Sapporo White Illumination 2022: Cultural Adventure

A lot of Filipinos living in Japan would probably say that Christmas in the country is probably the loneliest time of the year. Generally, Christmas isn’t celebrated here and it is more of a one-day commercial event. Regardless, there are some places where the Christmas spirit can still be felt. One such place is Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Sapporo White Illumination
Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination details

Sapporo White Illumination is an enchanting annual winter spectacle that graces various locales throughout Sapporo City. Originating in 1981, this tradition of seasonal brilliance illuminates the cityscape with an array of captivating artworks in Odori Park, while radiant lights bedeck the trees along Ekimae-dori and Minami 1-jo dori. For a truly immersive holiday experience, don't miss the German Christmas Market nestled in Odori Park's 2 chome.

Photos of Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination


Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo White Illumination

Sapporo City (札幌市) introduced its first German-style Christmas Market in 2002, inspired by its sister city, Munich. This market, held annually until Christmas, offers an authentic taste of the season with its diverse array of stalls featuring traditional food, beverages, crafts, and ornaments. Visitors revel in the festive ambiance, complemented by the charming winter illumination and classic Christmas decorations.

These events typically occur at the following locations and times:

Odori Park: 3rd week of November to 2nd week of March

Sapporo Station Ekimaedori: 3rd week of November to 2nd week of February

Minami 1-jo dori: 3rd week of November to 2nd week of March

Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla): 3rd week of November to 2nd week of March

JR Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza: 3rd week of November to 2nd week of March

German Christmas Market in Sapporo: 3rd week of November to 2nd week of March

I had the pleasure of attending the 42nd Sapporo White Illumination on December 23, 2022, during my overnight stay in Sapporo City with my family en route to Osaka Prefecture for our winter vacation. It was my 417th day as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was my first time to experience the event, and it evoked the closest semblance of Christmas spirit since my arrival in Japan in 2021. Sadly, my wife and daughter weren't able to see it as they were both tired and chose to stay in our room in Sapporo Grand Hotel

The Backpack Adventures visits Odori Park for the Sapporo White Christmas
The Backpack Adventures visits Odori Park for the Sapporo White Christmas

As a fervent admirer of Japan's illumination events, I was thoroughly captivated by the transformation of Odori Park and other areas of Sapporo into a magical wonderland. I first experienced the Sapporo White Illumination last December 23, 2022. It was my 417th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. My visit here wasn't planned though as my family and I happened to be in Sapporo City for a night for our flight to Osaka the next day. I just saw the lights on our way to our hotel so I took the opportunity to take a late-night walk to check it out and I was happy I did. However, I wasn't able to fully enjoy the German Christmas Market as it was about to close when I arrived.  Hopefully, next year, I'll revisit it again. 

Why experience Sapporo White Illumination?

If you find yourself celebrating Christmas in Sapporo City, Hokkaido, consider yourself fortunate. This city boasts the exclusive "Christmas vibe" within the prefecture. While many areas typically experience the Christmas spirit only on the day itself, Sapporo City stands out with its extended celebration. From November through Christmas Day, various parts of the city host illumination events, some of which continue to sparkle until March.

Getting to The venues of Sapporo White Illumination:

 

From New Chitose Airport, ride the rapid airport train going to Sapporo Station. From there, most of the events can be reached on foot. You may also use the subway to go to different places like Odori Park and Minami 1 Jo-dori Avenue.

New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station:

Travel time: 47 minutes

Fare: 1,990 yen


Sapporo Station to Odori Park:

On Foot: 14 minutes

Subway: Namboku Line to Odori Station – 8 Minutes

Fare: 210 yen


Sapporo Station to Minami 1 Jo-dori Avenue:

On Foot: 25 minutes

Subway: Namboku Line to Odori Station – 8 minutes / Walk for 18 minutes to Minami 1 Jo-dori

Fare: 210 yen


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