The Sapporo Snow Festival, a world-famous event that illuminates Hokkaido's winter, will be held for eight days from Wednesday, February 4 to Wednesday (and national holiday), February 11, 2026, at three venues in Sapporo! The festival is packed with highlights, from the spectacular large snow sculptures centered in Odori Park to citizen-made snow sculptures and magical, illuminated ice sculptures. With projection mapping and the latest activities, it's an event that can be enjoyed by everyone, from families to couples. Here is our complete guide to the charms of the 2026 Snow Festival, useful for both first-time visitors and repeat attendees!

The 76th Sapporo Snow Festival will be held for eight days, from Wednesday, February 4 to Wednesday (and national holiday), February 11, 2026. The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 when local middle and high school students created six snow sculptures in Odori Park. Today, it has grown into a major winter event, recognized as one of the world's top three snow festivals, attracting approximately 2 million visitors from Japan and abroad.

The festival is held at three main venues: the Odori Site, the Susukino Site, and the Tsudome Site. The Odori Site, located in central Sapporo, features a wide variety of snow sculptures, including spectacular large sculptures and those made by local citizens. At night, visitors can enjoy illuminations and projection mapping on some of the sculptures. The Susukino Site is lined with magical, illuminated ice sculptures. At the Tsudome Site, located in the suburbs of Sapporo, family-friendly attractions like tube slides and giant snow slides are available.

©J:COM

©J:COM

At Odori Site 1-chome, you can try "Yuki-ita," an activity where you can easily glide on the snow while wearing snow boots. The feeling of sliding on a yuki-ita is like surfing or skateboarding. It's an activity where you can simultaneously enjoy the soft glide unique to snow and the fun of balancing as you move.

Additionally, at the venue, you can experience taking photos with Fujifilm's hybrid instant camera, the "instax mini LiPlay+™." Capture a moment from your activity or a commemorative shot and take it home immediately as an instax print™.

A perfect spot to stop by while exploring the snow festival, an aromatic foot bath by Hokkaido-based skincare maker "Natural Island" will be set up to gently warm your body and soul. The bath will use their "Aroma Bath Essence Calendula and Chamomile," making it the perfect experience to rest your body, chilled from viewing snow sculptures and participating in activities.

©Mame Fes Executive Committee

The "E-Defenders," a group of warriors protecting the global environment based in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido, will introduce environmental initiatives in a fun way, focusing on everyday SDGs like waste separation and energy conservation.

©TOBU RAILWAY

A snow sculpture of the "SPACIA X," TOBU Railway's flagship limited express train that connects Tokyo Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE with Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture, will be on display.

A relaxing lounge space you can easily drop into at the snow festival venue. Enjoy hot cocktails by "The Gate Hotel Sapporo" and 3D surround sound produced by "Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park."

Winner of the 2025 Citizen's Snow Sculpture Popularity Poll: "Sapporo TV Tower, eh! / Yabe-beya's Road"

The "Citizen's Snow Sculptures" are one of the mainstays of the Sapporo Snow Festival. Groups of citizens create humorous works and various sculptures that reflect the times. A "Citizen's Snow Sculpture Popularity Poll" will also be held. A total of 80 citizen snow sculptures are planned for 2-chome and 9-chome.

2nd Place in the 2025 Citizen's Snow Sculpture Popularity Poll: "A Lion Dreaming of OWV's Success / QWV Put to the Test"

3rd Place in the 2025 Citizen's Snow Sculpture Popularity Poll: "Even a Dad Can Be MVP! / Kita Kitsune (Northern Fox)"

*Image is for illustrative purposes.

"Smile Link Sapporo" is a place where both adults and children can casually enjoy ice skating. Continuing from 2025, it will be held again this year at Odori Park 3-chome. Skate rentals are available, so you can come empty-handed. Be sure to check out the demonstrations by professional figure skaters.

