Written by Greg Lane
This winter light-up takes is worth traveling for.
What happens?
First launched in 1981 with just 1,000 bulbs in Odōri Park, this is now one of Japan’s biggest light-up events.
Schedule 2025
The Sapporo White Illumination at Odōri Park runs from November 21 to December 25.
The Ekimae-dōri venue continues a little longer, from November 21, 2025 to February 11, 2026.
The displays at Minami 1-jō Street, Kita 3-jō Plaza (Akapla), and the Sapporo Station South Exit will stay up until March 14, 2026.
Alongside the lights, the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo takes place in Odōri Park (West 2-chome) from November 21 to December 25.
How to get there
Getting to Sapporo from Tokyo is easier than you might think. We have some tips on the journey here.
A long stretch of park headed by the Sappporo TV Tower, the main venue of Odori Park is close to Sapporo Station. While Nishi Hatchome Station is closer, it is only served by the Sapporo Shiden line.
Where to stay
Offering some of the best prices for clean, modern dorm spots, the Stay Sapporo Hostel has prices starting at under ¥2,000.
Part hostel and part hotel, Grids Sapporo is a popular spot offering bunks in dorms or smart hotel-like rooms – including very reasonable singles.
Close to Odori Park, the Sapporo View Hotel is in a great location with modern and surprisingly spacious rooms.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 330 m from Bus Center-Mae Station Tōzai Line (T10)
- 348 m from Ōdōri Station Namboku Line (N7)Tōzai Line (T9)Tōhō Line (H8)
- 0.6 km from Susukino Station Namboku Line (N8)
