[2025 Sapporo ] Travel Guide for Sapporo Snow Festival (Updated Feb)

The Sapporo Snow Festival will grandly open from February 4th to February 11th, 2025, for eight days! As Japan's largest winter festival, the Sapporo Snow Festival not only gathers stunning snow and ice sculptures but also incorporates a variety of rich winter activities. This year's festival is mainly divided into three main venues, each with its own unique features. Save this comprehensive guide to make your snow festival trip even more exciting! --- 🌟【Venue 1: Odori Venue】 📌 Highlights: Odori Venue is the core site of the snow festival, famous for its impressive giant snow sculptures! Every year, snow sculptures from around the world are displayed, ranging from intricate buildings to anime characters, full of creativity. 🎇 Night Light Show: It is recommended to arrive before dusk to enjoy the snow sculptures illuminated by lights at night, creating a dreamy atmosphere that touches the soul! 🍢 Food Stalls: The venue has various Hokkaido specialty snack stalls, warming and satisfying, definitely a burst of happiness in winter! 🚇 Transportation: About a 15-minute walk from JR "Sapporo Station" ⏰ Suggested Visit Time: Evening to night, about 2-3 hours. --- ❄️【Venue 2: Susukino Venue】 📌 Highlights: Susukino Venue focuses on ice sculptures, especially suitable for evening visits! Under the light, the ice sculptures sparkle with a cold glow, creating a romantic atmosphere. 🍹 Ice Bar Experience: There is a special "Ice Bar" where you can enjoy ice beer or cocktails in ice cups, experiencing a different kind of warmth in the cold. 🚇 Transportation: About a 3-minute walk from the Toho Line "Susukino Station" ⏰ Suggested Visit Time: Best at night, recommended to finish by 9 PM. --- 🧊【Venue 3: TSUDOME Venue】 📌 Highlights: TSUDOME Venue focuses on interactive snow activities, very suitable for family and children! There are super long snow slides, snow mazes, etc., perfect for the whole family to play in the snow together. 🏂 Family Interaction Experience: There are many types of snow games, besides snow slides, you can also experience snow sculpture making! 🚍 Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from the Toho Line "Sakaemachi Station" Exit 2 ⏰ Suggested Visit Time: Best during the day, estimated 1-2 hours. --- Tips 👇 Dress warmly: Sapporo is extremely cold in winter, it is recommended to wear thick down jackets, scarves, and gloves, keeping warm is essential. Book hotels in advance: There are many tourists during the snow festival, book hotels in advance, especially those near Odori Park for convenience. ❄️ Take this guide and experience the winter wonder of Hokkaido with the Sapporo Snow Festival! #JapanTravelGuide #SapporoJapan #SapporoSnowFestival #JapanCustomTours #JapanCharterTours #HokkaidoTravel #WinterTravel #HokkaidoCharter #SapporoAirportTransfer #Sapporo

Next month marks the beginning of the snow season in Hokkaido! ❄️ The anticipation for Hokkaido's winter is building up! With thick snow, speeding snow trains, and colorful little houses, it's more romantic than a movie. It's easy to capture artistic photos! The best part is that Hokkaido not only offers snowy landscapes that fulfill all your winter fairytale dreams but also hosts various large-scale winter events 🎉, each one more fun than the last! ✅ Sapporo Snow Festival 🗓️ 2025.2.4~2.11 One of Hokkaido's three major winter festivals, attracting over 2 million participants annually. The "Odori Site" showcases hundreds of large snow sculptures, the "Susukino Site" is filled with ice sculptures and statues, and the "TSUDOME Site" offers various snow slides ⛷️, all designed for fun! ✅ Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 🗓️ 2025.2.10~2.17 The atmosphere is divine! Thousands of snow lanterns line the roads, and over 200 spherical candles float on the Otaru Canal. The warm glow sprinkled on the snow is simply dreamy! ✅ Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise 🗓️ 2025.1.20-3.31 Experience the thrill of sailing on an icebreaker 🛳️ across the ice. The sound of ice breaking beneath the ship is indescribable! If you're lucky, you might spot sunbathing seals 🦭 and endangered white-tailed eagles! ✅ Jozankei Snow Candle Road 🗓️ 2025.1.25~2.1 Over 2,000 snow candles 🕯️ made of ice and snow illuminate the area in front of Jozankei Shrine, with projections of small animals on the ground and in the forest, creating a magical forest-like atmosphere at night. Don't forget to enjoy the famous Jozankei hot springs! ✅ Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival 🗓️ 2025.1.25~3.9 An ice-themed event featuring large ice caves and tunnels lit up with 🌈 colorful lights. Ice houses display numerous ice sculptures, and the lighting at night is stunning. You can also participate in ice climbing, ice skating slides, and more! ✅ Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 🗓️ 2024.11.30~12.25 Visit during Christmas! A giant Christmas tree 🎄 lights up the entire harbor, with churches surrounded by lights, creating a foreign atmosphere. Accompanied by nightly dazzling fireworks displays, this is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas! ✅ Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 🗓️ 2025.2.1~2.24 Known for its pristine waters, Lake Shikotsu's water is extracted in winter, sprayed with high-pressure water jets, and then painted and frozen to create ice sculptures adorned with lights, offering a highly artistic experience. As night falls, the venue is illuminated with colorful lights. ✅ Lake Toya Onsen Winter Fireworks 🗓️ 2025.2.1~2.12 No one can resist fireworks! Accompanied by music, thousands of fireworks are set off by the lake, creating a romantic feast of fireworks and lights! Enjoy the fireworks while soaking in the hot springs by the lake for a truly indulgent experience! So, Hokkaido in winter is truly unmatched! 💪 Every winter, tourism resources are in high demand, and prices soar, so plan early if you want to visit! #HokkaidoTravel #HokkaidoWinter #JapanHokkaido #TravelRecommendation #WinterTourism #WinterTravelDestinations