The "GX Decarbonization Area," located on the east side of Odori Site 3-chome, is a zone where you can experience environmentally friendly initiatives using hydrogen energy. A free rest area will be set up with heating equipment fueled by hydrogen. It's a space where you can learn while taking a break from the cold, with exhibits on decarbonization efforts. There will also be a photo spot with the Sapporo TV Tower in the background and illuminations powered by a fuel cell vehicle (FCV).

©STV

The large snow sculpture at STV Plaza is based on Hokkaido's national treasure, the Hollow Dogu (nickname: Kakku). This massive snow sculpture, standing approximately 13 meters tall, will have a quiet yet powerful presence at the venue.

During the Jomon period, which lasted for over ten thousand years, people believed that all of nature was imbued with life and lived in gratitude for its blessings. The Hollow Dogu, Kakku, enshrined in the center of the large snow sculpture, symbolizes the spirit of the Jomon people. Its calm expression seems to quietly speak of the connection between humans and nature.

"Blue Archive" Snow Sculpture / ©NEXON Games & Yostar

"Arknights" Snow Sculpture / ©HYPERGRYPH ©Yostar

At the 4-chome site, medium-sized snow sculptures of the popular smartphone RPG "Blue Archive" from Yostar & NEXON Games and the authentic strategy tower defense game "Arknights" from Yostar & HyperGryph will be on display. Additionally, a small snow sculpture of the anime "Galaxy Express Milky☆Subway," which has been gaining significant attention both in Japan and overseas, will also be installed.

©The Hokkaido Shimbun Press

The large snow sculpture at the 5-chome site is "The Thoroughbred Crowned in Glory," set in Hokkaido, one of Japan's leading thoroughbred breeding regions. This work is a two-year large snow sculpture project that continues the story of "The Thoroughbred Galloping to Sapporo," created in 2025. Beyond the thoroughbred's gaze lies a row of poplar trees, a symbolic landscape of Hokkaido. The straight-growing poplars in the vast northern land symbolize the future and hope of a horse that has achieved glory through challenges.

At night, a projection mapping show will be held. Light and video, changing in sync with music, will envelop the snow sculpture, depicting a thrilling race scene. It's a work that allows you to fully experience the power and beauty of a thoroughbred.

Five artists and craftspeople active mainly in Sapporo, from the Hongo Shin Memorial Museum of Sculpture, Sapporo, which promotes community-based sculpture art such as the "Sapporo Snow Sculpture Exhibition," will appear at the Sapporo Snow Festival. Enjoy authentic, creative snow sculptures that are a little different from the others, making full use of the unique properties of snow.

©nagano / chiikawa committee Developed by Applibot, Inc.

From "Chiikawa Pocket," the first smartphone app for the popular character "Chiikawa," Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi dressed in picnic outfits will appear as a medium-sized snow sculpture. This highly anticipated exhibit will express their adorable world through snow. Novelty items are scheduled to be distributed at a special booth at the venue. Furthermore, a tie-in event is planned within the app, allowing you to enjoy it both in real life and digitally.

©Kewpie Corporation

The familiar "Kewpie Mayonnaise" will appear again this year as a medium-sized snow sculpture. The sight of the beloved design recreated in snow is sure to make you stop and take a picture! Next to the snow sculpture, a booth selling Kewpie merchandise will also be set up.

©Takase Bussan Co., Ltd.

Takase Bussan, a specialized trading company for commercial food and alcoholic beverages that supports hotels and restaurants nationwide, is celebrating its 65th anniversary, and a medium-sized snow sculpture commemorating this milestone will be on display.

©Studio Dice/SHUEISHA, TV TOKYO, KONAMI

Jaden Yuki, the protagonist of the anime "Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX," will appear as a snow sculpture. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the series, Jaden's cheerful figure, which has continued to captivate duelists, will be expressed in snow.

An art exhibition will be held to give you a sneak peek of the "Sapporo International Art Festival 2027 (SIAF2027)," scheduled for 2027. Two works will be on display at the venue, and in the outdoor space, a piece that gained attention at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will make its Sapporo debut.

