The 76th Sapporo Snow Festival kicks off on February 4, 2026, and the Odori Site at night, with its completely different atmosphere from the daytime, is drawing huge crowds. The fantastical scenery, featuring illuminated large snow sculptures, powerful projection mapping, and shows combining music and light, is a unique nighttime pleasure. This article reports on the highlights of the Odori Site at night, with photos taken on the opening day.

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Large snow sculpture "The Thoroughbred Shining with Glory"

If you're visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival's Odori Site at night, you'll definitely want to see the light-ups and projection mapping on the large snow sculptures. At the 5-chome site, which is relatively close to the Odori Station exits for the Namboku and Tozai subway lines, you'll find the large snow sculpture "The Thoroughbred Shining with Glory."

Perhaps due to its easy access from the station and underground walkway, it always seems to be crowded. The area around the pedestrian crossing from the 4-chome site to the 5-chome site gets quite congested, and you may have to wait for several light changes to cross. Be patient and watch your step as you walk.

Projection mapping on the large snow sculpture "The Thoroughbred Shining with Glory"

The pure white thoroughbred of the daytime is transformed into a dynamic, full-color spectacle by the nighttime projection mapping. You can enjoy scenes of a high-speed race and the horse galloping through the vast landscapes of Hokkaido. The projection mapping show runs every 15 minutes from 5:30 PM to 9:45 PM.

Kazuhiko Hiwaki 《HIWADROME: type_ark_spec3》2026

With the Sapporo International Art Festival (SIAF) 2027 just a year away, a winter pre-event is being held at the 6-chome site. A much-talked-about work that was displayed near the Grand Roof Ring at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, is now being exhibited as a Snow Festival version titled "Kazuhiko Hiwaki 《HIWADROME: type_ark_spec3》2026."

This large-scale art piece, composed of 77 wheelchairs, is truly impressive. The illumination changes through various colors, constantly altering its appearance. There's also an art festival tent nearby with panel and video displays. It's a great way to enjoy some art while taking a temporary break from the cold and snow.

Large snow sculpture "Furukawa Hall, Hokkaido University - 'Light from the North' Hokkaido University 150th Anniversary"

The large snow sculpture at the 7-chome site is modeled after Furukawa Hall at Hokkaido University. While there's no large-scale projection mapping, there is a light-up show using various colors.

Medium snow sculpture with a slide at the 7-chome site

Also, don't miss the medium-sized snow sculpture with a slide at this site. The two adjacent sculptures, "Ohta's Isan Official PR Ambassador Ohta Inyan" (ⒸOhta's Isan) and "Megmilk Snow Brand - 100 Years of Gratitude - Snow Brand Hokkaido Butter Sculpture" (ⒸMegmilk Snow Brand), become very photogenic at night with images projected onto them. Taking a picture of both together is highly recommended.

Medium snow sculpture with an image of Ohta Inyan projected on it

The moving image of "Ohta Inyan" is especially popular! The area was bustling with people taking videos on their smartphones.

Large snow sculpture "Tsurugajo Castle, Aizu"

The large snow sculpture at the 8-chome site is modeled after Tsurugajo Castle in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Its majestic yet elegant appearance is captivating. This sculpture, with its impressive three-dimensional form, is popular even during the day, but the nighttime illumination gives it a mystical atmosphere. On the evening of February 4th, the festival's opening day, it was one of the most crowded spots in the Odori Site.

Projection mapping on "Tsurugajo Castle, Aizu"

A must-see is the projection mapping held every 30 minutes from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Beautiful images are projected along with music. Additionally, visitors could enjoy sake from Aizu at the "Aizu's Treasure Booth" next to the large snow sculpture.

Large snow sculpture "The Return of the Silvery White Star Wars Snow Sculpture"

Since the first film in 1977, Star Wars has been loved by people all over the world. To celebrate the upcoming release of the latest film in the series, "The Mandalorian & Grogu," on Friday, May 22, 2026, a large snow sculpture has been created.

At night, there's a light show synchronized with music, showing The Mandalorian and Grogu with various expressions.

"LOGISTEED's Truck and Logistics Center" medium snow sculpture

At the 10-chome site, the illumination on the medium-sized snow sculpture is also worth checking out. It depicts a truck from the comprehensive logistics company LOGISTEED departing from a logistics center, and the truck looks as if it's about to start moving.

"Snow Miku: Sweet Snow Ver."

The last site to introduce, 11-chome, is an international area featuring snow sculptures from 10 teams from various countries and regions. However, many people were gathered around the medium-sized snow sculpture of "Snow Miku," the character who supports Hokkaido, titled "Snow Miku: Sweet Snow Ver."

The theme for this year's costume, the 17th in the series, is "Happy Pâtisserie." At night, a special light-up show set to the song "SHIAWASE FOR YOU!" (by iyowa feat. Hatsune Miku) is held regularly. It alternates with the light-up of the adjacent [Oshi no Ko] snow sculpture, so be sure to enjoy both.

"Let's deliver smiles with the snow!" medium snow sculpture

There is also a Sanrio medium-sized snow sculpture at the site, which has a single-color illumination. Hello Kitty and Pompompurin, celebrating his 30th anniversary, are holding a "Nakayoshi" (Good Friends) ribbon. The light-up enhances the shadows, emphasizing the rounded silhouettes and ample volume of Kitty and Purin, giving them a different kind of cuteness than in the daytime.

Don't miss the zone with small snowmen at the 5-chome site!

The snow festival at night has a more magical atmosphere and many highlights. However, it's important to be more careful than during the day, as it gets dark, making it harder to see your footing, and the drop in temperature often causes the ground to freeze and become even more slippery. I witnessed several near-collisions between people walking and those crouching down to take photos in relatively dark areas like around the citizen's snow sculptures and in the zone with the small snowmen at the 5-chome site.

The citizen's snow sculptures at the 2-chome site are popular to photograph with the Sapporo TV Tower

Also, be aware that it gets significantly colder after sunset. You're especially likely to feel the chill when you're standing still, such as while waiting for a projection mapping show. Be sure to prepare warm clothing like a heavy coat, gloves, and earmuffs. Warming up with hot food and drinks sold at the venue is also a good idea.

Furthermore, using an umbrella in the crowded venue is dangerous. Even if it's snowing, it's better to have a hat or a hooded jacket instead of an umbrella. Please watch your step and stay warm while enjoying the snow festival at night.