The Sapporo Snow Festival (ۂ܂, Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is held during one week every February in Hokkaido's capital Sapporo. It is one of Japan's most popular winter events.
The Sapporo Snow Festival was started in 1950, when high school students built a few snow statues in Odori Park. It has since developed into a large, commercialized event, featuring spectacular snow and ice sculptures and attracting huge numbers of visitors. The festival is staged on three sites: the Odori Site, Susukino Site and Tsu Dome Site.
The main site is the Odori Site in Sapporo's centrally located 1.5 kilometer long Odori Park. The festival's famous large snow sculptures, some measuring more than 25 meters wide and 15 meters high, are exhibited there. They are lit up daily until 22:00. Besides about a dozen large snow sculptures, the Odori Site exhibits more than one hundred smaller snow statues and hosts several concerts and events, many of which use the sculptures as their stage.
A good view over the Odori Site can be enjoyed from the Sapporo TV Tower at the site's eastern end. The tower has extended hours during the festival. Admission to the top observatory costs 1200 yen. A 1700 yen ticket allows for a day visit and a night visit.
The Susukino Site, located in and named after Sapporo's largest entertainment district, exhibits about one hundred ice sculptures. Susukino is located only one subway stop south of Odori Park. The ice sculptures are lit up daily until 23:00 (until 22:00 on the festival's final day).
The less centrally located Tsu Dome Site is a family-oriented site with multiple snow slides, snow rafting and more snow sculptures. Inside the dome, there is a playground and some food stands. The Tsu Dome Site is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00.
Getting there and around
While the Odori and Susukino sites are in central Sapporo, the Tsu Dome Site is located outside the city center, a 15 minute walk from Sakaemachi Station along the Toho Subway Line (10 minutes, 250 yen from Sapporo Station or 15 minutes, 290 yen from Odori Station). There are also shuttle buses operating frequently between Sakaemachi Station and the Tsu Dome Site for 200 yen one way. Parking is not available near the Tsu Dome Site.
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Links and Resources
Hotels around Sapporo
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Ocho Guest HouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Ocho Guest House in Sapporo offers clean rooms with air-conditioning. Each room includes a shared bathroom and free WiFi, ensuring a pleasant stay.Essential Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, shared kitchen, and luggage storage. The property provides a continental breakfast, catering to diverse preferences.Convenient Location
Located 11 km from Okadama Airport, the guest house is situated in Chuo-ku Minami. Reception staff speak English, Japanese, and Chinese, assisting international visitors.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, clean rooms, and quality breakfast, Ocho Guest House consistently receives positive reviews from guests. -
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Shabby HouseView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Shabby House in Sapporo offers a 1-star guest house experience with free WiFi, a garden, and complimentary bicycles. Shared bathrooms enhance the stay.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, shuttle service, and a 24-hour front desk. Additional services include daily housekeeping, full-day security, express check-in and check-out, and luggage storage.Local Attractions
Located 12 km from Okadama Airport, the property is near attractions such as Sapporo Station and Odori Park. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the surrounding area.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests, Shabby House is praised for its friendly host, delicious breakfast, and excellent bicycle facilities. -
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41 PIECES SapporoView on Booking.comPrime Location
41 PIECES Sapporo is situated in Sapporo city centre, offering easy access to key attractions. The hotel lies 9 km from Okadama Airport.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with free toiletries, and modern amenities such as streaming services and flat-screen TVs. Family rooms and balconies provide added comfort.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can enjoy a terrace, outdoor fireplace, and free WiFi. Additional facilities include an outdoor seating area, lift, full-day security, and luggage storage.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and family-friendly environment, 41 PIECES Sapporo ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors. -
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Guesthouse OYADO SAPPOROView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO in Sapporo offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, shared bathrooms, free toiletries, slippers, and city views. Each room includes a refrigerator, hairdryer, and free WiFi.On-Site Facilities
The guest house features a bar and a lounge, complemented by a coffee shop. Guests can relax in the lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Guest Services
Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO provides a host, property staff, and service support. Breakfast is provided by the property, ensuring a pleasant start to the day.Location and Access
Located 14 km from Okadama Airport, the guest house offers easy access to Sapporo attractions. Reception staff speak English and Japanese, assisting guests with their needs. -
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Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery CollectionSituated a 12-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, Hotel Sousei Sapporo ? MGallery offers spacious rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy shopping at Sapporo Factory, which is directly connected to the property. The hotel is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Bus-Center-Mae Subway Station, and a 10-minute walk from Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park. The lively Susukino area is 1.2 km away. Massage service can be arranged at an additional charge. On-site parking is available for an extra charge. Air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Sousei Sapporo ? MGallery have high ceilings, and include a large bathing room and separate toilet.View on Booking.com -
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VILLA KOSHIDO kotoniView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Villa Koshido kotoni in Sapporo offers spacious rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a kitchen equipped with modern appliances, ensuring a pleasant stay.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk, family rooms, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a washing machine, work desk, and TV.Convenient Location
Located 8 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is surrounded by winter sports opportunities. Reception staff speak Japanese, providing assistance to all guests.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room comfort, kitchen, and room size, Villa Koshido kotoni is praised for its excellent service and comfortable accommodations. -
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The Gate Hotel Sapporo by HulicView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
The Gate Hotel Sapporo by Hulic in Sapporo offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and wardrobe.Dining and Leisure
Guests can enjoy a modern restaurant serving European cuisine for lunch and dinner. The hotel also features a fitness centre, bar, and public bath.Convenient Services
The hotel provides a fitness room, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include bathrobes and an executive lounge.Location and Access
Located 8 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is situated in the city centre. Reception staff speak English and Japanese. -
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Randor Hotel Sapporo HeritageView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Randor Hotel Sapporo Heritage in Sapporo offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a kitchenette, washing machine, and free toiletries.Modern Amenities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a TV, and a sofa. Additional facilities include a refrigerator, microwave, and kitchenware.Convenient Location
Located in the city centre, the hotel is 9 km from Okadama Airport. Reception staff speak English and Japanese. -
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Guesthouse Erimo ApartmentView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Guesthouse Erimo Apartment in Sapporo offers an adults-only aparthotel with one bedroom and one bathroom. The property features air-conditioning, a kitchenette, and a fully equipped kitchen.Modern Amenities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, private check-in and check-out services, a lounge, and a shared kitchen. Additional facilities include full-day security, a barbecue, and a work desk.Convenient Location
Located 10 km from Okadama Airport, the aparthotel is near public transport options and nearby shops. Highly rated for its friendly host, excellent public transport, and nearby shops. -
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Comfort Hotel ERA Sapporo NorthView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Comfort Hotel ERA Sapporo North in Sapporo offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, including bidets. Each room features a work desk, refrigerator, and TV, ensuring a pleasant stay.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, and express check-in and check-out services. Additional amenities include a child-friendly buffet, luggage storage, and a seating area.Dining Options
A continental, buffet, and Asian breakfast is served daily, including warm dishes, juice, and fruits. The hotel also provides a variety of dining options for guests.Convenient Location
Located 7 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is situated in Sapporo's Kita-ku district. Nearby attractions include Sapporo Station and Odori Park, offering easy access to local sights.
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Experiences around Sapporo
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Hokkaido | Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Asahikawa Private Chartered Day Tour | Customizable ItineraryNo shopping, pure play journey, no mandatory shoppingView on Klook -
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Private Car Charter Tour: Hokkaido Sapporo, Jozankei, and Otaru Day Trip | Customizable Itinerary* * No shopping, pure play journey, no mandatory shoppingView on Klook -
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