Sapporo Yuki Matsuri

Every February, the city of Sapporo is wrapped in a magical white wonderland for the Sapporo Snow Festival. For one week, both locals and visitors can enjoy gigantic snow and ice sculptures, dazzling illuminations, and Hokkaido’s winter delicacies at one of Japan’s most iconic winter events. Families, photography lovers, and adventurous travelers can all fully immerse themselves in the multi-sensory experience of Sapporo’s winter.

The festival spans three main areas: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. In the crisp air, you’ll hear the crunch of snow underfoot, smell the savory aromas from food stalls, see the glow of illuminated snow statues, and hear laughter echoing through the city. With a warm drink in hand, stroll through this city of snow and light and let yourself be enchanted by Hokkaido’s winter.

Odori Park: Towering Snow Sculptures and Light Shows

Susukino: A Fantasy World of Ice Art and Neon

Tsudome: A Snow Playground for the Whole Family

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950, when a group of local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. What started as a handmade community event quickly gained attention when the Japan Self-Defense Forces joined in 1955 and began constructing massive snow sculptures By the 1960s, snow statues over 10 meters tall appeared, and in 1974, the International Snow Sculpture Contest was launched, attracting teams and tourists from overseas. Today, the festival draws over two million visitors annually, making it one of the world’s largest winter events.

The festival is a symbol of Hokkaido’s spirit-transforming harsh winters into art and play, and showcasing the creativity and unity of the community. Citizens, the Self-Defense Forces, companies, and international teams all work together to create the enormous snow and ice sculptures, a process that itself embodies Sapporo’s pride and sense of community. The Snow Festival also plays a vital role in promoting Hokkaido’s food culture, tourism, and international exchange.

For Sapporo residents, the Snow Festival is a celebration of winter, a rediscovery of local charm, and a source of pride that connects them with people from around the world. Locals and visitors alike take part in building snow statues and events, making it a cultural tradition passed down through generations and a unique way to experience the beauty and warmth of a northern winter.

We visited the Sapporo Snow Festival as a family, and our kids were thrilled by the giant snow statues and slides. The nighttime illuminations felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

• Over 200 snow and ice sculptures are displayed each year, with some reaching the height of a four-story building.
• More than 30,000 tons of snow are used, much of it trucked in from the suburbs.
• The nighttime illuminations and projection mapping create a magical atmosphere.
• Sapporo beer, hot sake, and Hokkaido gourmet foods are festival favorites.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held every early February at Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome in Sapporo. Dress warmly and enjoy the festival both day and night for the full experience.