Quick Answer
The 77th Sapporo Snow Festival takes place from February 4 to 11, 2027 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The main sites are Odori Park, with large snow and ice sculptures, and Susukino, known for its ice sculptures. The Tsudome site runs on a shorter schedule that will be confirmed closer to the event.
When
Feb 4 – 11, 2027
Where
Odori Park, Susukino and Tsudome, central and eastern Sapporo
Est. Daily Budget
¥20,000–¥35,000 (mid-range)
When to Book
Sapporo hotels fill quickly for festival week and prices rise sharply. Book accommodation and flights to New Chitose Airport as early as possible. The detailed sculpture programme is usually announced from mid-December.
Every February, central Sapporo fills with enormous snow and ice sculptures for the Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri), one of Japan's best-known winter events. The 77th festival runs from February 4 to 11, 2027. Entry to the festival sites is free, and the sculptures are lit up in the evenings.
The Three Festival Sites
| Site | What to See | 2027 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Odori Park | Large snow sculptures, smaller citizens' sculptures, evening light displays | Feb 4 – 11 |
| Susukino | Ice sculptures in Sapporo's entertainment district, lit at night | Feb 4 – 11 |
| Tsudome | Snow slides and family activities | Shorter schedule, to be confirmed |
The organisers say the detailed 2027 programme, including the themes of the large sculptures, will be published from around mid-December 2026. Check the official site before you travel.
A Short History
The festival began in 1950, when local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. It grew steadily over the following decades and drew international attention after Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. Today the large sculptures are built by teams including Japan's Self-Defense Forces, and an international snow sculpture contest is held as part of the event.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit Odori Park twice: in daylight to see the detail, and after dark when the sculptures are lit.
- Go early in the festival week; sculptures can soften or be damaged by weather towards the end.
- Wear warm, waterproof layers and boots with good grip — pavements are icy and February temperatures in Sapporo are usually below freezing.
- Odori and Susukino are both on the Sapporo subway and within walking distance of each other.
- Combine the trip with Otaru, a short train ride away, which holds its own snow-light festival in February.
Getting There
New Chitose Airport, the main airport for Sapporo, has frequent domestic flights from Tokyo and other Japanese cities, plus international routes. JR rapid trains connect the airport with Sapporo Station in around 40 minutes.
Booking tip: Festival week is one of Sapporo's busiest periods of the year. If central hotels are sold out or very expensive, consider staying in Otaru or near a subway line further from the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2027?
February 4 to 11, 2027 at Odori Park and Susukino. The Tsudome site runs on a shorter schedule, which will be confirmed closer to the event.
Is the Sapporo Snow Festival free?
Yes. Entry to the festival sites is free.
How cold is Sapporo in February?
Sapporo is usually below freezing in February, especially in the evenings, with frequent snow. Dress in warm layers and wear boots with good grip.
Fact-Checking & Sources
Status: PARTIALLY CONFIRMED · Last verified against the sources below on 2026-10-16. Event dates, venues, and pricing can change — always confirm critical details on the official event website before booking non-refundable travel.
- Official SourceSapporo Snow Festival — Official Site
- Authoritative Sourcejapan-guide.com — Sapporo Snow Festival 2027
- Authoritative SourceJapan Cheapo — Sapporo Snow Festival 2027