Winter in Hokkaido is like a romantic ballad that leaves you enchanted. When you step onto this snow-covered land, you'll see powder snow dancing in the air, gently settling on cream-colored houses, as if wrapping the world in a soft blanket. Here, dreamy forest cabins make you feel like you're in a fairy tale, and the adorable penguin walks add endless joy. The world's loneliest Christmas tree stands silently in the snow, telling the unique story of Hokkaido. Every step on the soft snow makes a crunching sound, as if nature is playing a symphony for you. When you look up at the blue sky and then down at everything around you, you'll find that every scene here is as beautiful as a movie, making you sigh: you must visit Hokkaido at least once in your lifetime! —————— ❄️ Recommended activities in Hokkaido during winter: Sapporo 🍫 Shiroi Koibito Park: Visit this fairy-tale-like chocolate factory and taste delicious chocolates. Sapporo Snow Festival: Admire the giant snow sculptures and experience the winter carnival. Otaru Canal: Stroll along the canal, admire the old stone warehouses, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. Music Box Museum: Choose a beautiful music box as a souvenir of your trip. 🎵 Noboribetsu Hell Valley: Experience the unique geothermal landscape. Noboribetsu Onsen: Soak in the hot springs and enjoy the warmth of winter. ♨️ Furano⛷️ Furano Ski Resort: Ski to your heart's content and enjoy the thrill of speed. Furano Farm: Taste fresh farm produce and enjoy the pastoral scenery. Biei Blue Pond: Admire the blue-green pond and marvel at nature's wonders. Shirogane Onsen: Relax in the hot springs and enjoy a moment of tranquility. —————— 🚗 Recommended itinerary: 💫 Day 1: Cozy home - Tokyo - Sapporo. Private transfer to hotel (local Chinese-speaking driver) 💫 Day 2: Hakodate - Lake Toya - Showa Shinzan 💫 Day 3: Lake Toya - Noboribetsu Hell Valley - Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura - Noboribetsu Bear Park 💫 Day 4: Noboribetsu - Hakodate Mountain Night View - Goryokaku Park - Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - Hachiman-zaka 💫 Day 5: Otaru 💫 Day 6: Furano Day Trip - Asahiyama Zoo 💫 Day 7: Shiroi Koibito Park - Tanukikoji Shopping Street - Sapporo Beer Museum 💫 Day 8: Sapporo - Tokyo - Cozy home (local Chinese-speaking driver) —————— #Japan #JapanTravelGuide #JapanShopping #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTravel #Tokyo #Kyoto

It's my first time at the Snow Festival, and it turns out to be a bit cute. Among all the snow sculptures, I still love Miffy the most. Besides Miffy, there's also Anya, and lots of Studio Ghibli characters. There are also shows at certain times, though they aren't very interesting. The dinosaur from Peking University is really well-made, and some of the buildings are just amazing. I can't believe how much effort it must take to complete them; I was amazed the whole way. #LifeSnippets #HokkaidoLife #SnowFestival #SnowMatsuri #Sapporo #SapporoTravel #SapporoLife #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTravel

If you're wondering where to go during the holidays, Hokkaido is the quintessential winter destination in Japan. If you visit Japan during this season, you must not miss the diverse 'Snow Festivals' across the region! ❄️#SapporoSnowFestival One of Hokkaido's most iconic winter events is the Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February. You can enjoy different snowy worlds at three venues: Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome. ▪️Venue: Odori Site, Susukino Site, Tsudome Site ▪️Address: Odori Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido ▪️Date: February 4-11, 2025, lighting time TBD ❄️#JozankeiSnowLanternPath The Snow Lantern Path is a snow candle event held at Jozankei Shrine, symbolizing 'gathering together and sharing joy.' ▪️Address: Jozankei Shrine ▪️Time: January 27 - February 3, 2024, 18:00 - 21:00 ▪️Fee: 500 yen for high school students and above ❄️#LakeShikotsuIceFestival The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is one of Hokkaido's most representative winter festivals. Local people use high-pressure water jets to create artworks from Lake Shikotsu's water, then spray them with paint to become modern art pieces, adorned with lights. During the festival, there are ice fireworks and taiko performances every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from 6:30 PM. ▪️Address: Lake Shikotsu Onsen ▪️Time: January 27 - February 25, 2024, 10:00-20:00 *Lighting time 16:30-20:00 *Fireworks and stage activities in 2024 will be canceled ▪️Fee: 500 yen for high school students and above (free for junior high school students and below) ❄️#OtaruSnowLightPath In Otaru, citizens welcome friends from other places with various ice and snow sculptures along the roadside. Every evening, the candles inside the sculptures are lit, illuminating the quiet town with a magical glow. ▪️Address: Otaru Canal ▪️Time: February 10-17, 2024 ▪️Fee: None ❄️#SounkyoIceWaterfallFestival The Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is the most representative winter festival in the Daisetsuzan area, featuring ice sculptures with modern sound and light effects against the backdrop of the famous Sounkyo waterfalls frozen in winter. It includes fireworks, taiko, interactive games, and ice weddings. ▪️Address: Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido ▪️Time: Late January to mid-March #WhereToGoInTheSnow #HokkaidoTravel #CustomHokkaidoTours #HokkaidoWinterSnowActivities