©Hokkaido University / HBC

At the 7-chome HBC Plaza, the historic "Furukawa Hall" of Hokkaido University, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, will be recreated as a large snow sculpture. This building represents the northern seat of learning and has supported many students since the Meiji era. Furukawa Hall was built in 1909 in a French Renaissance style, characterized by its white walls and mansard roof. It is a precious building that still stands today and is designated as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

As part of its 150th-anniversary project, Hokkaido University is promoting the renovation and utilization of Furukawa Hall, aiming to contribute to the creation of a future society. Please come and experience this symbol of learning, expressed in snow, at the venue.

©HTB

At the HTB Snow Plaza, a large snow sculpture of the famous "Tsurugajo Castle," a symbol of the Aizu domain, will be on display. During the Boshin War at the end of the Edo period, it withstood the fierce attacks of the new government army, earning its name as an impregnable castle. Tsurugajo Castle originated from the Higashi Kurokawa-kan built in 1384, and in 1593, Gamo Ujisato constructed the first full-scale castle keep in eastern Japan. Although it was once demolished, it was rebuilt in 1965 and is now known for having the only red-tiled castle keep in Japan.

The large snow sculpture is intricately detailed using the "ice block method," where parts made of snow are attached. It is a joint production by HTB Hokkaido Television and the 18th Infantry Regiment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, completed by a total of about 3,800 SDF personnel.

Next to the large snow sculpture "Aizu Tsurugajo Castle," the "Treasures of Aizu Booth" will be set up, where you can enjoy Aizu's specialty products and local cuisine. Among Fukushima Prefecture, which boasts the highest number of gold awards at the National New Sake Appraisal, Aizu's sake is a must-see. Along with viewing the snow sculpture, please enjoy a moment to experience the food and culture of Aizu.

©PROXIMA BETA PTE. LTD. ©SHIFT UP CORP.

From the popular gun-girl RPG "GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE," Cinderella and Little Mermaid will grace the venue as a snow sculpture. This medium-sized sculpture cutely depicts the two friends enjoying a snow day. Character mascots are scheduled to appear around the snow sculpture, making it a perfect spot for commemorative photos.

The medium-sized snow sculpture "Hokkaido Sweets Party," themed on Hokkaido's rich bounty, will appear in the Citizens' Plaza. A world of sweets made with abundant ingredients from the northern land, such as milk, wheat, soybeans, and fruits, will be created from snow. The production is handled by the "101-nin no Kai" (Group of 101), and this marks their monumental 50th work. The sculpture depicts animals gathering and enjoying preparations for a party.

Following the 2-chome site, numerous citizen-made snow sculptures will also line the 9-chome site. A total of 80 citizen snow sculptures are planned for the 2-chome and 9-chome sites combined.

©2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

At UHB Family Land, a large snow sculpture commemorating the release of the movie "The Mandalorian & Grogu" will be on display. This spectacular snow sculpture is based on the latest installment of the "Star Wars" saga, which has been loved worldwide for nearly half a century.

The snow sculpture will recreate the lone bounty hunter "The Mandalorian" and the Force-sensitive "Grogu" in a world of silvery white, expressing the strong bond they developed during their long journey. Their figures, symbolizing the epic galactic story, will carve a new legend at the snow festival venue. The latest movie, "The Mandalorian & Grogu," will be released nationwide on Friday, May 22. Please enjoy this large snow sculpture at the venue and get a sneak peek into the world of the film.

©NISSIN FOODS / ©UHB

One of the largest interactive attractions at the Odori Site will be installed in 10-chome. It's the "Cup Noodle 'Mystery Meat' Slider" from Nissin Foods' "Cup Noodle," which is celebrating its 55th anniversary. After enjoying a thrilling slide, how about warming up with a freshly made Cup Noodle from the Sapporo Nissin Chitose factory, available exclusively at the 10-chome venue?

©LOGISTEED / ©UHB

A snow sculpture will depict a truck departing from a distribution center of LOGISTEED, a comprehensive logistics company with a network in 30 countries and regions around the world.

