The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most internationally renowned winter events and a true highlight of the country's winter calendar. Taking place from 4 to 11 February 2026 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, the festival will transform the city into a dazzling winter wonderland. During this time, monumental snow sculptures and intricate ice artworks, created by artists from Japan and around the world, will adorn the city's parks and streets.
If you have never experienced the festival, you have yet to see Japan's winter at its most magical. Each year, the city's population nearly doubles as over two million visitors gather to admire the artistry, enjoy seasonal festivities, and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of Japan's winter capital.
Table of Contents
What date is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
History of the Sapporo Snow Festival
Where Exactly is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 Held?
How to Get to the Sapporo Snow Festival
Highlighted Winter Itinerary: Sapporo Snow Festival tour package, winter tour in Hokkaido
Travel Tips for Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 (FAQ)
What date is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival will take place from 4 to 11 February 2026 across three main sites in Sapporo: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.
While all venues are open throughout the festival, each site has a different focus.
Visitors can admire large-scale snow sculptures in Odori Park, explore illuminated ice sculptures in the Susukino district, and enjoy hands-on attractions such as giant snow slides and winter activities at Tsudome.
To comfortably experience all three sites and enjoy the daytime and evening displays, we recommend spending at least two to three full days in Sapporo during the Snow Festival.
Related reading: Japan Weather in February
History of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival originated as a small community event in 1950, when local high school students constructed six snow sculptures in Odori Park. These attracted more than 50,000 visitors, far exceeding expectations, and the festival quickly became a new winter tradition in Sapporo.
In the early 1950s, the festival took a major step forward with the creation of its first large-scale snow sculpture. By 1955, the Japanese Self-Defence Forces had begun to participate, providing technical expertise and creating monumental snow sculptures that would later become the festival's signature feature.
As creativity and public interest continued to grow, the festival gained nationwide recognition by 1959, drawing visitors from across Japan. Its international profile expanded significantly during the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, when global media coverage introduced the festival to audiences worldwide.
Today, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a world-class winter celebration that brings together snow and ice art, seasonal activities, local cuisine, and cultural exchange between Sapporo and cities worldwide. As it prepares to celebrate its 75th edition in 2025, the festival stands as one of the longest-running and most internationally recognised winter festivals, welcoming millions of visitors each February.
Where Exactly is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 Held?
The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place across three main sites, each with a unique atmosphere and set of experiences.
Odori Park (Illumination is until 10 pm)
Location: from Sapporo TV Tower to Odori Park Nishi 11-chome
Odori Park is the main venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival and is home to the largest snow sculptures, many of which rise several storeys high. From 2 to 7 February 2026, the park will host the 50th International Snow Sculpture Contest, with teams from Japan and over 10 other countries and regions competing.
Take a look at the highlights of the Tsudome site in the Sapporo Snow Festival!
Sculptures will be produced from 3 to 6 February, and visitors can watch the snow sculptures being created live at the venue from 4 to 6 February. The contest concludes with an awards ceremony at 11:00 on 7 February at Odori Park 10-chome. Alongside the competition, Odori Park offers stage performances, food stalls, and evening illuminations throughout the festival.
Click here to find out more about the largest Odori site at the Sapporo Snow Festival, including details of upcoming activities.
Susukino Site
Location: from Nishi 4-chome(Sapporo Ekimae Street) to Minami 4-jo Street to Minami 6-jo Street
The Susukino site, located within Sapporo's lively entertainment district, focuses primarily on ice sculptures. At night, illuminated ice artworks line the streets, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding city lights. This site is especially popular in the evening and is ideal for visitors who want to combine festival sightseeing with dining and nightlife.
Take a look at the highlights of the Susukino site in the Sapporo Snow Festival!
Ice sculptures
Ice sculpture comparison
human ice sculpture
Ice sculpture and fish
Tsudome site (10 am-4 pm, 4-11 Feb.)
Location: 885-1 Sakaemachi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Take a look at the highlights of the Tsudome site in the Sapporo Snow Festival!