Winter in Hokkaido is always a highlight, and the Sapporo Snow Festival in February is the highlight of highlights! The best part is that entry is free! Make sure not to miss it. Highlights include: 1. One of the world's top three snow festivals, it's the biggest winter event in Sapporo! 2. Held across three venues: Odori, Susukino, and TSUDOME. 3. All venues are free to visit. 4. Giant snow sculptures as tall as buildings, showcasing impressive scale! 5. Various exciting activities are held at each venue during the festival. Odori Venue 🏰 Located in the heart of Sapporo at Odori Park, it transforms into a 1.5km ice and snow world, illuminated daily from sunset to 10 PM. The venue features giant snow sculptures, large, medium, and small snow sculptures, and light projections at night. Unique snow sculptures created by citizens are also on display, with opportunities to vote for your favorites. Other activities include curling and ski jumping. Susukino Venue 🌠 This venue is known for its diverse ice sculptures. Each area is transformed into a dreamlike world with ice displays and light shows, perfect for photography! Watch ice sculptors create masterpieces in the ice sculpture competition. TSUDOME Venue ⛷️❄️ Returning after four years! TSUDOME uses both indoor and outdoor areas, with indoor dining and outdoor snow slides and snow rafts, offering fun for both adults and children. Experience the natural beauty of Hokkaido to the fullest. Besides admiring the snow and ice sculptures, enjoy local cuisine and snow activities, fully experiencing the charm of Hokkaido. #HokkaidoTravel #OverseasChinese #JapanTravel #JapanHokkaido #SnowFestival #SapporoSnowFestival #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTourism #HokkaidoTourPackages #JapanTravelCustomTours #Travel #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTravel #SapporoTravel #Sapporo #SapporoSnowFestival #HokkaidoWinter #HokkaidoTravelGuide #JapanOffTheBeatenPath

Hokkaido's winter is filled with numerous winter festival activities, making it a must-visit for travelers to Japan during this season. Today, we bring you a preview of Hokkaido Sapporo's winter events. [⭐Main Events] 1. 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival (75th Edition) This is a must-attend event in Sapporo, featuring various ice and snow sculptures displayed throughout the park. The sculptures are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere. 📆: February 4, 2025 - February 11, 2025 📍: Odori Venue, Odori Park, Tsudome Venue, Tsudome, Susukino Venue, Sapporo Station Front Street 2. 2024 Sapporo White Illumination An annual white illumination festival where every place is adorned with dazzling lights. 📆: Ⅰ: November 22, 2024 - December 25, 2024 Ⅱ: November 22, 2024 - February 11, 2025 Ⅲ: November 22, 2024 - March 14, 2025 📍: Ⅰ: Odori Park Ⅱ: Sapporo Station Front Avenue Ⅲ: South 1st Street 3. 2024 Sapporo Munich Christmas Market Coinciding partially with the White Illumination Festival, this market offers various Christmas-themed goods, food, and drinks. 📆: November 22 - December 25 📍: Odori Park, Satellite Venues 4. Otaru Snow Light Path Every February, a 'Snow Light Path' is illuminated with candles, creating a fairytale-like town. 📆: February 8, 2025 - February 15, 2025 📍: Otaru Canal, Former Temiya Line, Asarigawa Onsen 5. Sapporo Culture and Arts Festival This festival hosts numerous events, including the 'Sapporo Theater Festival' by various groups and some musicals. 📆: November 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024 📍: Sapporo Station Front Avenue Underground Walkway, Sapporo Civic Exchange Plaza, Various Theaters in Sapporo 6. Jozankei Snow Light Path Locals create snow lanterns that line the entire road, offering a romantic and warm atmosphere. 📆: Late January to Late February 2025 📍: Jozankei #WhereToGoOnHoliday #TravelJapan #JapanTravelGuide #HokkaidoJapan #SapporoHokkaido #Sapporo #SapporoSnowFestival #HokkaidoSnowFestival #OtaruSnowLightPath #OdoriPark #HokkaidoSnowFestival

