Sapporo Snow Festival

The 2023 Sapporo Snow Festival will be held from February 4th to February 11th. Because of the strict response of the Japanese government to the covid-19 pandemic, the festival was closed the past few years but will be open for the first time again in 2023.

The Sapporo Snow Festival has a very humble origin story. One snowy day in 1950, six middle school boys made some snow sculptures in Odori Park for fun. From there, more and more people got involved every year, and it eventually grew into a massive, highly commercialized event that draws in millions of foreign and local tourists each year.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held within three main sites: the Odori (main) site, the Susukino Site, and the Tsu Dome site. Each site has many snow sculptures, but the types of attractions and activities vary from site to site.

The Odori Site is located in within Sapporo, Hokkaido chuo-ku West Odori 1-chome to 10-chome (about 1.5km to 1 mile). There are many attractions within this area, including massive, breathtaking snow sculptures, live shows, and restaurants.

Dazzling snow sculptures of various sizes from small to gargantuan​

The Odori Site is host to perhaps the largest number of and greatest variety of snow sculptures.
At night, there is a light show involving the projection of many colored lights against the biggest snow sculptures. These images don’t do it justice — go see them in person!

Outdoor Skating Rink​

A skating rink that measures 22 meters by 17.5 meters (~70 x 50 feet) that you can enjoy with your family and friends is a favorite among the visitors of Sapporo Snow Festival’s Odori Site. There are also performance events held here at various periods during the festival.

Massive Ski/Snowboarding Jump Ramp​

The Odori Site also features a massive ski/snowboarding jump ramp that measures 24m high, a length of 65m, and a maximum angle of 39°.
Witness professionals from all over Japan coming to this event to compete with each other.

Hokkaido Food Bazaar ・International Food Bazaar Gourmet Street​

All of the most famous and iconic foods of Hokkaido are represented within this Food Bazaar — all kinds of sea food from crab, sea urchin, scallops, and other Japanese winter food like Hokkaido style fried chicken, Ghengis Khan, and pork bowls.

The main feature of the Susukino Site is “ice”. There is a street entitled “Susukino Ice World” where many works of art made of ice litter the walkways.

Illumination Road​

A spot known to be a goldmine for photographers, walking through it is like walking through a fantasy world.
Make sure to stop by to get your Instagram pics and reels here.

Ice Slide​

Yes, it is literally a slide made of ice. Built for all ages to enjoy!

Ice Sculpture Competition

Made through many hours of chiseling ice into fine works of art, they are displayed for everyone to enjoy.

February is an especially cold month in Hokkaido where the temperatures will regularly fall below 0. Dress accordingly — Snow caps, mittens, thermal underwear, scarves, snow boots, and heavy, waterproof coats and pants are a necessity. Do not underestimate the cold!

<aside> 🌟 Due to the slippery, ice-covered streets, you must wear heavy boots with a proper grip. If you don’t have these kinds of boots, you can buy non-slip “slip-ons’ that you can wear over your shoes for ¥1000 at any JR or subway kiosk.

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Because of combined local and foreign tourism, up to 3 million people have attended the event at once in the past. Make sure to keep an eye on your children or anyone who might get lost in the crowd.

Since it tends to get crowded around 9:00 a.m., we recommed that you plan your visit before 9:00 a.m. or after 22:00 to get the best experience. The ice sculptres are beautiful in the morning sun, but also a sight to see when illuminated at night.

General entry to the festival is free of charge. However, those who wish to participate in various evnets and activities may be charged on each occasion.

Sapporo Snow Festival official website

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1JzjlQIUBSEKSA1kMam6-JjfYoMj2IzU&usp=sharing

The Odori site is about a 15 minute walk from Sapporo Station.

※There is also a bus that departs from Sapporo Station. The bus ride to the Odori site is about 10 minutes.

1. From the arrival gate, follow the signs and take the escalator down to the basement.
2. Once on the first floor, go to the West Gate.
3. After passing through the ticket gate, head for the West Exit.
4. Go to the West Exit and go down to the basement.
5. Go down to the basement and walk straight.
6. Go down to the basement and walk straight. Arrive at the entrance of the Underground Walking Space.
7. Arrive at Odori and go up to the ground from Exit 5.
8. Go up to the ground level and you will arrive at the Odori venue.

The Susukino Site is nearby the Odori site. From the Odori site it is about an 8 minute walk.

Also, Susukino Station is nearby so you can arrive there and walk to the Susukino Site.

The Tsudomu venue is about a 12-minute walk from Sakae-machi Station, so walking from Sakae-machi Station is recommended.

1. Take the Subway Toho Line toward Sakae-machi Station.
2. When you arrive at Sakae-machi Station, take Exit No. 2 to the ground level.
3. Take Exit No. 2 and turn left at the first street. Walk straight for about 13 minutes and you will arrive at the Tsudomu venue.

Hopefully this article helps you enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival. Please be careful of the winter conditions and have fun!

<aside> 🌟 If there is anything else you’d like to know about the Sapporo Snow Festival, let us know in the comments. We take article requests as well!

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