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Event Guide · Hokkaido

Sapporo White Illumination

November–MarchSapporo2026: 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)
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Overview

Overview

One of Japan's oldest illumination events, which began in Odori Park in 1981 with about 1,000 light bulbs. Light sculptures brighten central Sapporo in winter; the main Odori Site stays lit until December 25, while sites such as Ekimae-dori and Minami 1-jo-dori stay lit until February–March of the following year. 2026 marks its 46th edition.

When
Usually late November to mid-March of the following year (the Odori Site runs from late November to December 25)
Confirmed dates: 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)
Venue
Odori Park (main site), Sapporo Ekimae-dori, Minami 1-jo-dori, Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla), Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza, and more
Official website
https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/
Highlights

Highlights

Light sculptures with a different theme for each block line Odori Park from 1 to 5 chome, and when snow falls, the light reflects off it for an even more magical effect. In the first half of the season, the German-style Munich Christmas Market is held in the same park, where you can enjoy mulled wine and gifts.

Times

Times

Lighting (Odori Site)16:30–22:00

Official 2026 information. Lit until 24:00 on December 23–25. Subject to change without notice

Munich Christmas Market (Odori Park 1 and 2 chome)11:00–21:00

November 20 – December 25, 2026, last order 20:45. Official information

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

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Around 16:30, right after the lights come on, you can enjoy both the twilight sky and the illuminations. The view over the Odori Site from the Sapporo TV Tower observation deck is also recommended
  • ✓Sidewalks start to freeze from late November through December, so non-slip footwear (winter boots or attachable grips) is a must
  • ✓The Odori Site ends on December 25. If you visit from January onward, head to sites such as Ekimae-dori, Minami 1-jo-dori, and Kita 3-jo Plaza (in early February you can enjoy them alongside the Sapporo Snow Festival)
  • ✓Spending a long time outdoors gets very cold, so take breaks in the underground walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho) and underground shopping areas as you go
  • ✓The Munich Christmas Market is especially crowded on weekends just before Christmas and from evening onward
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Odori Station (Subway Namboku, Tozai, and Toho Lines)Right outsideClosest to the Odori Site
  • Sapporo Station (JR and subway)Right outside to about 10 min on footClosest to the Sapporo Station South Exit, Kita 3-jo Plaza, and Ekimae-dori sites
From major stations
  • Sapporo Station: Subway Namboku Line to Odori Station (1 stop), or walk along Ekimae-dori or through the underground walkway (About 2 min by subway / about 10 min on foot)
  • New Chitose Airport: JR Rapid Airport to Sapporo Station (About 40 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
None
IC cards (Suica etc.)
Transport IC cards such as Kitaca and Suica can be used on the Sapporo Municipal Subway and JR
Getting back
  • Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino are connected underground, so use the underground routes on cold or snowy days for safety
  • Waits for taxis tend to be long on snowy roads. The subway is the reliable option
  • Watch out for falls on icy sidewalks. The white lines of pedestrian crossings are especially slippery
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Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Weekend evenings in December, especially December 23–25
Quieter times
Right after the lights come on or after 21:00 on weekdays, and sites such as Ekimae-dori from January onward
Time needed
30 min–1 hour to stroll the Odori Site. 1–2 hours including the Christmas market
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Sapporo's normal low is around 0°C in late November, about -3 to -4°C in December, and about -7°C in January–February (a reference value based on JMA normals). Wind makes it feel even colder
What to wear
A full set of cold-weather gear — down coat, hat, gloves, and scarf — plus non-slip winter boots. Disposable hand warmers are a good idea too
Rain, snow & typhoons
The lights generally stay on in rain or snow, but lighting hours may change without notice during the season
Where to check for cancellations
Sapporo White Illumination official website (https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/), Executive Committee (during the event 080-5830-6001, at other times 011-281-6400)
☁ Hokkaido weather in November →☁ Hokkaido weather in December →☁ Hokkaido weather in January →☁ Hokkaido weather in February →☁ Hokkaido weather in March →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Do not touch or climb on the illumination sculptures
  • !Refrain from using tripods and selfie sticks when crowded so as not to bother others
  • !Take your trash home or use the designated areas
  • !Central Sapporo has no-smoking-on-the-street zones
  • !Flying drones without permission is prohibited
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
In addition to public toilets around Odori Park, you can use toilets in the underground shopping areas and commercial facilities
Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers are available at Odori and Sapporo stations. It's best to leave suitcases at your hotel or Sapporo Station
Paying at food stalls
Viewing the illuminations is free. Payment methods at the Christmas market stalls vary by vendor, so bring cash too
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) around Odori Station and in the underground shopping areas
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
Odori Park is flat, but getting around with a wheelchair or stroller becomes difficult when there is snow or ice. Make use of the underground walkway
Food

Food

Local favorites
Mulled wine (Glühwein)Sausages and other German food (Christmas market)Soup curryMiso ramenJingisukan (grilled lamb)
Vegetarian & halal
Vegetarian and halal labels are rare at the Christmas market stalls, so check with each vendor
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

Hotels in Sapporo get busy around Christmas in December and during the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, so book early

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Sapporo White IlluminationPR

PRSee more places to stay near Sapporo White Illumination 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

Sapporo Snow Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually early February (about one week)

2027 (77th): Feb 4 (Thu) – Feb 11 (Thu, holiday), 8 days

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)

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 Ticket / Observation Deck TicketTake in the illuminated Odori Site from the observation deck of the TV Tower at the east end of Odori ParkView