What’s New At The Sapporo Snow Festival? The Giant Sculptures You Won’t Want To Miss

Published on February 5, 2026

Every winter, Sapporo, Japan transforms into a magical wintertime wonderland that attracts complete 2 cardinal visitors annually. The Sapporo Snow Festival, now successful its 76th year, kicked disconnected successful expansive style this Wednesday, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. For those looking to research Japan’s wintertime beauty and culture, nan show is nan cleanable destination. This year, Sapporo’s bustling Odori Park and 2 different venues big a record-breaking 210 snowfall and crystal sculptures that showcase nan champion of Japan’s imaginative and creator prowess.

Whether you’re a first-time visitant aliases a returning traveler, nan Sapporo Snow Festival has thing for everyone—from family-friendly activities to awesome sculptures that seizure nan principle of wintertime successful Hokkaido. Let’s dive into why this show should beryllium connected your bucket database for wintertime travel.

A Grand Display of Art: 210 Snow and Ice Sculptures

The Sapporo Snow Festival is known for its iconic snowfall sculptures, and this year’s show is nary exception. At nan main venue, Odori Park, 5 elephantine snowfall sculptures, each towering complete 10 meters tall, predominate nan landscape. These monolithic pieces of creation item Japan’s rich | history and culture. One of nan main attractions this twelvemonth is nan chūkū dogū hollow clay fig from nan Jomon prehistoric period, which has been declared nan first nationalist wealth of Hokkaido. Visitors tin respect nan elaborate craftsmanship that brings this ancient artifact to life successful snowfall and ice.

Another standout sculpture is nan practice of Hokkaido University’s Furukawa Memorial Hall, a registered tangible taste spot built successful 1909. The sculpture captures nan elegance of this humanities building, which has go an iconic landmark successful nan city. These sculptures, on pinch galore others, are a testament to nan dedication of section artisans who walk months preparing for nan festival. It’s a must-see for those wanting to acquisition Japan’s unsocial blend of nature, history, and creativity.

Citizen Participation and Interactive Fun

What makes nan Sapporo Snow Festival genuinely typical is nan information of nan section community. About 80 sculptures are created by citizens, offering a much individual touch to nan event. These sculptures are displayed alongside nan larger ones, and festival-goers are invited to ballot for their favorites via a smartphone app. It’s a nosy measurement to prosecute pinch nan organization and participate successful nan festival’s success.

The festival’s interactive quality extends beyond nan sculptures. At nan venues, you’ll find a assortment of nutrient stalls, section Hokkaido specialties, and unrecorded performances. It’s not conscionable astir art; it’s astir immersing yourself successful a full-fledged wintertime ceremony pinch nan locals.

The Snow Sculpture Tradition and Changing Times

In erstwhile years, 1 of nan festival’s awesome highlights was nan information of nan 11th Brigade of nan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Northern Army, which traditionally constructed elephantine snowfall sculptures. These sculptures were often larger than life, and their intricate designs became a awesome of nan festival’s grandeur. However, owed to nan tense world situation, nan brigade has gradually reduced its involvement. Starting adjacent year, they will only lend 1 elephantine sculpture, marking a displacement successful nan festival’s long-standing tradition.

In consequence to this change, section lender North Pacific Bank formed a task squad to support nan creation of nan festival’s elephantine sculptures. Around 10 members from nan slope participated successful building this year’s sculptures, gaining valuable acquisition to guarantee nan show remains a awesome attraction successful nan future.

Hokkaido: A Top Winter Destination

While nan Sapporo Snow Festival is nan superior event, it is conscionable 1 of galore reasons why Hokkaido is considered a apical destination for wintertime tourism successful Japan. The metropolis of Sapporo, located connected nan northernmost land of Hokkaido, is known for its snowy landscapes, outdoor activities, and basking springs. Visitors tin bask skiing, snowboarding, and crystal skating successful nan adjacent mountains aliases relax successful onsen (hot springs) aft a time of exploring.

After experiencing nan festival, you tin return a travel to adjacent wintertime resorts aliases sojourn nan Sapporo Beer Museum to study astir nan city’s brew history and bask tastings of nan celebrated Sapporo brew. The metropolis besides offers a assortment of taste experiences, from visiting historical sites for illustration nan Hokkaido Shrine to enjoying Hokkaido’s gourmet cuisine, including sapporo ramen and caller seafood.

Free Admission and Accessibility

One of nan champion things astir nan Sapporo Snow Festival is that it’s free to attend, making it an affordable wintertime escapade for travelers of each kinds. The show runs until adjacent Wednesday, allowing plentifulness of clip for visitors to research nan sculptures, return photos, and participate successful nan various activities.

Sapporo is easy accessible via New Chitose Airport, which offers some home and world flights. From nan airport, it’s a short train thrust to downtown Sapporo, wherever each nan show venues are located. For those walking by train, nan Sapporo Station serves arsenic a cardinal hub for easy connections to different parts of Hokkaido.

Plan Your Visit Now

If you’re readying a travel to Hokkaido this winter, nan Sapporo Snow Festival is an arena you won’t want to miss. With 210 snowfall and crystal sculptures, a rich | taste experience, and free admission, it’s an fantabulous opportunity to research nan beauty of Sapporo and Hokkaido during nan wintertime months.

Whether you’re a first-time visitant aliases a seasoned traveler, nan Sapporo Snow Festival will time off you pinch unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Japan’s wintertime wonderland. So battalion your warmest clothes, drawback your camera, and get fresh to acquisition nan magic of snowfall and crystal successful Sapporo.