Shiroi Koibito Park Winter Illuminations Guide Sapporo 2026

Sapporo transforms into a magical winter wonderland every year. Shiroi Koibito Park is a major highlight of this season. Millions of lights decorate the factory grounds during the annual winter event. This guide covers everything you need to know for your 2026 visit. You can find more trip ideas in our Sapporo winter travel guide 2026.

Shiroi Koibito translates to White Lovers in English. This name refers to the famous chocolate cookies made here. The park belongs to Ishiya, a famous Hokkaido chocolate company. During winter, the courtyard becomes a stunning sea of colorful LED lights. It is a perfect destination for families, couples, and photography lovers. The atmosphere is truly romantic under the falling snow.

2026 Illuminations Dates and Hours

For the most up-to-date details, check Sapporo travel info before you go.

To plan your trip, review Sapporo travel info.

The 2026 winter illumination event usually begins in mid-November. It typically runs until the end of March. Lights turn on daily at four o'clock in the afternoon. The display remains active until the park closes at seven o'clock. Plan to arrive early to see the transition from day to night.

Weekends and holidays are often the busiest times at the park. Local families enjoy visiting the light displays on Saturday evenings. For a quieter experience, try visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The crowds are much smaller during the middle of the week. This allows you to take photos without many people in the background.

Check the weather forecast before you depart for the factory. Heavy snow can sometimes affect visibility and travel times. Clear nights offer the best views of the sparkling LED installations. Light snow actually adds to the beauty of the display. It creates a soft glow around every single light bulb.

The park is located at 2-chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2-jo, Nishi-ku. This location is very easy to reach from central Sapporo. Most guests spend about two hours exploring the outdoor garden. This provides enough time to see every light installation thoroughly. You can combine this with other day trips from Sapporo winter options easily.

Ticket Prices and Booking Tips

Entering the outdoor illumination area requires a small admission fee. For 2026, adult tickets cost approximately 800 yen per person. Children aged four to fifteen can enter for 400 yen. Children under the age of three enter the park for free. These prices cover access to the illuminated courtyard and garden.

You can purchase tickets at the entrance gate upon arrival. However, online booking is recommended for peak season visits. Digital tickets allow you to skip the long ticket lines. You can simply show your QR code at the gate. This saves valuable time during the cold winter evenings.

The factory tour requires a separate ticket from the illumination. A premium ticket covers both the tour and the garden access. These combo tickets usually cost about 1,500 yen for adults. The tour includes the chocolate production line and various exhibits. It is a great indoor activity if you need a break from the cold.

Group discounts are available for parties of twenty people or more. Always carry some cash for small snack stalls in the garden. Some vendors may not accept international credit cards for small purchases. The ticket office usually accepts major cards like Visa and Mastercard. Keep your physical ticket handy if you plan to re-enter the garden.

Top Photo Spots in the Park

The Tudor House is the most iconic backdrop for photos. Its European architecture looks stunning when covered in festive lights. Position yourself in the center of the garden for a wide shot. This angle captures the building and the glowing trees together. It is the most popular spot for professional photographers.

Look for the heart-shaped light installations across the main pathway. These spots are specially designed for couples and friends. They feature a platform where you can stand for a perfect frame. You may need to wait in a short line for these spots. The wait is worth it for a high-quality souvenir photo.

The central clock tower provides another fantastic photo opportunity. Every hour, mechanical dolls emerge for a short musical parade. The tower lights up in sync with the festive music. Try to record a short video of this performance for social media. It is a charming tradition that delights visitors of all ages.

Walk to the second-floor balcony for a higher perspective of the park. From here, you can see the entire layout of the lights. The patterns on the ground are much clearer from this height. Use a tripod or a steady hand for clear night shots. The reflections on the snow create a unique and messy glow.

Preparing for the Cold Weather

Winter temperatures in Sapporo often drop well below freezing. The park is very open and can get quite windy. You will likely be standing outside for over an hour. It is essential to dress in multiple warm layers for comfort. Check our guide on winter clothing for Sapporo for more advice.

Wear a high-quality thermal base layer under your regular clothes. A down jacket is the best choice for protecting against the wind. Don't forget to wear a warm hat that covers your ears. Heat escapes quickly from your head in the cold Hokkaido air. Thick socks and waterproof boots are also highly recommended.

The ground in the park can become very icy and slippery. Many locals wear detachable ice cleats on their winter shoes. These provide extra grip on the packed snow and frozen paths. Walk slowly and carefully when moving between the different light displays. Falling on the ice is a common traveler pain point.

Hand warmers, or kairo, are available at most Japanese convenience stores. These small heat pads stay warm for several hours. Place them inside your pockets or your winter gloves. They are inexpensive and provide great relief during the outdoor event. You can also find them at the park gift shop.

Food and Dining at the Park

Visit the Chocolate Lounge for a variety of sweet treats. They offer a famous hot chocolate drink that is perfect for winter. The rich cocoa is made using the factory's own chocolate. It is served in beautiful ceramic cups at a cozy temperature. This is a great way to warm up after exploring.

The Ishiya Cafe serves original soft-serve ice cream all year. Many people enjoy eating cold ice cream in the snow. The flavor is exceptionally creamy and use local Hokkaido milk. You can also try a Shiroi Koibito parfait with various toppings. These desserts are as beautiful as they are tasty.

Savory options are also available at the onsite restaurant. They serve hot curry and pasta dishes for a full meal. Prices for main courses range from 1,200 to 1,800 yen. The restaurant windows offer a view of the illuminated garden area. It is a popular spot for a romantic dinner during the event.

Don't leave without visiting the large tax-free gift shop. You can buy the signature cookies in decorative winter tins. They make excellent gifts for your friends and family at home. You can also find park-exclusive stationery and plush toys. Most items are packaged beautifully to represent the winter season.

How to Get to Shiroi Koibito Park

The easiest way to reach the park is by subway. Take the Tozai Line from Odori Station in central Sapporo. Ride the train toward the west until Miyanosawa Station. This is the final stop on the Tozai Line. The train ride takes about fifteen minutes from downtown.

Exit the station through exit number four or five. Look for the colorful signs pointing toward Shiroi Koibito Park. The walk from the station takes about seven minutes. The path is well-paved and easy to navigate for most people. Follow the crowds as many people head to the same spot.

You can also take a taxi from the city center. A taxi ride takes about twenty-five to thirty minutes. This option is more expensive than the subway system. Expect to pay around 3,000 yen for a one-way trip. Taxis are convenient if you are traveling with heavy bags.

Buses also run from the Sapporo Station bus terminal. Look for buses heading toward the Otaru area or Teine. Ask the driver to stop at the Shiroi Koibito Park stop. The bus stop is located directly in front of the factory. This is a good alternative to the subway for some travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shiroi Koibito Park offers an unforgettable winter experience in Sapporo. The 2026 illuminations are a must-see for every traveler in Japan. Remember to dress warmly for the freezing Hokkaido evening temperatures. Buy your tickets in advance to save time at the gate. We hope this Shiroi Koibito Park winter illuminations guide Sapporo helps your planning. Have a wonderful time exploring this magical chocolate factory garden.

Key Takeaways

• Arrive around 4:00 PM to see the transition during blue hour.
• Dress in multiple thermal layers and wear waterproof boots.
• Book your tickets online to avoid long lines in the cold.
• Try the signature hot chocolate at the park's cafe.
• Use the Tozai Subway line for the quickest travel from the city.

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