A guide to enjoying the 39th Sapporo White Illumination, from highlights to crowds

Create memories with your loved one! "Love Tree" Odori 1-chome venue

~Highlights of Sapporo White Illumination 1~

The theme of the venue is "LOVE". The large red Ezo pine tree in the center of the venue will be decorated with electric lights in the shape of a heart, creating a "Love Tree", and there will also be a heart-shaped photo spot. Also, be sure to check out the "Sapporo TV Tower" which will be lit up in a special way that is different from usual. It will be a wonderful memory to share with your loved one.

"The collaboration between the illuminations and the TV tower is very eye-catching. I recommend taking photos at the heart-shaped photo spot with the TV tower in the background." (Sato Yumema, same below)

The German-style "Munich Christmas Market" at Odori 2-chome

~Highlights of Sapporo White Illumination 2~

This is a joint project with the "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo," which has been held since 2002 as a result of the sister city affiliation between Munich, Germany. There will be a row of stalls selling mulled wine, German cuisine, Christmas goods, and more. In the center of the venue, there will be a large object called "Gift of Snow" based on the traditional German Christmas object "Christmas Pyramid." It will add a solemn Christmas touch to the event.

"The attraction is that you can experience the atmosphere of a real German Christmas market while in Sapporo. Also noteworthy are the large ornaments that were newly installed last year."

Lilac flowers bloom at the Blooming Fountain in Odori 3-chome

~Highlights of Sapporo White Illumination 3~

The fountain in the center of the venue is decorated with a large object with a lilac flower motif, which is the tree of Sapporo. The flowers and the changing seasons are expressed through light, sound, and other effects. Just looking at the gently shining illuminations makes you feel happy. There is also a photo spot with a lilac motif.

"The lilac-themed illuminations, which were newly introduced last year, represent the essence of Sapporo. The dynamic presentation, with its changing light hues, will have you losing track of time as you gaze upon it."

The glittering and photogenic "Jewelry Palace" Odori 4-chome venue

~Highlights of Sapporo White Illumination 4~

The central fountain is surrounded by illuminations, and the diamond-themed palace of light, the "Jewelry Palace." In addition to welcoming you to the tunnel of light with its dazzling illuminations, there is also a photo spot along the way where you can take photos with the "Sapporo TV Tower" in the background. Please enjoy a wonderful time surrounded by glittering lights.

"It's one of the most glamorous and photogenic venues in the event. This year, we're also planning to use "gobo lighting" to project light onto the ground."

"Twinkle Garden" where you can take a break and enjoy the view at Odori 5-chome venue

〜5 highlights of Sapporo White Illumination〜

In addition to the installation of a symbolic tree and large objects, the area is also popular for its garden-style photo spot. There is also a rest area where you can enjoy hot drinks and light meals, so you can take a break while watching the illuminations.

"You can purchase things like mulled wine and chocolate drinks. It gets cold when you walk around at night, so please take breaks at reasonable intervals."

"Forest Circle" where you can have fun with your children at Odori 6-chome venue

6 Highlights of Sapporo White Illumination

The light maze in the venue, lined with large trees, looks like a forest illuminated by lights. It is an area with a slightly mysterious world view, yet a calm atmosphere.

"The Light Maze is a popular spot where you can enjoy both illuminations and attractions. Why not come with friends, family or children?"

And so much more! Numerous sparkling illuminations in the city center

~7 highlights of Sapporo White Illumination~

The "Ekimae-dori Site", where the trees in the median strip are illuminated from JR Sapporo Station to Susukino Station, is the main street that colors Sapporo in winter. In addition, the "Minamiichijo-dori Site", where the trees lining both sides of the north-south sidewalk of Minamiichijo-dori in the center of Sapporo are illuminated, adds a touch of brilliance to the streetscape, combined with the lights of department stores and fashion buildings.

"The 'Ekimae-dori Site' was an area that could not be decorated due to construction work on the underground walkway, but it was decorated in 2018 and a long illuminated street was connected. This is the first time in 12 years that this has happened. The 'Minamiichijo-dori Site' is held with the cooperation of the Minamiichijo District Development Project Promotion Council, and it is the longest-running site in the Odori area."

The Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) Venue is home to the oldest surviving ginkgo tree-lined street in Hokkaido. Color-changing illuminations and spotlights will decorate the street trees, brightening up the view of the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (red brick building). The Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza Venue will also feature electric lights on the platform facing the JR Tower exterior and a 10m-tall design tree, brightening up the gateway to Sapporo and captivating visitors.

"Both venues have been open since 2017. The Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla) Venue showcases the beautiful scenery that symbolizes Sapporo even more vividly. The Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza Venue is also attractive for its easy access."

The history of "Sapporo White Illumination", beloved for nearly 40 years

"Sapporo White Illumination" began in 1981 with a single light pole with 1,048 light bulbs. Since then, it has grown in scale with each passing event, and a variety of objects have been added.

"It is said to be the origin of large-scale illuminations in Japan. Since the 35th event (in 2015), the scale has been further expanded, and a major renewal was carried out over a period of three years. The number of light bulbs at the venue has been significantly increased, making it even more spectacular."

This major winter event, recognized by the Night View Convention Bureau as one of the "Three Greatest Illuminations in Japan," expanded to five locations in the city in 2018. The number of light bulbs used has grown to as much as 830,000.

What time is it? How to see it? Tips for enjoying the illuminations to the fullest

Illuminations have now become firmly established as an early winter event leading up to the Sapporo Snow Festival, but how should you enjoy them?

"Each venue has a photogenic display and photo spots set up, so we hope you will enjoy taking commemorative photos. It is also a popular date spot during the Christmas season. The lighting hours will be extended until midnight, so you can enjoy looking at the lights at your leisure."

Furthermore, the theme color and composition change every year, so you can enjoy it with a fresh feeling even if you visit every year. By the way, they are looking for people to light up the illuminations on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the event period, and the winners will be given the right to press the light switch. If you're going to visit, it might be worth giving it a try.

"It's rare to have the opportunity to light up the illuminations yourself, so I'm sure it will be a wonderful memory. For more details, please see the official website."

Besides just walking around each venue, there are apparently many hidden spots where you can enjoy the illuminations.

"One of the attractions of the illuminations is that they can be enjoyed from both close up and far away. The view of the venue from the Sapporo TV Tower is very beautiful. There are also places in the surrounding area where you can eat and drink while taking in the view. You can enjoy them from a different perspective, and at the same time, you can also get a feel for the scale of the venue."

Don't worry about crowds. Create memories at this easy-to-enjoy event.

The Sapporo White Illumination is held in early winter and has become a seasonal winter event that connects the festival to the Sapporo Snow Festival. The romantic scenery created by the combination of snow and illumination is definitely worth a visit. Each venue has its own unique characteristics, and there are plenty of spots that you'll want to post on social media. What's more, all venues are free to view, which is a plus.

"By the way, you don't have to worry about crowds. The waiting time for the photo spots is about 10 minutes even on the weekends."

Although it is a large-scale event, it is also easy to visit, which is a plus point. If you are visiting Sapporo, please stop by. It is sure to leave you with vivid memories of your winter in Hokkaido.