Sapporo in February 2026: Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit

I've visited Sapporo in both summer and winter,

but if I were to go again, I think I'd choose winter.

From the urban snowscapes to the Snow Festival itself,

even though the flights were pricey, it was absolutely worth every penny.

Today, I'll share the charm of winter Sapporo as I experienced it firsthand,

tips on when to travel depending on whether you want to experience the Snow Festival,

and even some smart tips for comparing flight prices.

What's the Difference Between Sapporo in Summer and Winter?

When I visited in July,

Sapporo city was lush and green everywhere.

Just wandering aimlessly through the emerald parks and streets

was a pure delight.

Summer Otaru also left a lasting impression.

As the sun set, the streetlights reflected on the water,

creating an atmosphere completely different from daytime.

Sapporo Felt Like Winter Right From the City Center!

Upon arriving in winter Sapporo,

the first thing I truly felt was, of course, the sheer amount of snow.

Coming from a region where snow is a rare sight,

even just the deep snow that swallowed my feet felt magical.

You didn't even need to seek out special tourist spots;

these stunning scenes were waiting around every corner of the city.

I kept stopping during my walks,

compelled to take photos.

At night, the illuminations lit up,

transforming the atmosphere from daytime.

With the lights adding sparkle to the pristine white snow,

it felt completely different from my usual trips to Japan,

and I knew I'd made the right choice coming in winter.

Even the familiar Susukino district

looked entirely different under a blanket of snow.

Not needing to travel far

to fully immerse yourself in the winter wonderland vibe right in the city center—

that's the true charm of Sapporo.

Why Did I Visit in February, Despite the Higher Cost?

The reason I chose to visit in February

was none other than the Sapporo Snow Festival.

During the festival, flight prices can be quite steep,

and I deliberated several times before finally booking.

Ultimately, I paid a bit more,

but I have absolutely no regrets.

During the Snow Festival, you can witness massive sculptures

crafted entirely from snow.

From intricate buildings to charming animals and beloved anime characters,

there's so much joy in seeing them all.

Beyond the grand snow sculptures,

you can also admire illuminated ice sculptures.

They offered a completely different feel from the snow creations.

If you're already planning a trip to winter Sapporo

and want to enjoy a festival like this,

it's a fantastic idea to align your travel dates with the Snow Festival.

While the Snow Festival was incredible, the flight prices during that period were a real consideration for me.

However, if you're not particularly focused on the Snow Festival sculptures

but still want to experience Sapporo blanketed in snow,

late December or January can be great alternatives.

Flights during these times tend to be about ~$74 to ~$148 cheaper

than during the Snow Festival period!

Of course, prices vary depending on your departure date and airline,

so it's always a good idea to compare prices

by adjusting your travel dates by a few days.

​

Trip.com Flight Discount Code 3HAFLT3 ​ ✅ 3% (No minimum spend) ✅ Flight Departure Period: ~ December 31, 2027

Since the departure period extends until December 31 next year,

if you have travel plans,

apply the discount coupon and compare prices!

​

When you think of winter Sapporo,

the hot spring village of Jozankei is also a popular destination.

It's about an hour's drive from downtown Sapporo,

so it was perfect for a day trip while exploring the city.

Exploring the snow-covered hot spring village

and enjoying a warm hot spring bath,

it was a place that truly suited winter.

​

​

As night falls, the hotels nestled along the valley

begin to light up one by one,

and personally, I found Jozankei incredibly beautiful.

If you'd be disappointed just seeing the city,

it might be a good idea to include Jozankei as well.

​

​

And when it comes to winter Sapporo,

Biei is a popular nearby destination for excursions.

You can go by rental car or taxi,

but I opted for a bus tour, so I didn't have to drive.

​

The Shirahige Waterfall, which was included in the bus tour itinerary.

In winter, icicles form around the waterfall,

and the water below is a beautiful blue,

presenting a completely different scene from the snowfields.

Reasons to Recommend Sapporo as a Winter International Travel Destination

Summer was great too, but if I had to choose just one,

it would definitely be winter Sapporo.

I also agonized over flight prices for a long time,

but after going, I never felt it was a waste of money.

If the Snow Festival isn't your primary objective,

try comparing prices for late December or January as well.

For departures in January and February, you need to start preparing now!

▼ Get a flight discount and check prices now ▼