What started out as a display of six snow sculptures created by local junior and high school students in 1950 has become the Sapporo Snow Festival, the largest winter event in Sapporo that attracts more than two million visitors from both Japan and abroad every year. Snow sculptures of various sizes adorn the 1.5 kilometer stretch spanning from 1 to 12 chome in Odori Park. These sculptures are also lit up from sun down to 10:00pm.
This season, “Sapporo Curling Experience Park” is to be held with cooperation with Sapporo Curling Association.
Curling Stones used at official games will be available for public trials at the site. Moreover, a curling exhibition by the curling top-team is to be held in February 11 (Sat.).
On the same site, TSUMURA & CO. will make footbath available for the public for two days. Yudo Culture Promotion Association is to showcase and explain Yudo, the act of bathing. By answering a questionnaire, a free sample packet of herbal bath medicine liquid “product name: Bath Herb -quasi pharmaceutical” will be given.
Period |
February 4 (Sat.) - 11 (Sat., holiday) 10:00 - 20:00 *February 4 (Sat.) only: 14:00-20:00 *"Footbath" is available only on February 4 (Sat.) and 5 (Sun.). |
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Usage Fees | Free |
*Admission may be restricted by handing out numbered tickets, etc. during busy times.
In addition, the experience may not be possible during inclement weather or during the time of the event.
*Curling experience is not available during the exhibition on February 11.
"SNOW MIKU" is the character who enlivens the wintery Hokkaido. The design is based on "a pure white snow sculpture of 'Hatsune Miku,'" that was created for "Sapporo Snow Festival 2010." Since then, a "SNOW MIKU" festival using "SNOW MIKU" as a main character has been held in Hokkaido every year. The costume design for "SNOW MIKU" is selected in an online competition on different themes every year. For its 14th year, the festival will feature various events in which people can enjoy Hokkaido.
Costume Theme for 2023: "Sky motif" in the image of wintery Hokkaido
Snow Object Contest held by students of the Hokkaido High School Cultural Association Ishikari Chapter Art Department. Sculptures will be evaluated the day before the festival begins, and 13 snow objects, including the 3 top winners will be on display. At night the snow objects will be lit up and the venue will be enveloped in colorful light. Don't miss the beautiful and unique snow sculptures that are the product of teamwork of high school students!
Artists and craftsmen who work out of Sapporo and the Hongo Shin Memorial Museum of Sculpture, Sapporo who are locally based and who transmit art through the "Sapporo Snow Sculpture Exhibit" and other events, will gather at the Sapporo Snow Festival Odori venue. Don't miss this opportunity to behold the inspiration and creativity expressed in each snow sculpture.
The "Citizen's Snow Sculptures" is one of the main events that support the Sapporo Snow Festival. Citizens of Sapporo form teams to create various sculptures that are full of humor or that depict the times.
Tyrannosaurus Rex was the mightiest of the carnivorous dinosaurs.
It had large sharp teeth and powerful jaws with a bite force of 5 tons that allowed it to crush and eat the bones of its prey. Tyrannosaurus Rex roamed what is now known as Hokkaido some 72 million years ago.
The dinosaur next to Tyrannosaurus Rex is Kamuysaurus, unearthed in the Hobetsu Area in Mukawa Town, Hokkaido. It was Japan’s first complete fossil of a large herbivorous dinosaur. On September 6, 2019, the complete fossil was named Kamuysaurus Japonicus. Kamuy means god in Ainu, the language spoken by the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Coincidently, September 6, 2019 was just one year after the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake caused extensive damage. Because of this, Kamuysaurus is also seen as a symbol of restoration. This year’s snow sculpture is made possible with the cooperation of Professor Yoshitsugu Kobayashi of Hokkaido University Museum. Affectionately known as Dinosaur Kobayashi to dinosaur enthusiasts in Japan, Professor Yoshitsugu provided invaluable guidance to the creators of this year’s project. Enjoy the exquisite detail of the dinosaur sculpture as it takes you back to the Hokkaido of 72 million years ago and encourages you to think about the present-day global environment. This snow sculpture is created by the Sapporo Snow Festival Sculpture Committee, 3rd Subcommittee, which has been creating snow sculptures on different themes each year since its establishment nine years ago. Using their long experience and advanced skills, they express immensely powerful and vivid details using pure white snow.
Produced by : The Sapporo Snow Festival Large Sculpture Committee, Sculpture Subcommittee 3 (NPO Hokkaido Association for Development of Area Culture)
The Arona, the main mascot of Blue Archive, a role-playing game for smart phones on the theme of school and youth, is sculpted in snow! If you find the Arona snow sculpture, take photos and post on SNS with the hashtag
“#ブルアカ雪まつり”!
Thoroughbreds are a breed of horse developed in England for racing after years of cross-breeding. The name Thoroughbred means “bred to perfection.”
Hokkaido has been a major production area of Thoroughbreds since the Meiji era (the late 19th century). It accounts for about 98% of Thoroughbreds born in Japan and has turned out countless famous horses. The Thoroughbreds born in the vast land of Hokkaido are raised into strong racehorses by breeders, owners, trainers, and stable staff who love them as if they were their own children. These horses captivate many horse racing fans at races held not only in Hokkaido but also elsewhere around the world.
This snow sculpture captures the moment in which a Thoroughbred gallops toward the finish. It truly captures a sense of speed by featuring a vigorous horse in the center with a background finish evocative of the speed of a racehorse whizzing through the wind.
