The Sapporo Snow Festival: How Six Snow Statues Grew Into a Spectacle

Updated October 24, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

Every February, the northern city of Sapporo fills with snow and ice sculptures, drawing visitors from around the world. The festival has humble beginnings, and its story is a nice example of how a small idea can grow. This guide shares what Wikipedia reports about the festival and offers practical advice for planning a winter trip. Dates, locations, and events change each year, so check the official festival information before you book anything.

A Small Beginning

Wikipedia says the festival began as a one-day event in 1950, when six local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. The scale today is far larger, but the original spirit of local creativity remains part of its identity. When you walk among the sculptures, you are seeing the result of decades of growth.

Growth Over Time

The article notes that in 1955 the Self-Defense Forces built the first massive snow sculptures. It also says that in 2007, the 57th festival, about two million people visited. That number is from a specific year and described in the article, so treat it as a sense of scale rather than a current attendance estimate.

When and Where

The festival is held over seven days in February, according to Wikipedia. It names the main sites as Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. The exact dates differ from year to year, so look for the current schedule. Each site has a different character, so consider which ones fit your interests.

Planning a Winter Trip

Check the official dates, and book transportation and accommodation early, since the festival draws crowds.
Prepare for cold weather. Pack insulated layers, waterproof boots, gloves, hats, and scarves.
Allow time for travel delays caused by snow.
Plan indoor breaks. Cafes and restaurants offer warm places to rest.
Bring hand warmers if you will be outside for long periods.
Keep a flexible schedule. Weather can change quickly.

Staying Safe in Snow and Ice

Wear shoes with good grip. Icy pavements are slippery.
Walk slowly with small steps and keep your hands free for balance.
Take care when crowds are large. Slips can lead to falls.
Pay attention to signs and staff warnings about hazards.
Keep children close and dress them warmly.
Take breaks if you feel numb or very cold, and warm up indoors.
Do not climb on sculptures.

If you or someone in your group shows signs of severe cold exposure, seek help immediately.

Seeing the Sculptures

Sculptures can vary widely. Some are large and detailed, and some are smaller. Take your time to see them from different angles. Respect barriers, and do not touch the sculptures, since they can be fragile. If you plan to photograph at night, check whether lighting is available, and bring warm gloves that let you operate your camera.

Photography Tips in the Cold

Keep spare batteries warm in an inner pocket.
Bring a microfiber cloth for snowflakes on your lens.
Allow your camera to adjust gradually when moving between cold and warm areas to reduce condensation.
Be mindful of other visitors, and avoid blocking paths.
Ask before photographing people.

Winter Food and Warmth

Winter is a season for warm food. The Wikipedia article on oden says it is usually considered a winter food. Our oden article explains regional variations. When you take a break from the cold, look for warm dishes and hot drinks. Check ingredients if you have allergies, and be careful with hot soup.

Comparing With Tokyo Winters

If you are used to Tokyo, winter in Sapporo will probably feel different. Wikipedia reports that Tokyo's coolest month is January, with an average of 5.4 degrees Celsius, and that snowfall in Tokyo is sporadic and occurs almost annually. Sapporo is in the north, so pack more warmly than you would for Tokyo and check local forecasts.

Dressing in Layers

Layers are the best strategy for cold weather. Start with a moisture-wicking base, add an insulating middle layer, and finish with a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Wear warm socks and insulated boots, and bring spare gloves in case one pair gets wet. Take off a layer when you go indoors so that you do not overheat and then chill when you go back out. Comfort in the cold makes the sculptures much easier to enjoy.

Booking Early

Because the festival draws many visitors, popular hotels and transportation can fill up. Reserve as early as you can, and check cancellation terms in case of weather disruptions. If you cannot find accommodation in the city center, look at nearby areas, and plan your transportation so that you can return easily at night. Having a firm plan for where you will sleep leaves you free to enjoy the days, and it removes one source of stress from a trip that already involves cold weather and crowds.

How It Grew

Wikipedia says the festival started in 1950 with six high school students making six snow statues in Odori Park. In 1955, according to the page, Self-Defense Forces from the Makomanai base built the first large snow sculptures. The page says an International Snow Sculpture Contest has been held at Odori Park since 1974. It also says that during the 1974 energy crisis, statues were built using drums because of gasoline shortages and a lack of trucks. These details show a festival that adapted to its circumstances.

Sites Have Moved

The article explains that use of the Makomanai site was suspended in 2005, and the festival moved to Satoland from 2006, then to Tsudome in 2009. It adds that Nakajima Park was a site from 1990 and was removed in 1992, and that the Susukino Ice Festival site was approved in 1983. Because sites change, always check the current official map instead of relying on older guides.

Numbers From a Particular Year

For the 57th festival in 2007, the page says about two million people visited Sapporo, with 307 statues at Odori Park, 32 at Satoland, and 100 at Susukino. These figures describe one year only, so they do not tell you what to expect now. The page also says the festival is held over seven days in February at Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.

A Reminder About Safety

Wikipedia reports that a Snow Miku sculpture collapsed in 2012, injuring a female tourist, and says the collapse was likely caused by thin legs and brittle snow in cold temperatures. Keep a respectful distance from large sculptures, follow barriers and staff instructions, and do not climb on them. Watch for ice underfoot, and supervise children closely.

Dressing for the Cold

Wear waterproof boots with good grip, warm layers, a hat, and gloves. Hand warmers can help, and phone batteries drain quickly in the cold, so keep your phone inside a pocket close to your body. Plan indoor breaks, and drink warm fluids. If you feel numbness or extreme cold, go indoors and warm up. Check the forecast and transport notices, since heavy snow can cause delays.

Questions People Ask

When did the festival begin? In 1950, as a one-day event.

Who built the first statues? Six local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park.

When are the dates? The article says it is held over seven days in February.

Where is it held? Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome are the main sites.

How many people visit? About two million in 2007, according to the article.

A Reminder of Beginnings

A festival that began with six statues reminds us that big events often start small. If you have an idea, you do not have to wait for a perfect opportunity. Sometimes a few friends and a pile of snow are enough.

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The Amazon description of Tokyo Paul's Japan Photography Book Amazing & Stunning Pictures & Photos of Japan says it contains pictures from the author's YouTube Japan walks, covering cityscapes, festival events, and cherry blossoms and illuminations, with locations clearly labeled. See the book on Amazon