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Sapporo White Illumination

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Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo city is transformed into a magical space of light during this major winter illumination event.

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Supervised by :  Sapporo Tourist Association

The “Sapporo White Illumination” began in 1981 as an event to brighten Sapporo’s winter nights. Elaborate illuminations are held at six venues, enveloping the entire city in a fantastical atmosphere.

The highlight of the main Odori venue in 2026 is the newly introduced "Wonder Streams - Fountain of Light." Visitors can walk through dynamic waves of light that seem to spring from the earth, immersing themselves in a magical world where they can not only admire the lights but also feel, interact with, and become part of them. Each area features its own distinctive illuminated installations, including "Cosmic Square," an interactive plaza inspired by stars and the universe, offering hands-on experiences centered around interactive features, and "Snow Fantasia," where visitors can stroll through a corridor inspired by snowflakes. The Ekimae-dori, Minami 1-jo-dori, and Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza venues feature street trees adorned with sparkling illuminations. The Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza venue offers photo-worthy light installations, while the newly added Red Brick Government Office Building and Nakajima Park venues are also well worth a visit, each offering its own unique attractions.

This year, the Munich Christmas Market will once again be held in Odori Park West 1-chome and West 2-chome alongside the illuminations.
In addition to selling authentic Christmas goods, visitors can enjoy hot wine, German beer, chicken, sausages, and other foods to warm up the chilled body.

Highlights

  • A Sapporo winter tradition that began in 1981.
  • Illuminations are held at six venues throughout the city, in addition to the main Odori venue.
  • Unique symbol objects installed in each area of the Odori venue are a must-see.
  • The illuminations become even more fantastical when snow accumulates.
  • During the event, the Munich Christmas Market will also be held in Odori Park West 1-chome and West 2-chome.

Photos

  • Ekimae-dori Venue

    Ekimae-dori Venue

  • Odori Venue, 3-chome: New Light Installation "Wonder Streams"

    Odori Venue, 3-chome: New Light Installation "Wonder Streams"

  • Nakajima Park Venue (ENESS《SNOWFISH》)

    Nakajima Park Venue (ENESS《SNOWFISH》)

  • The Munich Christmas Market takes place at Odori West 2-chome.

    The Munich Christmas Market takes place at Odori West 2-chome.

  • The Akapla venue is decorated along the ginkgo tree-lined street.

    The Akapla venue is decorated along the ginkgo tree-lined street.

  • Winter in Sapporo turns into a fantastical space.

    Winter in Sapporo turns into a fantastical space.

  • Red Brick Government Office Building Venue

    Red Brick Government Office Building Venue

  • Minami 1-jo-dori Venue

    Minami 1-jo-dori Venue

  • Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza Venue

    Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza Venue

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    I happened to learn online that the Sapporo White Illumination is held in downtown Sapporo every Christmas season. Last year marked its 45th edition, so during my winter trip, I followed the map and visited several of the main venues.
    Each venue featured works with a different theme. The dazzling lights decorated Sapporo's winter nights, and together with the blanket of white snow, they added even more of a northern charm. Despite the frigid air, the sparkling lights gave the whole city a sense of warmth and romance.

    People walked along the streets in twos and threes. Undeterred by the cold wind and bundled up in thick coats, they stopped with friends and family to admire the beautiful scenery before them. Some quietly took in the atmosphere of the winter night, while others picked up their cameras and kept pressing the shutter, trying to preserve this rare and beautiful sight forever. I also spent an unforgettable Christmas here.

  • Alex Wu
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    The Odori venue is filled with all kinds of artistic light installations, sparkling and lively! 👍

Details

Name in Japanese
さっぽろホワイトイルミネーション
Postal Code
060-0042
Address
Odori Nishi 1-chome to 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido (Odori Venue and Munich Christmas Market), and other locations
Telephone
011-281-6400
Event Date
November 20, 2026 - March 14, 2027 *Varies by venue
Access
1 minutes on foot from Subway lines Odori station (Odori venue)
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa