What it is
The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950, when local high school students built six snow statues in Ōdōri Park. Today it is one of Japan’s biggest winter events, drawing around two million visitors.
The main site runs for about a kilometer and a half along Ōdōri Park, with snow sculptures ranging from small figures to giant replicas of famous buildings. In the Susukino district, ice carvings glitter under colored lights. It is a city event rather than a shrine festival, but it is the best reason to visit Hokkaido in winter.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| All week | Ōdōri site: Snow sculptures along about 1.5 km of the central park, lit up each evening |
| All week | Susukino site: Ice sculptures in the nightlife district, lit until late |
| All week, daytime | Tsu Dome site: Snow slides and play areas for families |
Which day should you go?
A weekday evening
See the sculptures by day, then come back after dark when they are lit and projection shows run on the biggest ones.
The first days
Sculptures are freshest at the start, before warm days or new snow soften the details.
What to look for
The giant sculptures
Huge snow replicas of famous buildings and popular characters, some more than 10 meters tall.
The international contest
Teams from around the world carve snow sculptures for a competition.
Hokkaido food
Stalls sell hot ramen, grilled seafood and corn. Warm up as you walk.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Fly from Haneda to New Chitose, then JR Rapid Airport to Sapporo Station | about 3 h |
| Osaka | Fly from Itami or Kansai to New Chitose, then JR to Sapporo | about 3 h 30 min |
On the day. The Ōdōri site is in the city centre, by Ōdōri subway station. The Susukino ice sculptures are one stop south. The Tsudome site is reached by subway to Sakaemachi.
Crowds. About two million visitors come during the week. Flights in bad weather can be delayed, so leave time in your plans.
Where to stay
Ōdōri and Susukino
Walk to both main sites and to the restaurants of Susukino.
Sapporo Station area
Many large hotels, close to the airport train. About 10 minutes on foot to Ōdōri Park.
When to book. Book 3–4 months ahead. Prices rise sharply during the festival week.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Cold and ice. Temperatures are often below zero. Wear boots with good grip; slip-on cleats are sold in Sapporo stores.
- Book early. Sapporo hotels fill up months ahead for festival week.
Glossary
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Sapporo Snow Festival, official website: about the festival and FAQ, https://www.snowfes.com/faq/
Last checked 2026-10-12.