Remember to mark your calendar for the 2025 Hokkaido Snow Lantern Festival. Winter in Hokkaido is truly worth visiting with so many attractions to explore! Here are some must-visit spots: ❄️ Sapporo 1️⃣ Sapporo Snow Festival - The most iconic event in Hokkaido 🕐 February 4-11, 2025 📍 Odori Site (snow sculptures), TSUDOME Site (snow activities & sculptures), Susukino Site (ice sculptures) 2️⃣ Jozankei Snow Lantern Path - A mysterious atmosphere created by hundreds of snow candles 🕐 January 25-February 1, 2025 🎫 Entrance fee: 500 yen/person 📍 Jozankei Shrine 3️⃣ Okurayama Winter Fireworks - A dreamy fireworks show against Sapporo's beautiful night view 🕐 December 7, 2024 🎆 Time: 19:00~ (about 30 minutes) 📍 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium (expected) ❄️ Otaru Otaru Snow Light Path - A winter tradition in Otaru 🕐 February 8-15, 2025 📍 Alongside Otaru Canal ❄️ Chitose Chitose & Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival - An ice sculpture art museum by Lake Shikotsu 🕐 February 1-24, 2025 📍 Shikotsu Lake Onsen, Chitose City ❄️ Hakodate 1️⃣ Goryokaku Star Dream & Lighting Event 🕐 Expected December 2024 to late February 📍 Goryokaku Town, Hakodate City 2️⃣ Hakodate Lighting Event - Exotic light night view 🕐 December 1, 2024-February 28, 2025 📍 Around Motomachi area, Hakodate City ❄️ Asahikawa Asahikawa Winter Festival - Rich snow activities 🕐 February 6-11, 2025 📍 Riverside below Asahibashi, Ishikari River, Asahikawa (snow sculptures & activities), Heiwa Street Shopping Park (ice sculptures) ❄️ Lake Toya 1️⃣ Lake Toya Onsen Winter Fireworks 🕐 February 1-12, 2025, 20:30~ (about 8 minutes) 📍 In front of Lake Toya Steamship Headquarters 2️⃣ Lake Toya Onsen Street Light Tunnel - A charming tunnel of about 400,000 lights 🕐 November 1, 2024-April 27, 2025 📍 Nigiya Square 3️⃣ Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival - Ice sculptures and light show 🕐 January 25-March 9, 2025 🎫 Entrance fee: 1000 yen/person 📍 Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa Town, Kamikawa District 4️⃣ Akan Lake Winter Fireworks - Spectacular fireworks on the frozen lake 🕐 Expected February to mid-March 2025 📍 Akan Lake Onsen 5️⃣ Furano Winter Village - Nighttime ice and snow park 🕐 December 21, 2024-February 28, 2025 📍 New Furano Prince Hotel (next to Ningle Terrace) National Dog Sledding Wakkanai Competition 🕐 February 22-23, 2025 📍 Soyoi, Wakkanai City Memuro Ice Lantern Night - Thousands of colorful ice lanterns for a romantic Valentine's Day 🕐 Expected February 14, 2025 📍 Memuro Park ✅ [Seven-Day Itinerary] D1: Domestic - Sapporo - Asahikawa D2: Asahikawa - Furano - Asahikawa D3: Asahikawa - Sounkyo - Abashiri D4: Abashiri - Shiretoko D5: Shiretoko - Akan Lake D6: Akan Lake - Wetlands - Tokachigawa Onsen D7: Tokachigawa Onsen - Sapporo - Domestic Hokkaido has many attractions, and traveling between cities can be hectic, so consider renting a car for convenience. #JapanTravelGuide #JapanTourism #HokkaidoTravel #SnowFestival #HokkaidoExclusive #Otaru #Sapporo #WinterTravel

📍【Sapporo City】Sapporo Snow Festival 📅February 4-11, 2025. Recognized as one of Hokkaido's top three winter festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival attracts over 2 million visitors annually. The event is divided into three main venues: the Odori Site, featuring around 100 snow sculptures centered around five large ones; the Susukino Site, filled with ice sculptures and statues; and the TSUDOME Site, offering large slides and tunnels for interactive experiences. 📍【Sapporo City】Jozankei Onsen Snow Candle Path 📅January 25-February 1, 2025. Just an hour's bus ride from Sapporo Station, Jozankei Onsen hosts the Snow Candle Path event at Jozankei Shrine. Residents create 2,000 snow candles to illuminate the shrine grounds. It's said that if you can successfully carry a lit snow candle to the snow tower without it going out, your wish will come true. 📍【Chitose City】Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 📅February 1-24, 2025. Local artisans use high-pressure water jets to create sculptures from Lake Shikotsu's water, which are then painted and frozen into modern art pieces, adorned with lights. During the day, the lake's water is a clear blue, while at night, the lights create a fantastical world of color and light. 📍【Asahikawa City】Asahikawa Winter Festival 📅February 6-11, 2025. Another of Hokkaido's top three winter festivals, the Asahikawa Winter Festival features the world's largest snow sculpture, standing 20 meters tall. The festival includes citizen-made snow and ice sculptures, a stage for musical performances, a large snow slide, a giant snow maze, and numerous food stalls offering local delicacies, making it a fun winter outing for the whole family. 📍【Kamikawa District】Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival 📅January 25-March 9, 2025. Also recognized as one of Hokkaido's top three winter festivals and a Japan Nightscape Heritage site, the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival features a 12,000 square meter venue illuminated with colorful lights. Visitors can enjoy the sight of massive ice sculptures and tunnels, as well as interactive experiences like the "Northern Ice Bar," where everything from chairs to tables is made of ice. 📍【Hakodate City】Goryokaku Star Dream Illumination 📅Early December to late February. The Goryokaku Park and Goryokaku Tower are landmarks of Hakodate. The Goryokaku Star Dream Illumination decorates the moat with 2,000 light bulbs, forming a star shape when lit each evening. Visitors can enjoy a stroll while admiring the lights or view the entire scene from the observation deck. #CtripCustomTravel #CtripCustomPlanner #CustomAutumnWinterTrip

From February 4th to February 11th, the annual Hokkaido Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) kicks off! The nearest venues in the city are Odori Park and Susukino, so if you're traveling in Hokkaido, don't miss it. Additionally, I personally recommend the Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, which will be covered in the next post. #WeekendGetaway #TravelInspiration #LifeInJapan #Japan #Sapporo #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTravel #Snow

