Hokkaido

Hakodate International Art Festival to Hold Preview Edition in October 2027, Produced by GLAY’s TERU

A new art festival in Hakodate will make use of historic buildings to bring together art, music and food. After a three-day run at a single venue in 2027, the main edition in 2028 will last about a month and aims to draw around 150,000 visitors.

Lisa Larson Memorial Exhibition at Marui Imai in Sapporo from December 4; Tracing the Life of the Swedish Ceramicist

A memorial exhibition for Lisa Larson, the Swedish ceramicist and designer who died in 2024 at the age of 92, opens on December 4 at Marui Imai Sapporo Main Store. It follows the Tokyo venue at Matsuya Ginza in September and October.

2027 Sapporo Snow Festival Runs for Eight Days from February 4; 77th Edition at Odori, Tsudome and Susukino

The 77th Sapporo Snow Festival takes place from February 4 to 11, 2027, at three sites: Odori, Tsudome and Susukino. The Odori Site centers on five large snow sculptures, and 2-chome will be a venue for the Sapporo International Art Festival 2027.

Sapporo White Illumination 2026: Odori Venue from November 20; Dates and Lighting Hours for the 46th Edition

Sapporo’s winter light event, which began in 1981, marks its 46th edition. The Odori venue is lit from November 20 to December 25, while venues such as Ekimae-dori and Sapporo Station’s South Exit continue into 2027. New Red Brick Office and Nakajima Park venues also join.

Sapporo International Art Festival 2027, “PLANET SNOW,” Opens January 16 at 11 Venues Including the Snow Festival Site

The triennial Sapporo International Art Festival will be held from January 16 to February 21, 2027. Likening Sapporo to a single planet, it presents works at 11 venues, including Moerenuma Park, the Odori site of the Sapporo Snow Festival and an aquarium.