Festival · Sapporo (Hokkaido), Japan

Sapporo Snow Festival

Japan's biggest winter festival — hundreds of giant snow + ice sculptures across Sapporo

Yuki Matsuri is Japan's biggest winter festival — hundreds of giant snow + ice sculptures across 3 Sapporo sites (Odori Park, Susukino, Tsudome). Since 1950. 2M+ visitors over 7 days. Combined with the Sapporo Ski Festival (Niseko + Rusutsu). Book flights + hotels 6+ months ahead.

Upcoming dates

Next
2027
February 4-11 (Odori site)
Following year
2028
February 4-11 (annual pattern)

First week of February. Fixed 7-day period. Started 1950.

Duration
7 days
Crowd
2M+ visitors —
Budget/day
$150-350 (Sapporo hotels 2-3× normal rates)
Book ahead
6+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Winter travellers + families + photographers + ski + snowboard trippers
  • Book Sapporo hotels 6-9 months ahead — sells out
  • Book Chitose Airport (CTS) flights 4-6 months ahead
  • 3 sites: Odori Park (main sculptures), Susukino (ice sculptures), Tsudome (family activities)
  • Wear serious winter gear — Sapporo -10 to -5°C in February
  • Combine with Niseko skiing (2-3h drive) for the world's best powder snow
  • Snow sculptures illuminated at night 17:00-22:00 — best photography time

Book hotels for Sapporo Snow Festival 2027

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 6+ months ahead.

Frequently asked

When is Sapporo Snow Festival 2027?
February 4-11, 2027 (7 days). Odori Park main site runs full 7 days. Tsudome family site + Susukino ice sculptures overlap.
How do I get to Sapporo?
Fly Chitose (CTS) direct from Tokyo (1h 30m), Osaka (2h), Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong. From Chitose: JR train to Sapporo (37 min, ¥1,150).
Best day to visit Snow Festival?
Weekdays less crowded. Peak weekends February 6-7 are 5× more crowded. Evening illumination 17:00-22:00 is essential.
Can I combine Snow Festival with skiing?
Yes — Niseko (2h 30m drive), Rusutsu (1h 30m), Furano (2h). World's best powder snow. Combined 5-7 day trip.
What should I wear to Sapporo Snow Festival?
Full winter kit: down parka, waterproof boots, hat, gloves, thermal base layers. Sapporo -10 to -5°C daytime. Wind chill can drop -15°C.