#220 Sapporo Snow Festival

Hokkaido

February 2024

The Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is a massive annual winter event in Sapporo, Japan, held for about a week in February, featuring spectacular, large-scale snow and ice sculptures at three main sites: Odori Park (giant sculptures, illuminations), Susukino (intricate ice sculptures), and Tsudome (family snow play). Originating in 1950 from high school students building snow statues, it has grown into a world-famous festival attracting millions with dazzling artistry, international competitions, food, and festive lights, including projection mapping on sculptures.