Hosting more than 2 million visitors annually during a week in early February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most famous winter events. The winter festival dates to 1950, when local junior and senior high school students created six snow sculptures at Odori Park, which then served as a snow dump. The creative youths made an impact on citizens, and eventually sculptures became the gigantic, elaborate masterpieces that can be viewed each year. Odori Park serves as the main venue for the festival, while the Tsudome and Susukino sites host smaller exhibits. Visitors will want to bundle up for this spectacular event, but the festive mood and sparkling atmosphere will certainly warm you from head to toe.
1. Odori Park Site
Every year, many small- and mid-sized works made by local groups, institutions, and schools from Sapporo hog the limelight. Through its 70-plus years of history, the event has witnessed highly skilled snow works made by locals inspired by high-profile names or characters, social circumstances, and artistry. With innovative design, unique works serve as the perfect photo spots for tourists.
Odori Park – Nishi 1-12 chome, Odori, Chuo-ku
Try delicious Hokkaido cuisine
Food stalls offering dynamically cooked Hokkaido winter specialties, such as fresh scallops, crabs, and oysters, can be found in Hokkaido Food Square. Shops serve hot and steaming rice bowls and ramen and make other local specialties with fresh ingredients grown in the region. Just follow your nose to find your favorite Hokkaido cuisine!
Enjoy ice skating
The outdoor ice skating rink at “Odori Site” is always bustling with many people. Located in 1 chome venue at the foot of TV tower, the facility offers spacious 17.5 x 20 meters rink, perfect for family use. Romantic atmosphere produced at illuminated rink after sunset also makes ultimate dating destination. Just bring yourselves as rental ice skates are available.
2. Tsudome Site
With its concept of being a playground for all ages, Tsudome Site offers its grand 10 meter-high, 100 meter-long tube slider, as well as snow activities like ice slides and snow rafting. If you are sensitive to cold, just go inside and enjoy various attractions at warmer indoor venues. After taking in all the snow activities, you can savor special cuisine at the Hokkaido Gourmet Fair and many cafes in the area. At the first day of the festival, the snow works contest takes place and is followed by a series of exciting events throughout the week.
Tsudome Site: – 885-1 Sakaemachi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Take the Toho Line subway to Sakaemachi Station, where a shuttle bus is available
3. Susukino Site
At Susukino, Hokkaido’s biggest entertainment district, ice sculptures in every size are brightened with illumination. The 350 meter-long venue runs through town center, from Susukino Intersection to Minani 7 jo, and provides visitors an immersive experience of an icy world. At Fureai Square, you can touch or ride on the ice sculptures, and this illumination street serves as an ultimate photography spot. Warm yourself at the Ice Bar with a hot drink, another must-do activity of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Susukino: – Nishi 3, 4 chome, Minami 4 – 7 jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