Projection mapping is also used to depict a foal born in Hokkaido growing up into a beautiful young racehorse. We hope this snow sculpture will give you the courage and hope necessary to take on the challenge of making your dreams come true.
Produced by: The Sapporo Snow Festival Large Sculpture Committee, Sculpture Subcommittee 1 (NPO Hokkaido Association for Development of Area Culture)
Yudias Velgear, the main character from the popular TV anime show "YU☆GI☆OH! Go Rush!!" appears on the stage of Sapporo Snow Festival Odori 6-Chome venue! Along with the 8.88 million compatriots from "Velgear Star Cluster" on the far end of the galaxy, comes the young alien! The RUSH duel uses a deck of New Clan and Galaxy Clan. Ace Monster is "Galactica Oblivion!" Come and "GO RUSH" at Odori!
"YU☆GI☆OH! GO RUSH!!" On air on TV Tokyo every Sunday at 7:30 AM!!
Here we introduce our goals toward Zero Carbon emissions in Sapporo, Hokkaido. At the 3-Chome venue there are booths featuring air conditioning and gas heating options, while the 9-Chome venue features the Youth Activities Booth. There are linked projects taking place at each venue, so please be sure to check them out.
"Sapporo Style," products that are certified by the city of Sapporo are gathered into one venue! There are plenty of items that scream "Sapporo" as well as products that can only be purchased here! A great variety of specialty products from eleven neighboring towns of Sapporo sold too! Be sure to stop in at the Sapporo Style booth, and check out all the "great" Sapporo products and the "delicious" Hokkaido products!! (10:00 - 20:00)
Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd. has decided on this theme in gratitude to all medical professionals who are fighting COVID-19. Located in Embley Park in Hampshire, England, this building was the winter home of the Nightingale family since 1825. The second daughter, Florence, devoted herself to nursing and medical care, laying the foundation for hygiene that continues to this day. In her footsteps, this historic building is now used as a boarding school (EMBLEY) for children from 2 years old and for students up to 18 years old. The Ground Self-Defense Force's Northern Area System Communication Group uses outstanding technology to make snow sculptures.
Snow sculpture production: Ground Self-Defense Force Northern Area System Communication Group
© KH/S, MP
Medium and small snow sculpture creator: Rokushodo
©kyuryuZ,KADOKAWA,NIGHTS WITH A CAT
Medium and small snow sculpture creator: Rokushodo
© Tomoki Misato/PUI PUI Molcar DS Production Committee
Medium and small snow sculpture creator: Rokushodo
©OHTAISAN
Medium and small snow sculpture creator: Rokushodo
©HBC
Medium and small snow sculpture creator: Rokushodo
Hoheikan was originally constructed in 1880 as a hotel under the direct management of the Development Commission. It was moved to its current location in Nakajima Park in 1958, and is still popular with many residents and tourists today. While the entire building is based on an American style, the columns at the front entrance and the semi-circular balcony adopt a European style, and the arc-shaped gable is adorned with a five-pointed star to indicate that the building was built by the Development Commission. This stunning piece of architecture features a variety of styles and motifs and was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1964.
The large snow sculpture Hoheikan uses a distinctive technique known as the ice block method to accurately reproduce the unique stylistic beauty of Hoheikan down to the smallest detail by attaching small parts made of snow.
It was produced in collaboration with HTB Hokkaido TV and the 18th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force with a total of 3,800 Self-Defense Force personnel working on it over 28 days from Saturday, January 7 to Friday, February 3.
Produced by: J.G.S.D.F. 18th Infantry Regiment
We are introducing the JGSDF Snow Festival Cooperation Unit that helped to create two of our large snow sculptures, haul the snow into the festival grounds, and give a musical performance. See the photo panels and DVD to learn how the sculptures were made, and how the JGSDF helped to make it possible. Actual tools that were used to construct the large snow sculptures are also on display.
The "Fox dance" that became all the rage in 2022!!
It is now trending among the forest friends who want to cheer alongside the Fighters and fans! We are learning from the fox! Come join us in the fox dance!
Various and unique sculptures crafted by the citizens of Sapporo.
"HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE", including Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters's new stadium,will open in March 2023. It is a completely new creative community space with live entertainment that coexits with nature, wellness-solutions that nuture the body and mind, and active intercultural city planning. All nationalities, ages and genders, will gather at this place to make their dreams and ideals come true.
This ball park will be a symbol of Hokkaido, and the world has not ever seen.
To celebrate the opening of the new ballpark, the dynamic yet delicately crafted snow sculpture will depict the new stadium "ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO" with the manager of the HOKKAIDO NIPPON HAM FIGHTERS, "Tsuyoshi Shinjo". This ES CON FIELD snow sculpture depicts one of the world's largest screen, and "TOWER 11" which can be enjoyed year-round. Also, Manager Shinjo's personalities and his bright characters are faithfully expressed.
Let's share these attractions locally and globally.
Produced by: The Sapporo Snow Festival Large Sculpture Committee, Sculpture Subcommittee 2 (Sapporo Youth and Women's Association)
NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS CO., LTD.’s new product “KANZEN MEAL” produces new ballpark at Sapporo Snow Festival!? It’s called “KANZEN MEAL BALL PARK”.
Try snow attractions like ball toss game, and sled curling, and get “KANZEN MEAL”. Please come and play at 10chome venue.