Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり) is a famous winter festival that takes place in Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, Japan. The festival is held annually in February and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The festival began in 1950 when a group of high school students created a few snow statues in Odori Park, which is now the festival’s main venue. Since then, the festival has grown in size and popularity, and now features hundreds of snow and ice sculptures, as well as various events and activities.

The festival’s main attraction is the giant snow sculptures, some of which can reach up to 15 meters in height. The sculptures are often created with the help of heavy machinery and are illuminated at night, creating a magical and awe-inspiring sight.

In addition to the snow sculptures, the festival also features ice sculptures, food stalls serving local cuisine, concerts, and other events. Visitors can also participate in various winter activities.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is not only a celebration of winter and snow but also a showcase of Hokkaido’s culture and traditions. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that should not be missed by anyone visiting Japan in February.

Getting there

By Air

• Fly into New Chitose Airport, the main gateway to Sapporo
• From the airport, take the JR rapid train to Sapporo Station (about 40 minutes)

By Train

• From Tokyo: Take the Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, then transfer to the limited express train to Sapporo (total journey time: about 8 hours)

Sites

Odori Site (Main Site)

The Odori Site will be held in Odori Park in the center of Sapporo.
Snow sculptures of all sizes are displayed over 1.5 kilometers.
There are also ice musical instruments and a giant slide.
At night, the giant snow sculptures are illuminated and projection mapping is performed.

• 10-minute walk south from Sapporo Station
• Or take the Namboku subway line to Odori Station (1 stop)

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Susukino Site

The Susukino Site will be held in Susukino, the downtown area of Sapporo.
Visitors can enjoy ice sculptures and bars made of ice.
At night, the area is illuminated to create a fantastic atmosphere.

• Take the Namboku subway line to Susukino Station (2 stops from Sapporo Station)

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Tsudome Site

The Tsudome Site will be held at the Community Dome “Tsudome” in Toyohira-ku, Sapporo.
Not only snow and ice sculptures, but also snow play and snow rafting are available.

• Take the Toho subway line to Sakaemachi Station, then a shuttle bus (15 minutes)

Period (2025)

Odori Site	February 4th to February 11th
Susukino Site	February 4th to February 11th
Tsudome Site	February 4th to February 11th