Since its inception in 1981, the "Sapporo White Illumination," now in its 43rd year in 2023, has decorated the winter nights of Sapporo with various themed illuminations at five venues, enveloping the entire city in a fantastical atmosphere.
The main Odori venue features unique symbol objects for each area, such as "Wish Birds" in front of the TV Tower adorned with wings, "Winter Blossoms" shaped after flowers associated with Hokkaido like lilacs and roses, and "Snow Fantasia," a corridor motif based on snow crystals that visitors can stroll through. Other venues such as the Ekimae-dori venue, Minami 1-jo-dori venue, and Kita 3-jo Plaza venue with their splendidly lit trees, and the Sapporo Station South Entrance Plaza venue with installations perfect for photo ops, are all worth visiting. As the season gets colder, the lights reflecting off the snow make it even more romantic.
Last year, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the sister city partnership between Sapporo and Munich, the "Munich Christmas Market" at Odori Park West 2-chome was held concurrently with the illumination event and will be featured again this year. 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
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A winter tradition in Sapporo since 1981, now in its 43rd year.
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Illuminations are held at five venues throughout the city, in addition to the main Odori venue.
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Unique symbol objects installed in each area of the Odori venue are a must-see.
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The illuminations become even more fantastical when snow accumulates.
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The "Munich Christmas Market" will also be held at Odori Park West 2-chome during the event period.
