Sapporo Snow Festival: The Artistic Snow Calamity!
What to expect from a snow festival in Japan? Certainly more than just some home-made snowman! In fact, the Sapporo Snow Festival has really a lot more to offer – like most things in Japan.
Sapporo lasts for 7 days in February and takes place in the city of Sapporo – centered around the Odori Park, Susukino and Tsu Dome areas. Each year, it is visited by 2 million visitors from all over the world. This year it will take place from 5 to 12 February and will once again be among the most popular winter events in Japan.
Its historical roots date back to 1950, when six university students built a few snow statues in Odori Park. Over time, more and more people joined in until the snow festival became famous.
Sapporo becomes a magical snow garden
The main part of the festival takes place in Odori Park, which hosts the best snow statues – some of which are 15 meters tall and 25 meters wide! Every day they are lit up and create a luxurious, truly magical atmosphere.
Aside from a dozen large snow statues, the whole area is littered with smaller statues and the whole event is accompanied by concerts and other shows which draw on the atmosphere of the luxurious snow statues.
A luxurious view of Odori Park can be seen from the Sapporo broadcasting tower, located on the western side of the park.
Ice statues and fun in the snow
The Susukino district, located a single metro station from Odori Park, showcases about 100 ice statues every year.
And a bit further away you’ll find the Tsu Dome district, where you can enjoy snow slides, try snow rafting and of course see more snow statues.
All in all, the Japanese certainly know how to enjoy the snow season and art teams from all over the world look forward to the once-per-year opportunity to showcase their skills in practice!
