Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 Complete Guide — February, Odori Park + Susukino + Tsudome: 3 Venues
Apr 10, 2026 · ✍️ olablog · ⏱ 4 min read
A complete guide to the 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the world's major snow festivals held annually in early February in Sapporo. Featuring giant snow sculptures at Odori Park, the Susukino Ice World, hands-on events at Tsudome, sightseeing plans, accommodation, and cold-weather precautions.
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The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 and has grown into one of Japan's best-known winter festivals, attracting around two million visitors in a typical year. Held across three venues in Sapporo, it is Hokkaido's biggest winter event, featuring giant snow and ice sculptures, illuminations, and snow activities. The 2026 festival takes place in early February.
Event Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival dates | February 4–11, 2026 |
| Odori venue | February 4–11 |
| Susukino venue | February 4–11 |
| Tsudome venue | February 4–11 |
| Illuminations | Until around 22:00 at major displays |
| Typical attendance | Around two million visitors in a typical year |
| Admission | Free at the main festival venues |
Features of the 3 Venues
Odori Venue — Main Venue
Large snow sculptures of many sizes line Odori Park in central Sapporo. The long park becomes the festival's main showcase, with snow art, smaller community sculptures, food stalls, and nighttime lighting.
- Giant snow sculptures: Monumental works based on architecture, popular culture, and seasonal themes
- Community snow sculptures: Smaller works created by local groups and participants
- Illuminations and projection mapping: Selected sculptures are lit after dark
- Snow and winter attractions: Displays and activities vary by year
Susukino Venue — Focused on Ice Sculptures
Ice sculptures are displayed along the streets of Susukino. This area is especially atmospheric after dark, when the transparent ice works are illuminated against Sapporo's nightlife district.
Tsudome Venue — Hands-On Activities
The Tsudome venue is geared toward hands-on winter fun and is popular with families. Activities vary by year and can include snow slides and other snow-play attractions, with indoor areas available for warming up.
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Plan
- Morning: Tsudome venue and snow activities
- Lunch: Eat around Sapporo Station, then head to Odori
- Afternoon: Walk through the Odori venue
- Evening: Odori illuminations, then Susukino ice sculptures
2-Day Plan
- Day 1: Odori Park, nighttime illuminations, and Susukino
- Day 2: Tsudome plus another Sapporo-area attraction or a side trip to Otaru
Access
From Outside Hokkaido
- New Chitose Airport → Sapporo Station by JR Rapid Airport service
- Direct flights connect New Chitose with major Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka
Within Sapporo
- Odori venue: Odori Station
- Susukino venue: Susukino Station
- Tsudome venue: Follow the official festival's current-year access guidance, as shuttle arrangements can change
By Car Driving is not recommended for visitors who are not experienced with snowy and icy roads. Public transportation and walking are generally the easiest options during the festival.
Cold-Weather Gear
February in Sapporo is cold enough that several hours outdoors requires proper winter clothing.
| Gear | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Insulated winter jacket | Essential |
| Waterproof, wind-resistant outer layer | Essential |
| Waterproof gloves | Essential |
| Knit hat and scarf | Essential |
| Shoes with reliable traction for snow and ice | Essential |
| Hand warmers | Recommended |
| Warm base layers | Recommended |
| Warm socks | Recommended |
Accommodation
The Snow Festival is one of Sapporo's busiest travel periods, so hotel availability tightens and prices can rise significantly. Booking early is recommended.
Alternatives to central Sapporo can include:
- Chitose, with convenient airport access
- Otaru, which is connected to Sapporo by JR
- Outer Sapporo neighborhoods with direct subway or JR access to the center
Related Winter Events
Other ice and snow events are held around Hokkaido during winter, including events in Otaru, Lake Shikotsu, and Sounkyo. Dates vary each year, so confirm the official schedule before planning a combined trip.
Recommended Food
- Sapporo ramen, especially miso ramen
- Jingisukan grilled mutton
- Soup curry
- Fresh seafood at local markets
Always confirm the current festival timetable, venue maps, operating hours, and access information on official channels before traveling, because event details can change from year to year.
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