Sapporo Snow Festival 2025: Guide to Japan's Winter Wonderland

Get ready to be enchanted by a world of snow and ice! The Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 is just around the corner, promising another year of breathtaking artistry, exciting events, and unforgettable winter magic. Held annually in Hokkaido's vibrant capital, this iconic festival transforms the city into a wonderland of snow sculptures, ice carvings, and festive cheer.

Whether you're drawn to the towering masterpieces at Odori Park, the family-friendly fun at Tsudome, or the illuminated artistry of Susukino, the Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 offers something for everyone. Join us as we explore the highlights, essential tips, and everything you need to know to plan your perfect winter escape. Let’s read on with TravelThru!

Planning Your Trip to the Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival transforms Hokkaido's capital into a winter wonderland, drawing millions of visitors each year. To make the most of your experience at the 2025 festival, careful planning is essential. Here's a guide to help you prepare for your trip:

Key Dates and Schedule for 2025

Mark your calendars! The Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 will be held from February 4th to 11th. While you can experience the magic of the snow sculptures in a single day, we recommend staying 3-4 days to fully explore all three festival sites: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. This duration allows you to see the sculptures both during daylight and when illuminated at night.

Getting to Sapporo and Navigating the Festival

Getting to Sapporo

The quickest option is flying into New Chitose Airport (CTS), located about 40 minutes from Sapporo by express train. Direct flights are available from Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japanese cities, as well as select international destinations. Once at New Chitose, the JR Rapid Airport train line connects to Sapporo Station in central Sapporo.

If you’re traveling within Japan, the JR Hokkaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo to Hakodate, from which you can take a connecting train to Sapporo. While scenic, this option takes around 8 hours, which is more suitable for those wanting a relaxed journey.

Navigating the Festival

The Namboku and Toho subway lines are the most convenient way to reach the festival sites. Odori Park is accessible via Odori Station on the Namboku Line, while Susukino Station is ideal for exploring the Susukino site. For the Tsudome site, take the Toho Line to Sakaemachi Station and then a free shuttle bus to Tsudome.

During the festival, shuttle buses run regularly between Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome, providing easy transfers between sites. They’re a great option if you want to visit multiple locations without relying on the subway.

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Where to Stay Near the Sapporo Snow Festival

Finding the right place to stay can enhance your experience at the festival. Here are the best areas and accommodation options to consider, catering to various budgets and preferences.

Odori Park Area

Staying near Odori Park offers the closest access to the main festival site, with many top attractions just a short walk away.

For a premium experience, consider the renowned Hotel Okura Sapporo. This landmark hotel offers elegant accommodations, impeccable service, and stunning city views.

The Sapporo Grand Hotel is another excellent choice, providing comfortable rooms, a convenient location, and easy access to Odori Park's attractions.

If you're seeking affordability without compromising on quality, explore options like the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo or the Richmond Hotel Sapporo Odori.

Susukino District

Known for its lively nightlife and proximity to the ice sculptures, Susukino is ideal for those who want to be near the action. 

The Mercure Sapporo offers a stylish and comfortable stay in the heart of Susukino, with easy access to restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

For a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on quality, consider the Tmark City Hotel Sapporo. It provides modern amenities and a convenient location, making it a great choice for savvy travelers.

Sapporo Station Area

Sapporo Station offers excellent access to all festival sites via subway, making it a great base for exploring the city. It’s also close to shopping and dining options. Recommended hotels include JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo for luxury and Mitsui Garden Hotel for a balance of value and amenities.

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Top Attractions at the Sapporo Snow Festival 2025

The festival spans three distinct sites, each offering unique attractions and experiences. Here's a glimpse into what awaits you at Odori Park, Tsudome, and Susukino: 

Odori Park - The Main Stage

Stretching 1.5 kilometers through downtown Sapporo, Odori Park becomes an open-air museum of snow art during the festival. The park's 12 blocks (chome) feature massive snow sculptures, each telling its own story:

• Blocks 1-4: Large-scale masterpieces and historical replicas
• Blocks 5-7: International Snow Sculpture Contest area, where teams from around the world compete
• Blocks 8-11: Corporate-sponsored sculptures and local artists' works

The magic truly comes alive after sunset (4:30 PM - 10:00 PM) when sophisticated lighting transforms these snow masterpieces into illuminated works of art.

