JAPAN FLIGHTS SOAR AS TRAVELLERS EYE SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL
Flight bookings to Japan this winter are already 20% higher than in 2024, with Aussie visitor numbers climbing over 40% compared to pre-COVID levels.
For many, the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan’s most celebrated events, is set to be a highlight of their itinerary.
From February 4-11, this awe-inspiring snow art and culture festival welcomed over 2.39 million visitors last year, a staggering 33.7% increase from the previous year. But for those who haven’t yet experienced its magic, what makes it so unmissable?
To inspire travellers to venture beyond Japan’s well-trodden paths, the experts at JR Pass have curated a must-read guide brimming with insider tips and local insights. From the best snow sculptures to explore to hidden gems around Sapporo, this guide promises to help you make the most of Japan's largest snow festival and its surroundings.
What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?
The free-to-visit festival invites sculptors to compete in crafting the most impressive snow masterpieces, stemming from a competition established in 1950 between six young students in Odori Park - the main of the festival’s three sites.
Last year, the city hosted 196 sculptures, some of the largest 15-20 metres wide and tall, showcasing lifelike animals, intricately carved palaces, and popular cartoon and anime figures.
Haroun Khan, founder and owner of JR Pass, said: “The Sapporo Snow Festival has blossomed into one of Japan’s most popular festivals, even seeing global participants, yet it remains deeply rooted in its local heritage.
"The festival is a huge deal, even requiring military aid to deliver the tens of thousands of tonnes of snow needed to craft the sculptures."
The frosted spectacles are accompanied by live music, and from sundown to 10 pm, visitors can witness the figures brought to life by illuminations.
The festivities also offer inner-city winter sports, with ice skating, snow rafting, icy slides and snowball fighting stations crafted just for the occasion at the Tsudome site.
When and where is the festival
The celebration lasts eight days this year, from February 4-11. The city of Sapporo is located on Hokkaido, Japan’s Northernmost island.
The festival has three main sites across the city, Odori Park, home to the most grand sculptures, the Tsudome site, where winter sports activities can be enjoyed, and the bustling entertainment district of Susukino, where hundreds of sculptures are scattered.
Mr Khan shares essential tips for those visiting this February, “The festival itself is easy to navigate, with maps, crowd interpreters, and specially designed AI chatbots to assist visitors.
"But the snowy and icy conditions make proper footwear a must - not just for comfort, but safety too.
"Sapporo is one of the coldest cities in Japan, where even the daytime highs often stay below freezing. "
"Dressing in sturdy waterproof boots and warm layered clothing is essential for keeping warm while exploring the festival”.
What to eat in Sapporo
Shellfish sourced around the island, especially Crab, Urchin, and Oyster, are among Hokkaido's specialities. The island also stands out for dairy produce, often enjoyed as ice cream made with unique local flavours such as lavender and squid ink.
Regional dishes are often oriented around these food groups, and with almost 10,000 restaurants located in the city of Sapporo, visitors are spoilt for choice. One must-try dish is the famously warming Sapporo curry soup - a staple comfort food for locals and visitors, consisting of a soupy, smooth curry packed with spices, meat, and vegetables.
What else is there to experience
For visitors, the snow festival isn’t the only thing Sapporo offers in February. The Hokkaido region welcomes many visitors around this time of year due to its winter sports scene, bolstered by an impressive annual snowfall of 15 metres.
The renowned Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium offers visitors a slice of the area's Olympic history whilst providing panoramic views of the city, perfect for those wanting to enjoy the sportier side of the festivities.
Hokkaido also has the most Onsen locations in Japan, with 251 sites, many situated around an hour out of central Sapporo, ideal for those looking for a relaxing retreat away from the bustle of the city's streets.
