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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Sapporo Snow Festival
Be amazed by the giant snow and ice sculptures in Hokkaido's capital
City of Sapporo
When it comes to winter in Hokkaido, the fantastic Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the first things that comes to mind. The origins of this annual event are in 1950, when local middle school students made snow sculptures in the city’s central Ōdōri Park. In recent years the Sapporo Snow Festival has grown into one of Japan’s most popular winter festivals, attracting around two million visitors from across the world during the week long event which occurs in early February.
During the festival a variety of snow sculptures of all shapes and sizes are lined up across the main event site of Ōdōri Park, turning the area into a winter wonderland. From massive replicas of castles and World Heritage sites to anime characters, you are sure to be amazed by the stunning array of sculptures finely crafted from beautiful pure white snow. At night the snow sculptures are brought to life by colorful projection mapping displays, creating a fantastical world of snow and light.
During the festival Sapporo burst into life with a diverse range of fun snow-based attractions. Head to the Susukino site to view intricate ice sculptures which are illuminated at night, and to the family-oriented Tsudome site, set up with giant slides made from ice.
How to get there
The main Ōdōri Park site is 1 minute on foot from Ōdōri subway station.
