The Sapporo Snow Festival is a magical celebration of winter, featuring breathtaking snow and ice sculptures, fun activities, and vibrant local food. Whether you’re exploring the stunning displays at Odori Park, enjoying interactive snow fun at Tsudome, or admiring the sparkling ice sculptures in Susukino, this guide will show you how to make the most of your visit.
From insider travel tips and must-see attractions to the best places to stay and eat, we’ve got everything covered. Plus, with helpful advice on handling Hokkaido’s winter weather, navigating language barriers, and staying safe, you’ll be ready to fully immerse yourself in one of Japan’s most iconic winter festivals. Keep reading to discover all you need to know for an unforgettable experience at the Sapporo Snow Festival!
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How to Easily Access Sapporo Snow Festival Venues
Getting to the Sapporo Snow Festival is easy, with multiple transportation options from New Chitose Airport. The airport is about a 40-minute ride from Sapporo Station via JR train. Once you’re in Sapporo, the festival venues—Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome—are well-connected by subway. Odori Park is just a 2-minute subway ride from Sapporo Station, making it the most accessible. Tsudome is farther out but can be reached in about 40 minutes by subway and bus. For visitors staying in the city center, walking between Odori and Susukino is a pleasant way to explore the festival.
During the Sapporo Snow Festival, in addition to the main venue at Odori Park, there are two other exciting locations. Families can enjoy fun attractions at Tsudome, while Susukino hosts “Ice World,” featuring over 50 stunning ice sculptures.
“The public transportation system was very convenient, especially the subway between the venues. Even walking between Odori and Susukino was a nice way to take in the sights.”
Top Sights and Must-See Attractions at Sapporo Snow Festival
The festival is famous for its stunning snow and ice sculptures. The main venue, Odori Park, features massive snow statues, many created by the Japanese Self-Defense Force. In contrast, Susukino showcases intricate ice sculptures. For families or those seeking interactive fun, Tsudome offers snow slides, snow rafting, and other activities that bring the festival to life. Each venue has its unique highlights, so make time to visit them all if possible.
“The sculptures at Odori Park were impressive—bigger than I imagined! Susukino at night was magical, with the ice sculptures glowing under the lights.”
Where to Stay and What to Eat During the Snow Festival
With thousands of visitors attending each year, booking your accommodation early is crucial. Hotels near Sapporo Station or in the Susukino area offer the best access to the festival. Sapporo’s food scene is another major draw, especially during the festival. Odori Park features food stalls selling local delights like miso ramen, grilled seafood, and soup curry. Many visitors recommend trying the warm, freshly grilled Hokkaido scallops.
“We stayed near Sapporo Station, and it was perfect for quick access to the festival. The street food at Odori Park was amazing, especially the soup curry!”
Exciting Things to Do at the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival isn’t just about looking at snow sculptures—there’s plenty to do! Odori Park hosts projection mapping shows on some of the larger snow statues. Tsudome is perfect for families, with snow slides and snow rafting that kids will love. For a unique experience, visit the ice bar in Susukino, where you can enjoy a drink in a bar made entirely of ice.
“My kids had a blast at Tsudome, especially on the snow slides. It was the perfect way to break up the day after walking around the other venues.”
Cost and Best Times to Avoid Crowds at the Festival
The good news? The festival is free! There’s no entry fee for any of the three main venues, though some activities like snow rafting have a small charge. Crowds can be significant, especially on weekends and during evenings. To avoid the biggest crowds, visit the venues early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.
“We visited in the early morning, and it was much less crowded. By the time we left in the afternoon, it was much busier, so going early is a good tip.”
Winter Survival Tips for Enjoying Sapporo Snow Festival
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北海道札幌市中央区の天気予報(1時間・今日明日・週間) - ウェザーニュース
【予報精度No.1】北海道札幌市中央区の天気予報を5分毎・1時間毎・今日明日・週間(10日間)で掲載中！今知りたい現地の天気は、ウェザーニュースアプリから届く空の写真で確...
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in early February, when Hokkaido experiences its coldest weather. Temperatures often drop below freezing, so dressing warmly is essential. Layer up with thermal clothing, wear a warm hat and gloves, and don’t forget waterproof boots with good traction—streets and sidewalks can be icy.
These are the average monthly temperatures in Sapporo in 2023.
“Make sure you dress warmly and wear boots with a good grip. The streets are slippery, but as long as you’re prepared, it’s a great experience.”
How to Navigate Sapporo Snow Festival in English
English-speaking tourists will find the Sapporo Snow Festival to be quite accessible. Many signs are in English, and festival staff and volunteers are often able to assist in English. Most major restaurants and hotels also offer English menus, making it easy for non-Japanese speakers to enjoy their time in Sapporo.
“I was impressed by the English signage and the friendliness of the staff. Communication was never an issue, even at food stalls and hotels.”
Stay Safe and Warm: Essential Tips for the Festival
Sapporo is a very safe city, and festival venues are well-monitored for safety. However, take care when walking on icy streets and sidewalks. If you need medical attention, Sapporo has several hospitals with English-speaking staff. For minor issues, pharmacies are also readily available.
“We felt very safe, and knowing that medical services were nearby gave us peace of mind. The streets can be icy, but we didn’t have any issues because we took our time.”
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Sapporo Snow Festival This Winte
The Sapporo Snow Festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience, from majestic snow sculptures at Odori Park to thrilling activities at Tsudome and sparkling ice displays at Susukino. With easy access, delicious local food, and plenty of winter fun, it’s an unmissable event for anyone visiting Japan during the winter season. Our guide has covered everything—from how to navigate the festival to staying safe in Hokkaido’s coldest months.
Get ready to explore one of Japan’s most iconic winter celebrations and create unforgettable memories. Japan in winter awaits you—don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the Sapporo Snow Festival!
For more information, please visit the official Sapporo Snow Festival website.
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Sapporo Snow Festival official website
The Sapporo Snow Festival official website delivers convenient and up-to-date information on events. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a festival of snow and ice hel...
