Sapporo Snow Festival 2026: February 4 - 11

The Sapporo Snow Festival: Highlights and Historical Background

Held annually in early February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a world-renowned celebration of snow and ice.

The event traces its roots back to 1950, when local high school students built a few snow sculptures in the city’s central Odori Park. Today, that park remains the festival's heart, but the event has grown into a massive international spectacle, drawing visitors from across the globe to admire its diverse displays.

Each year brings a new theme, inspiring an incredible variety of sculptures. Past creations have ranged from intricate replicas of historic Japanese castles and world landmarks to beloved cartoon characters. Some of these masterpieces reach staggering proportions—with giant statues standing up to 15 meters high and 12 meters wide.

Sapporo Snow Festival Guide

1. Sapporo Snow Festival Schedule 2026
2. 2026 Festival Schedule and Venues
- Odori Site
- Tsudomu Site
- Susukino Site
3. How to Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival
4. What to Wear and Bring With You

2026 Festival Schedule and Venues

Dates: February 4 – February 11, 2026

Studio Pass	Highlights	Hours & Atmosphere
Odori Site	Giant snow sculptures, International Contest, and food stalls	Main venue; illuminated until 10:00 PM
Susukino Site	Over 60 intricate ice sculptures, some featuring frozen fish	Neon-lit "Ice World"; illuminated until 11:00 PM (10 PM on final day)
Tsudome Site	Snow slides, snow rafting, and indoor family activities	Family-friendly playground; open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

1. Odori Site Highlights

The main festival site is located in Odori Park, which stretches 1.5 km from east to west through the heart of Sapporo.

Here, you can find the festival’s most powerful giant snow statues, which are impressive to view during the day and take on a magical glow when illuminated at night.

Access

From JR Sapporo Station, take either the Toho or Nanboku subway lines to Odori Station. The festival site is easily accessible through exits 2, 5, 6, or 8.

Odori Park

7-chome, Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 060-0042

Odori Park is a long, narrow park stretching about 1.5 kilometers from east to west in Sapporo's Chuo Ward. Created in 1871, it is an iconic green space located in the center of Sapporo. Flowers and trees of all seasons can be enjoyed here, making it a place of relaxation for Sapporo residents. It is the cultural and tourist center of Sapporo, hosting many events throughout the year, such as the Yosakoi Soran Festival in summer and the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter. Other highlights include the TV tower, fountains, and sculptures.

2. Tsudome Site (Sapporo Community Dome)

Known by its nickname, "Tsudome," this site is a favorite for families and thrill-seekers. It features a variety of outdoor attractions, including massive snow slides and snow rafting. The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Access

From JR Sapporo Station, take the Toho Subway Line to Sakaemachi Station. From there, you can either take a dedicated shuttle bus or enjoy a 15-minute walk to the dome.

3. Susukino Site Highlights

Located in Sapporo’s premier dining and entertainment district, the Susukino Site focuses on the artistry of ice sculptures.

Visit the "Fureai Hiroba" (Interaction Plaza), where visitors can touch the sculptures or even ride on the ice.

For a unique experience, stop by the ice bar to enjoy a chilled drink in a setting made entirely of frozen blocks.

While the sculptures are on display all day, the site truly comes alive at night when the neon lights of Susukino and the festival’s own illuminations make the ice glow.

Access

The site is located directly outside Susukino Station (Nanboku Subway Line) or a short walk from the south end of Odori Park.

How to Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival

Photo by Sapporo City Economy and Tourism Bureau

While the Sapporo Snow Festival is stunning by day, it transforms into a winter wonderland after sunset. The elaborate light displays enhance the detail of the sculptures, making the nighttime view truly unmissable.

- Odori Site: Illuminated until 10:00 PM.
- Susukino Site: Illuminated until 11:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on the final day).

For those looking to dive into winter activities and play in the snow, the Tsudome Site is the ultimate destination.

This site is packed with interactive attractions, ranging from massive snow slides and a snow maze to dedicated areas for building snowmen and experiencing the thrill of snow rafting.

Because this venue is a favorite for families and adventure-seekers alike, it is wise to allow plenty of time for your visit; popular displays often have long lines, and some specific attractions may close earlier than the site's official hours.

What to Wear and Bring With You

Clothing

The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in February, Japan’s coldest month.

During this time, average temperatures remain below freezing and drop significantly further after sunset. To stay warm, it is essential to layer your clothing with a heavy coat, a thick sweater, and a scarf or shawl.

If you plan to participate in snow activities at the Tsudome site, outdoor gear like ski wear is highly recommended.

For those spending extended periods outside, accessories such as knit hats, earmuffs, and insulated gloves are also crucial to ensure a comfortable experience.

Shoes and Boots

Because the streets are extremely icy, wearing shoes without proper treads significantly increases the risk of slipping and falling. To stay safe, you can purchase attachable ice grips (shoe spikes) in Hokkaido to improve traction.

These are widely available for approximately 1,000 yen at station convenience stores or local shoe shops and are a highly recommended investment for a worry-free walk through the festival.

Useful Items for the Festival

If you plan on spending several hours outdoors, it is wise to carry tissues, as the cold air often causes a runny nose.

If you find yourself feeling chilled, you can purchase disposable heat packs called Kairo at any convenience store; these are excellent for keeping your hands and body warm.

Additionally, taking regular breaks to warm up with a hot drink is a great way to stay comfortable while exploring the festival.

Sapporo Snow Festival

8-chome, Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042