Japan is famous for its many festivals held throughout the year. One of the most accessible, interesting, and grand is probably the Sapporo Snow Festival, which is held in early February for about one week every year. The exact date varies each year, but in 2016 it took place from February 5th to 11th. The Sapporo Snow Festival is extremely popular, making it tricky to get hotel accommodation during this time, so be sure to reserve at the soonest possible date.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in over three locations in Sapporo. The main grounds are the Odori park, a 1.5km long stretch where many very large snow statues can be found with various foods and stage events. The park is lit until ten at night, and the lights add to the atmosphere. The second ground is located in Susukino, which is the entertainment and adult entertainment part of Sapporo. Susukino is said to be one of Japan’s biggest red-light districts, so it might be best to avoid any back street shortcuts if you visit there. In Susukino, many ice sculptures can be seen the light up until 11 pm. Finally, the third ground is the Tsu Dome. Here it is more family-friendly, with snow slides and a big dome where visitors can find food, open until 5 pm.
The Odori Park can be reached via a short walk from Sapporo station, but don’t suffer it out in the cold! When I first arrived, I thought Sapporo was some kind of ghost town since there were hardly any people anywhere on the streets. Throughout Sapporo, underground tunnels run between various hotspots, meaning you can escape the cold! These underground tunnels are also filled with shops, so you can get your noodles down there too.
At Odori Park, the 1.5km strip is lined with many statues of different origins. From Nintendo characters, Star Wars, popular animes, mascot characters, and celebrities to castles, something is interesting for everyone to see.
A second visit is recommended at night, as the statues become lit and create a different atmosphere. Various events are held on the stages throughout the day, such as live music concerts, ski jumping contests, and comedy shows. Better check the schedule and remember to be there for whatever interests you!
Susukino can be reached by subway or another short walk through the underground passages. Here ice sculptures are found instead of the snow statues of Odori Park. Living up to the area’s theme, many food and drink-themed sculptures are present.
Just off the side in Susukino is the famous Ramen Yokocho, a small lane with many tasty ramen shops. Sapporo is famous for its ramen, and it’s here that you will find all variety in one spot, albeit at slightly inflated prices.
Hosted usually at the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival is the nearby Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in nearby Otaru. Otaru is a beautiful coastal town that can be easily enjoyed at any time of the year, festival or not, so it’s well worth the visit. It is reached by a very pleasant coast-side train ride, which takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs 640 yen.
The festival consists of many many small statues with lights around the town. The light-up begins at 17:00 and runs until 21:00. Locals participate by putting them in front of shops and houses, so the whole city takes on a cool atmosphere. There are two areas, the first is the Temiyasen Kaijo, an abandoned railway line. I felt like I was walking through the rebel base on Hoth from Empire Strikes Back.
The second place is Unga Kaijo, a famous canal that runs through Otaru. There are many shops here and places to eat. It is very cold at night, so ensure you have the proper clothing!
Also located in Otaru is a music box museum where many music boxes can be heard and purchased. Unless you get there early, Pachelbel Canon will probably be sold out, though. They have a large selection, and I got the Sailormoon theme song “Moonlight Dentetsu” and an Ikimono Gakari song. The second-floor houses many music box antiques that can be heard, and the sound is divine.
Don’t leave your bike out overnight in Sapporo! I don’t think they are getting that back until spring…
Please enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in February. Don’t forget your gloves, a scarf, warm clothes, and an early hotel reservation!
