Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 & February Events: Your Ultimate Winter Guide
Sapporo is a city in Hokkaido, located in the northern area of Japan. As the economic and cultural center of Hokkaido, it is also known as a treasure trove of gourmet food where you can enjoy many delicious dishes.
Hokkaido is a cold region with long winters, and the land is covered in snow for several months. Especially in February, there is snowfall almost every day.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held to enjoy this long winter and snow, and it is a major Sapporo event in February 2026 that attracts millions of visitors every year.
In this article, we will explain the event details and highlights of the Sapporo Snow Festival in an easy-to-understand way for travelers. We have also compiled a list of events that can be enjoyed near Sapporo in February.
If you are planning to visit Sapporo in February, please use this article as a reference and enjoy the snow and ice events.
Table of Contents
-The Most Anticipated Sapporo Event in February 2026: The Sapporo Snow Festival
-Detailed Explanation of Sapporo Snow Festival Events and Highlights
-Special Winter-Only Events to Enjoy in Sapporo in 2026
The Most Anticipated Sapporo Event in February 2026: The Sapporo Snow Festival
Source:Official website
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a snow event held annually in February in Sapporo City. Enormous snow sculptures and artistic snow statues are displayed in large numbers, attracting visitors from not only Japan but from all around the world.
As a major event representing winter in Hokkaido, the city of Sapporo is filled with a festive atmosphere for approximately 7 days. This is an event that the people of Sapporo, who spend long and harsh winters covered in snow, look forward to every year from the bottom of their hearts.
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Date: February 4–11, 2026
Access: A short walk from Odori Subway Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.snowfes.com/
What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
Source:Official website
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in three areas in the center of Sapporo City: the Odori Site, Tsudome Site, and Susukino Site. A total of 200 snow sculptures are installed across all venues, including giant snow sculptures exceeding 15 meters in height.
The snow sculptures are made by private organizations, Japan's Self-Defense Forces, as well as citizens and local high school students. A major characteristic of the Sapporo Snow Festival is that not only can visitors view the displayed snow sculptures, but many Sapporo residents also participate and enjoy making the sculptures themselves.
In addition to high-quality snow sculpture exhibitions, there are food stalls, snow sports activities, and various other events. During the event period, approximately 2 million people visit from both Japan and abroad.
History of the Sapporo Snow Festival
Source:Official website
The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 when local high school students created six snow sculptures. The snow sculptures that the high school students worked hard to create became a big topic among citizens, and eventually attracted as many as 50,000 people.
At the same time, snowball fights and dance events were also held and became a huge success, so from the following year, it became an official event of Sapporo City.
Within the next 10 years, large snow sculptures were created and the event was televised, causing the scale and recognition of the event to grow significantly. The International Snow Sculpture Competition has been held since the 1970s.
The event has continued to grow with expanding scale and extended duration, and today it is an internationally famous event for enjoying snow, attracting many people from around the world.
Detailed Explanation of Sapporo Snow Festival Events and Highlights
The International Snow Sculpture Competition Where Participants from Various Countries Compete
Source:Official website
At the venue on 11th Street of Odori Avenue, the International Snow Sculpture Competition is held with participation from countries around the world.
In 2026, 10 teams from around the world will participate, including Austria, South Korea, Indonesia, and the United States. The sculptures are created from February 3rd to 6th, and from the 4th onwards, visitors can watch the creation process at the venue. The awards ceremony will be held on the 7th.
At the International Snow Sculpture Competition, you can see highly artistic snow sculptures created by teams from around the world every year. When I visited the venue last year, I was moved by the quality of the unique and beautiful "Elephant and Water Festival Snow Sculpture" created by the Thai team, which has been a frequent winner in recent years.
The process of making the snow sculptures is also very interesting, so please come and watch.
Citizen Snow Sculptures: A Popular Activity with Many Local Participants Every Year
Source:Official website
One of the main attractions of the Sapporo Snow Festival is the Citizen Snow Sculpture created by Sapporo residents.
Citizens who apply to participate are divided into teams by lottery, and each team creates a snow sculpture. The rankings are determined by popular vote from visitors.
A notable feature is that high-quality snow sculptures that seem impossible to have been made by ordinary citizens are created every year, with many reflecting current trends and filled with humor.
My favorite from last year was the dynamic snow sculpture of Doraemon, a famous Japanese anime character. These unique snow sculptures become popular photo spots every year.
Unique Events at Each Venue
At this Sapporo event February 2026, each venue offers plenty of unique events beyond just snow sculptures. Enjoy food sales from kitchen cars, snow sports activities that children can also enjoy, and artistic ice sculpture exhibitions.
Various Activities at J:COM Square (Odori Site)
Source:J:COM
At J:COM Square located at the Odori Site, you can enjoy various activities including food and drinks from kitchen cars, foot baths, and snowboard experiences.