As the largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo never sleeps. The bustling nightlife almost makes one forget the tranquil nights of the countryside amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle. Every February, Odori Park, which stretches across the center of Sapporo, hosts a 1.5-kilometer-long fantasy of ice and snow. This is the famous "Snow Festival," the highlight of Sapporo's winter. Sculptors from around the world use pure white snow and crystal-clear ice to create massive snow statues and ice sculptures, enhanced by spectacular light shows that make Sapporo's nights even more dazzling. Besides the Odori venue, the Susukino site also showcases a variety of imaginative ice sculptures. The Snow Festival is also a lively marketplace. Various food stalls offer an array of delights such as skewers, fried chicken, wagyu beef, coffee, and hot milk. As the temperature drops, the crowds in Sapporo rise. #TravelPhotography #JapanGuide #SonyMirrorless #Sapporo #Hokkaido #SapporoTravel #HokkaidoTravel #SnowFestival

#getgoing2025 Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido) Held annually in February, the Sapporo Snow Festival transforms Hokkaido's capital into a winter wonderland. Odori Park, the main site, becomes a showcase for massive and intricate snow and ice sculptures, some reaching incredible heights and detail. From recreations of famous landmarks to fantastical creatures, the sculptures are a testament to the artists' skill and creativity. The festival also features snow slides, ice skating rinks, and food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Spring is the gentle prelude to Sapporo. In April, the wind blows, and the cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park gradually awaken. The pink and white petals fall like snowflakes, covering the ground with a romantic floral carpet. The streets and alleys are filled with new green buds, announcing the end of winter's gloom. The whole city is immersed in the hope of growth. In summer, the lavender fields of Furano turn the land purple, and the fragrance fills every inch of Sapporo's air. Odori Park becomes a summer resort, where people relax and play under the green shade. The blue sky and colorful flowers complement each other, making the city lively and vibrant. The fireworks of the night market light up the summer night with joy. In the fall, the maple leaves of Jozankei burn like fire, and the mountains look like overturned palettes. Walking among them, the fallen leaves rustle underfoot, playing the melody of autumn. The ginkgo trees at Hokkaido University are golden and brilliant, and the students shuttle among them, adding a touch of scholarly charm to the autumn scenery. Every frame is engraved with the quiet beauty of autumn. When the first snow of winter falls, Sapporo becomes a dreamlike snow country. At the Sapporo Snow Festival, giant snow sculptures rise from the ground, sparkling under the lights, as if telling ancient legends. The snow on the streets is thick like cotton, and the mist from the hot springs warms the travelers' bodies and minds, drawing warm outlines in the icy world. Sapporo, this charming city, welcomes you with its unique charm no matter which season you visit. The romance of spring, the enthusiasm of summer, the quiet beauty of autumn, and the dreamlike winter, the four seasons change, and there are always surprises worth visiting all year round. Embrace its beauty and engrave your own travel memories.

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Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan, and the largest city in Hokkaido. Located in the heart of Hokkaido, it is a vibrant and charming city with a rich history, culture, cuisine, and natural scenery. Sapporo is known for its beautiful snow scenery and winter sports, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held every winter, attracting visitors from all over the world. In addition, Sapporo has many other tourist attractions, such as Odori Park, Hokkaido Shrine, and Shiroi Koibito Park. In terms of food, Sapporo is famous for its ramen, beer, and seafood. Sapporo ramen is one of the most famous ramen in Japan, loved for its rich broth and unique noodle texture. Sapporo beer is also one of the most famous beers in Japan, praised for its refreshing taste and high quality. In addition, Sapporo has many other delicacies, such as sushi, tempura, and barbecue. Overall, Sapporo is a vibrant and charming city and a must-visit tourist destination.

Hokkaido is famous for its stunning natural scenery, distinct seasons, and delicious food. Whether it's skiing in winter, flower viewing in spring, summer vacations, or autumn foliage hunting, Hokkaido offers unforgettable travel experiences for visitors. Spring (March–May): Cherry blossom season, Sapporo, Odori Park, and Goryokaku in Hakodate are popular spots. Summer (June–August): Lavender fields in Furano and Biei, cool climate in summer resorts. Autumn (September–November): Colorful autumn leaves, Noboribetsu Onsen and Daisetsuzan National Park. Winter (December–February): Sapporo Snow Festival, skiing in Niseko, and snow fun in Asahikawa. ⛺Must-Visit Spots: 1. Sapporo Odori Park: Flower viewing in spring and summer, main venue of the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter. Hokkaido Shrine: Enjoy traditional Hokkaido culture, cherry blossoms in spring. Tanukikoji Shopping Street: A great place to buy souvenirs and taste authentic food. 2. Furano & Biei Lavender Fields: Furano in summer is a purple ocean, mid-July is the peak season for lavender. Patchwork Road: The rural scenery of Biei, colorful farmland like patchwork. 3. Hakodate Mount Hakodate Night View: One of the world's three best night views, overlooking the city lights from the top of the mountain. Goryokaku: A star-shaped Western-style castle, surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring. Hakodate Morning Market: Experience seafood cuisine in the morning, try freshly caught sea urchins and crabs. 4. Noboribetsu Onsen Hell Valley: Volcanic landscape with sulfur, hot spring water steaming. Onsen Street: Various onsen inns offer the most authentic Japanese onsen experience. 5. Otaru Otaru Canal: The historic canal is lit up on both sides, like a dream. Glass Craft Shops: Buy exquisite glass souvenirs or experience making them yourself. 6. Asahiyama Zoo Popular polar bear, penguin, and fox exhibits, and penguin walk performances in winter. Food Recommendations: Seafood Sashimi: Highly recommend sea urchins, crabs, and salmon in Hakodate. Sapporo Miso Ramen: Thick miso soup with corn and butter, classic taste. Genghis Khan BBQ: Delicious lamb, recommended in Sapporo. Jaga Pokkuru: Hokkaido specialty potato snack, crispy and delicious. Dairy Desserts: Must try Hokkaido milk ice cream and cheesecake. Soup Curry: Sapporo specialty, spicy and rich, perfect with Hokkaido rice. 🏨Transportation Guide: Transportation 1. How to Get to Hokkaido Plane: Fly from Tokyo, Osaka, etc. to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), the fastest. Shinkansen: Hokkaido Shinkansen connects Honshu, but takes longer. 2. Island Transportation JR Hokkaido: Connects major cities such as Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa, cheaper with JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. Bus: Suitable for visiting Furano, Biei, etc. Car Rental: If you plan to go deep into the countryside or mountains, renting a car is the best choice, prepare an international driver's license.

