The Sapporo Festival or Sapporo Yuki Matsuri is one of the most beautiful and famous festivals in Japan. It is held for one week every February in Hokkaido’s capital: Sapporo. This winter event started in 1950 when high school students built a few snow statues in Odori Park, and since then, it has developed into a large, commercialized event, featuring amazing snow and ice sculptures. This festival attracts all people across the world and more than two million visitors come to Japan just to be part of this festival.
The Sapporo Festival is held on three sites: Odori Site, Susukino Site, and Tsu Dome Site. However, the main site is the Odori Site. Furthermore, the spectacular snow and ice sculptures are huge. These are more than 25 meters wide and 15 meters high.
.A good view of the Odori Site can be enjoyed from Sapporo TV Tower. The tower has extended hours (8:30 to 22:30.) To enter the observatory, each individual has to pay 720 yen.
The Susukino Site was named after Sapporo’s largest entertainment district, which exhibits about 100 ice sculptures.
The Tsu Dome Site is a family-oriented site with 3 types of snow slides, snow rafting, and more snow sculptures. Inside the dome, there are many food stands and a stage for events.
Apart from viewing these amazing sculptures, The Sapporo festival has more to offer. As with all usual Japanese festivals, there are games and festival food! For example, yakitori chicken skewers, okonomiyaki pancakes, and takoyaki octopus balls; however, Sapporo is best known for its seafood. And people cannot miss the opportunity to try the winter specialty: crab nabe hot-pot.
