Highlights
- Giant snow sculptures along ~1.5 km of Odori Park, illuminated until 22:00
- Susukino 'Ice World' detailed ice sculptures, one subway stop south
- Tsudome family site with snow slides and a snow maze (~10:00–16:00)
Background & story
The festival started in 1950 when local students built six snow statues in Odori Park; it now draws around two million visitors, and since 1955 the Japan Self-Defense Forces help build the largest sculptures.
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- From New Chitose Airport, JR Rapid Airport to Sapporo Station ~37 min / ~¥1,150. Odori Site = Odori subway station; Susukino Site = Susukino station (one stop south); Tsudome Site = Toho Line to Sakaemachi + short walk or shuttle (~¥200). Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families
Good to know
The big sculptures are best after dark when lit; February in Sapporo is very cold (highs ~-1°C, lows ~-7°C) with icy footing — bring winter boots with grip.
Getting there
Odori Park (Odori Site), with Susukino and Tsudome sites, Sapporo — Odori Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido