Sapporo Winter Festival, also known as the Sapporo Snow Festival, is perhaps the most famous winter festival in Hokkaido and Japan.
The abundant snow and ice resources make Hokkaido the perfect destination for hosting winter festivals. Among them, Sapporo Snow Festival perhaps the most famous one. The festival is a celebration of winter and showcases incredible ice and larger-than-life snow sculptures, awe-inspiring illuminations, and various winter activities. Here you'll find a lively atmosphere with ice sculptures lining the streets. The ice sculptures often depict different themes, such as anime characters, animals, or famous buildings. There are also endless food stalls, live music performances and a snowy play area for kids.
When and where does Sapporo Snow Festival take place in 2025?
It takes place in the first week of February and lasts for a week from February 4 to February 11. It’s one of the most easily-accessible snow festivals in Japan, being located in the city center of the capital in Hokkaido, Sapporo. There are three different locations in and around Sapporo.
1. Odori Park
This 1.5 kilometer’s long park is the main site for Sapporo snow festival. There are largest statues in this festival, some of which span 25 miters and rise 15 miters’ high. The statues are illuminated until 22:00. There are also some food and souvenir stalls, an ice skating rink, concerts and events during the festival. The perfect view over Odori Park is Sapporo TV Tower (8:30 to 22:30).
2. Susukino
Just located in the entertainment district of Sapporo, Susukino is the site for one hundred ice sculptures. They are lit up daily until 23:00 (until 22:00 on the festival's final day). These sculptures are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical and festive ambiance. It is located only one subway stop of Odori Park.
3. Tsudome
Comparing with other two sites, Tsu Dome Site is less centrally located but is a family-friendly playground. It offers various winter activities for visitors in all ages. You can enjoy snowboarding, skiing, snow slides, snow rafting, ice fishing, etc. There are also food stalls serving hot drinks and local specialties to keep you warm and energized. Tsubame, or the Tsu Dome Site (Community Site) typically opens a few days prior to the official schedule and is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
What are the costs of Sapporo Snow Festival?
Entrance to the Sapporo snow festival is free!
In addition to the main sites, there are also smaller snow and ice sculptures scattered throughout the city. Many hotels, shopping malls, and public spaces participate in the festival, creating their own unique displays and activities.
Besides of Sapporo Snow Festival, there are many other winter festivals and events in Japan annually. Here we list other best winter snow festivals in Hokkaido for you.
Top winter snow and ice festivals in Hokkaido and schedules:
1. Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Highlights: numerous illuminated ice sculptures, events like ice skating, ice slides, fireworks, etc.
Schedule: 10:00 -20:00, 1st-24th February, 2025
2. Asahikawa Winter Festival
Highlights: record-breaking snow sculptures, snow activities, numerous live music acts and fireworks displays
Schedule: 09:00 - 21:00, early February, 1 week duration
3. Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival
Highlights: Ice waterfalls, hot springs and winter activities, fireworks
Schedule: 17:00-21:30, late January to mid March
4. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Highlights: hundreds of lights and snow statues , candles and lanterns are lined up along Otaru Canal
Schedule: 17:00 - 21:00, February 8 – February 15 , 2025
5. Onuma Hakodate Snow & Ice Festival
Highlights: Hakodate Illumination, Hakodate Garden of Light, Hakodate Winter Fireworks
Schedule: December to February
6. Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival
Highlights: plenty of spectacular snow sculptures, beautiful ice sculptures, and events
Schedule: 10:00-20:00, February 11 to February 12
7. Lake Akan Ice Festival
Highlights: on-ice activities such as snowmobiles, banana boats, ice fishing, fireworks, traditional Ainu ceremony
Schedule: early February to early March
Undoubtedly, Hokkaido has become one of the most popular winter wonderlands in the world because of its abundant snowfall, wildlife, winter activities including skiing, ice fishing and snow festivals or ice festivals. It is not only a celebration of winter, but also a showcase of the city's artistic talent and creativity.
Recommended tour package with Hokkaido winter festival:
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