TravelThru’s Tip: Visit during both day and night for completely different experiences.

Must-See Highlights at Odori Park:

• Main HTB Square (4-chome): Features the festival's largest sculpture
• International Competition Zone (7-chome): Watch sculptors in action
• Hokkaido Food Court (9-chome): Sample local specialties
• TV Tower Plaza: Perfect photo spot for panoramic views

Tsudome Site - Winter Playground

While Odori Park focuses on artistic displays, the Tsudome site in Sakaemachi delivers pure winter fun and entertainment. This family-friendly venue has become a favorite among visitors with young children and the young at heart.

Highlights:

• Giant snow slides (up to 100 meters long)
• Snow rafting courses
• Snow tubing areas
• Indoor rest area with playground

The Tsudome's indoor facilities provide a welcome respite from the cold, featuring a spacious rest area, a well-equipped playground, and a food court serving hot, satisfying meals. Operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the site is easily accessible via a free shuttle bus from Sakaemachi Station on the Toho Line. You can rent snow gear on-site, making it convenient for those who didn't pack winter equipment.

Susukino Site - Ice World

In Sapporo's vibrant entertainment district, the Susukino Ice World adds sparkle to the city's nightlife scene. This site specializes in crystal-clear ice sculptures that line Ekimae-dori Street.

Highlights:

• Ice Sculpture Contest featuring intricate designs
• Interactive ice bar serving drinks in ice glasses
• Special light shows (5:00 PM - 11:00 PM)

Ticketing Information and Entry Costs

The Sapporo Snow Festival is free to attend, with no admission fees required for the main sites at Odori Park and Susukino. You can enjoy the spectacular snow and ice sculptures, light displays, and performances at these sites without any entry costs.

While access to the Tsudome site itself is also free, some winter activities like snow rafting or tubing may require small fees. These activities are popular with families and offer additional ways to experience the snow, so be sure to bring some cash or check beforehand if you’re interested in participating.

Throughout the festival, food stalls, souvenir shops, and some special indoor exhibits may charge fees. Plan for these optional expenses if you’d like to sample local treats or purchase festival souvenirs.

What to Pack for the Sapporo Snow Festival

February in Sapporo is peak winter, with temperatures typically ranging from -7°C (19°F) to -1°C (30°F). Snow is abundant, creating the perfect backdrop for the Snow Festival but also making the weather extremely cold and icy, especially in the evenings. Strong winds can add to the chill, so it’s essential to be well-prepared for these winter conditions.

To stay comfortable and enjoy the festival fully, pack warm, layered clothing and winter accessories:

• Insulated outerwear: A down jacket or insulated parka is essential to protect against the cold.
• Thermal layers: Pack thermal tops and bottoms to retain body heat, especially for long outdoor walks.
• Waterproof boots: Opt for warm, waterproof boots with good traction for walking on snow and ice.
• Warm accessories: Hats, scarves, gloves, and thick socks are must-haves to protect exposed skin from the cold.
• Hand warmers: Disposable or rechargeable hand warmers can be invaluable for extra warmth during outdoor activities.
• Portable charger: Cold weather can drain batteries quickly, so bring a charger to keep your phone powered for photos and navigation.

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From the awe-inspiring sculptures to the lively atmosphere and delicious local cuisine, Sapporo Snow Festival 2025 promises an experience unlike any other. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a chance to escape to a winter paradise, the Sapporo Snow Festival awaits. Start planning your trip today and prepare to be captivated by the magic of this extraordinary event. Don't miss the chance to witness the artistry, embrace the winter spirit, and create memories that will last a lifetime.