Sapporo White Illumination 2025 to 2026

• November 21, 2025 at 4:30 pm
  Event date:
• March 14, 2026 at 10:00 pm
  Event end:

Join Sapporo’s iconic winter tradition—the 44th Sapporo White Illumination—where dazzling light installations transform multiple downtown locations into a glittering festive wonderland. This event has grown since its debut in 1981 to become one of Japan’s top seasonal attractions.

Event Dates by Location

• Odori Park (1–6 chōme): Nov 21 – Dec 25, 2025
• Sapporo Station Ekimae-dōri: Nov 21, 2025 – Feb 11, 2026
• Minami 1-jō Dōri: Nov 21, 2025 – Mar 14, 2026
• Kita 3-jō Plaza (Akapla): Nov 21, 2025 – Mar 14, 2026
• JR Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza: Nov 21, 2025 – Mar 14, 2026

Lighting Hours

• Standard: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Extended: Until midnight during Christmas week (Dec 23–25) at Odori Park, Ekimae-dōri, and Minami 1-jō Dōri
• South Exit Plaza: Stays lit until midnight every night

Locations & Highlights

Odori Park (Chōme 1–6)

• 1-chōme: “Wish Birds”
• 2-chōme: “Gift of Snow”
• 3-chōme: “Winter Blossoms”
• 4-chōme: “Snow Fantasia” – a snowflake tunnel
• 5-chōme: “Cosmic Square” – interactive sensor dome
• 6-chōme: “Emerald Forest” – a tribute to winter greenery

Additional Venues

• Ekimae-dōri: Boulevard lined with gold and white illuminated trees
• Minami 1-jō Dōri: Stylish avenue with contemporary lighting installations
• Kita 3-jō Plaza (Akapla) and JR South Exit Plaza: Feature seasonal artwork, sound, and light shows
• Munich Christmas Market (Odori 2-chōme): A festive market with German-style stalls, food, and gifts (Nov 21–Dec 25)

Admission

• Free entry at all locations
• No advance booking or tickets required

Access & Transport

• Nearest stations: Ōdōri Station, Sapporo Subway, JR Sapporo Station
• Bus Center-Mae: Another nearby transit option
• Parking: Unavailable in event zones—use public transport
• All venues are pedestrian-friendly and walkable

Amenities & Experience

• Food stalls: Not available within Odori Park, but found at the Munich Christmas Market
• Rest areas: None in illumination zones; temporary tents at the market can be used
• Photography: Allowed (tripods not permitted)
• Interactive attractions:
  • 4-chōme: Walkable “Light Tunnel”
  • 5-chōme: Dome with motion-triggered lights
  • 6-chōme: Maze of Light
• Photo services:
  • Free L-size photo card per group at 3-chōme
  • Optional 2L print with mount: ¥2,000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the lighting times?
A: Lights turn on around 4:30 PM and off at 10:00 PM. Select areas stay illuminated until midnight during Christmas week. The South Exit Plaza runs until midnight throughout the event period.

Q: Is there an opening ceremony?
A: Yes. Scheduled for Nov 21 at 4:30 PM in Odori Park’s 3-chōme in front of the “Winter Blossoms” display.

Q: Can I bring a tripod?
A: No. Tripods and monopods are not allowed. Handheld photography is welcome.

Q: Are there hands-on light displays?
A: Yes! Walk through tunnels, interact with lights triggered by sensors, and explore immersive installations.

Q: Is food available?
A: Food is not sold in Odori Park itself, but you can enjoy festive food and drinks at the Munich Christmas Market nearby.

Q: Are there heated rest areas or shelters?
A: No permanent indoor facilities. Temporary tents are available at the market area.

Q: Are there toilets onsite?
A: Public restrooms are located near parks and at transit stations nearby.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress warmly. Winter boots, gloves, scarves, and layers are strongly recommended due to cold weather and walking time.

Q: Are there crowds?
A: Yes, especially on weekends and holidays. For a more relaxed visit, come on a weekday evening right after the lights switch on.

Contact

Sapporo White Illumination Executive Committee
Sapporo Tourism Association
Hokkaido Economic Center 4F, Kita 1-jō Nishi 2-chōme, Chūō-ku, Sapporo 060-0001
Phone: 011-281-6400 (Weekdays, 8:45 AM–5:15 PM)
Website: sapporo.travel/white-illumination

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