Sapporo Winter Festival Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Eat

If you’re dreaming of snow sculptures, vibrant lights, and steaming bowls of miso ramen, the Sapporo Winter Festival travel guide is your ticket to a magical winter escape in Japan. Held every February in Hokkaido’s capital, this iconic snow festival draws millions of visitors—and for good reason. From the massive ice carvings at Odori Park to local street food and hidden spots most tourists miss, there’s so much more than meets the eye. We’ll show you the best places to go, what to eat, must try experiences, and what else to do in the area.

What Is Sapporo Famous For?

Sapporo is best known for its epic snow festivals, fresh seafood, and thriving winter sports scene. Every February, travelers from around the world flock to see massive snow and ice sculptures during the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival. The city is also famous for being the birthplace of Sapporo Beer, and for producing some of the best ramen and seafood in Japan. Add in powdery slopes nearby and cozy hot springs like Jozankei Onsen, and you’ve got a perfect winter getaway.

Sapporo Snow Festival Dates

The Sapporo Snow Festival will be held February 4th thru 11th 2026. This is when the city comes alive with enormous snow and ice sculptures, light shows, and local food stalls. It’s the highlight of any Sapporo Winter Festival travel guide, drawing over 2 million visitors from around the world.

If you want to catch the sculptors in action and avoid peak crowds, arriving in late January is a smart move. You’ll witness the behind-the-scenes snow sculpting process—one of the underrated things to do in Sapporo in winter—and grab better photos without the crowds.

Where to See the Sapporo Snow Festival: 3 Main Sites

The Sapporo Snow Festival is spread across three official venues, each offering a different experience. The good news? All of them are free to enter, easy to explore, and located close enough to visit in one day—especially if you’re staying near Sapporo Station, Odori, or Susukino. Here’s what you need to know about each site:

📍 Odori Park Site (Main Venue), 1-chome to 12-chome

The heart of the festival. Stretching over 1.5 km through central Sapporo, this is where you’ll find the giant snow sculptures, light displays, performance stages, and food stalls. It’s great during the day for photos, but transforms beautifully at night with illuminations. Expect big crowds, live shows, and warming stations. Walkable from both Sapporo and Susukino Stations.

📍 Susukino, South 4 to South 7 blocks

Known for its dazzling ice sculptures, this area is lively and perfect for nighttime visits when the carvings are lit up in icy blue and purple hues. Located right in the nightlife district, you’ll also find food booths, bars, and cozy izakayas nearby. It’s a short walk from Odori and easily accessed by subway.

📍 Sapporo Community Dome (Tsudome)

This one’s a bit farther—about 30 minutes by subway + shuttle bus from central Sapporo—but worth it if you want to play in the snow. It features snow slides, snow rafting, and indoor rest areas with snacks and kid-friendly activities. Best visited during the day, especially for families. Free entry, but some attractions may have small fees.

Weather Considerations

Expect temperatures to hover between -6°C to -12°C (21°F to 10°F), so bring proper winter gear. It’s cold, but that’s what makes the experience magical—think snowflakes falling while sipping hot sake in an open-air market.

How to Get to the Sapporo

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• Fly into New Chitose Airport:
  The fastest way is flying into New Chitose Airport (CTS) from Tokyo, Osaka, or other major cities. It’s about 40 minutes by train to central Sapporo. For international travelers, some direct flights arrive from Seoul, Taipei, or Bangkok—ideal for maximizing a short visa stay.
• Take the Shinkansen + Local Train:
  Prefer a scenic journey? Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakodate, then a local train or express to Sapporo. It’s a longer but memorable ride, and works well if you’re using a Japan Rail Pass. (Check Region)
• Long-Distance Bus: There’s even a long-distance overnight bus from Tokyo or Sendai—but only for the adventurous (or very budget-conscious). It takes 15–18 hours and is better suited if you’re truly squeezing every yen.

