Official dates for 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Sapporo travel info.

For official information, visit Sapporo travel info.

The festival usually runs for eight consecutive days during the peak of winter. This timing ensures that the snow remains crisp and the sculptures stay intact. Temperatures during this period often stay well below freezing throughout the day. Check the official Sapporo Travel website for any last-minute schedule changes.

Different sites may have slightly different operating hours for visitors to follow. The Odori and Susukino sites typically remain open for viewing twenty-four hours a day. However, the special light displays usually turn off at 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM each night. The Tsudome site follows a stricter daytime schedule for family safety.

Booking your flights and hotels at least six months early is highly recommended. Thousands of tourists from around the world flock to Sapporo during this specific week. Prices for central hotels tend to double or triple as the festival dates approach. Early planning helps you secure a room near the main event areas.

Exploring the Three Main Event Sites

Odori Park serves as the heart of the festival and stretches through the city center. You will find the largest and most impressive snow sculptures in this specific area. Many of these art pieces stand over fifteen meters tall and take weeks to build. It is easy to get to Odori Park using the local subway system.

The Susukino site focuses on the beauty of crystal-clear ice carvings and statues. This area is located in the famous entertainment district of Sapporo city. You can walk through the Susukino Ice World site to see neon lights reflecting off the ice. It is a fantastic place for photography after the sun goes down.

Tsudome is the third site and offers a more interactive experience for families. This venue features large snow slides and rafting areas for children and adults. It is located slightly further from the city center than the other two sites. You can take a shuttle bus from the subway station to reach this area.

Each site offers unique food stalls serving hot local delicacies to hungry visitors. You can try fresh Hokkaido seafood or steaming bowls of Sapporo miso ramen. These stalls provide a great way to warm up during your outdoor explorations. Prices for snacks usually range from 500 to 1,500 yen per item.

How to Plan Your 2026 Winter Trip

Traveling to Sapporo during the festival requires careful logistical planning for all visitors. Most international travelers fly into New Chitose Airport from Tokyo or Osaka. The train from the airport to Sapporo Station takes about forty minutes. You should buy a rechargeable IC card for easy travel on subways and buses.

Staying in the Susukino or Odori areas puts you within walking distance of the sculptures. If these areas are full, look for hotels near Sapporo Station or Nakajima Park. These locations offer quick subway access to the main festival grounds every day. Consider avoiding crowds by visiting popular sculptures during the early morning hours.

The city becomes very crowded, especially during the opening and closing weekends. Walking through the underground pedestrian tunnels is a great way to stay warm. These tunnels connect major stations and shopping malls throughout the downtown area. They provide a safe path away from the icy winds above ground.

Make sure to carry enough cash for small purchases at the festival food stalls. While many shops in Japan accept cards, smaller vendors often prefer physical yen. You can find many ATMs inside convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson. These machines usually accept international debit cards for easy cash withdrawals.

Essential Tips for Your Winter Visit

Wearing the right clothing is vital for enjoying the festival in sub-zero temperatures. You should wear thermal base layers and a high-quality waterproof winter coat. Scarves, gloves, and warm hats are essential items for every traveler in Hokkaido. Don't forget to pack extra thick socks to keep your feet warm.

The sidewalks in Sapporo can become extremely slippery due to packed snow and ice. You can buy attachable ice spikes for your shoes at most convenience stores. These small metal cleats provide much-needed grip when walking through the festival sites. Many locals use them to navigate the city safely during the winter months.

Take frequent breaks inside heated buildings or cafes to prevent getting too cold. Sapporo has many department stores and underground malls perfect for a quick warm-up. Drinking hot beverages from vending machines is another cheap way to stay cozy. You will find these machines on almost every street corner in the city.

Plan to spend at least three full days to see all the festival sites. This allows you to see the sculptures during the day and at night. The atmosphere changes completely once the colorful lights illuminate the snow and ice. You will want plenty of time to capture photos and enjoy the local food.