →

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30

PRKlookSapporo TV Tower TicketView the entire Snow Festival site from the observation deck at the east end of the Odori SiteView