Edited by Holly Stark
Held in the scenic Odori Park, Susukino Site and Tsudome Site, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan is an annual winter playground of enchanting snow slides, rafting, concerts, night time events, interactive light displays and extraordinary ice sculptures and intricate statues. Occuring in the first and second weeks of February, the Sapporo Snow Festival welcomes around 2 million visitors; sculpture and art lovers, families with children, couples looking for some winter romance, solo travelers and Hokkaido locals. The Sapporo Snow Festival Japan began in 1949 when a group of students carved a few ice sculptures in the park. It is an now an iconic Japanese winter wonderland and a must-see when in Sapporo during the winter months, especially during its 70th anniversary this year. Odori and Susukino sites are open from February 4th to February 11th 2020, and Tsudome Site is open from January 31st to February 11th 2020. Knowing how best to plan your trip and get the most out of the whimsical festival can be a challenge, so get to know this ultimate Sapporo Snow Festival Guide and ensure you get the best out of your visit.