Sapporo Snow Festival Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Every February, the northern island of Hokkaido transforms into a frosty fairy tale during the Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり). What began as a local snow sculpture event in 1950 has grown into one of Japan’s largest and most spectacular winter festivals, drawing over two million visitors annually.
 

Held in the capital city of Sapporo, this week-long festival features massive snow and ice sculptures, brilliant illuminations, snow slides, food stalls, and live performances. Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a magical experience, this event is a must-see in Japan's winter calendar.

Let’s explore everything you need to know to enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival to the fullest.

📍 Where Is the Sapporo Snow Festival Held?

The festival is spread across three main sites in Sapporo:

1. Odori Park Site (Main Site)

Location: Central Sapporo (stretching 1.5 km from 1-chome to 12-chome)

Features: Giant snow sculptures, stage events, food stalls, and illuminations

Most famous and crowded site

2. Susukino Site

Location: Sapporo’s nightlife district

Features: Stunning ice sculptures, lit up at night

Ideal for couples and photography lovers

3. Tsudome Site

Location: Outside the city center (accessible by shuttle bus)

Features: Snow slides, snow rafting, family-friendly activities

Great for kids and interactive experiences

📅 Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 Dates

Odori & Susukino Sites: February 4–11, 2025

Tsudome Site: Usually opens a few days earlier (likely February 1–11, 2025)

Note: Dates may vary slightly each year—check official announcements before booking.

🧊 What to Expect at the Festival

1. Giant Snow Sculptures at Odori Park

The centerpiece of the event, Odori Park hosts over 100 snow and ice sculptures—some towering over 15 meters high and 25 meters wide! Past themes have included:

Iconic landmarks like Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera or Taj Mahal

Anime and gaming characters (e.g., Pokémon, Final Fantasy)

Cultural tributes and international collaborations

Many are created by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, using bulldozers and scaffolding for weeks in advance.

2. International Snow Sculpture Contest

Held at the west end of Odori Park (11-chome), teams from around the world compete to carve elaborate designs. It adds a global flavor to the festival and offers a chance to see sculptors at work.

3. Illuminations and Projections

At night, the sculptures come to life with colorful LED lighting and projection mapping shows that animate the snow like living art.

4. Susukino Ice World

This area transforms the nightlife hub into a corridor of crystal-clear ice sculptures, including frozen animals, historical figures, and interactive displays. Don’t miss:

Ice bars serving drinks in frozen cups

Ice photo spots and contests

Stunning nighttime displays (lit until 11 PM)

5. Tsudome’s Snow Playground

Perfect for families with kids or those seeking fun in the snow:

Snow tubing and slides

Snow rafting

Ice maze

Snowball target games

Inside the dome are heated rest areas, food stalls, and restrooms.

📷 Photography Tips

📸 Best time to visit: Evenings for lights, early mornings for fewer crowds

🎥 Tripod use may be restricted in busy areas

📷 Use long exposure settings for glowing night shots

🌨️ Snowfall adds magic but can limit visibility—check forecasts!

🍜 Food at the Festival

Hokkaido is famous for delicious winter cuisine, and the Sapporo Snow Festival is a paradise for foodies.

Must-Try Dishes:

Soup Curry – A spicy, warming local specialty

Grilled seafood – Especially scallops, squid, and crab

Miso Ramen – Sapporo’s signature noodle dish

Zangi – Hokkaido-style fried chicken

Hot sake & amazake – To warm up in the cold

Odori Park is lined with food stalls (yatai) offering a mix of Japanese and international street foods.

🎟️ Admission & Tickets

✅ Free Entry for all sites

🎢 Some activities (like slides at Tsudome) may have small fees

🎫 Reserved seats may be offered for stage performances (check in advance)

🧳 What to Pack for Sapporo Snow Festival

🧥 Waterproof down jacket (temps often -5°C or lower)

🧤 Thermal gloves, scarf, beanie

🧦 Wool socks + heat packs

🥾 Insulated snow boots with grip (paths can be icy!)

📱 Pocket Wi-Fi for maps and event updates

🔋 Extra battery or power bank (cold drains batteries fast)

🏨 Where to Stay in Sapporo

Hotels book up quickly—reserve 4–6 months in advance if possible. Look for accommodation near Odori Station, Sapporo Station, or Susukino for easy access.

Recommended Options:

🏯 Luxury: JR Tower Hotel Nikko, Sapporo Grand Hotel

🏨 Mid-range: Hotel Mystays, Cross Hotel Sapporo

🛏️ Budget: The Stay Sapporo, Capsule Inn Sapporo

🏠 Airbnb options also available near Odori or Maruyama area

✈️ How to Get to Sapporo

From Tokyo:

✈️ Flight to New Chitose Airport (CTS) – ~1.5 hrs

🚄 Or shinkansen to Hakodate + train to Sapporo (~8 hrs total)

From the Airport:

🚆 JR Rapid Airport Express to Sapporo Station (40–50 minutes)

🚍 Limousine buses also available

🧭 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1:

Arrive in Sapporo

Explore Odori Park snow sculptures

Dinner at Ramen Alley in Susukino

Night walk through Susukino Ice World

🗓️ Day 2:

Head to Tsudome for snow slides

Visit Sapporo Beer Museum or Mount Moiwa

Try Hokkaido seafood at Nijo Market

Evening illuminations and projection mapping at Odori

🗓️ Day 3:

Take a day trip to Otaru Canal (another snowy gem)

Return for last looks at the sculptures

Warm up at a local onsen before departure

🎊 Other Winter Events in Hokkaido

❄️ Otaru Snow Light Path Festival – Romantic candle-lit snow scenes

⛷️ Niseko Snow Season – Great for skiing and snowboarding

🎎 Asahikawa Winter Festival – Known for one of the world’s largest snow sculptures

🧘 Final Thoughts

The Sapporo Snow Festival isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and winter joy. Whether you’re gazing at jaw-dropping sculptures, zipping down a snow slide, or sipping hot sake under the stars, you’ll find yourself swept up in the magic of a Hokkaido winter.

Bundle up, bring your camera, and prepare to be amazed.