Sapporo Snow Festival

When it comes to Japanese snow festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival is the first to be mentioned, which is not only the most highly anticipated annual event in Hokkaido but also one of the most famous and largest winter events in Japan. The snow sculptures are of various shapes and sizes, and the activities are rich and colorful, making it a visual feast. In addition, there are ski slopes, slides, and ski stunt performances, which attract many foreign tourists.

The Accidental Beginning of the Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950, when a group of high school students built six snow sculptures in Odori Park and held snowball fights, snow sculpture exhibitions, and other events. To their surprise, around 50,000 people participated, making the event much more popular than expected. Since then, the snow festival has become an important winter festival for Sapporo residents.

When is the Sapporo Snow Festival Held?

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held for a week from early to mid-February every year. However, the carving process starts a month earlier, during which you can learn the process of making ice sculptures.

Sapporo Snow Festival dates in 2025: Eight days from February 4 to February 11

Where to Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held at three venues, all of which are free and open to the public.

1. Odori Park

The Odori Park is the main venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival and also the main venue for the International Snow Sculpture Competition. Famous large-scale snow sculptures are displayed here, some of which are as tall as 15 meters (50 feet) and as wide as 25 meters (80 feet), as well as more than 100 smaller ice sculptures. In addition, there are light shows after sunset, many concerts and events with ice sculptures as the stage background. During the festival, Odori Park becomes a kingdom of ice and snow.

Lighting time: Sunset – 22:00

2. Susukino

The Susukino venue is located in the bustling district of Sapporo, just one subway stop south of Odori Park. There are about 100 ice sculptures on display and is a “Close to Ice Sculpture” area where you can touch the ice sculptures and experience the world of ice up close. You can also enjoy artworks that incorporate North Hokkaido’s specialties such as crab, squid, and salmon into the ice sculptures in a creative way.

Lighting time: Sunset – 24:00

3. Tsudome

Tsudome is far from the city center. Unlike the aforementioned venues that are mainly ice sculptures, this venue is themed on exciting ice and snow games. In this park, there are 100-meter (330-foot) snow slides, snow mazes, etc., so both adults and children can experience the joy of close contact with snow. You can also enjoy sledding, snowmobiling, or having a massive snowball fight.

Opening time: 9:00 - 15:00

4. Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck

The Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck on the east side of Odori Park is the “best viewing point” for the Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can overlook the panoramic view of the ice sculptures in Odori Park and Susukino.

What to Do During the Sapporo Snow Festival

1. Make your own snow sculpture

If you are interested, you can go to the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill to experience the fun of making your own snow sculptures, which costs about 1,500 to 5,000 yen.

2. Enjoy shopping and dining

There are shopping streets and food courts near Odori Park and Susukino venue. After visiting the ice sculptures, tasting local fresh seafood or buying souvenirs will make your day more memorable.

Best Time to Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival

The best time to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival is after sunset, when there will be a light show; each show lasts about 5 to 10 minutes. The various colors of light projected onto the sculptures of various shapes are very impressive and make people unable to take their eyes off.

How to Get to the Sapporo Snow Festival Venue

Firstly, you need to take a train or bus to Sapporo Station. Then, 

1. Odori Park

Take the bus bound for Misumai danchi and get off at Odori Nishi 1 chome after 5 minutes. Then walk south for 20 meters (22 yards), turn right and walk for 80 meters (90 yards) to reach the entrance of Odori Park.

2. Susukino

Take the Namboku Line bound for Local Makomanai and arrive at Susukino Station 2 stops later.

3. Tsudome

Take the Toho Line bound for Local Sakaemachi and arrive at Sakaemachi Station in 11 minutes. Walk east for about 650 meters (710 yards) and then north for about 350 meters (380 yards) to reach Tsudome.

Tips for Visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival

1. Remember to wear non-slip shoes to ensure safety when walking on ice.
2. The temperature is low during the Sapporo Snow Festival, so it is recommended to wear warm clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves, to keep out the cold.