Tube slide
Snow raft
Snow sculptures
Gourmet
Glide
Winter scenery
The Tsudome site is designed with families and active travellers in mind, offering hands-on snow activities rather than large-scale sculptures. Visitors can enjoy giant snow tube slides and snow rafting, as well as open spaces for children to play, making it the most family-friendly of the three venues.
In addition to the outdoor venues, which are open regardless of the weather, you can enjoy indoor attractions such as giant slides and soft toys at the Tsudome indoor arenas. Furthermore, food stalls offer steaming hot delicacies from Sapporo and the wider Hokkaido region.
Visit the official website of the Sapporo Snow Festival to view more brilliant activities at the Tsudome site.
How to Get to the Sapporo Snow Festival
Most international travellers reach the Sapporo Snow Festival via New Chitose Airport, the main gateway to Hokkaido. Central Sapporo is easily accessible from the airport in about 40–45 minutes by JR rapid train, which runs frequently and connects directly to Sapporo Station. Airport limousine buses are also available, providing convenient access to major hotels in the city centre.
Once in Sapporo, the festival sites are well connected by JR trains and the subway system, so public transport is a practical choice during the event. Odori Park and Susukino are located along central subway lines, and the Tsudome site is accessed via a shuttle bus during the festival. For travellers seeking greater comfort and flexibility, especially in winter conditions, private car services with an experienced local driver can help to streamline transfers and reduce waiting time during peak hours.
Winter travel in Sapporo requires extra planning. Snow-covered roads, icy pavements, and heavy visitor traffic can slow movement between sites, particularly in the evening. Staying at a centrally located hotel near Odori Park or Sapporo Station can significantly improve your experience, and a well-planned itinerary will help you make the most of your time at one of Japan's busiest winter events.
Highlighted Winter Itinerary:
Sapporo Snow Festival tour package, winter tour in Hokkaido
Beyond the Sapporo Snow Festival itself, there are even more exciting winter experiences waiting for you and your family or companions to explore throughout Sapporo and Hokkaido!
UME Travel has crafted a preliminary six-day Hokkaido Snow Festival Tour for your Hokkaido Snow Festival journey, offering a variety of sightseeing experiences. As well as the one-day Sapporo Snow Festival tour, you will also enjoy some other super experiences:
Two full days at the Sapporo Snow Festival
Our Sapporo Snow Festival tour package includes two full days in Sapporo, where you get the chance to experience the festival at a relaxed pace. You will have time to visit all three festival sites and enjoy the sculptures during the day and after dark, when the illuminations transform the city.
UME Travel will handle hotels, winter transportation, and daily scheduling, so you can focus on enjoying the festival rather than managing logistics.
Travel tip:
The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in early February, when centrally located hotels are in extremely high demand. Early booking is strongly recommended if you plan to travel during the festival.
Noboribetsu Onsen & Volcanic Landscapes
Winter is the best time to experience Hokkaido's hot springs. Heavy snowfall and crisp temperatures make outdoor bathing especially enjoyable during this season. A highlight beyond Sapporo is Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Hokkaido's most famous hot spring areas.
Take the ropeway directly to Noboribetsu Bear Park.
Enjoy the winter views of Lake Kuttara, particularly at sunset.
Nearby, you can visit Jigokudani (Hell Valley), which is renowned for its dramatic geothermal scenery.
This stop adds warmth and contrast to the Snow Festival experience.
Related reading: Hokkaido Onsen
Hill of the Buddha (Tadao Ando Architecture)
Designed by famous architect Tadao Ando, the Hill of the Buddha is a serene, modern spiritual site featuring a giant Buddha statue hidden beneath a grass-covered mound. The massive Buddha statue is partially embedded within an artificial hill. In summer, it is surrounded by a field of lavender, and in winter, by pristine snow.
Striking architectural design
Snow-covered Buddha creates a serene winter atmosphere
Ideal for photography and slow, reflective moments
Visitors approach the statue through a long, gently descending concrete tunnel, a hallmark of Ando's architectural style.
