"Sapporo White Illumination" is becoming a winter tradition in Sapporo.
White Illumination is one of Sapporo's most popular events, with many people eagerly anticipating it every year.

Now, everyone, did you know that Sapporo White Illumination was recognized as one of Japan's "Top Three Illuminations" at the "Night View Summit 2017 in Ashikaga," held this year by the Night View Tourism Convention & Bureau? This is another great achievement, following its selection as one of Japan's "New Top Three Night View Cities."

So, this time, I'd like to give you a brief overview of the highlights of the fascinating "Sapporo White Illumination"!
Information updated on October 25, 2018.

Table of contents
1. What is Sapporo White Illumination?
2. Highlights and ways to enjoy Sapporo White Illumination
3. Things to keep in mind when enjoying illuminations
4. Access to the venue
5. Conclusion

Sapporo White Illumination began in 56 as Japan's first illumination event.

The event will be held on the following dates in 2018-19.
Odori Venue: November 22nd (Thu) - December 25th (Tue), 2018
Station Front Street Venue: November 22, 2018 (Thu) - February 11, 2019 (Mon/Holiday)
Minami-Ichijo-dori venue: November 22, 2018 (Thu) - March 14, 2019 (Thu)
The lights are on from 16:30 to 22:00 (until 24:00 from December 23rd to 25th).
Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapura) Venue: November 22, 2018 (Thu) - March 14, 2019 (Thu)
Sapporo Station South Exit, Station Square Venue: November 22, 2018 (Thu) - March 14, 2019 (Thu)

New art installations have appeared at the Odori venue: the "Blooming Fountain" in Block 3 and the "Spark Fountain" in Block 4.

The venue will be,Odori (Odori West 1-5 chome), Ekimae-dori, Minami 1-jo-dori, Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapura) venue, Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza venue.
Let's take a look at the main venue, Odori Park.

A newly designed "LOVE Tree" has appeared in Block 1. See the photo here. The red lights are beautiful, and just looking at it is sure to make you feel happy.

In the second block , the previously installed illumination display themed around outer space will be replaced with a large Christmas tree! I'm looking forward to it.

Additionally, the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo will be held at this venue from November 22nd (Thursday) to December 25th (Tuesday), 2018. This event will allow you to experience the Christmas spirit in Sapporo. Please enjoy this as well.

The new sculpture , "Blooming Fountain," has made its debut in 3-chome . It's a sculpture inspired by the lilac flower, the official tree of Sapporo City. Here are some photos.

The venue also features "Sparkling Bridge" and "Crystal River."

In Block 4 , the "Spark Fountain," which features beautiful lights that change between blue and pink, has appeared. See the photos here.

Block 5 has opened a rest area called "Hot Square," where hot drinks and other items are sold. A tent has been set up there. Here are some photos.

The venue on Ekimae-dori is located between Kita 4-jo and Minami 4-jo , and the venue on Minami 1-jo is located between Minami 1-jo and Nishi 1-3 chome . The trees are decorated with LEDs and are shining beautifully.

Please note that the duration of the illuminations varies depending on the venue .

○ Odori venueThis is until December 25th (Tuesday).
○ Station Front Street VenueIt will be open until Monday, February 11, 2019 (the same day as the final day of the Sapporo Snow Festival).
○ South 1st Street venue, North 3rd Street Plaza (Akapla) venue, Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza venueThis offer is valid until Thursday, March 14, 2019.
The lights are on from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. (During the Christmas season, the lights will be on until midnight.)

As you walk around and enjoy the Sapporo White Illumination, we'll introduce some must-see points and spots where you can enjoy the venue from a different perspective.

First, at the 3rd Street venue, the "Sparkling Bridge" is set up between the "Crystal River" sections.
If you climb the stairs a little, you can get a fantastic view of the illuminations.

If it's crowded, you might have to wait a bit to get up to the glittering bridge, but I still recommend the view from this spot. Here are some photos.