©Light Inc. All rights reserved.

The warm relationship between streamers and viewers will be expressed as a small snow sculpture of "Taimu," the mascot character of the live streaming app "Palmu."

2025 winning entry: Mongolia's "LIFE"

The International Snow Sculpture Contest, which started in 1974 (the 25th festival), is a competition where teams from various countries, regions, and cities around the world compete in creating snow sculptures. The unique and internationally diverse sculptures are created during the snow festival period. It is a popular event where you can see the snow sculpture creation process up close, a unique feature within the Odori Site.

Snow Miku 2026 © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net Good Smile Company

"Snow Miku (Hatsune Miku)," a character that supports Hokkaido and also serves as a Sapporo tourism ambassador, will appear again this year at the International Plaza. This time, she is designed in a "Happy Patisserie" themed costume, along with her pet character "Rabbit Yukine." The snow sculpture exhibition, which has been ongoing since 2010, changes its design every year, marking the 17th consecutive year.

At night, a light-up show will be held to the theme song of "SNOW MIKU 2026," "SHIAWASE FOR YOU! / Iyowa feat. Hatsune Miku." You can enjoy a magical winter moment with a performance using the "COUGEN" system, a PC application that directly controls music and lighting.

© 2026 SANRIO CO., LTD.

From Sanrio, which values "everyone getting along," corporate messenger Hello Kitty and Pompompurin, who is celebrating his 30th anniversary this year, will adorn the venue holding a "friendship" ribbon. A special digital greeting card project is also being held in conjunction with the snow festival. Enjoy a winter moment delivering smiles and thoughts to your loved ones.

©Norishiro-chan, Sakana Uozumi/COAMIX, "There's No Way a Gyaru Can Be Kind to an Otaku!?" Production Committee

From the anime "There's No Way a Gyaru Can Be Kind to an Otaku!?," Kei Amane and Kotoko Ijichi will appear as a snow sculpture. The charm of the two different types of gyaru who grow closer through their hobbies will be recreated with the unique expression of a snow sculpture. Be sure to enjoy the captivating figures of these two at the venue.

"Susukino Ice World 2026" is held under the theme of "Enjoy and Touch the Ice." Large and medium ice sculptures line the streets sparkling with neon lights, creating a magical world of ice. Approximately 60 ice sculptures will be on display, including the famous sculptures with fish frozen inside and works from the Ice Sculpture Contest. At night, they are lit up, offering a different, more mature atmosphere, which is a unique charm of the Susukino site.

・Opening Ceremony: February 4 (Wed) 6:00 PM~ @ In front of COCONO SUSUKINO, Minami 4-jo Nishi 4 (in front of the main ice sculpture)
・Ice Sculpture Contest: February 4 (Wed) 2:30 PM ~ February 5 (Thu) 10:30 AM
・Awards Ceremony: February 5 (Thu) 11:00 AM @ In front of COCONO SUSUKINO, Minami 4-jo Nishi 4 (in front of the main ice sculpture)
・Closing Ceremony: February 11 (Wed, holiday) 9:45 PM~ @ In front of COCONO SUSUKINO, Minami 4-jo Nishi 4 (in front of the main ice sculpture)

During the following times, the area will be a "Pedestrian-Only Zone," allowing you to see the ice sculptures up close. *After the pedestrian-only hours, please promptly move to the sidewalk and enjoy the view from there.
February 4 (Wed) - 6 (Fri) & 9 (Mon) - 10 (Tue): 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
February 7 (Sat) - 8 (Sun): 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
February 11 (Wed, holiday): 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

The Tsudome Site is packed with hands-on attractions where you can have a blast playing in the snow. It's bustling with families every year, offering a variety of snow activities for parents and children to enjoy together, such as giant slides and snow rafting. Outdoors, you can fully enjoy dynamic snow activities unique to Hokkaido's winter, while the indoor area features attractions like a giant slide and inflatable play equipment. There are also food and drink booths where you can savor warm gourmet food unique to Hokkaido and Sapporo.