How to Get Around Sapporo and Hokkaido

• Sapporo Subway and Trams: The city’s subway lines are your best friend during the festival. Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome (the three main festival sites) are all easily reachable via subway. Load up an IC card like Kitaca or Suica for easy tap-and-go access.
• Local Buses and Festival Shuttles: During the festival, special shuttle buses run between event sites and major hotels. These are a great option if you’re traveling with kids or want to avoid walking in deep snow.
• Taxis for Short Hops: Taxis are clean, safe, and plentiful in Sapporo, though not the cheapest option. Still, they’re handy at night or if you’re heading back from dinner or drinks in Susukino.

Where to Stay in Sapporo

The best place to stay during the Sapporo Snow Festival is along the Susukino–Odori–Sapporo Station corridor, right in the heart of the city. This area puts you within easy walking distance of all the main festival sites—Odori Park, home to the giant snow sculptures, and Susukino, where stunning ice displays and local food stalls light up the streets.

This central area is packed with restaurants, shops, and cafés, and features an underground walkway system that makes it easy to get around even in deep snow. Plus, you’ll have direct access to public transportation, making day trips or exploring other parts of Sapporo a breeze.

• APA Hotel Sapporo Susukino Ekimae:
  Affordable, compact, and right by Susukino Station—easy walk to both festival zones, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Sapporo Washington Hotel Plaza:
  Great location between Sapporo and Odori Stations. Clean rooms, near shops, food, and Odori Park displays.
• JR Inn Sapporo-eki Minami-guchi:
  Next to JR Sapporo Station. Comfortable, quiet stay with a public bath. Close to trains and Odori Park.
• Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino:
  Steps from Susukino’s ice displays. Includes free breakfast, simple rooms, and walkable dining options.
• Keikyu EX Hotel Sapporo:
  Modern and just minutes from Sapporo Station. Stylish stay near festival sites and shopping arcades.

Top 15 Fun Things to Do in Sapporo 

1. Attend the Sapporo Snow Festival (Odori Park): This is the highlight of Sapporo in February. Wander through 12 blocks of massive snow sculptures, catch live performances, try local food from stalls, and return at night when everything is beautifully illuminated. Free to enter and walk through.

2. See Ice Sculptures Light Up at Susukino Site: Just south of Odori, Susukino’s Ice World features detailed ice carvings that glow under city lights. It’s compact, atmospheric, and surrounded by Sapporo’s best ramen alleys and nightlife.

3. Play in the Snow at Tsudome Site: Perfect for families and kids, this snow activity zone features tubing, snow rafting, snow mazes, and indoor rest areas. Located about 30 minutes from Odori via subway + shuttle. Open during the day. Small ride fees apply.

4. Ride the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway at Sunset: Take the ropeway and cable car to one of the city’s best panoramic views. Arrive near sunset to watch Sapporo transform into a snowy lightscape. There’s a restaurant at the top and ramen joints nearby at the base. Tickets

5. Warm Up at the Historical Village of Hokkaido: Wander through a snowy outdoor museum filled with historic Meiji- and Taisho-era buildings. A quiet spot to soak in Hokkaido’s heritage and winter charm.

6. Explore Odori Park on Foot: Even outside the festival zones, Odori Park becomes a 1.5-kilometer winter trail, lined with sculptures, photo ops, and snack stalls. It runs through the heart of the city, making it ideal for daytime strolls or nighttime views.

7. Climb Sapporo TV Tower: Located on the east end of Odori Park, the observation deck gives you an aerial view over the sculptures and city lights. Visit in late afternoon or night for the best photos. Tickets

8. Shop and Eat at Nijo Market:Grab a steaming bowl of seafood donburi or Hokkaido crab legs at this local market. It’s walkable from central Sapporo and offers indoor warmth and fresh flavors.

9. Visit Shiroi Koibito Park: A whimsical chocolate theme park with light displays, factory tours, and soft-serve ice cream. Kid-friendly and Insta-worthy, especially when lit up in the evening.

10. Sip Fresh Beer at Sapporo Beer Museum: A fun indoor stop where you can learn the story of Sapporo Beer, sample fresh pours, and dine at the adjoining Beer Garden. Good for a mid-afternoon warm-up.

