Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo Snow Festival
4.5
About
The Sapporo Snow Festival in early February each year transforms the town of Sapporo into a unforgettable winter wonderland of snow and ice sculptures, skating rinks, giant snow slides, zip lines, snow domes and ice bars and night time illuminations, all presided over by – of course – the Ice Queen! There's a myriad of sculptures to see and events to enjoy across three sites in Sapporo, and it's not surprising that this event is internationally renowned for its scale, variety and sheer amount of fun available for all visitors.
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- Ōdōri • 5 min walk
- Ōdōri • 5 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
413 reviews
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Andy C
Honolulu, HI71 contributions
Feb 2020
Went early on Feb 2 to Ekimae-Dori, street of about 50-60 ice sculptures are prepared. Saw the ice sculptures erected and carved. In just hours blocks of ice were stacked by cranes and many were carved with chain saws and hand saws...fascinating to watch. Will go back in a few days after the opening ceremony on Feb 4 to see completed ice displays. It was cold but we dressed warmly and took a break for an early dinner at a ramen shop on Ramen Street/Alley.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ohmy_Attakorn
Bangkok, Thailand175 contributions
Feb 2020
There are 3 site in sapporo perform the festival, Odori park, Susukino street, Tsudome
The Big sculpter and the contest, the show, the food park is in odori park. The main site is here
Susukino is the ice sculpting not big as in Odori park. You can visit and see hundred of ice sculpting
Tsudome maintain the play ground and the exhibition hall, Many company is here show you the new product and technology, also has the stage for Jap singer to perform. Outside Tsudome is the play ground with many activity, both free and charge. Full of staff will take care of you, what a great service
Once a year and only 2 week for this festival, if you have chance then come
The Big sculpter and the contest, the show, the food park is in odori park. The main site is here
Susukino is the ice sculpting not big as in Odori park. You can visit and see hundred of ice sculpting
Tsudome maintain the play ground and the exhibition hall, Many company is here show you the new product and technology, also has the stage for Jap singer to perform. Outside Tsudome is the play ground with many activity, both free and charge. Full of staff will take care of you, what a great service
Once a year and only 2 week for this festival, if you have chance then come
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leo r
Manila, Philippines127 contributions
Feb 2020
The snow festival ended on feb. 11, 2020. you will see astonishing snow sculpture. snowboard and ski jumps. the food kiosk is worth a try. be ready for a long walk. be sure to wear proper winter attire. its going to be cold. drop by the susukino ice display also.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco Grava
Rome, Italy813 contributions
Feb 2020
It is really worth it, do not miss it. It is one of the big attractions that Japan has to offer, along with the Hanami and (the less internationally famous) foliage. Artists from different part of the world gather here to build spectacular snow sculptures which are then lit at night.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chek Chuin S
Singapore, Singapore183 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We went with high expectations for this festival since it’s such a big affair during winter season. However, we were a little disappointed as the atmosphere were very commercialized and jam packed with people. Granted there were endless rows of snow sculptures of all shapes and sizes, but got boring for me after seeing a dozen of them. So visit once is enough. And also wear good traction shoes or ice cleats as the frozen ground gets very slippery.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YourFrequentFlyer
Adelaide, Australia275 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We were booked to ski in Niseko, so spent two days in Sapporo beforehand to take in the sites and enjoy the Snow Festival. The snow and ice sculptures are magnificent - and worth a look if you are there - though I wouldn't be going up there just to see them. Make sure you are REALLY careful, because the ice is SLIPPERY.
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A.
Phuket, Thailand426 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Congratulations on the snow carving team, Thailand 🇹🇷
Take #1 in snow carving at Supporo Snow Festival 2024 . Japan . Snow Sculpture _ Thai Naka fairball. Snow carving isn’t easy, but thanks to a good team, very good work, congratulations on the success of the last snow carving competition.
Take #1 in snow carving at Supporo Snow Festival 2024 . Japan . Snow Sculpture _ Thai Naka fairball. Snow carving isn’t easy, but thanks to a good team, very good work, congratulations on the success of the last snow carving competition.
Automatically translated
Written September 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill S
Big Bear Lake, CA2,696 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Always a fun event and this year did not disappoint. Some of the snow sculptures were amazingly Hugh! The ice sculptures as always were beautiful. This year they put up interactive art displays, something new. Odori Park is the perfect location to hold this event. I will come back next year.
Written February 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B-212
Flushing, NY90 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Something to experience at least once in a lifetime. A true celebration of winter - and a way to turn a dreary season into something fun and memorable. Great ice and snow sculptures, fun ice bar where you can get cocktails and warm drinks. We came to Sapporo just for this winter festival and we weren’t disappointed.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sun Ravi
61 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Landed on 6 Feb, staying at Royton Sapporo few yards from Odori Park. Great hotel large rooms and very friendly staff. Large collection of snow models in Odori park this year, don’t miss Florence Nightingale house Embley Bldg.
Beautiful Ice sculptures in Susukino St a KM away. Loads of eateries and bars. Open till late night. Will rate it much better than Asahikawa Ice Festival this year as there are more models here.
Beautiful Ice sculptures in Susukino St a KM away. Loads of eateries and bars. Open till late night. Will rate it much better than Asahikawa Ice Festival this year as there are more models here.
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can i visit Sapporo snow festival on the January 31?
Written November 17, 2019
2020 festival will be January 31-February 11. Am I correct to assume on the 11th the festival will still be going on amor they will start breaking everything down? Thank you
Written August 16, 2019
It’s safe to assume the snow festival will go til the end of that day. Til midnight.
Written August 17, 2019
Hi,
What is the real start date of Sapporo Snow Festival in 2019? Google says it starts by Jan31 but the sites I’m seeing says start date is Feb04.