The Yuki-ita (Snowboard) Experience is a recommended activity for children. You can ride a snowboard while wearing snow boots and glide over the snow like surfing.
J:COM Square also features medium-sized snow sculpture exhibitions. These medium snow sculptures are created by citizen groups and offer a unique and intricate charm that differs from the impressive large snow sculptures.
Gift shops are also available, so you can shop for memorable souvenirs.
If you get cold while enjoying the events, warm up at the aromatherapy foot bath corner. You can also warm up by drinking alcohol at the standing bar space.
Snow Sculptures Related to Hokkaido Displayed in Each City Block (Odori Site)
Source:HBC
From the 7-chome area of the Odori Site, snow sculptures of buildings and other structures related to Hokkaido are displayed in each block.
For example, at HBC Square in 7-chome, the Furukawa Auditorium of Hokkaido University will be recreated as a snow sculpture in 2026. Hokkaido University is a famous university that has become a tourist spot in Sapporo due to its beautiful campus.
The Furukawa Auditorium, built in 1907, is a beautiful Western-style building designated as a national cultural property. Approximately 3,000 people will work on its creation, and it is expected to become an impressive snow sculpture standing 13 meters tall.
Additionally, at HTB Snow Square in 8-chome, a snow sculpture of the traditional Japanese castle, Aizu Tsuruga Castle, is scheduled to be displayed.
Activity Space for "Touching and Playing with Snow" (Tsudome Site)
Source:Official website
At the activity space in the Tsudome Site, children can enjoy activities such as snow tubing.
The Tsudome Site has a large indoor dome venue and an outdoor venue. The indoor area features food stalls and playground equipment, while the outdoor area has ice slides and snow tubing courses that are extremely popular with children.
At this venue, children play energetically every year. Snow tubing is also popular among adults, and sliding over the snow on a tube is incredibly exhilarating. You can experience the joy of snow with your whole body.
Popular Contest Venue Displaying Numerous Fantastical Ice Sculptures (Susukino Site)
Source:Official website
At the Susukino Site, the Susukino Ice World contest is held, featuring many fantastical ice sculptures on display.
In 2026, 60 beautiful ice sculptures will be displayed along the street from Minami 4-jo Street to Minami 6-jo Street in Susukino, and visitors can freely view them while walking along the road.
The Susukino Ice World features many extremely high-quality and intricate ice sculptures, and every year it rivals the snow sculpture exhibitions in popularity. When I visited, there were ice sculptures of large buildings and castles, and the ice sculpture recreating a ship with a dragon on it was particularly impressive.
The recommended time to visit is during the illumination time after 5 PM, when the ice sculptures become even more beautiful and fantastical. The main ice sculpture display location is in front of the famous Nikka sign in Susukino, so be sure to check out this area.
After the Sapporo Snow Festival, Enjoy Sapporo's Exquisite Food at Restaurants Loved by Locals to Your Heart's Content
After fully enjoying this Sapporo event February 2026, join a food tour at night to savor the local exquisite food.
If you join a Magical Trip tour, a local guide who knows Sapporo well will take you to recommended restaurants and introduce you to local food loved by the locals. For example, the Sapporo Local Food Tour takes you to three recommended restaurants in the Susukino area.
Sapporo is one of Japan's greatest treasure troves of gourmet food. Visit restaurants that locals actually frequent from among the many options, and taste the exquisite seafood and Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) that you absolutely cannot miss in Sapporo.
For those who want to enjoy plenty of drinks as well as food, we recommend joining the Sapporo Bar Hopping Food tour, which focuses on bars and Izakaya.
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Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station
Tour area: Susukino
Start time: 17:00
Sapporo Local Food Tour: Dine Like a Local in the Evening Glow
Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station
Tour area: Susukino
Start time: 18:00
Special Winter-Only Events to Enjoy in Sapporo in 2026
Sapporo White Illumination
Source:Official website
Sapporo White Illumination is an annual illumination event held at five venues within Sapporo City. While the illumination at the Odori site has ended by the end of December, the other four venues continue to be lit up until mid-March, making it a perfect Sapporo event February 2026 visitors can enjoy.
This event has been a beloved winter tradition that brightens the streets of Sapporo during the long winter months since the 1980s. From February onwards, I especially recommend the illumination in front of the Hokkaido Red Brick Government Building at the Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza Site (Akapla).
The brick Government Building is a tourist attraction in its own right due to its beautiful architecture. With the building as a backdrop, there are also photo spots along the illuminated tree-lined avenue where you can take beautiful pictures.
