[winter][ Hokkaido Sapporo City]Sapporo Snow Festival Winter festival and illuminations
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's leading winter festivals, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad. At this event, which is held every year in early February, various snow and ice sculptures of various sizes are displayed around the three main venues in Sapporo (Odori Venue, Susukino Venue, and Tsudome Venue). At the Odori Venue, which is about 1.5 km long, a wide variety of works are lined up, from giant snow sculptures to beautiful ice sculptures with attention to detail. This festival is not just an ornamental event, but a place where visitors can experience the fantastic scenery unique to winter in Japan and enjoy the charm of Sapporo's culture and nature. For example, it is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime. This lighting brings out the transparency and brilliance of the ice and snow to the fullest, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors. In addition, behind the festival is the ingenuity unique to Hokkaido, which takes advantage of the harsh cold, and one of the attractions is that you can fully experience the unique climate of this region. Furthermore, the Sapporo Snow Festival is not just a tourist attraction, but also plays an important role in promoting local culture and technology to the world, attracting many reporters every year, making it an event not to be missed not only for tourists but also for business and the media.
What is the appeal of the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's leading winter festivals, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad. At this event, which is held every year in early February, various snow and ice sculptures of various sizes are displayed around the three main venues in Sapporo (Odori Venue, Susukino Venue, and Tsudome Venue). At the Odori Venue, which is about 1.5 km long, a wide variety of works are lined up, from giant snow sculptures to beautiful ice sculptures with attention to detail. This festival is not just an ornamental event, but a place where visitors can experience the fantastic scenery unique to winter in Japan and enjoy the charm of Sapporo's culture and nature. For example, it is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from the daytime. This lighting brings out the transparency and brilliance of the ice and snow to the fullest, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors. In addition, behind the festival is the ingenuity unique to Hokkaido, which takes advantage of the harsh cold, and one of the attractions is that you can fully experience the unique climate of this region. Furthermore, the Sapporo Snow Festival is not just a tourist attraction, but also plays an important role in promoting local culture and technology to the world, attracting many reporters every year, making it an event not to be missed not only for tourists but also for business and the media.
How to enjoy each venue and its features
The Sapporo Snow Festival is known for its three venues, each with its own unique charm. First, the Odori venue is the center of the festival, featuring a spectacular display of giant snow and ice sculptures. Many works with political and cultural messages, as well as artistic snow sculptures created by artists from Japan and abroad, are on display, pleasing the eyes of visitors. At night, the venue is lit up, creating an even more fantastical atmosphere. Next, the Susukino venue mainly exhibits ice sculptures, and is characterized by its collaboration with local restaurants and bars. This area is recommended to visit at night, and the illuminations combined with the bustling streets of Susukino provide a wide range of fun for adults. On the other hand, the Tsudome venue has a wide range of activities for families and children, with snow slides and experiential events being popular. This venue offers active fun, making it an attractive place for children and adults to spend the whole day without getting bored. As such, each venue in the Sapporo Snow Festival offers a different experience, making it an event that meets the needs of all travelers, whether they are families, couples, or groups of friends.
Tips for getting the most out of the Sapporo Snow Festival
In order to enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival, it is important to plan in advance. First, since the venues are quite far apart, securing transportation is the key to getting around efficiently. Using the subway and special buses that run through the city will allow you to move smoothly and visit each venue without wasting time. Also, since each venue has its own unique characteristics, it is efficient to decide the order in which you will visit them. Secondly, cold weather measures are essential. The temperature in Sapporo often drops below freezing in winter, so you can enjoy the event comfortably by bringing gloves, a hat, and a thick coat. In addition, many tourists visit during the festival, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to aim for daytime on a weekday. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the night illumination, we recommend planning your visit in the evening and arriving at the venue early. Also, don't forget to enjoy the local gourmet food. The food stalls offer dishes unique to Hokkaido and hot drinks, so you can enjoy a meal while warming up your cold body. By keeping these points in mind, you will be able to enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival even more and create unforgettable memories of your trip.
[Winter Festivals and Illuminations]Other recommended spots
Sapporo Snow Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Sapporo City
Odori Venue: A short walk from Odori Subway Station Susukino Venue: A short walk from Exit 3 of Susukino Subway Station on the Namboku Subway Line Tsudome Venue: A 5-minute walk from Sakaemachi Subway Station on the Toho Subway Line
Obihiro Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Obihiro City
A free shuttle bus is available from in front of Obihiro Kosei Hospital.
Lake Akan ICE, Love, Akan <Fuyukabi> Winter festival and illuminations
HokkaidoKushiro City
A bus runs from Kushiro Station to Lake Akan 3 to 4 times a day.
Asahikawa Winter Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Asahikawa City
Free shuttle bus available from JR Asahikawa Station
Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Path Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Sapporo City
During the event, a free shuttle bus will be running around the accommodation facilities in the hot spring town, and can be used from the bus stop closest to the facility.
Tokachi River Swan Festival <Sairinka> Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Otofuke Town
From Obihiro Station Bus Terminal, take the bus bound for Tokachigawa Onsen, get off at Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen, and walk for about 10 minutes.
Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Chitose City
Take the bus bound for "Shikotsu Lake" from New Chitose Airport
Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Kamikawa Town
Direct bus from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo Onsen
Otaru Snow Light Path Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Otaru City
Approximately 8-10 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station to the canal venue