Sapporo Snow Festival 2027

The Sapporo Snow Festival 2027 is one of Japan's biggest winter events. It takes place in Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido, from 4 to 11 February 2027, with giant snow and ice sculptures at three sites: Odori Park, Susukino and Tsudome. It is for families, couples, photographers and groups who want a winter holiday in Japan.

About the Sapporo Snow Festival

According to Sapporo's official tourism website, the festival began in 1950 with six snow sculptures made by local junior and high school students. Today it is the largest winter event in Sapporo, and the official site says it attracts more than two million visitors from Japan and abroad every year.

The festival has three sites, each with a different character:

• Odori Site: snow sculptures of many sizes along a 1.5 km stretch of Odori Park, from 1-chome to 12-chome. The sculptures are lit up from sunset to 10:00pm. The International Snow Sculpture Contest is held at 11-chome, where visitors can watch teams from around the world at work.
• Susukino Site: an ice sculpture contest, illuminated ice sculptures and an ice bar in Sapporo's entertainment district.
• Tsudome Site: a family site with a giant snow slide and indoor and outdoor activities for enjoying the snow.

Sapporo Snow Festival 2027 dates and venue

• Dates: 4 to 11 February 2027
• Sites: Odori Park, Susukino (main street from Minami 4-jo to Minami 7-jo) and Community Dome Tsudome (Higashi-ku)
• City: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
• Organiser: Sapporo Snow Festival Executive Committee

The official tourism website lists the 2027 dates as February 4 – 11, 2027. Opening hours can differ between sites. Check the official Sapporo Snow Festival page for the latest site information.

How to get to Sapporo for the Sapporo Snow Festival

The main airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS), which serves Sapporo with international and domestic flights. Many international travellers fly into Tokyo and take a domestic flight to New Chitose.

From New Chitose, the JR train reaches Sapporo Station directly. In the city, the subway connects Sapporo Station, Odori and Susukino, and there are buses to Tsudome. For a trip to Sapporo for the Sapporo Snow Festival, remind clients to bring warm clothing and shoes with good grip for icy streets. Check the official entry requirements for Japan for each traveller.

Where to stay

The best areas are around Odori, Sapporo Station and Susukino. They are close to two of the festival sites and have good subway links. Susukino is also known for its restaurants and nightlife.

Sapporo hotels fill quickly during the festival, so book early, especially for groups that need several rooms. Secure domestic flight seats early too.

Planning a group trip to the Sapporo Snow Festival

A group tour to the Sapporo Snow Festival works well as part of a wider Hokkaido winter trip. Tips for a Sapporo Snow Festival travel package:

• Entry: the main outdoor sites are public spaces. Check the official site for any paid attractions.
• Package content: flights, hotel nights, airport rail or coach transfers, a guided evening walk to see the illuminated sculptures and winter clothing advice.
• Extensions: combine Sapporo with Otaru, a ski resort or a hot-spring (onsen) stay elsewhere in Hokkaido.
• Weather: February is very cold and snowy. Build flexible time into itineraries in case of weather delays.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2027?

The Sapporo Snow Festival 2027 runs from 4 to 11 February 2027, according to Sapporo's official tourism website.

Where is the Sapporo Snow Festival held?

The festival is held at three sites in Sapporo, Japan: Odori Park, the Susukino area and Community Dome Tsudome in Higashi-ku.

Do I need tickets for the Sapporo Snow Festival?

The main outdoor sites are public spaces in the city. Some attractions may have a charge, so check the official festival information for each site.

What is the nearest airport to Sapporo?

The nearest major airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS). A direct JR train links the airport to Sapporo Station in the city centre.

Is the Sapporo Snow Festival open to the public?

Yes. The festival is open to the public, and the official tourism website says it welcomes more than two million visitors from Japan and abroad every year.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Sapporo Snow Festival 2027 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.