Ekimae-dori Site
Dates: November 21, 2025 – February 11, 2026
Access: A short walk from the south exit of the west concourse of JR Sapporo Station to Susukino
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/ekimae/
Minami 1-jo dori Site
Dates: November 21, 2025 – March 14, 2026, 16:30–22:00
Access: 1 minute walk from Odori Station on the Tozai Subway Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/minami-1jo/
Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) Site
Dates: November 21, 2025 – March 14, 2026, 16:30–22:00
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway at Sapporo Station on the Namboku Subway Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/akapla/
Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza Site
Dates: November 21, 2025 – March 14, 2026, 16:30–24:00
Access: 0 minutes walk from the South Exit of the West Concourse of JR Sapporo Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/illumination/ekihiro/
Yukitouro 2026 FINAL (Snow Candle Way)
Source:Official website
Yukitouro 2026 (Snow Candle Way) FINAL is an event held in Jozankei, a nature-rich area accessible from Sapporo. Approximately 1,000 candles are lit in the snow-covered forest, allowing visitors to enjoy the mystical beauty of nature. This is one of the most enchanting Sapporo event February 2026 has to offer.
At the venue, Jozankei Shrine, about 1,000 handmade ice candles are arranged, creating a warm glow of lights in the darkness. What particularly moved me was the projection mapping held on the mountain behind the shrine.
Colorful flowers, natural scenery, and glowing animals are projected onto the snow-covered forest, creating an incredibly mystical scene combined with the natural beauty of Jozankei.
Since it is a bit far from Sapporo, I recommend staying in the Jozankei area if you plan to attend this event.
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Dates: January 27 – February 3, 2026, 18:00–21:00
Access: 1 minute walk from the bus stop (Jozankei Shrine/Jotetsu Bus)
Admission: Donation fee: ¥500 per person (high school students and above). Free for guests staying in the Jozankei area
Website: https://jozankei.jp/event/yukitouro2026/
Chitose - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Source:Official website
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is an annual ice event held at Lake Shikotsu, a caldera lake near Sapporo. Visitors can enjoy numerous ice sculptures created by spraying Lake Shikotsu water with sprinklers and freezing it. This spectacular Sapporo event February 2026 travelers should not miss.
Lake Shikotsu's water is known for its beautiful blue hue. You can enjoy this Lake Shikotsu Blue color shining through the various ice sculptures of different sizes. From 4 PM onwards, the sculptures are illuminated, creating a colorful and fantastical world of ice.
When I visited, there were many ice caves and icicle sculptures, and I enjoyed the magnificent world of ice. If you wear ski wear, you can also play on attractions like ice slides.
Since the Lake Shikotsu area is a hot spring region, I recommend soaking in a hot spring after enjoying the event and warming up your chilled body.
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Dates: January 31 – February 23, 2026, 10:00–20:00
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by taxi from New Chitose Airport
Admission: ¥1,000 for junior high school students and above (free for elementary school students and younger)
Website: https://hyoutou-special.asia/
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Source:Official website
Asahikawa Winter Festival is a snow event held in Asahikawa City. In addition to giant snow sculptures on display, there is a marché with food stalls and stage events. This is another exciting Sapporo event February 2026 visitors can experience with a short trip from the city.
The highlight of Asahikawa Winter Festival is the world-class giant snow sculptures displayed across the vast venue. Every year, a massive snow sculpture measuring 140 meters wide and about 20 meters tall is created and displayed along the banks of the Ishikari River.
In 2026, the festival is collaborating with Pokémon, and an adorable snow sculpture measuring 120 meters wide and 19 meters tall featuring Vulpix and Alolan Vulpix is scheduled to be displayed.
Starting with the Pokémon snow sculptures, Asahikawa Winter Festival features many pop and cute creations each year, including anime character snow sculptures, making it an event where children can have a wonderful time.
For families and those considering a short trip near Sapporo, I recommend extending your journey to Asahikawa.
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Dates: February 6–11, 2026, 10:00–20:00
Access: 5 minutes walk from Tokiwa Park bus stop on the Asahikawa Electric Railway Bus
Admission: Free
Website: https://asahikawa--winterfes-jp.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja
Explore the Market with a Local Guide to Fully Enjoy Sapporo's Exquisite Ingredients!
If you want to fully enjoy Sapporo's exquisite ingredients, consider joining a tour where a local guide takes you through the food markets.
The Sapporo Market & Seafood Brunch Tour is a 2.5-hour tour where you can visit the famous Nijo Market, a hub for Sapporo's finest ingredients, and enjoy a delicious seafood brunch.
On this tour, you will explore various parts of Sapporo City while enjoying excellent food at places like Nijo Market and Tanuki Market.
You will also leisurely stroll through areas like Odori Park, which serves as a venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival, while learning about the city's history and overview from the guide's commentary.
This tour is recommended not only for those who want to enjoy the food culture but also for those who want to do some sightseeing in Sapporo in a short amount of time.
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Meeting point: In front of Tourist Information Center
Tour area: Sapporo City
Start time: 10:30
