A Winter Wonderland: Sapporo Snow Festival Photo Essay

Every February, Hokkaido’s capital city transforms into a winter wonderland as it hosts the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival. Drawing more than two million visitors from Japan and across the globe, this week-long celebration brings together art, culture and Sapporo’s natural beauty.

With astonishing snow and ice sculptures, food galore and fun activities, it encapsulates the magic of winter in Japan’s northernmost island. In this photo essay, I’ve curated my favourite Sapporo Snow Festival images that showcase this Japan bucket list activity.

large snow sculpture of a male character

Odori Park Venue

Odori Park is the main hub for Sapporo’s Snow Festival, stretching over several blocks in the heart of the city. Some of the snow sculptures are several storeys high, depicting everything from famous landmarks to intricate anime scenes.

a large snow sculpture of sapporo railway station — Old Sapporo Railway Station

a large snow sculpture of japanese anime figures — Large Snow Sculpture featuring TV anime GOLDEN KAMUY

Sculptors from across the globe travel here to take part in the International Snow Sculpture Contest, and they were hard at work when I visited. But there is also a “popularity contest” for sculptures made by Sapporo citizens.

three men carving a snow sculpture of a winged creature

For a fun activity, try your hand at curling or making a snowman. Anyone can be a snow sculptor.

people gathered around an ice curling rink at the sapporo snow festival in japan

people standing by a 3 lines of small snowmen

As the sun sets, the park transforms with lights illuminating each sculpture, creating a magical winter landscape.

But there are not just snow sculptures to see. If you are lucky, you’ll catch the Sapporo International Art Festival. This is held every three years and 2024 was the first time it coincided with the Snow Festival.

Its “Snow City of the Future” envisioned the future of lifestyles and transportation. Walking through the Airship Orchestra installation under the night sky was a magical experience.

people walking through large illuminated inflatable shapes with abstract designs at night

large illuminated inflatable shapes with abstract designs under a night sky

There’s no excuse for going hungry. Food stands serve up specialities like miso ramen, yakitori, crab (kani) and seafood skewers. If you have a sweet tooth, why not try one of the cute chocolate-covered bananas on a stick or a cup of Hokkaido’s famous soft-serve ice cream?

a man and boy standing by a yakitori food stall

Susukino Venue

Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district, hosts part of the Snow Festival called the Ice World. I recommend visiting at night to see the ice sculptures glistening under the vibrant neon lights.

2 manequins dressed in kimonos on a float with ice sculptures

These sculptures range from intricate designs of animals and mythical creatures to fish frozen in ice.

an ice sculpture with fish trapped in ice

My Top Tips for Visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival

woman with blonde hair standing beside a large snow sculpture during a winter sapporo itinerary

Sapporo is bitterly cold in winter. When I was there, it was -10 degrees at night. Although it may seem blindingly obvious, wear your warmest clothes and waterproof shoes with a decent grip ( it can be slippery underfoot).
Sapporo Snow Festival is free to visit.
Visit the Snow Festival by day and by night as they are two different experiences. If you are tight on time, consider starting at Odori in the daytime and then moving to Susukino in the evening when the ice sculptures are beautifully lit.
Expect it to be busy. If possible, try to visit on a weekday. You’ll encounter fewer crowds, which makes it easier to view the sculptures, take photos and enjoy activities without long waits.
Book your hotel at least three months in advance, sooner if possible.
Sapporo offers much more than just the festival. Take some time to explore other attractions like the Sapporo Beer Museum.
Check the dates of the next Sapporo Snow Festival here.

Ready to Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival?

I hope these Sapporo Snow Festival photos have whetted your appetite for one of Japan’s best experiences. If you are looking for more help planning your trip, take a look at my 3-Day Sapporo itinerary which includes a day trip to Otaru.

Happy travels!

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