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Sapporo Snow Festival
Yuki Matsuri
The Sapporo Snow Festival, or Yuki Matsuri, is one of Japan’s biggest annual events, attracting over two million visitors during its week-long run each February. While Japanese nationals make up the majority of attendees, the festival is increasingly popular with international visitors combining it with a Hokkaido ski trip.
By size, it ranks among the top three largest snow festivals in the world, behind only the Quebec Winter Carnival and Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. With easy train and bus connections from Niseko and New Chitose Airport, it has never been easier to visit, and we strongly recommend at least a day trip to take in the atmosphere.
How it Started
The festival began in 1950 as a modest local event in Odori Park, with sculptures created by middle and high school students. Over 50,000 people attended that first year — far exceeding expectations — and an annual tradition was born. By 1955, the Japan Defence Force had joined in, tasked with creating ever-larger sculptures and shipping in snow from surrounding areas, a tradition that continues to this day.
National recognition followed in 1959 when the festival was broadcast on TV for the first time, and international attention arrived with the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. From there, the festival has grown to span multiple sites, host dozens of events, and welcome visitors from across the globe.
Attractions
The centrepiece is the snow sculptures — the largest reaching up to 15 metres tall — built from around 30,000 tonnes of snow hauled in from across the region. With roughly 200 sculptures in total, construction begins weeks before the festival opens. Most visitors start at Odori Park, a 1.7km stretch through the heart of Sapporo.
Allow an hour to an hour and a half to stroll through, and stay into the evening when the sculptures are illuminated. For a birds-eye view of it all, head up the Sapporo TV Tower at the east end of the park.
For the Family
Families should make a beeline for the Tsudome Site, which features giant snow slides, tunnel slides, and snow tubing for all ages. Waku Waku Snow Park offers activities ranging from ice glass making to snow kickboarding, plus a large indoor rest area with soft play, bouncy castles, and an inflatable assault course — perfect for burning off energy between outdoor sessions.
Weather & What to Wear
Sapporo in February is cold — temperatures sit well below freezing at night and rarely rise above it during the day. Three layers of clothing, good gloves, and a warm hat are essential. Most importantly, wear waterproof boots. Snow-covered streets will make short work of trainers or sneakers and can quickly ruin the experience.
Getting Around
The Odori site sits in downtown Sapporo between Sapporo Station and Susukino, all connected by underground shopping walkways as well as subway lines. The Tsudome site is further out but well served by bus and subway. Public parking at both venues is very limited — public transport is strongly recommended.
Sapporo City
Make the most of being in Sapporo by staying a night and exploring the city. Food stalls at the festival are great for grazing, but the city itself offers everything from piping hot miso ramen to world-class crab and sashimi. Head to Susukino for bars and restaurants to suit every taste, from casual izakayas to fine dining. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss the Sapporo Beer Museum — free tours are available, and the Genghis Khan Food Hall next door offers an all-you-can-eat-and-drink Hokkaido-style grilled meat experience that is not to be missed.
Planning Your Visit
The festival runs each February, typically for around a week, with dates shifting slightly year to year. Check the official Sapporo Snow Festival website for the current season’s schedule. Combining a visit with a Niseko ski holiday makes for the perfect Hokkaido winter trip — world-class powder and one of Japan’s greatest cultural events, all in one.
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