Thank you in advance.
Written September 26, 2018
Hi,
Sapporo Snow Festival has 3 sites.
Tsudome site, which is in a suburb of the city, will start at Jan.31.
Odori & Susukino sites, which is in the center of the city, will start at Feb4. Lots of snow objects & ice sculptures will be in Odori & Susukino sites.
Written September 28, 2018
How do we get to Susukino and Otaru? Is there public transportation or will we need to hire a private car?
Right now on our list is:
Kita-no-Gurume
Tanuki Koji Street
Ramen Alley
Also hear that Otaru has the Snow Light Path that we should see...,recommendations on getting back to hotel from there since it will be after dark
Also was told there is an Edo Village. How far is that and what is the best way to get there?
Written September 7, 2018
We are planning to stay at the Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu...is that a good location?
Will Uniqlo hooded long down coat be warm enough (I will be layering with thermals, turtlenecks, scarf, hat and gloves).
Written September 7, 2018
I don’t know the hotel. If you are going in the winter you might want a heavier coat. I have a Uniglo down coat and it would not have been warm enough. I had a winter coat from Germany and winter pants from LL Bean.....along with sweater and thermals....and boots. Have fun!
Written September 18, 2018
Hello,
I and my family, from Thailand, will be there in sapporo this early Feb for attend snow festival. But my mom need wheelchair because she got pain on her knee when she walk. I would like to ask anyone ever be there or someone live there : Can I use wheelchair? Or is there any place I can borrow wheelchair?
Some web said that there are so kind people, volunteers who will help, is that true?. Please share if you had this experience or know about this. Thank you ao much.
Written January 18, 2018
I would check with your hotel to see if they can provide a wheelchair. Also, you might want to check with the people who organize the snow festival.....try their web site. When I was there there was quite a bit of snow on the ground.....making it difficult to walk at times. I don't remember seeing any wheelchairs....but that doesn't mean it cannot happen. The snow festival organization may have another type of transport that you mom could use. Good luck.....and enjoy.
Written September 18, 2018
Hello to anyone who can give advice . My whole family of 8 ( husband and wife and 6 adult kids ) will be travelling to Sapporo for the snow Festival in Feb 2018. As we are from the Philippines ( we only have 2 seasons rain/ wet and summer / dry) so id like to know what we should prepare for . Last Feb we were in Seoul for winter and temp dropped to-10 during the late afternoon on most days , since it doesnt really snow in Seoul our clothes kept us warm more or less ( heatech undergarments and fleece and winter jackets and boots) our inly experience in the snow was a visit to a mountain ski resort somewhere outside Seoul and even then the clothes could be rented - pants jacket gear for the head etc. what about in sapporo ? What do we need to bring ? We will be there from Feb 6-9 then fly to Tokyo after. Thank you to anyone who will help us with this
Written September 24, 2017
Sapporo has heavy snow, sleet, and ice. It doesn't get to -10, but it is cold. I was fine with long sleeves, a heavy jacket, and a scarf. Even in the main streets there are snow and ice, but in the outskirts of the city the snow is 4-5 feet tall in some areas. One thing that is super important is the correct type of shoes.the ice is very slippery and there is nothing to help you not fall. One thing you can buy is Sapporo are shoe spikes. They are strap on spikes for your shoes, so you won't slip even on the ice. I would also suggest worm socks.
Because you are going to Tokyo after, I would pack layers because Tokyo is cold and will rain or snow every now and then during Feb, but it doesn't get layers of snow, and it is often sunny.
Written September 26, 2017
My wife and I plan to attend the Sapporo Snow Festival this year. As Florida residents, any recommendations regarding managing the cold conditions, please? Other thoughts?
Mahalo,
john
Written July 23, 2017
Good Day johnfjohn.
I hope you mean next year in 2018. The most important thing is footwear, seen many people slip and fall and they can be very nasty fall if you hit the back of your head. Many departmental stores, shoe shops or convenience stores sell those slip on spikes which cost less than $10, but they do not work very well because if the black ice on the footpath is hard you really have to dig it in, just like people wearing crampons when they go hiking in winter in the mountains, you really got to stamp your foot in to get a foothold. Even the locals do not use it much, what I learned and observe from the locals is this, take small steps, shuffle your feet as you walk and watch where you put your foot. I find a trekking pole useful because it give you a three point contact with the ground. Also is a bit of a hassle with the spikes because you got to put it on before you go to onto Odori park where the festival is held than take it off again when you go undeground to take the train or to take shelter from the cold. Do not go overboard buying expensive snow shoe or winter shoes because you may not be able to use it again since you from Florida, unless of course you love the mountains. I used a high cut hiking shoes, wore a liner socks and a thick wool socks and my feet were okay even after walking for six hours. Even if you decide that you need to buy winter shoes or snow shoes when you are there, you can go to Tanukikoji shopping Street to buy them, you can get them for under $50. Wear in layers for upper body, I wore two thermal, one medium weight fleece and a light weight outer jacket. Lower half I wore one thermal and a soft shell pant, do not go overboard with the lower half because you cannot take it off if you are underground doing shopping or having food in the cafes, you be sweating in your pants, unless of course you wearing zip off ski pants. I strongly recommend a neck warmer the ones that you can pull over your face and also cover you ears, if not your face will go numb after walking for a couple of hours, especially if there is a breeze blowing. Hope these information answers your doubts and questions. Have fun and safe travel to where ever you heading. Have a blessed day.
Written August 2, 2017
When does the festival start and end?
Written June 6, 2017
When does the festival start and end?
Written June 6, 2017
It is only for two weeks in February each year.
You will need to check dates for the year you want to go on google or through a travel agent.
Written June 6, 2017
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