Hokkaido · HokkaidoSnow
For one week each February, central Sapporo fills with colossal snow sculptures, glowing ice art and two million visitors.
Overview
The Sapporo Snow Festival is Japan’s most famous winter event, spread across three sites in the city. Teams spend weeks carving enormous snow monuments of castles, characters and landmarks, and at night projection mapping brings the largest works to life. It is free, walkable and endlessly photogenic, making it an easy highlight of any Hokkaido winter trip.
When & Where
The 76th edition takes place February 4 to 11, 2026, with all three venues open on the same dates. The main Odori Park site stretches for over a kilometre through the city centre; Susukino showcases ice sculptures, and the Tsudome site focuses on family snow activities. Nearest station: Odori Station on the Sapporo subway.
Getting There
From New Chitose Airport, a JR rapid train reaches Sapporo Station in about 37 minutes. Odori Park is a 10-minute walk south of Sapporo Station or one subway stop to Odori. Susukino is the next stop again on the Namboku Line, while free or paid shuttles serve the Tsudome site.
What to Expect
- Roughly 200 snow and ice sculptures across the three sites
- Giant centrepiece snow sculptures in Odori Park
- Evening projection mapping and illumination
- An international snow sculpture competition
- Backlit ice sculptures lining Susukino’s main street
- Snow slides and hands-on play at the Tsudome family site
Tickets & Access
Admission to all three venues is free. Some reserved viewing areas and paid activities exist, but the sculptures, illuminations and most attractions cost nothing.
Tips for Visitors
Roads and pavements turn to packed ice, so wear grippy winter boots. Come back after dark to see the sculptures illuminated, and use the subway to hop between Odori, Susukino and Tsudome rather than walking long distances in the cold.
Access and Map
| Dates | February 4 to 11, 2026 (all three venues) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Odori Park, Susukino and Tsudome sites, Sapporo |
| Nearest station | Odori Station (Sapporo subway) |
| Access | JR rapid from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo (~37 min), then walk or subway |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | HOKKAIDO LOVE! (Hokkaido Official Tourism) |
Source: HOKKAIDO LOVE! (Hokkaido Official Tourism)
Image: Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Fischer / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