11. Go Skiing at Sapporo Teine or Niseko: Both resorts offer excellent powder, rentals, and beginner-friendly slopes. Teine is closest (around 40 minutes from the city), while Niseko makes for a full-day trip. Book a Guided Ski Package.

12. Visit Jozankei Onsen + Snow Candle Walk: Just 1 hour away, Jozankei offers traditional hot spring baths in a scenic snowy gorge. If you visit in early February, catch the Snow Candle Way, a romantic path lit with candles in the snow.

13. Experience Moerenuma Park in Snow: Designed by artist Isamu Noguchi, this park becomes a snowy art landscape in winter. Rent snowshoes or cross-country skis for a peaceful, creative outing.

14. Walk Tanukikoji Shopping Street: This covered shopping arcade is great for souvenirs, snacks, and people-watching. Warm, walkable, and full of quirky shops and local eateries.

15. Stroll Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine: Enjoy a peaceful winter forest walk through Maruyama Park and visit the historic Hokkaido Shrine, where you might see snowy Shinto rituals in progress.

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Must-Try Foods in Sapporo

• Sapporo Miso Ramen – The city’s signature noodle soup, topped with sweet corn, butter, and sometimes crab or pork.
• Soup Curry – A Hokkaido original: spicy curry-flavored broth with chicken and veggies, served with rice.
• Grilled Hokkaido Crab – Juicy, sweet crab (like king or snow crab) served grilled or in hotpot form.
• Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) – A sizzling lamb BBQ dish cooked at your table, named after the Mongol emperor.
• Hokkaido Soft Serve – Ultra-creamy milk ice cream, often found at cafes or even inside chocolate parks.
• Ishikari Nabe – A hotpot dish made with salmon, vegetables, and miso-based broth, perfect for warming up.

Visa Requirements

U.S. and UK passport holders can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, but must complete a simple online immigration form before arrival. This involves registering via the Visit Japan Web portal, which generates a QR code used for smooth entry at immigration. It’s not a visa, but it’s required for fast-track processing. Be sure to complete the form a few days before your flight to avoid delays at the airport.

Travel Insurance

International travel is exciting, but unexpected emergencies, lost luggage, or missed flights can disrupt your dream trip. Travel insurance acts as your travel superhero, providing financial protection for these situations. Investing in a plan like SafetyWing, offers peace of mind for less, allowing you to explore with confidence.

Best Japan ESIM to Get

While you can still pick up a physical SIM card at the airport, using an eSIM has become the more convenient and cost-effective option for travelers in Japan. With just a few taps, you can activate your data plan before you even land—no need to queue, swap cards, or risk losing your original SIM. It’s especially handy if your phone supports dual eSIMs or you want instant access to maps and messages on arrival. Grab your Sakura eSIM now and stay connected the easy way.

What to Pack for Winter in Sapporo

If you’re visiting Sapporo in February, be prepared for serious cold—daytime highs often stay below freezing, and nighttime temps can drop to -10°C (14°F) or lower. To stay warm and comfortable while exploring, pack or buy these winter essentials:

• Insulated winter jacket (preferably windproof and water-resistant)
• Thermal base layers (tops and bottoms)
• Warm pants (fleece-lined leggings or thermal joggers work well)
• Wool socks and waterproof shoes or boots
• Gloves, beanie, and scarf or neck warmer
• Layers like sweaters or hoodies to adjust for indoor temps

🧳 Check out my recommended travel gear list.

Conclusion

Sapporo in February is a winter wonderland filled with magical snow sculptures, unique cultural experiences, and hearty Hokkaido food. Whether you’re visiting for the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival or simply want to enjoy snowy landscapes, hot springs, and vibrant local cuisine, it’s one of the most rewarding times to explore northern Japan. With walkable neighborhoods, reliable public transport, and plenty of budget-friendly stays, you can soak in all the snowy charm without stress. Just pack your warm gear, book early, and get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure!