It’s here! The 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival has Started!

Every February, for one week the capital of Hokkaido transforms into a frozen gallery of ice and snow. The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is not just Japan’s premier winter event- it is one of the largest snow spectaculars in the world.

In 2026, the festival celebrates its 76th anniversary, continuing a tradition that began in 1950 when a group of local high school students built six simple snow statues in Odori Park. Today, that small act of creativity has evolved into an international phenomenon attracting over two million visitors.

📅 Event Details for 2026

• Dates: February 4 – February 11, 2026

• Admission: Free

• Locations: Odori Park, Susukino, and the Tsudome Site

❄️ The Three Pillars of the Festival

The festival is spread across three places in the city.

1. Odori Site: The Heart of the Action

Stretching 1.5 km through the center of the city, Odori Park is where you’ll find the giant snow sculptures. These behemoths can reach heights of 15 meters and widths of 25 meters.

• 2026 Highlights: This year features a massive depiction of Tsuruga Castle

• Don’t Miss: The nighttime illuminations (until 10:00 PM) and the International Snow Sculpture Contest, where teams from across the globe compete for the top prize.

2. Susukino Site: Crystal Fantasies

Located in Sapporo’s famous entertainment district, this site focuses on ice sculptures. The clear, blue-tinted ice carvings range from mythical dragons to sculptures with real seafood frozen inside.

• Vibe: Best visited at night when the neon lights of Susukino reflect off the ice.

• Feature: Enjoy a drink at the ice bar, where even the glasses are carved from frozen water.

3. Tsudome Site: Family Fun

If you want to do more than just look, head to the Tsudome (Sapporo Community Dome). This is a winter playground designed for families and those young at heart.

• Activities: Giant snow slides, snow rafting, and indoor food stalls.

• Hours: Generally 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (earlier than the city sites).

If you’re taking the chance to visit Sapporo during the Snow Festival, take a look at our activities for ideas on things to do as well! We’re also here to answer any questions you have about traveling and experiencing Hokkaido.