[Sapporo Snow Festival] Enjoy giant snow sculptures and a fantastic winter festival!

What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a representative winter event in Japan, held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

It began in 1950 when local junior high school students created snow sculptures, and it has since grown into a world-renowned snow festival attracting over 2 million tourists from both Japan and abroad.

At this festival, you can enjoy the main venue lined with giant snow and ice sculptures, enchanting projection mapping shows, and snow activities.

Loved by many, it is an event where you can fully enjoy the charms of Hokkaido's winter.

Access and Transportation Information

Access by Plane

From Tokyo to New Chitose Airport: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by plane.
From Osaka to New Chitose Airport: About 2 hours by plane.
From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station: About 40 minutes by JR Rapid Airport train.

Access by Train and Bus

From Sapporo Station to Odori Venue: Get off at "Odori Station" on the Subway Namboku Line (about 5 minutes).
To Susukino Venue: Get off at "Susukino Station" on the Subway Namboku Line (about 7 minutes).
To Tsudome Venue: Get off at "Sakaemachi Station" on the Subway Toho Line, and take a free shuttle bus from there.

Access by Car

As traffic congestion and parking issues are common in Sapporo city, using public transportation is recommended.

Main Venues of the Sapporo Snow Festival

1. Odori Venue (Main Venue)

This is the central venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival, where giant snow and ice sculptures are lined up across Odori Park in Sapporo City.

At night, projection mapping is displayed, offering an enchanting show.

Every year, snow sculptures with different themes are created, including anime characters and historical buildings, with intricate designs becoming a topic of conversation.

Highlights:

Snow sculptures over 10 meters tall
Projection mapping and music performances
Ice sculpture contest by artists from Japan and abroad

2. Susukino Venue (Ice Sculpture Main)

The entertainment district of Susukino in Sapporo transforms into a world of ice.

Beautiful ice objects and illuminated ice sculptures line the area.

Highlights:

Exhibition of ice sculpture contest works
Enjoy special drinks at the ice bar
Enchanted atmosphere with night illuminations

3. Tsudome Venue (Family-Friendly)

This venue is packed with activities for both children and adults to enjoy.

In the vast snowy fields, you can experience snow tubing and snow mazes.

Highlights:

Snow slides (tube sliders)
Snowball fight area and snowmobile experience
A wide array of Hokkaido gourmet food stalls

How to Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival

1. Enjoy the Different Atmospheres Day and Night

During the day, you can admire the intricate designs of the snow sculptures, and at night, enjoy the enchanting light-ups and projection mapping.

The night show at the Odori Venue is particularly a must-see!

2. Taste Hokkaido Gourmet

Numerous food stalls line the venue, offering gourmet experiences unique to Hokkaido.

Sapporo Miso Ramen: Known for its rich soup and chewy noodles.
Jingisukan: Exquisite grilled lamb flavor.
Seafood Bowl: Lavish servings of fresh sea urchin, salmon roe, and scallops.
Hot Wine and Amazake: Classic drinks to warm you up in the cold.

3. Prepare for the Cold

In February, temperatures in Sapporo can drop below -10℃.

Wear a heavy coat or down jacket
Use gloves, a hat, and a scarf
Wear non-slip shoes (snowy paths can be very slippery)

The Charm of Sapporo Tourism by Season

Winter (December to February): Sapporo Snow Festival and Winter Sports

Besides the snow festival, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding
Warming up in hot spring areas (like Jozankei Onsen) is also recommended

Spring (March to May): Cherry Blossoms and Fresh Green Hokkaido

Cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park and Goryokaku are at their peak
Enjoy delicious spring vegetables and seafood from Hokkaido

Summer (June to August): Lavender and Scenic Drives

Lavender fields in Furano and Biei are in full bloom
Cool climate makes it perfect for outdoor activities

Autumn (September to November): Autumn Foliage and Seasonal Flavors

Beautiful autumn foliage at Odori Park and Mt. Moiwa
Seasonal delicacies like Pacific saury and salmon

Useful Information for Travelers

Event Duration (2024)

Held for one week in early February (Check the official website for exact dates)

Recommended Accommodations

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo: Directly connected to Sapporo Station, convenient for sightseeing.
Cross Hotel Sapporo: Stylish hotel close to Odori Venue.
Sapporo Prince Hotel: Comfortable lodging with hot springs.

Wi-Fi Information

Free Wi-Fi is available around Odori Park and Susukino
Wi-Fi is also provided at Sapporo Station and tourist information centers

Language Support

Tourist information centers have staff available in English, Chinese, and Korean
Multilingual signs are available at the Odori Venue

Summary and Frequently Asked Questions

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a leading winter event in Japan where you can enjoy giant snow and ice sculptures, projection mapping, gourmet food, and activities.