If you are in Sapporo between November – December, make sure to also visit the White Illumination Light Show and German Christmas Market held in Odori Park! There is no entrance fee, so anyone can come and see the event for free! The event is held outside, stretching within Odori Park, so make sure to wear enough to protect yourself from the cold weather! 

Sapporo White Illumination

We first proceeded to exit which is the closest to Sapporo TV Tower, the east part of Odori Park. We arrived around 4:15 pm and we actually waited for the light up which starts at exactly 4:30 pm. Once the lights were turned on, Odori Park turned into a magical place with a lot of beautiful illumination!

Sapporo White Illumination: Light Tunnel

We then proceeded to the west part of the Park, and on the way, we saw light tunnel, which is one of the most famous main attraction of this illumination show. Make sure you take a lot of pictures inside this light tunnel!

Sapporo White Illumination: the Previous Year

To be honest, we felt that the light show this year is smaller compared to the previous year. Maybe because it has something to do with less Chinese tourists coming to Japan due to political tension. Here are some pictures of the illumination show from the previous year.

Sapporo German Christmas Market

Do you want to know how it feels to go to a European-style Christmas Market in Japan? Then you should also visit Christmas Market event in Odori Park! Some of the vendors sell not only authentic European style foods and beverages like Waffles, hot wines, and hot beer (yes, HOT BEER!), but also some hand-made products! There is also a heated rest area in which you can enter to get temporary shelter from the cold. 

Here is a video from my last visit to Sapporo White Illumination from November 2025.