Also, at the Love Tree in Block 1, I recommend taking a photo with the TV Tower in the background. Here's the photo.

I think it would be nice to step inside the arch-shaped white illumination and take a photo with the Love Tree.

While walking around each venue and admiring the illuminations is wonderful, I recommend Sapporo TV Tower as a spot where you can enjoy them from a different perspective.

It's a warm spot where you can get a panoramic view of the venue. You can clearly see the dazzling illuminations.

Next, I will introduce the event (※This information is from 2017).

At the Odori venue, you can experience the illumination lighting up for free .

It will be held daily from 4:30 PM until December 25th (Tuesday). To participate, you must apply in advance through the official Sapporo Tourism Association app on your smartphone (a lottery will be held if there are too many applicants).

Click here for application instructions.http://www.sta.or.jp/app/
I think being able to light up the illuminations with your own hands is a rare experience.
Why not apply as a way to create lasting memories of your trip?

Additionally, "TWINKLE NIGHTS" will be held at Odori West 1-4 chome.

It will be held three times in total, every hour starting at 6 PM. The event runs until December 25th (Friday). The venue will be darkened, and the event will see a sudden burst of light emanating from the pitch-black world.

On some days, temperatures can drop below freezing during the hours when the illuminations are lit up.

Thorough cold weather protection measures, such as wearing a scarf, gloves, and layering clothes, will be necessary.

It's also a good idea to carry disposable hand warmers with you. Even with all the necessary preparations, if you feel cold, it's recommended to take a break in a warm place, such as inside a building.

It would be a shame to get sick during your trip. Hot drinks are available at the 5th Street venue, so please enjoy the illuminations without overexerting yourself by having one of those.

There are paid parking lots around the venue, including Odori, Ekimae-dori, and Minami 1-jo-dori, but if you are not confident or familiar with driving on snowy roads, we recommend using public transportation.

If you are coming to the Odori/Minami 1-jo Dori venue, it is convenient to take the subway to Odori Station on the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, or Toho Line, or take the streetcar and get off at Nishi 4-chome.

If you walk towards Odori Park, you will arrive at the Odori venue. The Minami 1-jo venue is located on the street lined with Mitsukoshi, Parco, and Marui Imai.

The venue on Ekimae-dori Street will be the section from JR Sapporo Station to Susukino.

If you are coming by public transport, we recommend getting off at Sapporo Station on the Namboku Line or Toho Line, or at Odori Station on the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, or Toho Line, or Susukino Station on the Namboku Line.

The three venues—Odori, Minami 3-jo-dori, and Ekimae-dori—can be visited on foot.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from JR Sapporo Station to Odori Park. You can also take a walk through the venue on Ekimae-dori, passing by Kita 3-jo Plaza along the way, before heading to the Odori and Minami 1-jo venues.

So, what did you think? We've introduced the highlights and attractions of the Sapporo White Illumination.

The sparkling illuminations amidst the snow are magnificent. Dress warmly and come visit Sapporo, where the illuminations create a magical atmosphere.

Some of the images were kindly provided by the Sapporo White Illumination Executive Committee .

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  Five long-established mochi shops beloved by Hakodate residents [Nostalgic tastes of Hakodate]

• 

  Enjoy authentic pizza at the foot of Mt. Yotei! Try "DEL SOLE" in Niseko.

• 

  Enjoy the fantastical world of ice at the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival.

• 

  Knowing the history makes walking around even more enjoyable! The origins of the slopes in Hakodate's Motomachi area and 3 recommended cafes.

• 

  Five wonderful retro cafes that evoke the history of the port city of Hakodate

• 

  A breathtaking view! Cape Notoro is a must-see spot that's rapidly gaining popularity thanks to an airline commercial!

• 

  A recommendation for a "stopover" on the Hokkaido Shinkansen! Let's sightsee in Kikonai Town!

• 

  Perfect Guide to the Otaru Canal - Perfect for First-Timers!

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)