If you’re seeking colder climes and winter fun, there’s one event you can’t miss: the Sapporo Snow Festival. The annual event attracts millions of visitors from around the globe and will be held from February 4 to 11 this year. This iconic celebration transforms the city into a wonderland filled with dazzling ice and snow sculptures, thrilling activities, and unforgettable views.

Ready to experience this winter festival? Here's a quick Sapporo travel guide packed with tips and recommendations for this magical season.

Explore three main sites of the festival: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. Each offers unique experiences, from grand sculptures to fun, icy activities for the whole family.

Odori Park is the heart of the festival, featuring the largest and most elaborate sculptures. Some measure more than 25 meters wide and 15 meters high. Arrive early to beat the crowds and soak in the details of these magnificent creations!

Pro tip: For a stunning photo op, visit at night to see the sculptures illuminated until 10 p.m.

New this year: Odori Park will host the Sapporo Curling Festival, where you can try your hand at the sport. Official curling stones will be available for public trials, and staff will be there to guide you. Each person gets three throws of the curling stone (¥500 for elementary school children and up; preschoolers are free). Bonus: catch a curling exhibition by top teams on February 10 and 11! 

Getting there: The park is conveniently located in the center of Sapporo and is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the Toho Subway Line, Namboku Subway Line, or Tozai Subway Line to Odori Station.

Where to Stay

• Sapporo Grand Hotel: This iconic hotel has served travelers since 1934. It offers guests comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a relaxing spa. Located near Odori Park, it gives you easy access to festival sites and connects to an underground shopping arcade, so you'll never be bored.
  • Details: Sapporo, Chuo-ku Kita 1-jo Nishi 4-chome; +81-11-261-3311

   

• Cross Hotel Sapporo: With chic interiors and a rooftop spa, this boutique hotel combines style and relaxation. It’s also conveniently located near shopping and nightlife hotspots. With its attention to detail, many customers consider it to be one of the top accommodations in the area.
  • Details: Sapporo, Chuo-ku Kita 2-jo Nishi 2-23; +81-11-272-0010

Susukino, Sapporo's largest entertainment district, transforms into a mesmerizing "Ice World" during the Snow Festival. Just a short subway ride from Odori Park, you'll discover around 60 ice sculptures, ranging from small, intricate pieces to large, impressive displays, all lit up at night (until 11 p.m.).

After marveling at the ice artistry, it’s time to enjoy the nightlife in Sapporo. Warm up with crowd-favorite Japanese dishes, like Hokkaido crab and miso ramen, and Sapporo beer at one of Susukino's many lively bars and izakayas (casual Japanese pubs known for their relaxed atmosphere and affordable dishes).

Getting there: Susukino is easily accessible by subway:

• Take the Namboku Subway Line to Susukino Station.
• Take the Toho Subway Line to Hosui-Susukino Station.

Where to Stay

• Mercure Sapporo: This hotel offers modern rooms with French flair. Located in the heart of Susukino, you’ll appreciate its proximity to entertainment venues and the Susukino Subway Station for easy exploration. Its on-site restaurant serves international cuisine. It also has a fitness center if you want to burn extra calories.
  • Details: Sapporo, Chuo-ku Minami 4-jo Nishi 2-4; +81-11-513-1100

   

• APA Hotel Sapporo Odori Ekimae Minami: On a budget? The APA Hotel Sapporo offers compact yet well-equipped rooms with essential amenities, including free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Its breakfast buffet features a variety of Japanese and Western dishes. Located near the Hosui-Susukino Subway Station, it's ideal for travelers exploring the local nightlife and dining scene.
  • Details: Sapporo, Chuo-ku Minami 2-jo Nishi 7-10-1; +8111-281-8111

Tsudome is a winter wonderland for families, with plenty of activities to entertain everyone. Zoom down snow slides, try your hand at snow rafting, and let loose in the large snow play area where you can build snowmen and have epic snowball fights.

For more thrills, check out the tube sliding and sledding courses, perfect for all ages. While prices can vary, expect to pay anywhere from ¥500 (around ₱200) to ¥2000 (around ₱800) per person for a set amount of time or a certain number of rides.

And when you need a break from the action, grab some delicious snacks and warm drinks from the food stalls. Remember to bundle up in warm, comfortable clothes to make the most of your time in this snowy paradise!

The only catch with this festival site is that accommodation options are limited. Your best bet? Find a hotel that offers easy access to the Tsudome area.

Getting there: It's a 15-minute walk from Sakae-machi Station on the Toho Line. You can also take a shuttle bus service from Sakae-machi Station to the venue.

Where to Stay

• JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo: Conveniently located right on top of Sapporo Station, this luxury stay gives you direct access to JR trains and subway lines. You’ll enjoy its panoramic view, spacious rooms, and a wide range of dining options around the area.
  • Details: Sapporo, Chuo-ku, Kita 5, 5 Nishi 2; +81-11-251-2222

   

• Keio Prelia Hotel Sapporo: This modern hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station and makes an excellent base for exploring the city. The hotel boasts contemporary rooms with all the essentials, including comfortable bedding and free WiFi. Plus, you can enjoy a nutritious breakfast buffet featuring fresh Hokkaido ingredients to kickstart your day.
• Details: Sapporo, Kita-ku, North 8-jo, West 4-11-1; +81-11-205-8111

Craving seafood? Head to the lively Nijo market for fresh Hokkaido delicacies like sea urchin, salmon roe, and king crab. Many vendors also have dining areas where you can savor your picks on the spot.

Details: Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Johigashi, 1 Chome; +81 11 222 5308

A favorite among locals, this ramen shop serves rich miso-based bowls that will warm you up in no time. Don’t miss their spicy miso ramen for an extra kick.

Details: Chuo Ward, Minami 6 Jonishi, 8 Chome-8-2; +81 11 530 5002

Don’t forget to try locally brewed Sapporo Beer at one of the city’s izakayas. For an authentic Hokkaido experience, head to the Sapporo Beer Garden, where you can indulge in a hearty Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) meal to go along with your ice-cold drink—it’s the ultimate local treat!

Details: 9 Chome-2-10 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo; +81 570 098 346

Before you pack your bags, check out these essential tips for experiencing the Sapporo Snow Festival to the fullest.

• Stay updated. You can explore the main festival areas without paying an entrance fee. However, some special events or activities might require tickets, so check the official Sapporo Snow Festival website for updates.
• Beat the crowds. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
• Use the subway. The Sapporo Municipal Subway is a convenient way to get around the city and reach the different festival sites.
• Dress warmly. Layer your clothing to stay warm in the cold weather. Don't forget essentials like a hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof jackets and boots. Consider thermal underwear for extra warmth.

Getting to Sapporo is now easier than ever. Cebu Pacific offers direct routes from Manila, with flights scheduled at least three times a week—every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The flight to Sapporo takes around five hours, which gives you plenty of time to rest, but not so long that you'll get antsy! As always, make sure to book as early as possible for the best rates and to secure your preferred travel dates.

From dazzling sculptures to thrilling winter activities, the Sapporo Snow Festival promises an adventure like no other. Make your trip even more convenient by staying connected with international roaming promos for fast and reliable connectivity anytime, anywhere. Check out GoRoam Japan, which gives you 10 GB of data for 30 days for only ₱1,600! Sapporo is waiting—make the start of your year one for the books!