The gradual transition from light to shadow heightens the sense of anticipation and calm before emerging into the open space where the Buddha's head rises above the landscape.
In winter, the settling of snow across the hill and the architectural lines enhance the site's stillness, creating a serene atmosphere that is ideal for photography and reflection.
Sapporo Beer Museum Experience: Taste the fresh Sapporo beer
Housed in a historic red-brick building, the Sapporo Beer Museum showcases Japan's oldest beer brand. Visitors can enjoy engaging exhibits on brewing history and a complimentary tasting of fresh Sapporo lager in the museum's classic beer hall.
Learn about Hokkaido's local wheat and brewing traditions.
Discover what makes Sapporo beer unique.
It's a warm, weather-proof activity, ideal for winter travel days!
Date Jidaimura: The Immersion of the Edo-Period Culture in Winter
Date Jidaimura is a historical theme park inspired by Japan's Edo period. It offers an entertaining cultural experience. Visitors can experience feudal Japan for themselves. This immersive, fun historical theme park features authentic Edo-era streets, samurai and ninja performances, and hands-on traditional activities.
The red buildings stand out beautifully against the winter snow.
It is easy to enjoy without heavy walking or long explanations.
It is particularly suitable for families and multigenerational travelers.
View more details about the related winter tour packages that UME Travel recommends for you:
6 Days Sapporo - Noboribetsu Tour
6 days | From $ 3580
7 Days Niseko - Sapporo - Asahiyama Tour
7 days | From $ 3035
8 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Kyoto - Osaka Tour
8 days | From $ 4668
10 Days Tokyo - Yuzawa - Nagano - Mt.Fuji Tour
10 days | From $ 5383
Do you feel that one day isn't enough to explore Hokkaido and the Sapporo Snow Festival? Contact our professional travel consultants to arrange a complimentary customised winter tour of Hokkaido's Snow Festival.
Travel Tips for Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 (FAQ)
What should I wear to the Sapporo Snow Festival?
Warm, layered clothing is essential for a February visit. A down jacket, thermal underwear, gloves, a hat, and a scarf are strongly recommended. Waterproof, non-slip shoes are also important because pavements and park paths are often snowy or icy during the festival.
Please note that many outdoor activities at the Sapporo Snow Festival require proper winter gear. Be sure to bring warm gloves and a hat, as they are often necessary for safe and comfortable participation.
What is the best time to visit the festival to avoid the crowds?
The festival is busiest in the late afternoon and evening, especially at Odori Park and Susukino, where the snow and ice sculptures are illuminated. To avoid the busiest times, consider visiting earlier in the morning or on weekdays and allow extra travel time between venues.
How much does it cost to go to the Snow Festival in Sapporo?
Admission to all venues is free.
However, some attractions at the Odori Venue's 3-chome Ice Rink and the Tsudome Venue require fees. Attraction fees range from 500 to 1,500 yen.
Is the Sapporo Snow Festival suitable for families with children?
Yeah, for sure! The Tsudome Site is particularly family-friendly, offering open and indoor spaces, giant snow slides, and hands-on winter activities. Families should plan regular indoor breaks to warm up and be aware that pushchairs can be difficult to use on snowy paths. Baby carriers or lightweight sleds are often more practical.
Plan Your Sapporo Snow Festival Trip with UME Travel
The Sapporo Snow Festival is Japan's most iconic winter event and the perfect way to experience Sapporo at its most refined and atmospheric. UME Travel's bespoke winter journeys allow you to explore the festival and Hokkaido's highlights through small-group or fully private tours. You will be supported by experienced winter drivers, carefully selected hotels, and thoughtfully paced itineraries.
We handle every detail, from securing in-demand accommodations to navigating winter conditions with ease, so you can travel with confidence. Start planning early and connect with UME Travel to design a personalized Sapporo Snow Festival experience tailored to your preferences with our experienced travel specialists.