The 77th Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 as a one-day event with six snow statues built by local high school students in Odori Park. In 1955, the Japan Self-Defense Forces from the Makomanai base joined in, creating the first massive snow sculptures for which the festival is now famous. Prior to the Sapporo Snow Festival, there were other snow festivals in Sapporo but they were suspended during WWII.

When snowfall is low, the Self-Defense Force brings in snow from outside Sapporo as participation is considered a training exercise. The Makomanai base was the largest site for sculptures and provided play space for children from 1965, until it was moved to the Sapporo Satoland site in 2006 and then to the Tsudome site in 2009.

Nakajima Park was a festival site from 1990 to 1992 and the third site, the Susukino Ice Festival, is located in the night-life district of Susukino and features primarily ice carvings. The site was approved as a festival site in 1983 and every year the Susukino Queen of Ice beauty contest is held there.

In 2012, a snow sculpture of Snow Miku (Hatsune Miku) collapsed at Odori Park 6th Venue, causing injury to a tourist. This was the first accident in the festival's history. The design of the sculpture was large with thin legs and poor balance, believed to be the result of brittleness caused by high temperatures. In response, the executive committee demolished some of the heavy and all of the civilian snow sculptures due to the risk of collapse.

The 75th Sapporo Snow Festival 2025

Despite record-low snowfall and unusually mild temperatures in January, organisers successfully completed the snow sculptures, and the 75th Sapporo Snow Festival (2025) proved to be a great success.

The festival attracted 2.33 million visitors across its two main venues – Odori Park and Tsudome. At Odori Park, 129 snow and ice sculptures were displayed, including five massive snow monuments and creative works made by citizens. Highlights included projection mapping shows, an eco-themed “GX/Decarbonization Area,” and a skating rink at the Sapporo Smile Plaza. The International Snow Sculpture Contest featured teams from around the world, with Mongoliawinning first place for the second consecutive year.

At the Tsudome venue, families and children enjoyed fun snow attractions such as tube slides and play areas, making it a lively destination for both locals and tourists.

Meanwhile, the Susukino Ice World 2025, celebrating its 45th edition, drew about 1.02 million visitors. The event featured around 60 illuminated ice sculptures, creating a dazzling winter atmosphere in Sapporo’s entertainment district.

This year’s festival is expected to be just as successful, fun, and popular as in previous years, once again showcasing the creativity and spirit of Sapporo’s winter. As before, the three main venues – Odori, Tsudome, and Susukino – will be at the heart of the celebration.