What to Look Forward to at the 75th Edition of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival shines as a brilliant gem in Japan's cultural crown, enchanting over 2 million global visitors annually.
Emerging in 1950 with a humble array of snow statues by students, it has flourished into a spectacular week-long event in the lively heart of Hokkaido's capital, Sapporo. This year is extra special — the festival is welcoming its 75th edition!
The 2025 edition promises eight days of winter fun across three iconic venues: Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome. Read on to find out more!
What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival, or Sapporo Yuki Matsuri is one of Japan's most cherished winter festivals. It takes place annually in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido.
How did this festival begin?
The Sapporo Snow Festival traces back to 1950, when high school students breathed life into Odori Park with six enchanting snow statues. The festival's popularity surged dramatically during the 1972 Winter Olympics held in Sapporo, catapulting it into a global spectacle.
As the festival blossomed, it became a canvas for displaying immense and intricately carved ice and snow sculptures, turning the city into a winter wonderland. These mesmerizing artworks, glowing with ethereal lights at night, depict a variety of themes, including illustrious personalities, majestic landmarks, and fascinating stories, capturing the imagination of artists and spectators from around the world.
The profound artistry and creativity infused into these icy canvases, combined with the global exposure during the 1972 Olympics, have cultivated the festival's legacy, transforming it into a beloved event that annually magnetizes millions, celebrating the ethereal beauty and artistic wonder of snow and ice.
When is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2025?
Credit: Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held annually in February, typically in the first week of the month. Mark your calendars — the Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 will be held from 4 to 11 February 2025.
Where is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place at three separate sites, each one featuring different kinds of events and exhibits:
1) Odori Site (Main Site)
The biggest site for the Sapporo Snow Festival, it's a must-visit for first-time visitors due to its grandiose sculptures — some of them over 25 meters wide and up to 15 meters tall! During the 2024 festival, there was a massive ice sculpture of the Neuschwanstein Castle, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the German Tourist Office's Japan Branch.
Depending on when you visit, you can also expect to try out various activities at Odori Site such as curling, footbaths, and more!
Address: Odori Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 11-chome
How to get to Odori Site: Odori Site is only a brief walk from JR Sapporo Station.
2) Tsudome Site
Hosting the Sapporo Snow Festival for the first time in the last four years, there's a lot of anticipation for more information about the Tsudome Site to be released.
And though we don't know the exact details yet (check back in December!), we can tell you about the history of the Tsudome Site instead: the second-largest site for the Sapporo Snow Festival, Tsudome Site is ideal for families with kids, as it features various fun attractions for all ages such as a large tube slide, snow rafts, and more.
Address: 885-1 Sakae-machi, Higashi-ku
How to get to Tsudome Site: Take the Toho Line from JR Sapporo Station and alight at Sakae Station.
3) Susukino Site
Located near a popular nightlife area in Sapporo, the Susukino Site is an ideal location for the Sapporo Snow Festival if you wish to enjoy the view with a beverage or two (or more, if you want!) But even if you don't drink alcohol, there's still plenty to see here: from stunning ice sculptures to Illumination Street, it's well worth a visit!
Address: Minami 4-jo - Minami 6-jo Nishi 3, 4-chome
How to get to Susukino Site: Take the Namboku Line from JR Sapporo Station to Susukino Station.
Where to stay during the Sapporo Snow Festival?
Finding the perfect accommodation during the snow festival can be a delightful puzzle! 🌨️ Due to the festival's popularity, accommodations get booked up quickly, and prices tend to go up quite a bit, too. But don't worry — book your room early, and you'll be all set!
For a comfy and convenient stay, consider choosing a hotel close to the lively event sites. Or, for a sprinkle of authentic Japanese charm, how about trying a ryokan? It’s a lovely way to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the snowy spectacle! 🏨❄️
Hotels near Odori
- Hotel Forza Sapporo Station (600m from Odori Park)
- Hotel Gracery Sapporo (800m from Odori Park)
- Toyoko Inn Hokkaido Sapporo Susukino Kosaten (800m from Odori Park)
Other Things to do in Sapporo
Food in Sapporo
Your journey won't be complete without trying out the local cuisine. Hokkaido is a treasure trove of fresh vegetables, irresistible dairy products, and an ocean’s bounty of sumptuous seafood. At the heart of the festivities in Odori Park, indulge in an array of tantalizing local delicacies showcased in vibrant food stalls!
Dive into the iconic Sapporo ramen, a heartwarming delight that has earned its place as a beloved local specialty. The island's signature miso ramen, adorned with butter and corn, is a comforting embrace in a bowl, especially soothing in February's crisp weather.
The culinary canvas of Hokkaido also features a splendid spectrum of other treats like fresh-off-the-boat seafood, savory mutton dishes, and the irresistibly crunchy zangi fried chicken.
Tours in Sapporo
Sapporo’s enchantment doesn’t end with the snow festival!
Consider embarking on private tours to uncover the city’s hidden gems, or maybe go on day trips to nearby destinations. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way, and perhaps some newfound friends to accompany you, dive deep into the charming realms of Sapporo and beyond! 🌟
More Hokkaido Travel Inspiration
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