Held in early February, the Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり, Sapporo Yuki Matsuri or Sapporo Ice Festival) in Hokkaido is one of the top snow festivals to join during your winter trip to Japan.
In the following Sapporo Snow Festival guide, we will show you a full insight into this attractive winter event in Japan, from each venue to see those creative snow and ice sculptures, to the top things to do, and more latest news about the 2026 ice festival in Sapporo.
When Is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2026
The Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 is scheduled from February 4 (Wednesday) to 11 (Wednesday), an 8-day February Hokkaido winter event held at Odori Park, Tsudome (Community Dome), and Susukino venues.
Why Is the Sapporo Snow Festival Worth Visiting
Along with Canada’s Quebec Winter Carnival and the Harbin Ice Festival in China, the Sapporo Snow Festival is now counted as one of the three major snow festivals in the world, featuring inspiring snow and ice sculptures, various snow games, and activities to fulfill your winter holiday in Japan.
It is a wonderland where you can reverse to the Edo period with those delicate crystal castles, or dive into the fancy world with vivid character statues from Naruto to Nezuko, from Gundam to Titan, dotted with colorful neo-lights and shows, as well as those local food stores along the venue you can drop by.
Where to Join the Sapporo Snow Festival Celebration
There are three sites of the Sapporo Snow Festival: Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome.
Where to Stay During the Winter Travel to Sapporo
The downtown Odori and Susukino sites of the Sapporo Ice Festival are not far from each other, so it is recommended that you choose a hotel near or in the middle of the Odori Park and Sapporo Ekimae Dori areas so that you can walk to the venues within 10 minutes. Most importantly, staying in the Odori or Susukino area is also convenient for a quick arrival at the Tsudome venue.
It is also advisable to secure your rooms early (about 3 to 6 months in advance), as the rising prices and limited rooms make it difficult to get a reservation just before or during this popular Sapporo winter feast. If you’re going to plan a winter Japan tour to join the grand and popular snow event next year, make your early start around September to secure the ideal price and location.
Best Time to Join the Snow Festival in Sapporo
To avoid crowds, the best time to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival in Odori and Susukino venues is between 7 and 9 AM, when there are typically fewer visitors, and the sculptures glisten beautifully in the soft morning light.
Alternatively, Odori Park and Susukino sites tend to be relatively quieter from 9 PM to 10 PM, just before the light displays end, making it a great time to see the illuminated sculptures without the crowds.
For the Tsudome site, which is especially popular with families due to its wide range of winter activities, visiting on weekdays is recommended to ensure a more peaceful experience.
More Japan Snow & Ice Festivals You May Also Like
- Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, Feb 7 to 14, 2026: a February winter event you can combine with the Sapporo Snow Festival. With lovely snow lanterns and candlelit streets, enjoy the peace and romance after an hour drive or train ride to Otaru Canal.
- Asahikawa Winter Festival, Feb 4 to 11, 2026: famous for its record-breaking giant snow sculpture, Asahikawa Winter Festival is another ideal option for your snow and ice sculpture collection with fireworks shows and performances.
- Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Jan 31 to Feb 23, 2026: this lakeside “ice museum” offers a longer celebration date to fulfill your winter Hokkaido journey. From the frozen cave to nearby steaming hot springs, which can be your ideal family trip highlights.
Plan Your Japan Winter Trip With Odynovo
The Sapporo Snow Festival is attractive to many people for several reasons, from the beautiful sculptures to the plentiful choices of entertainment that all types of visitors can enjoy. If you still have doubts about the decisions, feel free to contact us at trip@odynovotours.com to customize your entire journey fully based on your preferences.