Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's largest snow and ice festivals, held every winter in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It is said to have begun in 1950 when local junior and senior high school students created snow sculptures in Odori Park, and has since expanded with the participation of local residents. It has now become a major event attracting millions of visitors from Japan and abroad. It brings together giant snow sculptures, elaborate ice sculptures, projection mapping, light-up displays, food stalls, and stage events, making it a symbolic winter sight in Sapporo. The festival's attractions include an extraordinary space created by snow and light, and the opportunity to enjoy warm food, drinks, and fun activities in the cold.
Highlights
– Odori Park
– The center of the festival. Large, medium and citizen snow sculptures line the wide streets. They become even more spectacular with nighttime illumination and projection mapping. The large themed snow sculptures become a hot topic every year.
– Susukino Venue
- Susukino Ice World, where ice sculptures are lined up. The transparent ice sculptures lit up at night are a must-see. It's also close to the restaurant district, making it a great place to combine dinner with an evening stroll.
– Tsudome Venue
– A hands-on experience venue for families. It is popular with families with children, with snow slides, a snow play area, snow attractions, and a warm rest area. There are also some indoor spaces.
– Projection mapping stage events
– Other highlights include performances that combine music and light, performances, and an international snow sculpture competition.
– Food/Street Stalls
– Hokkaido gourmet food stalls will be set up. Warm up your chilled body with hot soup, ramen, seafood skewers, and hot drinks.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
– From New Chitose Airport
– Approximately 35-40 minutes to Sapporo Station by JR Rapid Airport. Airport limousine buses also operate (travel times vary depending on traffic conditions).
– Odori Venue (center)
– The nearest station is Odori Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway. Transfer from Sapporo Station to the Tozai Line or Namboku Line and it's about one or two stops away.
– Susukino venue
– The nearest station is Susukino Station on the Namboku and Toho subway lines, which is within walking distance of the Odori venue (approximately 10-15 minutes).
– Tsudome venue
– Access by shuttle bus or local bus from Sakaemachi Station on the Toho Subway Line (to the vicinity of the venue). If you are coming by car, there is a temporary parking lot (it tends to fill up during busy times).
– City travel
– In winter, the roads are often frozen and snowy, so the subway is convenient. Buses can be affected by traffic congestion.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Odori Site only: 2-3 hours (viewing snow sculptures + eating at food stalls)
- Odori + Susukino: 3 to 5 hours (if you also want to enjoy the evening and night illuminations)
– Tsudome (for families): 1-3 hours (depending on what you do)
- Take your time to explore everything (including Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome): 1-2 days (we recommend staying overnight if you want to take your time and enjoy the photos and events)
– If you are planning to take photos or watch events, it is a good idea to plan your trip around the time the park is lit up at night.
Nearby spots
– Sapporo TV Tower (in Odori Park) — Enjoy a panoramic view of the Snow Festival from the observation deck.
– Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Building) — A historic building that is beautifully lit up in winter.
– Hokkaido University (tree-lined road with snowy scenery) — Within walking distance, perfect for a stroll (please be aware of the season and time of day).
– Susukino area — Abundant nightlife, izakayas, and ramen restaurants.
– Otaru (Day Trip) — A popular tourist destination known for its glass art, snow-capped canals, and sushi (about a 30-40 minute train ride from Sapporo).
- It's easy to combine it with other tourist spots such as Moerenuma Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, and Mount Moiwa (night view).
Things to be aware of (crowding, etiquette, seasonal precautions, etc.)
– Event period and crowds
– It is usually held for about a week from late January to early February, but this changes every year, so please check the official website for the latest information. It gets very crowded on consecutive holidays, weekends, and at night. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to visit on a weekday or early in the morning (before the lights come on).
– Cold weather protection
- It can be very cold and windy on some days, so please bring a thick down jacket, waterproof shoes, gloves, a hat, a neck warmer, disposable hand warmers, etc. It is also a good idea to use anti-slip soles (chains or spikes) for safety.
– Slippery and barrier-free
– Snow and ice can make roads slippery, making it difficult to move around with carry-ons, strollers, or wheelchairs. Please check your transportation options and routes in advance. Snow will be removed and compacted within the venue, but uneven surfaces and snow may remain in some places.
– Manners and photography
– Snow and ice sculptures are very delicate. In many cases, touching or climbing on them is prohibited, so please follow the signs. Please be considerate of other visitors when taking photos (using flashlights, occupying a tripod for an extended period of time, etc.).
– Food and drink/toilet
- There are plenty of food stalls, but queues can form. Public toilets can also get crowded, so be sure to plan ahead. Some stalls only accept cash, so it's a good idea to bring both cash and a transportation IC card.
- Safety precautions
– Never enter areas near snow sculptures that are off-limits as there is a risk of them collapsing. Flying drones and using fire are often prohibited.
- health care
– Staying out in the cold for a long period of time can make you feel unwell, so take frequent breaks in warm places and stay hydrated.
– Check for the latest information
- The contents may change due to weather, infection control measures, traffic restrictions, etc. Please check the official website or city guide before visiting.
Final words
The fantastical world of snow and light is an experience you can only have in Sapporo in winter. Please be sure to dress warmly and take precautions against crowds to enjoy the Snow Festival safely and enjoyably.
