❄️ Winter Fantasy Kingdom: Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり) (Hokkaido・Sapporo City) complete introduction

Today, I'm taking you on a journey through Japan's grandest winter snow festival— the Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり) . Held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido, this world-renowned snow and ice festival attracts millions of visitors from both Japan and abroad. With giant snow and ice sculptures, light projections, and a vibrant winter scene, Sapporo sparkles like a fairytale amidst the harsh winter.

📜 The origin and history of the Sapporo Snow Festival

The history of the Sapporo Snow Festival is not long, but it is full of stories.

• Origin : In 1950, local middle school students created six snow sculptures in Odori Park, which unexpectedly attracted a large number of onlookers.
• Development : Later, the Self-Defense Forces also joined in to assist, using professional technology to create large snow sculptures, and the scale gradually expanded.
• Internationalization : The "International Snow Sculpture Competition" was held in 1974, inviting overseas teams to participate, making the Snow Festival a world-class event.

Today, the Sapporo Snow Festival is synonymous with winter in Hokkaido and is even known as one of the "three major snow festivals in the world." I think its charm lies in the fact that it not only showcases the artistic ingenuity of the Japanese, but also allows people to experience the unique romance of Sapporo's winter. ✨

⏰ Time and location

• Time : Early February every year (about one week)
• Main venue :
  1. Odori Venue : Odori Park in the heart of Sapporo, the heart of the Snow Festival, featuring giant snow sculptures and stage performances.
  2. Susukino Venue : Mainly featuring ice sculptures, it is located in the bustling Susukino business district and is super romantic with lights at night.
  3. Tsudome venue : focuses on parent-child activities, with snow slides, snow games, etc., suitable for families.

The editor recommends that you plan at least two days, because the three major venues each have their own characteristics and you really can’t see them all in one day!

🏰 Datong Venue: The shock of giant snow sculptures

Odori Park is the centerpiece of the Snow Festival and also the most spectacular stage.

• Giant snow sculptures : Snow sculptures that are up to 15 meters high and over 20 meters wide, with themes mostly featuring world famous places, anime characters, and historical buildings.
• Light projection : At night, combined with sound and light effects, the snow sculptures instantly transform into giant projection screens, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
• Stage activities : The venue has a special stage for concerts, dance shows, and even ski demonstrations.

The first time I stood in front of a giant snow sculpture, I felt like an ant. I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Is this made of snow?!” 😱

🧊 Susukino venue: Brilliant night view of ice sculptures

The Susukino venue is famous for its ice sculptures, which are especially romantic at night.

• Ice sculpture art : transparent ice blocks are carved into animals, figures, and buildings, which are crystal clear.
• Lighting up at night : Colorful lights reflect on the ice sculptures, sparkling like an ice and snow fairy tale.
• Interactive experience : Some ice sculptures can be touched, and there is even an ice bar where you can drink ice wine on the ice table. 🍸

I think the Susukino venue is the best place for couples to date. Walking on the streets of sparkling ice sculptures is the epitome of winter romance. 💖

🎿 Tsudome venue: A snow park for families to enjoy

The Tsudome venue is located in the suburbs, but is especially popular with families.

• Snow slide : A huge snow slide that will keep the kids entertained.
• Snowmobiles and snow tubing : Adults and children alike can enjoy exciting snow activities.
• Food stalls : Serving hot Hokkaido dishes like miso ramen, Genghis Khan barbecue, and corn soup. 🍜

I personally experienced drinking a bowl of Hokkaido hot ramen in sub-zero temperatures, and my happiness level went off the charts! 🔥

🌟 International Snow Sculpture Competition

A major feature of the Sapporo Snow Festival is the International Snow Sculpture Competition .

• Attract teams from all over the world to participate.
• The works integrate different cultures and creativity, allowing visitors to appreciate global snow sculpture art at one time.
• The atmosphere is lively and you can watch the carving process, which is very interesting.

I think this is an "art exchange without borders" and watching the athletes from all over the world sweating and creating works with ice and snow was really touching. 🌍

🍢 Snow Festival limited edition delicacies

In addition to snow and ice, the Sapporo Snow Festival is also a feast for the taste buds.

• Sapporo Miso Ramen 🍜
• Genghis Khan Roast Lamb🐏
• Hokkaido seafood (crab, salmon roe, scallops) 🦀
• Corn Cream Croquette🌽
• Hot sake and Hokkaido beer 🍶🍺

The editor highly recommends eating crab legs while watching the snow sculptures. It is so blissful to eat hot seafood in the cold wind!

🗺️ Transportation and sightseeing suggestions

• transportation :
  • It takes about 1.5 hours to fly from Tokyo to Sapporo New Chitose Airport, and then transfer to JR or bus to the center of Sapporo.
  • The Odori and Susukino venues are easily accessible, but the Tsudome venue requires a shuttle bus or subway.
• Tips for viewing :
  1. It is recommended to watch it at night, the light projection is more shocking.
  2. Keep warm as the temperature is often below -5°C.
  3. Accommodation must be booked in advance, as rooms are very popular during the Snow Festival.
  4. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is better to go on weekdays.

💡 Editor's Note

The Sapporo Snow Festival, to me, is a "miracle of snow and art." The snow sculptures during the day are magnificent, while the light projections and ice sculptures at night create a romantic and dreamy experience. Add to that the uniquely Hokkaido cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, and you'll truly forget the cold and simply immerse yourself in the experience.

If you ask me, "Which festival is the must-see in Japan during winter?" - there's no doubt that the Sapporo Snow Festival is definitely the first choice . 💖