History of the Sapporo Snow Festival
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The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic winter events and is recognized as one of the world’s three major snow festivals. It began in 1950 (Showa 25) in Sapporo’s Odori Park. Initially, it was a small event where local junior and senior high school students created and displayed snow sculptures. However, over the years, the festival has grown in scale and appeal. Notably, in 1955 (Showa 30), the Japan Self-Defense Forces began participating, further enhancing the size and intricacy of the snow sculptures. Today, the Sapporo Snow Festival attracts about 2 million visitors annually and is loved by many as a symbol of Sapporo’s winter.
Overview and Attractions of the Event
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The Sapporo Snow Festival is held over eight days every February, and in 2024, it will take place from February 4 to February 11. The main venues are the Odori site in Odori Park, the Susukino site, and the Sapporo Community Dome (Tsudome), which hosts various events and attractions.
At the Odori site, you can see large-scale snow sculptures created by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, as well as smaller sculptures crafted by citizen volunteers. Visitors can also enjoy projection mapping and winter attractions like curling and slides. The Susukino site features magical ice sculptures, while the Tsudome site offers family-friendly interactive activities.
The festival’s charm lies not only in its magnificent snow and ice sculptures but also in the enchanting nighttime illuminations and projection mappings. With stage performances and mascot character appearances, there are plenty of activities for visitors of all ages.
Highlights of the Main Venues
Odori Site
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The main venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival is the Odori site, located in the heart of Sapporo at Odori Park. Spanning from Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 12-chome over a length of 1.5 kilometers, the site’s biggest draw is its gigantic snow sculptures. The massive, intricate sculptures created by the Self-Defense Forces are truly awe-inspiring. There are also numerous small to medium-sized snow sculptures crafted by local volunteers, each unique and entertaining.
Another must-see is the projection mapping, where colorful images are projected onto the large snow sculptures, creating a surreal atmosphere. The site also features fun winter attractions like curling and snow slides, making it enjoyable for both adults and children. At night, the area is beautifully illuminated, offering a breathtaking view.
Susukino Site
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The Susukino site is themed around ice sculptures. Here, you can marvel at the transparent and delicate ice statues, which are illuminated at night, creating a magical scene. Against the backdrop of Susukino’s entertainment district, the ice sculptures offer a unique charm that differs from the other venues.
From Minami 4-Jo to Minami 7-Jo Street, where the Susukino site is located, you’ll find many restaurants, bars, and shopping spots. In addition to admiring the ice sculptures, you can also enjoy dining and shopping in the area. Be sure to warm up with a hot drink or savor some delicious Hokkaido cuisine while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Check out this article for gourmet information around Susukino Station.
Tsudome Site
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The Tsudome site, located at the Sapporo Community Dome (Tsudome), is especially popular with families. It offers a wide variety of hands-on activities, including a massive snow slide, inflatable domes, and snow rafting, which are always a hit with kids.
The Tsudome site also hosts many indoor events, allowing visitors to escape the cold while still enjoying the festival. With booths selling local specialties and food courts, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the day. Offering family-friendly entertainment, the Tsudome site provides a different type of fun from the other festival venues.
Preparing to Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival
Cold Weather Precautions
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in February, when Sapporo’s average temperature is a chilly -3.4°C (26°F). Dressing warmly is essential. Be sure to bring a thick down jacket and a windproof, waterproof outer layer. For innerwear, choose heat-retaining materials like HeatTech. Gloves, scarves, and hats are must-haves, as extremities like ears and fingers get cold easily, so cover them well.
Also, don’t forget to prepare your footwear. Wear insulated boots and socks to keep your feet warm, and choose shoes with non-slip soles to safely navigate icy streets. Since you’ll be outside for long periods, pocket hand warmers (kairo) can be a lifesaver.
Packing List
To fully enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival, it’s a good idea to pack a few essentials. For cold weather protection, warm clothing and hand warmers are a must. For convenience, bring a map, smartphone, and camera to navigate and capture memories. Your smartphone will also help with directions and festival updates.
