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Snow and ice ring in winter at this major Sapporo event, named one of the world’s top three snow festivals.
Ranked as one of the world's top three snow festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a coveted winter extravaganza held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The even kicked off in 1950 when local middle and high school students created snow sculptures in Odori Park. The event has since grown into a massive festival that draws some two million visitors from around the world each year.
The festival takes place across three main venues: Odori, Tsudome, and Susukino. At the Odori venue, towering snow sculptures over 10 meters high and intricate citizen-made snow art line the park, leaving visitors in awe. The nighttime illuminations and projection mapping add a magical touch, creating a completely different atmosphere that’s only found after dark. The Tsudome venue offers heaps of dynamic fun including ice slides and snow rafting, making it a fun destination for both kids and adults. Meanwhile, the Susukino venue showcases crystal-clear ice sculptures, beautifully lit up at night to create a mesmerizing glow.
Beyond the breathtaking snow and ice sculptures, the Sapporo Snow Festival is also a paradise for food lovers. Settle in for a taste of Hokkaido’s finest tastes including fresh seafood and local specialties. The festival’s official shops sell limited-edition souvenirs, making this one chance to snag a special memento like nowhere else. Winter in Sapporo can be undeniably harsh, but the stunning scenery created by snow and ice makes braving the cold well worth it.
Plenty of programming awaits across the many event venues. Be sure to check the full schedule in advance so you can carve your favorite way to see the snow, ice displays, local eats and winter fun that Hokkaido has to offer.
Step into a magical world of snow and ice at the Sapporo Snow Festival (Odori Venue), where stunning displays captivate visitors.
Marvel at massive snow sculptures recreating famous landmarks from around the world (Odori Venue). Photo shows a past work.
The Susukino Venue features dazzling ice sculptures, creating a picture-perfect winter wonderland.
At the Tsudome Venue, visitors can enjoy fun snow activities, making it a great spot for families and adventure seekers alike.
As night falls, illuminated snow sculptures transform the festival into a breathtakingly enchanting experience. (©HBC Hokkaido Broadcasting)
Throughout the festival, various special events take place, adding even more excitement to the celebration.
Savor delicious Hokkaido specialties at the food booths, where local gourmet delights await.
Indulge in must-try local delicacies, only found in Hokkaido’s winter wonderland.
Official merchandise and exclusive anime collaboration goods available during festival time.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there an admission fee?
No, admission is free for all venues. However, some attractions may require a separate usage fee.
Q
What should I wear to the festival?
Since you will be outdoors for an extended period, it's essential to dress warmly. Layering is recommended, such as wearing a shirt with a sweater, topped with a down jacket or a thick overcoat. Additionally, a hat, earmuffs, and gloves are necessary to protect yourself from the cold.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Every year, the snow sculptures have a different theme, often inspired by current trends like popular anime or movie characters. There's always something new and exciting to see!
There are so many visitors, especially on weekends—it gets really crowded. But it's still worth checking out since it only happens once a year.
One year, they even had ice sculptures of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Police Station and the Queen's Head from Yehliu.
The Odori Park venue is super lively and packed with people. Just a heads up—it gets colder as the night goes on.
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