🕓 2026/1/26
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Highlights of the Sapporo Snow FestivalDetailed explanation
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table of contents
- What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
- Highlights of the Sapporo Snow Festival
- Events and performances you can’t miss
Introduction
The Sapporo Snow Festival is Japan’s premier winter event, held every February in Hokkaido’s capital city. In 2026, the festival returns across three venues — Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome — with towering snow sculptures enhanced by cutting-edge projection mapping and a brand-new interactive food area showcasing Hokkaido’s finest winter cuisine. From monumental ice art to dazzling nighttime illuminations and hands-on snow activities, this guide covers the must-see highlights and latest updates for the 2026 edition.
In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the Sapporo Snow Festival, its highlights, and events and performances that you cannot miss.
1. What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a winter event representing Japan, held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This festival is known as a world-famous snow and ice art festival, and is a large-scale event that attracts over 2 million tourists from Japan and abroad.
Its history began in 1950 when local junior high and high school students created and exhibited six snow sculptures in Odori Park. Since then, it has expanded in scale and content, and has now grown to be called one of the three largest snow festivals in the world.
During the event, various snow and ice sculptures are displayed at multiple venues in Sapporo, and many people visit day and night. During the day, you can enjoy the impressiveness and intricate details created by the snow and ice, and at night it is lit up, creating a fantastic sight.
Additionally, the Sapporo Snow Festival is not only artistic, but also offers a wide range of ways to enjoy it, including activities, local gourmet experiences, and performances. Tourists can enjoy unique Hokkaido food and drinks served at the venue and enjoy a special moment in a world of snow and ice.
Events that welcome participants from overseas, such as the International Snow Sculpture Contest, are also held, and it also serves as a place for cross-cultural exchange. As a result, the Sapporo Snow Festival has evolved from being just a local festival to an international event. Visitors will be captivated by the charm of Hokkaido while experiencing the coldness of Hokkaido as well as the magnificent art created by snow and ice.
2. Highlights of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the largest winter events in Japan, held in Sapporo every February, and attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad. There are three main venues: Odori venue, Susukino venue, and Tsudome venue, each with its own unique exhibits and activities.
1. Highlights of Odori venue
Huge snow and ice sculptures line the approximately 1.5 kilometer stretch from Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 10-chome in Odori Park. Of particular note are the large snow sculptures created with different themes for each block, and their sophistication and impact are overwhelming. In addition, projection mapping will be held at night, and the snow sculptures will be colored in a fantastical way. In addition, citizen snow sculptures and works from the International Snow Sculpture Contest are also on display, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of snow sculptures.
2. Highlights of the Susukino venue
This venue, located in Susukino, downtown Sapporo, displays ice sculptures of various sizes. A wide variety of works are on display, including works from the ice sculpture competition, ice sculptures in the shape of characters, and even ice sculptures containing fish. It is lit up at night, and combined with the neon lights, you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere.
3. Highlights of Tsudome venue
This venue, centered around Tsudome in Higashi Ward, Sapporo City, is full of experiential attractions that are popular with families. There are many snow activities that both children and adults can enjoy, such as large tube slides and snow rafts. There is also an indoor space where you can take a break and enjoy meals without worrying about the cold.
4. Other attractions
From the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower, located on 1-chome of the Odori venue, you can see the entire venue, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially when it is lit up at night. In addition, there will be many food and beverage booths serving Hokkaido’s famous dishes both inside and outside the venue, allowing you to enjoy the local flavors. Furthermore, there are many tourist spots around each venue, so you can enjoy Sapporo’s winter to the fullest by visiting in conjunction with the snow festival.
3. Events and performances you can’t miss
The 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival will feature a variety of events and performances that will captivate visitors. Below are some of the main events and performances you won’t want to miss.
1. Projection mapping
Every year, elaborate projection mapping is held at the Odori venue. At the 5-chome venue in 2026, a video titled “Thoroughbreds Running to Sapporo” will be shown, with the theme of thoroughbreds touring famous spots in Hokkaido. Introducing surround sound, you can enjoy an immersive experience.
2. Special performance “Mina Mina”
On February 7, 2026, the dance performance “Mina Mina” will be held at Odori Nishi 8-chome “Snowy HTB Square”, featuring Ainu legend Akibe Debo as the main cast. This is a one-night-only special stage show that combines traditional Ainu dance and contemporary dance to express gratitude for nature and pray for world peace.
3. “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” Special Event
2026 Sapporo Snow Festival 4-chome STV Square’s big snow statue will be “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime”. Additionally, a special event based on the popular anime “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” is planned. Miho Okazaki, the voice actor who plays Rimuru, and Megumi Toyoguchi, who plays the role of Wisdom King (Raphael), will be on stage, making this a must-see for fans.
4. Snow statue from the anime “Yu-Gi-Oh!” series “Black Magician Girl”
At the same 6-chome venue, a snow sculpture of the popular monster “Black Magician Girl” from the anime “Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters” will also be on display. This character, used by series protagonist Yugi Muto, has been a fan favorite for many years. The snow sculpture that recreates its cute and beautiful appearance is a must-see spot for anime fans.
5. Snow board experience activity
At the “Snow Board Experience Activity”, which will also be held at Odori Venue 1-chome, you can experience a new type of snow activity where you can ski on snow boots without having to change into special boots. Using wooden snowboards, you can enjoy the feeling of surfing or skateboarding on the snow.
What’s New in 2026
The 76th Sapporo Snow Festival was held from February 4 (Wed) to February 11 (Wed, national holiday), 2026, over eight days. In addition to the three main venues—Odori (Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 11-chome), Susukino, and Tsudome—the Sapporo Dome hosted a special two-day collaboration event on February 7–8.
Five large snow sculptures were showcased, including the “Thoroughbred Crowned in Glory” at Odori 5-chome and a Tsuruga Castle sculpture with projection mapping. The International Snow Sculpture Competition and SNOW MIKU 2026 special light-up were held at Nishi 11-chome. Admission to all venues was free. The next festival is scheduled for February 4–11, 2027.
Finally
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a celebration where art, nature, and Hokkaido culture converge in a spectacular winter setting. Masterfully crafted snow sculptures towering against the night sky, shimmering ice creations lining Susukino’s streets, exhilarating snow activities at Tsudome, and steaming bowls of ramen and fresh seafood — winter in Sapporo engages every sense. With new projection-mapped shows and expanded food offerings in 2026, this year’s festival is set to be the most impressive yet. Experience the magic of Sapporo’s snow and ice for yourself.