Also, grab any flyers or pamphlets available at the venues for additional information. For long hours of sightseeing, consider packing a thermos and some snacks. If you’re visiting with children, bring along snacks and drinks for them as well. Lastly, having alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wet wipes can help keep things clean on the go.
Recommended Activities
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Viewing Snow and Ice Sculptures
One of the main highlights of the Sapporo Snow Festival is viewing the impressive snow and ice sculptures. At the Odori site, you’ll find large-scale sculptures created by the Self-Defense Forces alongside small and medium-sized sculptures made by volunteers, all arranged in a grand display. The Susukino site, meanwhile, showcases stunning ice sculptures that look even more beautiful when illuminated at night. This event offers a unique opportunity to appreciate incredible winter art in Sapporo.
Projection Mapping
Projection mapping is another popular feature of the Sapporo Snow Festival. At the Odori site, colorful images are projected onto the large snow sculptures, captivating visitors with their dynamic visuals. The projections make the sculptures appear to move or transform, offering new surprises with every viewing. The nighttime projection mapping is especially magical, giving visitors an entirely different experience from the daytime displays.
Stage Events
Throughout the Sapporo Snow Festival, various stage events are held daily. From live performances by local artists and dancers to traditional performing arts, there’s a wide variety of programs to enjoy. The award ceremonies for the snow and ice sculpture contests also attract large crowds. Combined with the nighttime illuminations, these stage events are sure to warm your heart and make the cold winter evenings exciting.
Hidden Spots Recommended by Locals
Unique Recommendations from Locals
While the main venues of the Sapporo Snow Festival—Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome—are unmissable, there are also hidden gems known only to locals that are worth exploring. For example, the “Nijo Market,” located a short distance from the Odori Site, is a popular tourist spot where you can find fresh local seafood. By stepping away from the bustling Odori area, you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere for sightseeing and shopping, free from the crowds of tourists. Additionally, if you take a bit of a trip from downtown Sapporo to “Mount Moiwa,” you’ll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view of the snow-covered city. The night view is also stunning, especially when paired with the illuminations during the Snow Festival, creating a magical landscape.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
The Sapporo Snow Festival attracts about 2 million visitors annually, making it a hugely popular event, so avoiding crowds can be a challenge. However, with a few tips, you can enjoy the festival more comfortably. First, I recommend visiting during weekday mornings. Weekends and holidays tend to be particularly crowded, while weekday mornings are usually much quieter. Additionally, since the center of the Odori Site can get quite congested, starting your visit at the edges is a smart strategy. Furthermore, the Susukino and Tsudome Sites are often less crowded, so visiting them first can also be a good plan.
Another tip is to check real-time crowd information on social media or the official website. The official site often updates real-time event information and crowd conditions, allowing you to plan your activities accordingly. It’s also essential to take adequate cold-weather precautions to ensure a comfortable viewing experience. Dress appropriately for the cold and take frequent breaks to enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival without strain.
Gourmet Information
Local Food Recommendations
At the Sapporo Snow Festival, you can indulge in delicious foods unique to Hokkaido. Must-try dishes include “Jingisukan” (grilled mutton) and “Soup Curry,” which are favorites among locals. Particularly in the Susukino and Odori areas, many restaurants serve delectable dishes made from local ingredients. Be sure to try popular hot snacks like “Touki-bi” (corn on the cob) and “Ikayaki” (grilled squid), as they are perfect for warming up your chilled body.
Enjoying the Special Food Court
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Within the Sapporo Snow Festival venues, there will be a special food court set up. In the Odori and Tsudome Sites, various food stalls will offer regional specialties and warm food and drinks. For instance, Ishikari Nabe (a traditional hot pot) and dishes featuring fresh seafood from Hokkaido are very popular. At the food court, sharing small portions of different foods is highly recommended. Additionally, you can enjoy your meal while admiring the illuminated snow sculptures at night, creating a special atmosphere.
