Klook Insider Guide to the Sapporo Snow Festival: What It Is, Where to Stay, and More!

The Sapporo Snow Festival shines as a brilliant gem in Japan's cultural crown, enchanting over 2 million global visitors annually. Emerging in 1950 with a humble array of snow statues by students, it has flourished into a spectacular week-long event in the lively heart of Hokkaido's capital, Sapporo.

A vivid canvas of Japan’s seasonal beauty, the festival invites you into a welcoming community, allowing you to embrace a spectrum of cultural delights against the backdrop of a stunning snowy landscape.

The 2024 edition promises an unforgettable journey spread over eight dazzling days, gracefully spread across three iconic venues: Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome. Each stage brings its unique charm, creating a mosaic of mesmerizing experiences that promise to leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation of the winter wonders of Japan.

The Sapporo Snow Festival, or Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, holds a cherished place in Japan's cultural panorama, unfolding its winter magic annually in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. The inception of this captivating festival traces back to 1950 when high school students breathed life into Odori Park with six enchanting snow statues. The festival's popularity surged dramatically during the 1972 Winter Olympics held in Sapporo, catapulting it into a global spectacle.

As the festival blossomed, it became a canvas for displaying immense and intricately carved ice and snow sculptures, turning the city into a winter wonderland. These mesmerizing artworks, glowing with ethereal lights at night, depict a variety of themes, including illustrious personalities, majestic landmarks, and fascinating stories, capturing the imagination of artists and spectators from around the world.

The profound artistry and creativity infused into these icy canvases, combined with the global exposure during the 1972 Olympics, have cultivated the festival's legacy, transforming it into a beloved event that annually magnetizes millions, celebrating the ethereal beauty and artistic wonder of snow and ice.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held annually in February, usually starting in the first week of the month and lasting for one week. For the Sapporo Snow Festival 2024, it will be held from 4-11 February 2024.

The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place at three separate sites, each one featuring different kinds of events and exhibits:

The biggest site for the Sapporo Snow Festival, it's a must-visit for first-time visitors due to its grandiose sculptures — some of them over 25 meters wide and up to 15 meters tall! Depending on when you visit, you can also expect to try out various activities at Odori Site such as curling, footbaths, and more!

How to get to Odori Site: Odori Site is only a brief walk from JR Sapporo Station.

Hosting the Sapporo Snow Festival for the first time in the last four years, there's a lot of anticipation for more information about the Tsudome Site to be released. And though we don't know the exact details yet (check back in December!), we can tell you about the history of the Tsudome Site instead: the second-largest site for the Sapporo Snow Festival, Tsudome Site is ideal for families with kids, as it features various fun attractions for all ages such as a large tube slide, snow rafts, and more.

How to get to Tsudome Site: Take the Toho Line from JR Sapporo Station and alight at Sakae Station.

Located near a popular nightlife area in Sapporo, the Susukino Site is an ideal location for the Sapporo Snow Festival if you wish to enjoy the view with a beverage or two (or more, if you want!) But even if you don't drink alcohol, there's still plenty to see here: from stunning ice sculptures to Illumination Street, it's well-worth a visit!

How to get to Susukino Site: Take the Namboku Line from JR Sapporo Station to Susukino Station.

Finding the perfect accommodation during the snow festival can be a delightful puzzle! 🌨️ Due to the festival's popularity, accommodations get booked up quickly, and prices tend to go up quite a bit, too. But don't worry — book your room early, and you'll be all set! For a comfy and convenient stay, consider choosing a hotel close to the lively event sites. Or, for a sprinkle of authentic Japanese charm, how about trying a ryokan? It’s a lovely way to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the snowy spectacle! 🏨❄️

Your journey won't be complete without trying out the local cuisine. Hokkaido is a treasure trove of fresh vegetables, irresistible dairy products, and an ocean’s bounty of sumptuous seafood. At the heart of the festivities in Odori Park, indulge in an array of tantalizing local delicacies showcased in vibrant food stalls!

Dive into the iconic Sapporo ramen, a heartwarming delight that has earned its place as a beloved local specialty. The island's signature miso ramen, adorned with butter and corn, is a comforting embrace in a bowl, especially soothing in February's crisp weather.

The culinary canvas of Hokkaido also features a splendid spectrum of other treats like fresh-off-the-boat seafood, savory mutton dishes, and the irresistibly crunchy zangi fried chicken.

Sapporo’s enchantment doesn’t end with the snow festival! Consider embarking on private tours to uncover the city’s hidden gems, or maybe go on day trips to nearby destinations. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way, and perhaps some newfound friends to accompany you, dive deep into the charming realms of Sapporo and beyond! 🌟