A Guide to Sapporo Snow Festival 2026: Everything You Need to Know

The city of Sapporo might be well-known as being home to the famous Sapporo Beer Museum, but did you know that this city also hosts one of the most popular annual festivals in Japan?

For one week each February, the capital city of Hokkaido is transformed into a winter wonderland during the Sapporo Snow Festival (aka Sapporo Yuki Matsuri). From spectacular snow and ice sculptures to light shows, winter games, and carnival-style foods, there's a reason that millions of visitors flock to this unique festival year after year.

With an average of nearly five metres of snowfall per year, Sapporo is one of the snowiest destinations in the world. So it makes sense that this city celebrates all things snow during the chilly and powdery month of February.

For travellers heading to Japan in winter to experience the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, then this guide is for you. From what to wear to where to go, things to do, and how to get around, you're going to be fully prepared to make the most of your visit to this powder-filled wonderland.

The festival was started by a handful of high school students in 1950. During a cold and snowy February, the students decided to bring joy to the community by creating six snow sculptures, as well as hosting a snowball fight and other games in the middle of Odori Park. The event ended up being attended by 50,000 people.

This beloved local festival has evolved into one of the most famous festivals in Japan. Participants from around the world now compete in the festival, creating incredible snow and ice sculptures that attract millions of visitors each year.

The Sapporo Snow Festival usually takes place in early February and runs for one week. There are three primary venues where you can revel in the festivities: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.

A visit to Odori Park is a must during the Sapporo Snow Festival. Stretching for 12 city blocks (1.5 kilometres) right through the heart of the city, this is where it all began way back in 1950.

Odori Park is typically adorned with around 200 snow sculptures that range from teeny tiny works of art to massive 12-metre-tall creations. From life-size recreations of famous buildings to depictions of famous stars, like Japanese baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, to sculptures of beloved characters like Doraemon, you never know what cool creations you're going to stumble upon.

Explore the park and you'll also come across loads of stalls selling festival foods and warming beverages, as well as stages where you can catch live musical and dance performances. The sculptures are incredible during the day, but be sure to return to Odori Park at night to see the spectacular light displays. While Odori Park can be accessed 24 hours a day, the light displays will turn off at 10pm each night.

Getting to Odori Park: You can either take the subway from Sapporo Station to Odori Subway Station (via the Namboku and Toho lines). Alternatively, it's possible to walk between the two stations using the Chi-Ka-Ho underground passageway. There are exits that let you out at Odori Park. Chi-Ka-Ho not only offers protection from the elements and allows you to stay warm, but it's lined with shops and restaurants.

Where to stay near Odori Park: There's no doubt that Odori Park is the best place to stay during the Sapporo Snow Festival. For those searching for hotels, Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park is just steps from both the park and Nishi-Juitchome Station, making getting to the festival's venues a breeze. When you're not out and about, you'll appreciate the modern rooms, which are outfitted with plush beds, slipper and robe sets, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.

The second venue is Susukino. This vibrant area is Sapporo's entertainment district, where you'll find bars, karaoke joints, BBQ restaurants, and "Ramen Alley." Every year, Susukino plays host to Susukino Ice World, which is where you'll see Sapporo Snow Festival's intricate ice sculptures. You'll want to check out all of the sculptures at night when they're all lit up. Susukino Ice World is open 24/7, but the light displays will be turned off at 11pm.

Getting to Susukino: Susukino is just one subway stop from Odori Park. You can also walk between the two venues using the handy Chi-Ka-Ho underground passageway.

Where to stay near Susukino: Guests who prefer a budget-friendly hotel that puts you within walking distance of Susukino and Ice World, ibis Styles Sapporo is a solid choice. The rooms here are modern and spacious, and feature cosy sitting areas, a designated workstation, and a flat-screen TV. There's also the option to include a buffet breakfast, perfect for fuelling up before a day of snow-filled fun.

If you're looking for action, you'll find it in spades at Tsudome. During the Sapporo Snow Festival, this place hosts all sorts of winter sports and snow-themed recreational activities, from snow tubing and snow rafting to ice tubing, snow mazes, zip lines, snow golf, snowman making, and other family-friendly winter fun.

Unlike the other venues, Tsudome typically opens on January 31 and remains open for two weeks. It's typically open from 10am to 4pm.

Getting to Tsudome: Tsudome is located a bit outside of the city centre. Getting here is easy, though. Simply take the subway from Sapporo Station to Sakaemachi Station (Toho Line). The subway ride takes about 15 minutes. From there, you can either walk for 15 minutes to reach Tsudome or hop on one of the shuttles.

Sapporo is a foodie city, which means the festival foods are a huge part of the draw. You're going to have loads of Hokkaido and wider Japanese specialities, along with plenty of international options:

• Miso ramen topped with butter and corn
• Soup curry
• Fried salmon sticks served with mayo
• Shin Ramyun instant noodles
• Hokkaido beef stew
• Hokkaido ice cream
• Takoyaki (battered octopus balls)
• Taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cakes) filled with everything from custard to red bean paste
• Hojicha (Japanese roasted green tea)
• Scallops on a stick
• Tomorokoshi (grilled corn)
• Buttered Hokkaido potatoes

It is very cold and snowy in Sapporo in February, with average temperatures typically hovering around the -3°C mark. Because the Sapporo Snow Festival is held entirely outdoors, you're going to want to dress as warmly as possible. This means layering up with thermals, a waterproof coat, mittens, ear warmers, a hat, and anything else you can think of.

The terrain in Sapporo is very icy and slippery, so it's a great idea to purchase crampons at one of the local shops. They are game-changers and make walking way less hazardous. Hand warmers are also an excellent idea.

The Sapporo Snow Festival attracts millions of visitors from all around the world, which means hotels book up months in advance. It's best to make your plans and hotel reservations at least four to six months ahead of time. If you want to stay anywhere near the festival's venues, you should consider making reservations 10 months in advance. If you wait until the last minute, expect slim pickings and sky-high prices.

For spectacular bird's-eye views over Odori Park, it's well worth paying to take in the scene from the 90-metre-high observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower. You can go during the day, but the view is also magical at night when the snow sculptures are all lit up.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a seven-day annual festival held in the capital city of Hokkaido in early February each year. Millions of visitors travel to Sapporo during the festival to see the spectacular snow and ice sculptures and dazzling light shows. There are also plenty of snow sports, family-friendly activities, and fun festival foods.

In 2026, the Sapporo Snow Festival will take place from February 4 to 11.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is always held in three venues across the city of Sapporo. You'll find roughly 200 snow sculptures in the main venue of Odori Park. Susukino always hosts Ice World, where you'll find the festival's famous ice sculptures. And finally, Tsudome is where to go for winter sports and activities.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is absolutely worth going to. There's a good reason this popular Japanese festival attracts millions of domestic and international visitors each year.

The must-see attractions and events at the Sapporo Snow Festival for first-time visitors are the massive snow sculptures at Odori Park and the intricate ice sculptures at Susukino Ice World. While you'll want to explore these areas during the day, be sure to return at night to see them illuminated with dazzling lights and digital art.