What should you know before your first trip to Hokkaido? Check out this article for everything you need to know before you go. When it comes to traveling to Hokkaido, the first thing that comes to mind is probably skiing in winter. However, Hokkaido is a summer resort with mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, and abundant natural resources. It is a vast land with a sparse population and rich products, where people carefully protect the most primitive and natural land and ecology. If you want to eat and play naturally in Japan, Hokkaido is the place to be! Tourist Areas Central Hokkaido: Including Sapporo and Otaru, this is the most densely populated central area, where you can experience the bustling yet uncrowded Sapporo and the retro and romantic Otaru. Southern Hokkaido: Including Hakodate and Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the former has the famous historical building Goryokaku, and the latter is known as the Natural Volcano Museum. The famous Niseko Ski Resort will be explained separately in the skiing section. Eastern Hokkaido: Mainly composed of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Akan-Mashu National Park, and Shiretoko National Park, it is the best area to experience the "great" nature of Hokkaido. Travel Time Hokkaido is a highly seasonal destination. Although there are sights to see and outdoor activities to enjoy all year round, it is important to know your "goal" in advance. Peak Season February: The peak skiing season, and also the time of the "Three Great Winter Festivals" (Sapporo Snow Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival). Accommodation prices in Sapporo and nearby ski resorts may increase by 50% to 200%, so be sure to book in advance.

Not sure where to go abroad during Spring Festival or winter vacation? We stayed up late to organize 6 themes and 17 routes, so there's bound to be one for you. (❗❗🐴 Save this for later) [One] Hokkaido: The Romance of Snow • Features: Spectacular snow scenery, romantic hot springs, special food, and the Sapporo Snow Festival. • Climate: Average temperature is about -8°C. • Best time: December to February. • 💰About 15,000 [Two] Aurora Tour: Chasing the Mysterious Light • Iceland: Moon-like terrain, Nordic tour. • Climate: Average temperature is -10 to 0°C. • Best time: October to March. • 💰35,000-40,000 • Murmansk, Russia: Aurora over the Arctic Ocean. • Climate: Average temperature is about -10°C. • Best time: November to February. • 💰About 10,000 • Yellowknife, Canada: High aurora viewing rate. • Climate: Average temperature is about -35°C. • Best time: November to April. • 💰25,000 [Three] Island Vacation: Sun and Sand • Nha Trang: Cost-effective, suitable for family vacations. •💰5,000 • Semporna: Diving paradise, suitable for couples. •💰10,000-15,000 • Maldives: One island, one hotel, stunning scenery. •💰10,000-100,000 (depending on your budget) [Four] Southern Hemisphere Summer: Off-Season Travel • Australia: Sunshine and beaches on the Gold Coast. •💰20,000-30,000 • New Zealand: Pure scenery and outdoor sports. •💰25,000-30,000 • South Africa: The Big Five on the savannah, penguins and seals. •💰15,000-25,000 • Egypt: Mysterious world of the pharaohs, diving in the Red Sea. •💰10,000 [Five] Central and Eastern Europe: Explore Non-Traditional Europe • Serbia/Bosnia and Herzegovina/Montenegro: Visa-free, rich in culture and history. •💰15,000 • Austria/Czech Republic/Hungary: Rich in history and culture, artistic atmosphere. •💰10,000-15,000 [Six] Traditional In-Depth Tours of Europe and America: A Blend of Classic and Modern • United States: One of the most influential countries in the world. •💰28,000-50,000 • Italy-Sicily: From the snow of the Dolomites to the sunshine of Sicily. •💰25,000 • Spain-Portugal: Winter in Europe, warm and humid. •💰17,000 We hope this guide will help you plan an unforgettable winter trip. Each destination has its own unique charm, whether you're looking for snow, auroras, or sun and sand, there's a place that will touch your heart.

Finally have time to organize the photos from my winter trip to Hokkaido! If you come to Hokkaido, don't miss the most iconic 'Sapporo Snow Festival'. It's only held in early February each year!

