Hidden Wonders | 'White Illumination' Dazzles Sapporo with 770,000 Lights

A winter wonderland unfolds at the annual Sapporo illumination, featuring stunning light displays, a flower sculpture, and a Christmas market at Odori Park.

The 44th Sapporo White Illumination event began on November 22.

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The 44th Sapporo White Illumination began on November 22, transforming Sapporo's winter cityscape into a dazzling display.

At around 4:45 PM, about 770,000 lights lit up venues across the city, including Odori Park in central Sapporo, delighting spectators who gathered for the annual event.

*The lights are particularly stunning in Sapporo's clear winter air.*

Glowing Sculptures

The main attraction at Odori Park is an 8-meter-tall (26-foot) sculpture inspired by lilac flowers. Glowing in alternating colors, it creates a magical bloom against the night sky. Other highlights include a snowflake-decorated tunnel and a sparkling Christmas tree.

*The flower sculpture rises above a field of lights.*

A visitor from Hyogo Prefecture expressed her awe, saying, "The clear air perfectly complements these flowers of light — it's absolutely beautiful."

German Christmas Market

The illumination at Odori Park runs until December 25, with lights on daily from 4:30 PM to 10 PM. From December 23 to 25, the lights stay on until midnight, adding extra sparkle to the Christmas season.

The park also hosts the Munich Christmas Market from November 22 to December 25.