The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan’s most famous winter events, started with great excitement on Tuesday. The festival, now in its 75th year, is attracting many visitors from Japan and other countries. People are gathering at different locations in Sapporo to enjoy beautiful snow and ice sculptures, some of which are massive and highly detailed.
The festival is being held at three different locations around the city. One of the main sites is Odori Park, where visitors can see five large snow sculptures. Among them is a detailed sculpture of the Hokkaido Prefectural Government’s red brick building. This building is an important cultural landmark in Japan, and its snow replica has amazed many people. Apart from the big sculptures, there are also 124 smaller sculptures spread throughout the park, making it a must-visit place for those who love winter art.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is known for its impressive snow and ice sculptures, which are carefully crafted by artists and teams from different parts of the world. Every year, the event attracts millions of visitors, and this year is no different. People have been gathering at the festival since the early morning, taking photographs and admiring the detailed designs of the sculptures.
A Festival With a Rich History
The Sapporo Snow Festival has a long and interesting history. It started in 1950, when local high school students created six snow statues in Odori Park. The event gained popularity over the years, and now it has grown into one of Japan’s biggest winter celebrations. Today, the festival is famous not only in Japan but also internationally, with visitors coming from all over the world.
Each year, different themes are chosen for the sculptures. Many of them are inspired by famous landmarks, historical buildings, anime characters, and pop culture. This year, one of the biggest attractions is a huge snow sculpture of an anime character, which has already become a favorite among visitors.
The event is not just about viewing sculptures. There are also fun activities like ice slides, snowboarding areas, and food stalls offering local Hokkaido delicacies. Visitors can enjoy hot bowls of miso ramen, grilled seafood, and sweet treats while walking around the snowy festival grounds.
The Three Main Locations of the Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held in three main locations across the city:
Odori Park – The most famous location of the festival. It features the largest number of snow sculptures, including the massive ones created by professional artists. The park stretches over 1.5 kilometers in the city center, making it the heart of the festival.
Susukino Site – This area is known for its ice sculptures, which look even more beautiful at night when they are illuminated with colorful lights. Susukino is also a popular nightlife district, so visitors can enjoy food and drinks while admiring the frozen art.
Tsudome Site – This location is great for families and children. It has many snow activities, such as sledding, snow rafting, and snowball fights. The Tsudome site is also home to large indoor areas where people can warm up and relax.
Each of these locations offers a unique experience, and many visitors try to visit all three during their trip.
How the Snow Sculptures Are Made
Creating the stunning snow sculptures requires a lot of hard work and creativity. Teams of artists and volunteers spend weeks carving and shaping the sculptures before the festival begins. They use large blocks of snow, special tools, and even water to smooth the surfaces. Some of the sculptures are more than 10 meters tall and require careful planning and teamwork to complete.
In addition to local artists, teams from different countries participate in the festival. There is also an International Snow Sculpture Contest, where teams from around the world showcase their talent by creating impressive designs. This competition brings together snow artists from places like the United States, Canada, Finland, and Thailand, making the festival a global event.
Visitors’ Reactions and Excitement
On the opening day, thousands of people gathered in Odori Park to witness the breathtaking sculptures. Many visitors were seen taking pictures and videos, while others simply stood in awe, admiring the detailed work. Some families brought their children, who were excited to see their favorite anime characters made of snow.
A tourist from Tokyo shared her thoughts:
“I have always wanted to see the Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s even more beautiful than I imagined! The details in the snow sculptures are incredible, and the atmosphere is magical.”
Another visitor, who traveled from abroad, said:
“I flew all the way from Singapore just to see this festival. It’s my first time experiencing so much snow, and I love how creative these sculptures are!”
The festival is not only a fun event for visitors but also a great way to promote Hokkaido tourism. Many local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, benefit from the large number of tourists who come to Sapporo during this time.
Cold Weather, Warm Atmosphere
Since the festival takes place in February, the weather in Sapporo is extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, the cold does not stop people from enjoying the event. Many visitors dress in warm jackets, hats, gloves, and boots to stay comfortable while walking through the snow.
To make the experience even more enjoyable, there are heated tents and resting areas where visitors can take a break from the cold. Hot drinks like green tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are also available at different stalls.
