Sapporo Magnificent ice scupture. Photo by Masayoshi Sakamto
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When you think of iconic winter festivals, North Americans might picture the vibrant Carnaval de Québec in Quebec City, Canada. Meanwhile, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival—one of the largest of its kind—likely comes to mind for many in China.
But if you’re a fan of jaw-dropping snow and ice festivals, here’s one for your travel bucket list: the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan. Every February, this enchanting city transforms into a snowy wonderland, showcasing colossal snow sculptures that steal the spotlight in the heart of Sapporo.
Join me, a Japanese travel writer who has explored countless corners of Japan (and attended this magical event multiple times), as I take you through the magic of the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Winter Wonderland: Over 2 Million Visitors in Just One Week
Over 20 years ago, I experienced the magic of the Sapporo Snow Festival for the first time. Back then, I was working on a small farm in Shihoro, an inland town in Hokkaido. My journey to Sapporo, the capital of Japan’s northernmost prefecture, took 3 to 4 hours, but the excitement of seeing this iconic event made every minute worth it.
Hokkaido, Japan’s largest island, sits at a similar latitude to North America’s Great Lakes, making it a winter paradise. In Sapporo, the Snow Festival has become synonymous with the season, a tradition cherished by every Japanese person.
What began humbly in 1950 with local students building snow sculptures in Odori Park quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon. By 1955, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces joined the festival, using their training to create monumental snow sculptures, and the event skyrocketed in scale and reputation.
In its inaugural year, the festival attracted just 50,000 visitors. Fast forward to 1972, when the Sapporo Winter Olympics catapulted the Snow Festival onto the global stage, and its fame only continued to rise. By 2019, its 70th anniversary drew a staggering 2.73 million people.
Even the pandemic couldn’t dim the festival’s charm. After a brief hiatus, the event returned in 2023 with 1.75 million visitors. In 2024, over 2.38 million attendees braved the cold to marvel at its wonders.
Odori Park: Home to the Snowy Spectacle
The festival’s centerpiece, Odori Park, is a 25-hectare green space that transforms into a snowy spectacle each February. Here, 10–15 massive snow sculptures—some taller than three-story buildings—tower above roughly 50 smaller creations crafted by local groups. The park also boasts dozens of dazzling ice sculptures, making it a visual feast for all ages.
Each monumental snow sculpture is a masterpiece, brought to life through an intricate process. Artists begin with a clay model, followed by a Shinto blessing ceremony. Snow is trucked in from nearby rural areas, and scaffolding, chainsaws, and knives are used to carve the designs with precision.
The themes often reflect pop culture and current events, featuring beloved characters from anime like Dragon Ball, iconic films such as Star Wars, and even global landmarks or Olympic tributes. These universal themes ensure the festival’s appeal resonates with visitors from every corner of the world.
Over the years, I’ve noticed the diversity of attendees. While major Japanese destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto primarily attract tourists from nearby Asian countries, the Sapporo Snow Festival also draws visitors from Europe, the U.S., Australia, and beyond. Multilingual services in English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai make it accessible for everyone.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable experience beyond Japan’s usual travel hotspots, Hokkaido—and the Snow Festival—is a destination you don’t want to miss.
More Than Sculptures: A Festival for All the Senses
What makes the Sapporo Snow Festival so special? Let’s start with the jaw-dropping snow and ice sculptures. Imagine snapping a selfie with a 10-meter-tall snow recreation of the White House or spotting a snow statue of a beloved anime character.
In 1992, the festival commemorated the White House’s 200th anniversary with a stunning replica. More recently, a cheeky 2017 sculpture featured U.S. President Donald Trump mimicking Pikotaro’s viral PPAP gesture. From the Taj Mahal to the Norwegian Parliament, the festival has a knack for reimagining global landmarks in snow.
As night falls, the sculptures light up, creating an enchanting atmosphere that’s perfect for “Instagrammable” moments.
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Beyond admiring the art, visitors can join hands-on workshops, engage in snowball fights, or build their own snowmen at the Odori Park venue. These activities are especially thrilling for visitors from snowless regions.
I once met a family from Hong Kong joyfully playing in the snow. “This is a rare treat,” they told me, grinning from ear to ear. Their excitement was contagious, and it’s a reminder of how magical snow can be for those experiencing it for the first time.
Of course, the festival also serves up plenty of delicious food. Local delicacies like Sapporo ramen, oden, and soup curry are just a few of the highlights available at the festival’s bustling food stalls. Pair these treats with a visit to the nearby Sapporo Beer Museum for the ultimate Hokkaido culinary experience.
Looking for relaxation after all that excitement? Head to one of Sapporo’s nearby hot spring resorts, such as Jozankei Onsen or Sapporo Onsen, to soak your cares away.
How to Experience the Festival
Mark your calendar: the 75th Sapporo Snow Festival runs from February 4 (Tuesday) to February 11 (Tuesday, holiday) in 2025. Here’s where to go:
- Odori Park (Main Venue): 1-12 Odori West, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City
- Susukino Venue (Ice Sculpture Exhibition): Susukino, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City
- Tsu-Dome Venue (Indoor Exhibition): 1-1 Sakaemachi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo City
The Odori and Susukino venues are conveniently located near Sapporo Station, while the Tsu-Dome venue is a bit farther out.
If You Go
Getting to Sapporo is simple. From New Chitose Airport, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station in just 40 minutes. While direct international flights to the airport are available from several Asian cities, visitors from Europe, North America, or Australia will need to transfer through major Japanese hubs like Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu Centrair airports.
Tourist information centers and multilingual services ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit for all.
If you’re in Japan this February, don’t miss the chance to step into this winter wonderland. Bundle up, bring your camera, and prepare for a snowy adventure you’ll never forget.
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Author Bio: Masayoshi Sakamoto is a Japanese writer, translator, and editor living in Toyama, Japan. He is the editor-in-chief of a local magazine, Hokuroku, and was the chief editor of a popular digital business magazine based in Tokyo, bizSPA!.
Go World Travel Magazine is a digital magazine for world travelers. Our editorial content is produced by a dedicated team of travel journalists who know the regions they cover. We cover travel in more than 90 countries.
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