ARTICLES
Wondering what to do this weekend? We've got you covered! From an iconic winter festival that defines Hokkaido, to a celebration of Hokkaido's cheerful ambassador "Snow Miku," and even a local sake tasting event, here are our top three recommended events for Saturday, February 7th, and Sunday, February 8th.
1
The 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival: An Iconic Hokkaido Winter Event
This is Hokkaido's premier winter event, attracting over two million visitors from Japan and abroad. The main Odori Park Site stretches for about one kilometer from 1-chome to 11-chome, lined with snow and ice sculptures of all sizes, transforming the city center into an extraordinary landscape. At night, the sculptures are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere different from the daytime.
In addition to the Odori Site, the festival's charm lies in its diverse venues, each offering a unique experience. The Susukino Site features stunning ice sculptures and illuminations, while the Tsudome Site is perfect for enjoying snow activities. During the festival period, various sponsored events such as city-wide illuminations, snow play areas, and artist performances will also be held.
■Dates: February 4 (Wed) - 11 (Wed), 2026
・Odori Site: Illuminated until 10:00 PM
・Susukino Site: Illuminated until 11:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on the final day)
・Tsudome Site: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■Locations
・Odori Site (Odori Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 11-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
・Susukino Site (Sapporo Ekimae Dori from Minami 4-jo to Minami 6-jo, Nishi 3/4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
・Tsudome Site (Sapporo Community Dome "Tsudome," 885-1 Sakaemachi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map information for the "2026 Sapporo Snow Festival"
2
SNOW MIKU 2026: A Festival Where Snow Miku Cheers on Hokkaido
"SNOW MIKU 2026" is a festival where Snow Miku (Hatsune Miku) cheers on Hokkaido. Started in 2010, this year marks its 17th anniversary. This year's Snow Miku, dressed in a "Happy Patisserie" themed costume, and her pet character Rabbit Yukine will liven up Hokkaido's winter through various collaborations, including exhibitions, workshops, a snow sculpture, and merchandise sales.
*Image is for illustrative purposes.
In Sapporo, a Snow Miku snow sculpture will appear at the Sapporo Snow Festival's Odori 11-chome Site, with a light show set to the "SNOW MIKU 2026" theme song planned for the evenings. Additionally, various collaborative projects will be rolled out across Sapporo, such as the operation of the fully-wrapped "Snow Miku Train." The main event will be held at Wing Bay Otaru, featuring exhibitions, workshops, stage events, and merchandise sales.
Snow Miku Snow Sculpture ＜Snow Miku Sweet Snow Ver.＞
■Dates: February 4 (Wed) - February 11 (Wed), 2026■Location: 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival, Odori 11-chome Site (Odori Nishi 11-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map information for "Snow Miku Snow Sculpture ＜Snow Miku Sweet Snow Ver.＞"
Snow Miku Train 2026
■Dates: November 15 (Sat), 2025 - March 22 (Sun), 2026, approximately 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM*Please check the Sapporo City Transportation Promotion Corporation's website for the detailed timetable.
■Route: Nishi 4-chome – Nishi 15-chome – Chuo Toshokan-mae – Susukino – Nishi 4-chome
Click here for details and map information for "Snow Miku Train 2026"
SNOW MIKU 2026 ＜Main Event＞
■Dates: February 7 (Sat) - 8 (Sun), 2026, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)■Location: Wing Bay Otaru, 6-bangai 4F (11 Chikkō, Otaru)
Click here for details and map information for "SNOW MIKU 2026"
3
Hokkaido Sake Fair in Moyuk Sapporo Winter: A Tasting of Local Brews
This is an event where you can casually enjoy Japanese sake and single-distilled shochu from breweries across Hokkaido. At the venue, about 40 brands of sake will be offered by the shot (30ml). With prices starting from an affordable 100 yen, it's a great opportunity to taste and compare different varieties. If you find a brand you like, you can purchase it by the bottle. Nationwide shipping is also available, making it a perfect stop for finding souvenirs from your Hokkaido trip.
■Dates: February 8 (Sun) - 11 (Wed), 2026, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
■Location: Moyuk Sapporo, B2F Plaza (20, Minami 2-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map information for the "Hokkaido Sake Fair in Moyuk Sapporo Winter"
*All information is current as of the article's publication in February 2026.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.
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Why not share the wonderful initiatives of everyone active in Hokkaido with a wider audience? Posting an event on Domingo takes just 5 minutes and is free and easy for anyone. You can widely promote your activities and ideas, and even have a chance to be featured in articles or on street visions in Sapporo, selected by Domingo.
First-time users can get started easily from here.
