The Sapporo Snow Festival is an annual event that takes place in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan. The festival attracts millions of visitors each year and is known for its breathtaking displays of ice and snow sculptures. If you’re planning a trip to Japan in the winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival is definitely worth considering.
History of the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival was first held in 1950, when a group of high school students built a few snow statues in Odori Park as a way to celebrate the winter season. The event was a hit and has been held every year since, growing in size and popularity. Today, the Sapporo Snow Festival attracts millions of visitors from around the world and is one of the most popular events in Japan.
What to Expect at the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival features a wide range of ice and snow sculptures, ranging from small figurines to large, elaborate displays. The sculptures are created by both professional artists and amateur enthusiasts, and showcase a wide range of themes and styles. Some of the most popular attractions at the Sapporo Snow Festival include:
- The Odori Site: This is the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival and is home to some of the most impressive sculptures. It’s a great place to start your visit and is within walking distance of many of the city’s other attractions.
- The Susukino Site: This site is located in Sapporo’s entertainment district and features a wide range of ice and snow sculptures, as well as food stalls and other attractions.
- The Tsudome Site: This site sits outside of the city and is home to a wide range of winter sports and activities, including ice skating, snow rafting, tobogganing, and more.
Along with the cool sculptures, the Sapporo Snow Festival also features a wide range of other attractions and events, including live music, food stalls, and more. There’s something for everyone at the Sapporo Snow Festival, so be sure to take your time and explore all that the event has to offer.
Tips for Visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival
If you’re planning a trip to the Sapporo Snow Festival, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Dress warmly: The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in the middle of winter, so it’s important to dress warmly to avoid getting cold. Wear layers, bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf, and consider investing in a good pair of thermal boots to keep your feet warm.
- Get there early: The Sapporo Snow Festival is a popular event, and it can get very crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid the worst of the crowds, try to get there as early as possible.
- Book Early: Many hotels can book up more than 6 months in advance so make sure to book early. See below for some of our recommended hotels in Sapporo.
- Try the local food: The Sapporo Snow Festival features a wide range of food stalls, offering everything from local specialties to international favorites. Be sure to try a few different dishes and see what you like.
Overall, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Japan in the winter. With its breathtaking ice and snow sculptures, live music, and other attractions, it’s a fun and memorable way to experience the beauty of the winter season.
Why Is The Sapporo Snow Festival So Famous?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is so famous for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is its sheer scale and scope. The festival features hundreds of ice and snow sculptures, ranging from small figurines to large, elaborate displays.
The sculptures are created by both professional artists and amateur enthusiasts and showcase a wide range of themes and styles. In addition to the sculptures, the Sapporo Snow Festival also features a wide range of other attractions and events, including live music, food stalls, and more. This combination of artistry and variety makes the Sapporo Snow Festival an exciting and unique event that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Another reason the Sapporo Snow Festival is so famous is its location. Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, and is known for its cold winters and heavy snowfall. This makes it an ideal setting for a snow festival, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the winter season while taking part in the festival’s many activities.
Finally, the Sapporo Snow Festival has gained a reputation as a must-see event for visitors to Japan, and it has been featured in numerous travel guides and publications. This has helped to attract even more visitors to the festival, and it has become an important part of Japan’s tourism industry.
Where Is The Snow Festival Held In Sapporo?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in, you guessed it, Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. The snow festival itself takes place in three main locations: the Odori Site, the Susukino Site, and the Tsudome Site.
The Odori Site
The Odori Site is the main site of the Sapporo Snow Festival and is located in Odori Park, which runs through the center of the city. It is home to some of the most impressive ice and snow sculptures at the festival, and is a great place to start your visit. The sculptures at the Odori Site are created by both professional artists and amateur enthusiasts and showcase a wide range of themes and styles. In addition to the sculptures, the Odori Site also features a number of food stalls and other attractions, making it a great place to spend a few hours exploring.
The Susukino Site
The Susukino Site is located in Sapporo’s entertainment district and is known for its wide range of ice and snow sculptures, as well as its lively atmosphere. The sculptures at the Susukino Site are created by both professional artists and amateur enthusiasts and showcase a wide range of themes and styles. In addition to the sculptures, the Susukino Site also features a number of food stalls and other attractions, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat and take a break from exploring.
The Tsudome Site
The Tsudome Site is located outside of the city and is home to a wide range of winter sports and activities, including ice skating, snow rafting, and more. The Tsudome Site is a great choice for visitors who want to get out of the city and enjoy some more active pursuits. In addition to the sports and activities, the Tsudome Site also features a number of food stalls and other attractions, making it a great place to spend a few hours having fun in the snow.
Overall, all three sites of the Sapporo Snow Festival offer something unique and exciting and are definitely worth checking out if you’re planning a visit.
