Sapporo Snow Festival,one of the world’s three major snow festivals
The Sapporo Snow Festival, which has been held annually in Sapporo, Hokkaido, since 1950, is an internationally renowned event that many people eagerly anticipate as a winter tradition. Held in early February, it is considered one of the world’s three major snow festivals, alongside the Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada and the Harbin Ice Festival in China.
This festival started in 1950 when local middle and high school students created snow sculptures in a public square that was used as a snow disposal site. It began with just a few snow sculptures and snowball fights, but over the years, it has transformed into a globally recognized event, attracting millions of visitors each year.
In 1955, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force joined in, allowing for the creation of even larger and more elaborate snow sculptures. Each year, snow sculptures depicting famous buildings, world heritage sites, characters from games and anime, as well as themes from movies and sports, are showcased.
The festival is one of Hokkaido’s largest events, attracting around two million visitors from Japan and abroad every year.
Highlights of the Sapporo Snow Festival
Odori Site: Giant Snow Sculptures Appear in the Heart of Sapporo
The main venue for the festival is Odori Park, which stretches from 1-chome to 12-chome, covering approximately 1.5 kilometers. From 1-chome to 10-chome, a snow-covered world emerges, featuring five large snow sculptures enhanced by projection mapping, as well as medium and small snow sculptures, citizen-made sculptures, and winter attractions such as curling and slides.
The festival also offers interactive snow activities for all ages, including snowball games, “snowboarding” on snow, and even a “snow surfing” experience.
A popular ice-skating rink, “J:COM Fureai Link,” is set up at Odori 1-chome every year, measuring 22 meters east-west and 17.5 meters north-south. Rental skates are available, making it easy for visitors to enjoy skating even without their own gear.
- Skate rental sizes: 16 cm to 31 cm
- Rental fee: Adults 1,000 yen / Children (elementary school and younger) 500 yen
- Discounted fee for Sapporo residents: Adults 500 yen / Children 300 yen
The festival follows a one-way counterclockwise route for smooth traffic flow.
Access:
- Take the subway from areas such as Fukuzumi, Maruyama, or Shin-Sapporo, and get off at “Odori” Station (Tozai Line, Namboku Line, or Toho Line) or “Nishi 11-chome” Station (Tozai Line).
Susukino Site: A Fantastic Display of Ice Sculptures
Located in Sapporo’s entertainment district, the Susukino Site features stunning ice sculptures that visitors can admire and even touch. Highlights include the Ice Sculpture Contest, character-themed sculptures, and the famous “fish-in-ice” displays.
The site is designed to let visitors enjoy and interact with ice, starting with a welcome gate leading into a magical world illuminated by the neon lights of Susukino. About 60 large and medium-sized ice sculptures are exhibited, including contest entries and other creative works.
An information booth and photo services are available for guidance and commemorative pictures. This year, food stalls will also be introduced at the site.
Tsudome Site: Fun, Hands-on Winter Attractions
The Tsudome Site, located about 30 minutes by car from the Odori Site, is centered around the multipurpose facility “Tsudome” near Okadama Airport. This venue offers large tube sliders, snow rafting, and other exciting winter activities suitable for both children and adults.
Indoor facilities include food booths, rest areas, and attractions for children, making it a great place for families to enjoy winter in Hokkaido.
Access:
- A 15-minute walk from Sakaemachi Station on the Toho Line
- Shuttle buses run from Sakaemachi Station to the venue
Food at the Sapporo Snow Festival
Various food stalls are set up at the festival, offering delicious local specialties perfect for eating on the go. Popular options include:
- Buttered potatoes
- Grilled Wagyu beef skewers
- French fries
- Ramen
- Jingisukan (grilled lamb)
- Croquettes
- Beef and potato soup
For drinks, visitors can enjoy soft drinks as well as local Hokkaido sake, with hot sake (atsukan) being a recommended choice.
Due to the festival’s popularity, long queues are common, and waiting times can be significant.
Hotels Near the Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park
This hotel is the closest to the festival venue, located right in front of Odori Park. Its convenient location makes it easy to access the festival without getting lost, and many visitors even stop by to use the hotel’s restrooms. A convenience store is also nearby for quick purchases.
Booking early or taking advantage of discount plans, such as early bird or long-stay discounts, can help secure a more affordable stay.
The Parkside Stay Plan allows guests to book a room with a direct view of Odori Park, enabling them to enjoy the festival from the comfort of their room.
- Address: 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo-ku, Odori Nishi 8-chome
- Website: Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park
Sapporo Prince Hotel
A popular hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the festival site. The hotel’s buffet restaurant is well known for its luxurious seafood spread, featuring crab and other Hokkaido delicacies.
During the winter season, guests can also experience a traditional northern Japanese “kamakura” (snow hut).
- Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo-ku, Minami 2-jo Nishi 11-chome
- Website: Sapporo Prince Hotel
How to Get to the Sapporo Snow Festival
For visitors traveling to Sapporo, the fastest option is by air. New Chitose Airport serves as Hokkaido’s main gateway and is well-connected to major cities across Japan.
Flight Times from Major Domestic Airports:
- Haneda Airport: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Narita Airport: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Kansai International Airport: ~2 hours
- Fukuoka Airport: ~2 hours 15 minutes
- Chubu Centrair Airport: ~1 hour 35 minutes
- Naha Airport: ~3 hours 5 minutes
Transportation from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station:
By Train:
- Rapid “Airport” Service: ~37 minutes (Special Rapid: ~33 minutes)
- Fare: 1,150 yen (reserved seat +840 yen)
- IC cards such as Kitaca, Suica, and PASMO are accepted
By Bus:
- Travel time: ~70 minutes
- Fare: 1,300 yen (650 yen for children)
- Buses depart every 10–15 minutes
- Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or counters
For more information, visit the official website: Sapporo Snow Festival
