[Japan] Yuki Matsuri (雪祭り）- Sapporo Snow Festival

What is it?

This is a snow (and ice) festival held every year for a week in February. The showpiece of the festival are the large snow and ice sculptures which take over the central Odori Park area of Sapporo. In the evening some of these are also lit up or have video projections displayed on them.

Winter sports

Ice Sculpture

  There are also other areas where you can try out the snow slide as well as areas for local businesses to showcase their products

Tsudome site- Snow Slide

 When we were there, there was also a skiing event going on.

Skiing event in the centre of Sapporo

 How to get there?

It is best to fly there if you're coming from Tokyo but there is also the option of taking the shinkansen (bullet train). Since it is very popular to visit this festival it is better to book your tickets early!

When is it held?

It is held in February for about a week, dates are posted on the official website (http://www.snowfes.com/english/)

How long do I need?

You can probably visit most of the sites and explore Sapporo during a weekend trip.

What else can I do?

• A trip to Hokkaido is not complete without sampling the local food, probably the most famous local delicacy is Hokkaido crab.

• If you have had enough of the snow you can check out the Sapporo beer factory which is located to the south of Sapporo. They have tours which will take you through the factory.

• Depending on the weather, you could also spend some time skiing, nearby to Sapporo city is Sapporo Teine (http://www.sapporo-teine.com/snow/lang/) or further afield there are lots of resorts you can visit (Niseko, Furano, Kiroro) but they will need more travel time.
• Visit other nearby cities in Hokkaido, probably the easiest to reach is the beautiful northern coastal town of Otaru famous for it's picturesque canal area.

• Further afield there are several famous spots for hot springs (Noboribetsu) as well as huge national parks to explore.