Sapporo Snow Festival: Japan’s Winter Wonderland
- torinaga11
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
The Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり, Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is one of Japan’s most spectacular winter events, attracting millions of visitors each year. Held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, this annual festival transforms the city into a breathtaking winter wonderland with massive snow and ice sculptures, illuminated displays, and cultural performances.
Whether you’re a winter lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a unique travel experience, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a must-visit event in Japan. In this guide, we’ll explore its history, main attractions, event highlights, and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit!
History of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950, when local high school students built a few snow sculptures in Odori Park. Over the years, the festival grew into a world-famous winter event, attracting international participants and visitors from all over the globe.
Today, the festival features hundreds of elaborate snow and ice sculptures, some as tall as buildings, showcasing famous landmarks, anime characters, and historical figures.
Main Attractions of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The festival takes place across three main sites, each offering a unique experience.
1. Odori Park Site (大通会場) – The Heart of the Festival
Located in central Sapporo, Odori Park is the main festival venue, stretching 1.5 km and featuring massive snow sculptures, including famous landmarks, pop culture figures, and even interactive displays. At night, these sculptures are illuminated, creating a magical winter atmosphere.
2. Susukino Site (すすきの会場) – The Ice World
The Susukino district, Sapporo’s famous entertainment area, hosts intricately carved ice sculptures that sparkle under neon lights. Some sculptures even allow visitors to touch and interact with them, and there’s an Ice Bar where you can enjoy warm drinks in an ice-carved setting.
3. Tsudome Site (つどーむ会場) – Family-Friendly Fun
Located slightly outside the city center, the Tsudome Site is perfect for families and kids. This area offers snow slides, tubing, snow rafting, and interactive snow play areas. It's a great spot for outdoor winter activities beyond just sightseeing.
Event Highlights and Activities
1. Giant Snow and Ice Sculptures
The festival is famous for its massive, detailed snow sculptures, depicting famous landmarks, anime characters, and historical figures. Some of the most impressive past sculptures include recreations of Tokyo Station, Star Wars characters, and even world heritage sites like Angkor Wat.
2. Snow and Light Illumination
At night, the snow sculptures are beautifully lit with LED lights and projection mapping, creating a magical winter ambiance.
3. Snow and Ice Competitions
The festival also hosts an International Snow Sculpture Contest, where teams from around the world compete to create stunning sculptures.
4. Winter Activities
At the Tsudome Site, visitors can enjoy snow slides, ice skating, and snow rafting, making it a great spot for families and adventure seekers.
5. Local Hokkaido Food Stalls
The festival is also a paradise for food lovers! Try local specialties like:
Hokkaido ramen – Warm, flavorful miso ramen, perfect for winter.
Jingisukan (Genghis Khan BBQ) – Grilled lamb, a Hokkaido specialty.
Yubari Melon desserts – Sweet treats made from Japan’s famous melons.
Fresh seafood – Enjoy Hokkaido’s famous crab, scallops, and sushi.
Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
When is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The festival is usually held in early February, lasting for about a week. The next festival dates can be checked on the official event website.
How to Get to Sapporo
By Air: The fastest way to reach Sapporo is by flying into New Chitose Airport (CTS) from Tokyo, Osaka, or other major cities.
By Train: The Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Hakodate, followed by an express train to Sapporo, offers a scenic winter journey.
Where to Stay
Book accommodations months in advance, as hotels fill up quickly. Popular options include:
Luxury: Sapporo Grand Hotel
Mid-Range: Hotel Mystays Sapporo
Budget: Capsule hotels and hostels
What to Wear
Sapporo in February is very cold, with temperatures often dropping below -5°C (23°F). Wear: Thermal layers Waterproof boots (streets can be icy) A warm coat, gloves, and hat
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most breathtaking winter events, featuring massive snow sculptures, ice displays, and exciting winter activities. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this festival offers a magical experience that combines art, culture, and winter fun.
Would you love to experience the Sapporo Snow Festival? Let us know in the comments!
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