The Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) is Japan’s biggest and most famous winter event, drawing millions to Hokkaido’s capital each February. For about a week, Odori Park becomes a glittering open-air gallery of colossal snow sculptures — towering castles, temples and pop-culture characters — alongside delicate ice sculptures in Susukino and a family snow-play zone at the Tsudome. After dark, the sculptures are spectacularly lit up and projection-mapped. With street food, hot drinks and a magical atmosphere, it’s a bucket-list winter experience.

This guide covers the dates, the three sites, what to see, tips and how to visit.

🗓️ Quick Reference
When Early–mid February (about 1 week)
Main sites Odori Park, Susukino, Tsudome
Admission Free
Best time Evening (illuminations)
Good for Winter spectacle, families, photography

The three sites

  • Odori Park: the main venue — giant snow sculptures along the park’s length, plus food stalls, stages and nightly light-ups/projection mapping.
  • Susukino: dazzling ice sculptures lining the entertainment district — best after dark.
  • Tsudome: a family site with snow slides, tubing and snow play (a little outside the centre, with shuttle access).

What to see & tips

  • Go in the evening for the illuminated sculptures, then return by day to see the detail.
  • It’s extremely cold and crowded — dress in serious layers, wear grippy/waterproof boots, and use hand warmers.
  • Book accommodation months ahead — the festival is hugely popular.
  • Warm up with festival street food and a hot drink between sites.

Combine your visit

The festival anchors a Hokkaido winter trip:

How to get there

  • Odori Park is in central Sapporo (Odori subway station) — all main sites are easy by subway.
  • From New Chitose Airport, ~40 min by JR to Sapporo Station.