Visiting the Ice and Snow Children's World at the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido with a 4-year-old can be a bit inconvenient in terms of transportation. You need to transfer from Odori Park to the subway and get off at Sakaemachi Station, then take a shuttle bus from Exit 2 to the site for 100 yen per person. Once you arrive, everything is free. There are many local children, and the queues are manageable, with about a 7-8 minute wait for a slide. Some activities might be too thrilling for young kids. After a morning of fun, you can have lunch at the nearby large sports stadium. It's quite convenient, though prices are about 15% higher, it's still much more reasonable compared to dining at tourist spots in our country. #SapporoSnowFestival #HokkaidoTravel #FamilyTrip

🌨️✨ Experience the Magic of the Sapporo Snow Festival! ✨🌨️ If you're looking for an unforgettable winter adventure, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan, is a must-see event! Held annually in early February, this spectacular festival transforms the city into a winter wonderland with stunning snow and ice sculptures. Here are a few reasons why you should add the Sapporo Snow Festival to your travel bucket list: Incredible Snow Sculptures: Marvel at the intricate and massive snow sculptures at Odori Park. From famous landmarks to beloved characters, the creativity and craftsmanship will leave you in awe. Dazzling Ice Sculptures: Visit the Susukino site to see beautiful ice sculptures illuminated at night. The sparkling ice creations are a sight to behold and perfect for evening strolls. Fun for All Ages: The Tsudome site offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including snow slides, snow rafting, and interactive snow sculptures. It's a great place for kids and adults alike to enjoy the snow. Delicious Local Cuisine: Warm up with Hokkaido's famous culinary delights. Try miso ramen, fresh seafood, and other local specialties at the food stalls scattered throughout the festival sites. Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Japanese winter culture and traditions. The festival also features live performances, music, and other cultural events that provide a deeper understanding of Hokkaido's rich heritage. Breathtaking Scenery: Sapporo is surrounded by beautiful winter landscapes. Take the opportunity to explore nearby attractions like the Otaru Canal, Mount Moiwa, and the hot springs in Jozankei. 📅 When: The Sapporo Snow Festival typically takes place in early February. Check the official website for exact dates and details. 📍 Where: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Main sites include Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. Don't miss out on this enchanting winter festival! Plan your trip to the Sapporo Snow Festival and create memories that will last a lifetime. ❄️🎉 #SapporoSnowFestival #HokkaidoTravel #WinterWonderland #SnowSculptures #JapanTravel #TravelRecommendations

Take the subway directly to Sakaemachi Station, Exit 2, and then a shuttle bus to the venue for 100 yen for adults, while children ride for free. The venue itself is free of charge, with only snowmobiles and indoor inflatable castles requiring tickets. There are plenty of food options and seating indoors, and it's not too cold outside. The nearby airport offers a great view of planes. Make sure to visit with your kids in the next few days! Pay attention to travel dates and shuttle bus locations and times. #SapporoSnowFestival #Sapporo #JapanHokkaidoSapporoSnowFestival

Living in the mountains of Niseko, Hokkaido, I couldn't resist the urge to take a train to Sapporo for a movie and some sightseeing. Honestly, if you're visiting Hokkaido in winter, it's better to skip Otaru. Besides snow, there's not much to see, and frequent blizzards can halt JR trains. The Sea of Japan isn't much to look at in winter either; summer is a better time to visit. In winter, the Otaru Canal and warehouses are just covered in snow and ice. It's better to explore the Sapporo Snow Festival. The food stalls are considerate enough to have Chinese signs, so not knowing Japanese isn't an issue. However, Sapporo is really cold, so dress warmly. If you're sensitive to the cold, bring heat packs. The wind on the streets is biting, and there's some snow accumulation, so be careful while walking. I even saw someone slip and an ambulance was called.

❄️ Lucky with the weather, light snow, and the itinerary coincided with the Snow Festival. ⛄ Odori Park's Snow Festival focuses on snow sculptures, while Susukino's features ice sculptures. Some are exquisite, while others, like Pikachu and Doraemon, are inexplicably ugly. Personally, if you have time, it's worth a visit, but not a must-see, as domestic ice sculptures are more impressive. 🍦 Hokkaido's ice cream is indeed delicious. I can't forget the cone I had at a roadside shop in Tanukikoji today. 🍱 Other places we dined at today: SAMA Sapporo Odori (Soup Curry) - Tasty, under 100 per person (1 set meal + 1 milkshake), worth trying. If you can't handle spicy food, choose a spice level below 5; a friend found level 6 too spicy. Umi no Yonkai (on the 6th floor) - Fresh seafood, mostly locals dining, no pictures or Chinese on the menu. Over 400 per person, not cheap. We were a group of four, ordering boiled hairy crab, sashimi, grilled Wagyu, pan-fried fish (unknown type), steamed egg, and sake. We were about 70% full, and everyone praised the flavors. An izakaya near Susukino, a small two-story shop with red decor. Fresh ingredients, quite good. #Hokkaido #Sapporo #HokkaidoTravel

