Sapporo White Illumination 2025-2026: Highlights and Tips

Sapporo White Illumination: A Highly Anticipated Winter Event

The Sapporo White Illumination is a winter light-up event held at various locations in downtown Sapporo, including Odori Park, Ekimae-dori Street, and Minami Ichijo-dori Street.

At each of the five venues mentioned later, you can enjoy the stunning combination of Sapporo's snowy landscape and dazzling illuminations.

Inspired by the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza in New York, this technique combines white lights with particular shapes and enchanting music.

Additionally, one of the venues in Odori Park hosts the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo. You'll find booths serving wine, Christmas-themed cuisine, and a variety of Christmas items. Visitors can enjoy dining and the seasonal illuminations—one of the event's major attractions.

Highlights of the Sapporo White Illumination

Photo by Pixta
There are five venues for the Sapporo White Illumination. However, we will introduce the highlights of the main venue at Odori Park below.

From the 1-chome area to the 6-chome area, each section features various decorative displays. Why not stroll through the entire venue and enjoy each area's differences in themes and atmospheres?

Venue	Highlights
1-chome Area: Whimsical "Wish Birds"	An installation inspired by Sapporo's bird, the cuckoo Includes illuminated trees and projections
2-chome Area: Christmas Installation "Gift of Snow"	Decorations of "Gift of Snow" that have been enhanced with sparkling lights. Visitors can write wishes on "Christmas balls" and tie them to the main installation
3-chome Area: Colorful "Winter Blossoms"	An installation collaborating with Sapporo's flower, Lily of the Valley, and Hokkaido's flower, Hamanasu
4-chome Area: Dreamy "Snow Fantasia"	Illuminations inspired by snowflakes A fantastical snow corridor is on display
5-chome Area: Starry "Cosmic Square"	An interactive square themed around stars and space Sparkling lights will respond to people’s movements

Reference: Sapporo White Illumination Official Website

Schedule and Venues for Sapporo White Illumination 2025

Photo by Pixta

Odori Park Venue

Dates: November 21  - December 25, 2025
Lighting Hours: 16:30 - 22:00
Venue: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/odori/
*The light-up will be until 24:00 exclusively from December 23 (Monday) to December 25 (Wednesday).

At the Odori Park venue, you can enjoy different design concepts of illuminations from 1-chome to 6-chome.

Each area features photo spots, making it a highlight-filled experience. It’s also nice to stroll while enjoying food and drinks at the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo.

Ekimae-dori Street Venue

Dates: November 21, 2025 - February 11, 2026
Lighting Hours: 16:30 - 22:00
Venue: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/ekimae/
*The light-up will be until 24:00 exclusively from December 23 (Monday) to December 25 (Wednesday).

At the Ekimae-dori Street venue, approximately 1.5 km of the central median from JR Sapporo Station to Susukino will be adorned with about 220,000 LEDs.

The spectacle of the entire area being filled with vibrant lights is truly captivating.

Minami Ichijo-dori Street Venue

Dates: November 21, 2025 - March 14 (Friday), 2026
Lighting Hours: 16:30 - 22:00
Venue: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/minami-1jo/
*The light-up will be until 24:00 exclusively from December 23 (Monday) to December 25 (Wednesday).

The Minami Ichijo-dori Street venue is in Sapporo City's Chuo Ward, along with Minami Ichijo Nishi 1 to 3. Visitors will find 46 trees adorned with approximately 70,000 LEDs, creating a fantastical 300-meter light path.

Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapura) Venue

Dates: November 21, 2025 - March 14, 2026
Lighting Hours: 16:30 - 22:00
Venue: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/akapla/
*The light-up's start-up time will be adjusted according to the sunset.

At the Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapura) venue, two colors of illuminations—blue and white—will alternately wrap around trees, creating a light display with about 48,000 bulbs.

The plaza will also be illuminated with dazzling lights, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautifully lit scenery of Akapura.

Sapporo Station South Exit Square Venue

Dates: November 21, 2025 - March 14, 2026
Lighting Hours: 16:30 - 24:00
Venue: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/ekihiro/
*The light-up's start-up time will be adjusted according to the sunset.

At the Sapporo Station South Exit Square venue, a flower-shaped light will be beautifully adorned with illuminations. The sound and light program will change four times during the event period.

The display will feature changing light columns and walls with colorful patterns, projection mapping, and new illuminations debuting in 2025.
Access to Venues and Traffic Regulations on Event Day

The most convenient way to access the event venues is by using the following subways:

Odori Park Venue: Get off at Odori Station along the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, or Toho Line.
Sapporo Station South Exit Square Venue: Located right outside the South Exit of JR Sapporo Station.

There are no traffic regulations due to the event. However, parking around the venues is expected to be crowded. We recommend using public transportation to ensure a smoother experience from start to finish.