A Detailed Guide to the Sapporo Snow Festival
Table of Contents
- What Is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
- Highlights of the Sapporo Snow Festival
- Must-See Events and Performances
Introduction
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most iconic winter events, a spectacular celebration of snow and ice art held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido. In 2026 (the 76th festival), it was held from February 4 to 11 across three venues — Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome — and at the Odori venue, projection mapping was shown on two of the five large snow sculptures, at Nishi 5-chome and Nishi 8-chome. From towering snow sculptures and enchanting illuminations to a wide range of activities and Hokkaido’s renowned local cuisine, this winter extravaganza has something for everyone. Here we present the latest information for 2026.
In this article, we will provide a detailed look at what the Sapporo Snow Festival is all about, its top highlights, and the must-see events and performances you should not miss.
What Is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a premier winter event held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and is one of Japan’s most celebrated seasonal festivals. Known worldwide as a spectacular snow and ice art festival, it draws over 2 million visitors from Japan and abroad, making it a truly large-scale event.
Its history dates back to 1950, when local junior high and high school students created and displayed six snow sculptures in Odori Park. Since then, the festival has grown in both scale and content, and is now recognized as one of the “World’s Three Greatest Snow Festivals.”
During the festival, a variety of snow and ice sculptures are displayed at multiple venues throughout Sapporo, attracting large crowds day and night. During the day, visitors can appreciate the impressive scale and intricate details of the snow and ice creations, while at night, the sculptures are illuminated to create a magical, dreamlike atmosphere.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is also notable for offering far more than artistic displays — visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, local Hokkaido cuisine, and live performances. At the venues, guests can savor distinctive Hokkaido dishes and drinks while immersing themselves in a special winter wonderland experience.
The festival also hosts events like the International Snow Sculpture Contest, welcoming participants from around the world and serving as a venue for cross-cultural exchange. As a result, the Sapporo Snow Festival has evolved beyond a local celebration into a truly international event. Visitors are captivated by the grand art created from snow and ice while experiencing the brisk cold of Hokkaido firsthand.
Highlights of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s largest winter events, held every February in Sapporo and attracting visitors from across Japan and around the world. The festival features three main venues — the Odori venue, the Susukino venue, and the Tsudome venue — each offering unique exhibitions and activities.
1. Highlights of the Odori Venue
Stretching approximately 1.1 kilometers from Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 11-chome (2026) in Odori Park, massive snow and ice sculptures line the avenue. Particularly noteworthy are the large snow sculptures crafted with different themes for each block — their intricate detail and sheer scale are truly breathtaking. At night, projection mapping transforms the sculptures into a fantastical display of light and color. Additionally, citizen-made snow sculptures and entries from the International Snow Sculpture Contest are also on display, offering a diverse array of snow art to enjoy.
2. Highlights of the Susukino Venue
Located in Sapporo’s bustling entertainment district of Susukino, this venue showcases ice sculptures of various sizes. The displays include ice carving contest entries, character-themed ice sculptures, and even ice sculptures with fish frozen inside them. At night, the sculptures are illuminated, and combined with the neon lights of the district, they create an enchanting atmosphere.
3. Highlights of the Tsudome Venue
Centered around the “Tsudome” community facility in Sapporo’s Higashi Ward, this venue is popular with families thanks to its hands-on attractions. From large tube slides to snow rafting, there is plenty of snow play for both children and adults to enjoy. Indoor spaces are also available, allowing visitors to take a break and enjoy meals without worrying about the cold.
4. Other Highlights
The observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower, located at Nishi 1-chome in the Odori venue, offers a panoramic view of the entire festival grounds — especially stunning during the nighttime illuminations. Numerous food stalls serving Hokkaido’s famous local dishes are set up both inside and around the venues, giving visitors the chance to savor regional flavors. Additionally, there are many tourist attractions near each venue, making it easy to combine a visit to the Snow Festival with exploring the best of Sapporo in winter.
Must-See Events and Performances
The 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival featured a diverse lineup of events and performances. Below are the key events and performances you should not miss.
1. Projection Mapping
The Odori venue features elaborate projection mapping shows every year. In 2026, shows ran daily from 17:30 on the large snow sculptures “Thoroughbred Crowned in Glory” at Nishi 5-chome (a sequel to the 2025 sculpture “Thoroughbreds Racing to Sapporo”) and “Aizu Tsuruga Castle” at Nishi 8-chome.
2. The Five Large Snow Sculptures
In 2026 the Odori venue featured five large snow sculptures created by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Sapporo Snow Festival Large Snow Sculpture Production Committee and others: “Prayer: A Message from the Jomon” (modeled on the National Treasure hollow clay figurine “Kakku”) at Nishi 4-chome STV Square, “Thoroughbred Crowned in Glory” at Nishi 5-chome Doshin Snow Square, Hokkaido University’s Furukawa Hall at Nishi 7-chome HBC Square, “Aizu Tsuruga Castle” at Nishi 8-chome Snow HTB Square, and a sculpture celebrating the film “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” at Nishi 10-chome UHB Family Land.
3. Yukiita (Snow Board) Activity
At the Odori Nishi 1-chome venue, the “Yukiita Experience Activity” lets visitors try a new kind of snow sport — riding a wooden snow board on the snow without needing special boots, just snow boots. It offers the sensation of surfing or skateboarding on snow.
Latest Information for 2026
The 76th Sapporo Snow Festival was held over 8 days from February 4 (Wednesday) to February 11 (Wednesday, national holiday), 2026. The festival took place across three venues — the Odori venue (Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 11-chome), the Susukino venue, and the Tsudome venue — and a special partner event, the “JAL SAPPORO SNOW SPORTS PARK,” was also held on February 7 and 8 at an outdoor venue at Daiwa House PREMIST DOME (formerly Sapporo Dome).
Five large snow sculptures were created, with highlights including the “Thoroughbred Crowned in Glory” at Odori Nishi 5-chome and the projection mapping on Tsuruga Castle drawing particular attention. At Nishi 11-chome, the International Snow Sculpture Contest and SNOW MIKU 2026 Special Light-Up were also held. Admission is free. The next festival is scheduled for February 4-11, 2027.
Summary
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a grand winter celebration that brings together snow and ice art with the food, culture, and experiences unique to Hokkaido. From masterfully crafted large snow sculptures and projection mapping lighting up the night sky, to the crystal-clear ice sculptures of Susukino, the family-friendly activities at Tsudome, and steaming bowls of seafood and ramen — the Sapporo Snow Festival offers unforgettable experiences found only in winter Sapporo. We recommend experiencing it in person.
