Every February, the city of Sapporo turns into a winter wonderland during the Festival de la Nieve de Sapporo (さっぽろ雪まつり), which is a favorite winter event in Japan. In 2026, visitors can enjoy the festival for eight days, from February 4 to 11. During this time, the festival spreads across three main spots around the city, and each one offers something a little different, which is part of what makes the event so special.
It all started in 1950, when local students placed just six small snow sculptures in Odori Park. Today, the festival has become Sapporo’s biggest winter event, and it draws more than two million visitors each year.
You can visit three main areas, and each one has its own kind of vibe and fun.
First, there is the Odori Site, which is located in Odori Park in the center of the city. This is the main area and the most popular place for visitors. During the festival, the park turns into a long outdoor gallery and is filled with huge snow sculptures, some as tall as buildings. You can enjoy the fine details during the day, but the real magic happens at night, from sunset until 10:00 PM.
Crédito de la foto: https://connectpls.com/everything-about-sapporo-snow-festival-2026/
The next one is the Susukino Site, which is all about ice sculptures instead of snow. It is located in Sapporo’s entertainment district. So the atmosphere feels quite different from Odori Park. Under the colorful city lights, the ice statues shine among the buildings. The area stays lit until about 11:00 PM, which makes it perfect for an evening stroll after dinner. A lot of visitors even say it’s the best place to take photos.
The third spot is the Tsudome Site, and it’s the most family-friendly of the three. Instead of big art displays, you’ll find snow slides, snow rafting, and indoor areas where you can warm up and rest. Children love spending time here. Since it is farther from downtown, it is better to plan a half-day visit.
Most parts of the festival are free to enter, although some activities may require small fees. Visitors mainly spend money on food stalls, transportation, and optional attractions.
Timing is quite important for this event because the festival is very popular. Early mornings at Odori Park are quiet and good for photography. Evenings are crowded but beautiful because of the lighting and decor. Families should visit Tsudome during the daytime.
One special date to note is February 11, which is Japan’s National Foundation Day and the only public holiday during the festival. On this day, crowds and hotel prices are usually higher.
Besides the sculptures, there’s a lot more to enjoy. In 2026, themed light shows like SNOW MIKU and an anime “Oshi no Ko” display will brighten up Odori Park. The festival also features an International Snow Sculpture Contest with teams from around the world. Local residents also make their own small sculptures, which will add more fun and charm to the festival.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is not just something to see, but something to experience. No matter if you love photography, family activities, or beautiful night views, you’re sure to find something special over there.
