One of the planet’s greatest snow spectacles
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a wintertime extravaganza that has been captivating visitors since its inception in 1950. What started as a few students fashioning snow sculptures in Odori Park has now become a world-renowned event that draws millions of people every year. This festival showcases the creativity and imagination of the locals, as they use Sapporo’s most abundant natural resource – snow – to create stunning and intricate sculptures.
Don’t Miss: Watching the projection mapping shows
One of the highlights of the Sapporo Snow Festival is the projection mapping shows. These shows use cutting-edge technology to project images and animations onto the larger-than-life snow sculptures. As soon as it gets dark, the sculptures come to life with colorful lights and mesmerizing visuals. It’s a truly breathtaking sight that shouldn’t be missed.
Don’t Miss: Going to the Sapporo Big Air event
For thrill-seekers and sports enthusiasts, the Sapporo Big Air event is a must-see. This ski and snowboard jump contest attracts some of the best athletes from around the world. Watch as they defy gravity and perform awe-inspiring tricks and jumps. It’s a thrilling experience that will leave you in awe of their skills and bravery.
Don’t Miss: Listening to live music near Sapporo TV Tower
Music lovers will be delighted to know that there are live music performances near Sapporo TV Tower and at other stages around Odori Park. Whether you’re into rock, pop, or traditional Japanese music, there’s something for everyone. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the tunes as you take in the festive atmosphere.
How to Get There
Getting to Odori Park, the primary venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival, is easy. You can reach it on foot, by taxi, or by subway from most places within the city. If you’re coming from Sapporo Station, you can take a 15-minute underground walk south or hop on the Nanboku or Toho subway lines and go one stop to Odori Park Station.
Quick Facts
The Sapporo Snow Festival is not just about admiring the sculptures; it’s also a competition. The International Snow Sculpture Contest began in 1974 and attracts teams from around the world. These teams compete to create the most impressive snow and ice statues, resulting in approximately 400 sculptures at the festival. To create the larger sculptures, soldiers from japan‘s Ground Self-Defense Forces lend a helping hand.
When the magic happens
The Sapporo Snow Festival runs for a week in early February, but the sculpting process begins up to a month beforehand. It’s a labor-intensive task that requires skill and precision. The sculptors work tirelessly to transform blocks of snow into works of art. Witnessing the transformation from a blank canvas to a stunning sculpture is a magical experience.
Breathtaking scale and numbers
When it comes to the Sapporo Snow Festival, bigger is better. Expect to see five large sculptures and a host of smaller ones in Odori Park. Towards the far west end of the park, international snow-sculpting teams from about 20 different nations compete in the festival each year. It’s a true celebration of art and culture on a global scale.
Illumination and projection mapping shows light up the night
As the sun sets, the Sapporo Snow Festival takes on a whole new dimension. The sculptures, both large and small, are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere. But the real showstopper is the projection mapping shows. These shows use advanced technology to project moving images onto the sculptures, bringing them to life in a dazzling display of light and animation.
Other cool ways to have fun
The Sapporo Snow Festival offers more than just admiring sculptures. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout the day. Take a ride down the big snow slides, try your hand at snow rafting, or engage in an epic snowball fight at the Tsudome venue. For those looking for a unique experience, head to the ice bar at the Susukino venue and enjoy a warm beverage in a frozen setting. If you’re feeling creative, you can even participate in the ice sculpture contest.
Carving out the competition
While the main venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival is Odori Park, there’s more to explore beyond its boundaries. Susukino Station is the starting point of a stunning ice sculpture display that stretches along the middle of the street. As you walk along, you’ll come across beautiful ice sculptures and small bars, some made entirely out of ice. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere while enjoying a drink or two.
Eat, drink, and take part of the festival home with you
No festival is complete without delicious food, and the Sapporo Snow Festival is no exception. You’ll find a wide variety of local produce, seafood, and meats from all around Hokkaido. From traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisines, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t forget to try the hot mulled wine to warm up during the chilly winter nights. And if you’re looking for souvenirs, the festival offers plenty of options, from toys and t-shirts to knick-knacks and postcards.
In conclusion, the Sapporo Snow Festival is a truly remarkable event that showcases the creativity, talent, and hospitality of the people of Sapporo. From the stunning snow sculptures to the captivating illumination shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So bundle up, put on your winter boots, and immerse yourself in this winter wonderland.
Address And Maps Location:
7 Chome, Odorinishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
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