What Happens At the Snow Sapporo Snow Festival?
At the Sapporo Snow Festival, visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions and activities, including:
- Ice and snow sculptures: The Sapporo Snow Festival features hundreds of ice and snow sculptures, ranging from small figurines to large, elaborate displays equipped with an extravagant laser light show. The sculptures are created by both professional artists and amateur enthusiasts and showcase a wide range of themes and styles including an internation competition. Visitors can marvel at the artistry and creativity of the sculptures and take photos with their favorites.
- Food stalls: The Sapporo Snow Festival features a wide range of food stalls offering everything from local specialties to international favorites. Visitors can enjoy warm drinks and snacks to help them stay warm during their visit.
- Winter sports and activities: The Tsudome Site, located outside of the city, is home to a wide range of winter sports and activities, including ice skating, snow rafting, and more. Visitors can enjoy some fun in the snow and try out new activities.
Do you need tickets for Sapporo Snow Festival?
No, you don’t need to purchase tickets to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival. A great thing about this festival is that it is free and open to the public, and you can simply walk up to the various sites and start exploring.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Some of the special events and attractions at the Sapporo Snow Festival may require tickets, and it’s a good idea to check in advance if you’re planning to attend any of these. For example, the Tsudome Site is home to a number of winter sports and activities that may require tickets or a fee to participate. Similarly, some of the food stalls and other attractions at the Odori Site and Susukino Site may charge a fee for their services.
What clothes should I wear to visit the Snow Festival?
Here are some tips for what to wear to the Sapporo Snow Festival:
- Layer up: It’s important to wear layers to stay warm in the cold weather. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear or moisture-wicking fabric to help keep you dry and warm, and add layers on top as needed.
- Wear warm outerwear: Make sure to wear a warm coat, gloves, and a hat to protect against the cold. A coat with a hood is especially useful if it’s snowing.
- Wear boots: It’s important to wear warm and waterproof boots to protect your feet from the cold and wet conditions. Boots with good traction are also helpful for walking on slippery surfaces.
- Bring a scarf and gloves: A scarf and gloves can help keep your neck and hands warm, and can be easily tucked into your bag when not in use.
How Cold Does It Get In Sapporo?
Sapporo experiences very cold winters due to its high latitude and geography. During the winter months, Sapporo’s average temperature ranges from about -10°C (25°F) to 2°C (37°F). The coldest months are January and February, when temperatures can drop to as low as -14°C. The city experiences long, dark winters due to its high latitude, and the days are short with only a few hours of sunlight.
What Food Is Eaten During The Snow Festival?
Sapporo is known throughout Japan for its rich culinary scene and is famous for a number of local specialties. Here are a few of the foods that Sapporo is famous for that is served during the snow festival.
- Ramen: Sapporo is known for its rich, flavorful ramen, which is a type of Japanese noodle dish served in broth.
- Crab: Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, and Sapporo is a great place to try local specialties such as crab.
- Scallops: Hokkaido is also known for its delicious scallops, and Sapporo is a great place to indulge in this local specialty.
- Salmon roe: Ikura, or salmon roe, is another popular seafood specialty in Sapporo and is often enjoyed as a topping for sushi or as a garnish for other dishes.
- Milk: Hokkaido is known for its high-quality milk, and Sapporo is a great place to try a range of dairy products made from local milk, including ice cream, cheese, and more.
- Genghis Khan: Genghis Khan is a popular local dish in Sapporo, consisting of grilled lamb and vegetables.
- Soup curry: Soup curry is a local specialty in Sapporo and is a type of curry with a broth-like consistency.
- Shiroi Koibito: Shiroi Koibito is a popular local snack in Sapporo, consisting of a white chocolate cookie sandwich filled with a creamy filling.
- Soba: Soba is another type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, and Sapporo is known for its high-quality soba.
How To Travel From Tokyo To Sapporo?
There are several options for traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Sapporo is located about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) north of Tokyo, and the journey takes about 5-10 hours depending on the mode of transportation. Here are the main options for traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo:
- Shinkansen (bullet train): The shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed bullet train and is the most popular and convenient option for traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo. The journey takes about 5 hours to get to Hakodate and then another 4 on the express train to Sapporo. Prices start at around 20,000 yen ($180) for a one-way ticket in standard class. If you have a JR Rail Pass this can be a good option and you can add an overnight stay in Morioka, Aomori of Hakodate.
- Flight: Another option for traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo is to take a flight. There are several airports in the Tokyo area, and many airlines operate flights to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. The flight takes about 1.5 hours and prices start at around 20,000 yen ($180) for a one-way ticket.
- Ferry. If you have some extra time you can consider taking the ferry for something different.