Accommodation Information and Access
Recommended Accommodation Areas
When visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival, it’s important to choose a convenient accommodation area. The top recommendation is the area around “Sapporo Station.” The station has excellent access to all festival venues, and numerous hotels are available, allowing you to choose accommodations that suit your budget and needs.
Next, the “Odori Area” is also a popular place to stay. Being close to the Odori Site allows you to fully enjoy the festival’s main events. Additionally, the Odori Area has good access to Sapporo’s tourist spots and shopping areas, making it very convenient for your stay.
For those wanting to enjoy the illuminated ice sculptures at night, the “Susukino Area” is also recommended. This area is lively at night, with many dining options open late, allowing you to enjoy delicious Hokkaido cuisine.
Access Methods and Transportation
Using Sapporo’s public transportation is the most convenient way to reach the various festival venues. First, if you’re coming from afar, it takes about 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station via the JR Rapid Airport service. From Sapporo Station, you can easily reach each venue on foot or by subway.
To get to the Odori Site, take the subway Namboku Line or Tozai Line from Sapporo Station to Odori Station, then walk a short distance. For the Susukino Site, transfer to the Namboku Line at Odori Station and get off at Susukino Station. To reach the Tsudome Site, take the Toho Line from Sapporo Station to Eirakumachi Station and then use the shuttle bus for convenience.
Since transportation is expected to be crowded during the festival, it’s advisable to plan your schedule with ample time. Especially at the Odori and Susukino Sites, the nighttime illuminations create peak congestion, so avoiding the busiest hours can make for a more pleasant experience.
Tourist Spots to Enjoy Alongside the Sapporo Snow Festival
Attractions Near the Event Venues
There are many worthwhile tourist spots around the Sapporo Snow Festival venues. First, the Sapporo Clock Tower is centrally located and has significant historical value, making it an easy stop during your sightseeing. Odori Park itself is also a relaxing spot for a stroll or a break while viewing the snow sculptures.
Another recommended spot is Susukino. With ice sculptures displayed at the Susukino Site, enjoying the illuminated ice sculptures at night and then indulging in local cuisine at nearby restaurants is a great experience. Additionally, the night view from the Sapporo TV Tower is breathtaking, providing a view of the entire Odori Site.
Recommended One-Day Sightseeing Route
To fully enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival, here’s a suggested one-day sightseeing route. Start your morning at the Odori Site, where you can admire the large snow sculptures created by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and enjoy the projection mapping. Next, visit the nearby Sapporo Clock Tower to learn about its history.
For lunch, savor local delicious cuisine at a restaurant near the Odori Site. In the afternoon, take the subway to the Tsudome Site and enjoy family-friendly activities. As evening approaches, head to the Susukino Site to stroll while taking in the magical illuminations of the ice sculptures. End your perfect day with dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Susukino area.
Conclusion
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a premier winter event in Hokkaido, attracting about 2 million visitors each year. Its charm is evident as it is considered one of the world’s top three snow festivals, boasting a history spanning over 70 years since its first event. Each venue—Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome—offers unique features, with a variety of activities such as projection mapping, ice sculptures, and citizen-participation snow sculptures.
When visiting, it’s crucial to prepare adequately for the cold. February in Sapporo can be extremely chilly, so warm clothing is essential. Knowing about local recommendations and tips for avoiding crowds will further enhance your enjoyment. The delicious gourmet offerings and special food courts are also a major highlight, allowing you to savor local flavors.
By visiting nearby tourist attractions along with the Sapporo Snow Festival, you can fully experience Sapporo. Recommended spots include the night view from the Sapporo TV Tower and the “Sapporo Snow Festival Museum” at the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. It’s a good idea to research access methods and accommodation areas in advance.
This event is not just a tourist destination but a fantastic opportunity to engage with local culture and people. Be sure to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival and immerse yourself in the winter wonders of Hokkaido.
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