Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido

What is Sapporo Snow Festival?

The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February, is one of the world's most iconic winter events. Sapporo, one of the world's snowiest cities, receives an average of 485 centimeters of snow annually, transforming into a stunning winter wonderland from November to March. The festival attracts visitors from around the globe, with events at three unique venues.

Three Main Venues

Odori Park

In central Sapporo, this main site features massive snow sculptures that stretch across 12 city blocks, with highlights such as themed sculptures, a skating rink, and an international snow sculpture competition.

Susukino District

With a theme of "Finding Delight in and Interacting with Ice," Susukino offers numerous magical ice sculptures illuminated with neon lights. Visitors can view ice sculptures encapsulating fish, large Ainu-themed sculptures, and mascots from local broadcasters. A photo service booth and rest area are available for visitors.

Tsudome

Located about 10 kilometers from central Sapporo, Tsudome is perfect for families, featuring attractions such as slides, snow rafts, and indoor gourmet booths. This site offers a true Hokkaido experience of playing in the snow, catering to both children and adults.

History

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 when middle and high school students, under the guidance of their art teachers, built six snow sculptures in the corner of Odori Park. The event also included dog races, square dances, snowball fights, and a grand snow battle. Approximately 50,000 people attended the first festival, which has since grown into an internationally renowned event. The festival has been held annually, except for 2021 and 2022, when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When is the Sapporo Snow Festival?

The 2025 festival will be held from February 4 to February 11. Witnessing the beautiful and mesmerizing sculptures is an unforgettable experience, with each piece of art embodying the artist's creativity and hope.

Enjoy Sapporo in Winter

To experience the Sapporo Snow Festival, book your trip early, as this popular event tends to sell out quickly. Have questions about an itinerary or need help planning your trip? Submit an inquiry today, and let us help you bring your dream of seeing the Sapporo Snow Festival in person to life.