The Tsudome venue is located at 885-1 Sakaemachi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo. Shuttle buses are available from Sakaemachi Station to the venue, costing around 100 yen. The venue features both indoor and outdoor spaces, with a focus on family-friendly activities. Today, being the first day and a weekend, it was extremely crowded, resulting in long queues for all activities. The outdoor area was so sunny that it was hard to keep your eyes open, with a half-hour wait for a one-minute play. Indoors, you can play, eat, and rest, but buying play tickets and food also required long waits. On the way back, a sudden snowstorm hit, and it was almost impossible to get on the shuttle bus. Waiting in line for the bus felt like a refugee escape, but as long as the kids are happy, it's all worth it. #Sapporo #SapporoSnowFestival #SapporoTravel #FamilyFun

In the winter days of Hokkaido, snowflakes dance like fairies in the air, draping the land in a white, luxurious coat. In this snowy kingdom, the enchanting Sapporo Snow Festival is held annually. Odori Park transforms into a fairy tale world of ice and snow, where ice sculptors wield their tools to carve breathtaking ice sculptures. Fish appear as if alive within the ice. Besides ice sculptures, there are various snow sculptures, including adorable Mario figures, rows of little snowmen, and dazzling Gundam figures, with countless cute designs. The annual Sapporo Snow Festival is a major event in Hokkaido's winter, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the northern ice and snow and experience endless fun and surprises brought by the snow and ice. #WinterTravelPlans #NewYearFirstShot #MyDragonYearNewJourney #NationalIceAndSnowSeason #Hokkaido #HokkaidoTravel #Sapporo #SapporoTravelGuide #SapporoSnowFestival #SapporoTravel

The annual Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido is a must-see event, featuring massive snow sculptures in the heart of Sapporo. Besides the "Odori Site," thrill-seekers can visit the nearby "TSUDOME Site" for activities like slides and snowboarding. The festival runs from February 4 to February 11, 2024, with the night illumination schedule yet to be announced. Venues include Odori Park and Susukino. Another highlight is the Jozankei Snow Lantern Festival, located about an hour's drive from Sapporo in the hot spring town of Jozankei. Known as a relaxation haven, Jozankei offers a magical path of snow lanterns at the Jozankei Shrine. This event takes place from January 27 to February 3, 2024, from 6 PM to 9 PM. The Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is a major winter event in Hokkaido. The lake's water is famous for its clarity, and the ice formations exhibit a unique Shikotsu blue hue. At night, LED lights illuminate the lake, creating a vibrant spectacle. The festival runs from January 27 to February 25, 2024, at Lake Shikotsu Onsen. Lastly, the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is held along the Ishikari River, covering about 12,000 square meters. This event features large ice waterfalls and various ice sculptures, with nighttime lighting adding a romantic touch. The festival includes fireworks, drum performances, and Ainu dances, although the 2024 program may vary. It runs from January 27 to March 17, 2024, from 5 PM to 9:30 PM at Sounkyo Onsen in Kamikawa Town. #Japan #Hokkaido #Sapporo #HokkaidoTravel #JapanTravel #HotSprings #Skiing #Snow

The snow sculptures are so cute! My favorite is Yubaba!! #HokkaidoSnowFestival #HokkaidoTravel

The recent Sapporo Snow Festival activities are centered around Odori Park, which becomes lively at night with various snacks and bustling crowds. The craftsmanship of the snow sculptures is exquisite, but in terms of scale and visual impact, the Harbin Ice Festival is more impressive. #Sapporo #Hokkaido #JapanTravel

Hokkaido's top three winter festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru Snow Light Path, and Asahikawa Winter Festival, attract over 2 million visitors annually. Why not join your friends and family for a romantic snowy adventure? - **Sapporo Snow Festival**: This festival began in 1950 when local students built six snow sculptures in Odori Park. It has since evolved into a grand event featuring snowball fights and snow sculpture exhibitions, drawing 50,000 attendees in its first year. The Sapporo Snow Festival is not only Japan's most famous winter celebration but also one of the world's top three snow festivals, with 2.73 million visitors in 2019. The main venue at Odori Park showcases over 200 large snow sculptures and international competition entries, illuminated at night for a magical experience. The Susukino site focuses on ice sculptures, with events like ice sculpture lighting and ice bars. Concurrently, the Sapporo White Illumination Festival lights up Odori Park, Ekimae-dori, and Minami 1-jo Dori. Don't miss it! Dates: February 4-11, 2024. - **Otaru Snow Light Path**: Inspired by Japanese author Sei Ito's "Snow Light Path," this festival emphasizes "human interaction." Crafted by Otaru residents, it celebrates its 26th edition in 2024. The main venues are the Otaru Canal and the Temiya Line ruins, where historic streets are bathed in warm yellow snow lights, reminiscent of bygone days. Floating glass lanterns on the canal resemble stars and galaxies in the night sky. As a major event in Otaru, Asarigawa Onsen and various city locations also light up, offering a less crowded experience than the main venues. Dates: February 10-17, 2024. - **Asahikawa Winter Festival**: Tracing back to 1946, under the guidance of sculptor Kiyoshi Kato, Asahikawa's snow-covered roads were transformed into art. Officially starting in 1960, the festival celebrates its 65th edition in 2024, featuring the world's largest snow and ice sculptures, as certified by Guinness. The main venue at Asahibashi offers ice slides, snowmobiles, hot food, concerts, and dance performances. Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, the main street through Asahikawa's center, displays exquisite ice sculptures that sparkle under colorful lights at night. Dates: February 7-12, 2024. #Hokkaido #SapporoSnowFestival #OtaruSnowLightPath #AsahikawaWinterFestival #JapanTravel #HokkaidoTravel #SkiingInJapan