Mexico, South Korea, UK, France, China, US, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and More Join Japan for the Perfect 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival This February: Here is What You Need to Know

From February 4th to February 11th, 2025, the city of Sapporo will host its esteemed Snow Festival, an annual event that captivates visitors from around the globe with its stunning snow and ice sculptures. This week-long festival, held in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, continues to build on the rich heritage of past celebrations, with the previous year’s event attracting approximately 2.39 million attendees.

With a history that dates back to 1950, when it was first created by local high school students in Odori Park, the Sapporo Snow Festival has evolved into a major winter highlight featuring not only spectacular sculptures but also vibrant cultural performances that draw an international audience. This year, the festival will once again transform Sapporo into a winter wonderland, offering visitors a unique blend of artistic creativity and festive spirit in the snowy landscape of Japan.

The 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan’s most celebrated winter events, is set to take place from February 4 to February 11. This week-long festival, held annually in Sapporo—the heart of Hokkaido—draws visitors from around the globe to witness its breathtaking snow and ice sculptures.

The 2024 edition of the Sapporo Snow Festival, located in Hokkaido, Japan, saw an impressive attendance of approximately 2.39 million guests. This marked a significant rebound in visitor numbers from the year prior. Celebrated every year in the first half of February, the festival reached its 74th year in 2024, continuing its long-standing tradition.

In November 2024, Japan experienced a notable increase in international visitors, with the Japan National Tourism Organization recording approximately 3,187,000 tourists, up 30.5% from 2019. South Korea led the charge with 749,500 visitors, followed by China with 546,300, and Taiwan with 488,400. Other significant contributors included Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Australia, the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, highlighting Japan’s widespread appeal as a top travel destination globally.

First launched in 1950 by local high school students who created several snow statues in Odori Park, the Sapporo Snow Festival has evolved into a grand spectacle. Today, it not only showcases elaborate sculptures but also serves as a platform for vibrant cultural performances.

Festival Venues

The festival spans three main sites:

• Odori Site: Located in the central 1.5 km-long Odori Park, this is the primary venue where gigantic snow sculptures stand, some towering over 15 meters. Illuminated until 10 PM daily, these masterpieces transform the park into a winter wonderland. Visitors can also enjoy concerts and events set against the backdrop of these snowy giants. For a panoramic view, head to the Sapporo TV Tower at the park’s eastern end, where extended hours and special tickets are available during the festival.
• Susukino Site: Situated in Sapporo’s largest nightlife district, just one subway stop from Odori Park, this site features around 100 ice sculptures that are lit up until 11 PM (10 PM on the final day). It’s a dazzling display of crystalline artistry.
• Tsu Dome Site: This family-friendly venue offers snow slides, snow rafting, and additional sculptures. It’s a bit further from the city center but packed with fun activities and food stands, open from 10 AM to 4 PM daily.

Experience Sapporo Beyond the Festival

Enhance your visit with these excursions:

• Sapporo Private Tour: Explore Sapporo’s key attractions like Moerenuma Park and the Sapporo Beer Museum with a knowledgeable local guide. This four-hour walking tour provides a deeper understanding of the city’s heritage and landmarks.
• Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival: Experience another facet of Hokkaido’s winter magic at this festival, where ice sculptures display a mesmerizing blue hue during the day and are transformed by colorful lights at night.

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant festivals, and world-class skiing facilities. Here are some of the best places to visit in Hokkaido along with top hotel recommendations and information about the main airports:

Best Places in Hokkaido:

1. Sapporo – The capital city, known for the Sapporo Snow Festival, offers urban conveniences alongside beautiful parks like Odori Park and historical sites such as the Clock Tower.
2. Hakodate – Famous for its spectacular night views from Mount Hakodate and the historical area around the Motomachi district.
3. Otaru – A charming canal city, known for its glassworks, music boxes, and the snowy Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.
4. Furano and Biei – These areas are famous for their stunning lavender fields in the summer and excellent ski resorts in the winter.
5. Niseko – Renowned worldwide for its powder snow, Niseko is a must-visit for ski enthusiasts.

Top Hotels in Hokkaido:

1. The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa (Toyako) – Offers luxurious accommodation with views of Lake Toya and is famous for hosting the G8 summit in 2008.
2. JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo (Sapporo) – Located in the heart of Sapporo, this hotel offers easy access to transportation and city attractions.
3. La Vista Hakodate Bay (Hakodate) – Known for its hot spring baths and prime location near the bay, providing beautiful views of the city.
4. Hilton Niseko Village (Niseko) – Situated at the base of Niseko Mountain, it’s perfect for ski lovers and offers excellent facilities and services.
5. Hotel Naturwald Furano (Furano) – Great for families and visitors interested in both summer and winter activities, close to the lavender fields and ski slopes.

Airports in Hokkaido:

1. New Chitose Airport (CTS) – The main gateway into Hokkaido, located near Sapporo, this airport offers domestic and international flights and serves as a hub for travel throughout the prefecture.
2. Hakodate Airport (HKD) – Provides access to the southern part of Hokkaido, with regular services to Tokyo and seasonal connections to other parts of Asia.
3. Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) – Best for reaching central Hokkaido destinations like Asahikawa, Furano, and Biei.
4. Obihiro Airport (OBO) – Serves the eastern part of Hokkaido and is convenient for those visiting Tokachi region.

These locations and facilities make Hokkaido a versatile destination that caters to a wide range of interests from urban exploration to nature adventures and winter sports.

The post Mexico, South Korea, UK, France, China, US, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and More Join Japan for the Perfect 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival This February: Here is What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.