2025 Sapporo Snow Festival Summary: Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the festival runs for 8 days from Tuesday, February 4 to Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Key highlights include the massive snow sculptures at Odori Park, the ice sculptures in Susukino, and the full return of activities at the Tsudome venue after four years.
Attracting over 2 million visitors annually as one of the world's top three winter festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival returns in February 2025 for its monumental 75th anniversary. Global travelers are particularly excited about the complete revival of the 'Tsudome' site, the experience-focused venue that had been scaled back during the pandemic. For active travelers in their 50s to 70s, experiencing the romance of winter in Hokkaido is important, but a 'safe' and 'comfortable' itinerary is essential. Here is a practical guide to enjoying the majestic sculptures of Odori Park and the gourmet delights of Susukino with elegance, free from worries about slipping on icy roads.
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| Giant snow sculptures and romantic light-ups adorning the night at Odori Park |
1. 2025 Festival Dates & 3 Key Venue Features
The 75th Sapporo Snow Festival in 2025 will be held for 8 days from Tuesday, February 4th to Tuesday, February 11th. The most critical part of planning is understanding the characteristics of each venue to minimize unnecessary travel. The festival takes place across three main hubs:
- Odori Site (Main): Stretching approximately 1.5km from 1-chome to 12-chome, this area features massive snow sculptures. In 2025, look forward to giant recreations from the popular anime 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime', the game 'Monster Hunter', as well as Hokkaido symbols like the 'Thoroughbred' racehorse and the 'Former Hokkaido Government Office'. Light-ups continue until 10:00 PM, making it perfect for viewing before or after dinner.
- Susukino Site (Ice): Located in Susukino, Sapporo's largest entertainment district, this venue displays transparent and intricate ice sculptures. A unique highlight includes objects with seafood like hairy crabs and salmon frozen inside the ice.
- Tsudome Site (Experience): Located in Sakaemachi, slightly away from the city center, this site offers giant tube slides and snow rafting. It is a must-visit course if you are traveling with grandchildren or family.
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| Tsudome venue fully reopened after 4 years, enjoying snow activities with family |
2. Odori Park Tips: Safety Guide for Mature Travelers
The biggest caution for winter travel in Sapporo is the 'icy roads'. The streets are very slippery due to the cycle of melting and freezing snow. Here are the secrets to a safe visit that conserves your energy:
First, utilize 'attachable snow cleats'. Since full hiking crampons can be uncomfortable, it is recommended to buy detachable anti-slip bands for your shoes, which are easily available at local convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, etc.). Second, actively use the Underground Walkway (Aurora Town / Chi-Ka-Ho) rather than walking on the street level. There is a vast underground pedestrian space connecting Sapporo Station to Susukino beneath Odori Park. Move through the warm underground and take the elevator up to the surface only at the sections with the sculptures you want to see (e.g., 4-chome, 8-chome) to avoid both the cold and the slip hazards.
💡 Transport Tip: Use the Taxi App 'GO'
When moving with luggage or if you find walking difficult on snowy roads, do not push yourself; use the 'GO' app (Japan's top taxi app). You can set your destination in English and pay automatically via the app, allowing for safe travel without any language barriers.
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| Comfortable underground passage free from cold and slipping worries |
3. Susukino Dining & Gourmet Route Recommendations
Warm gourmet food is the perfect way to melt your frozen body after viewing the snow festival. The Susukino venue is accessible from Odori Park by walking (or one subway stop). Since wait times can be immense during the festival, reservations are a must, or you should strategize to dine earlier than the peak hours (6-7 PM).
Recommended menus include Hokkaido's winter delicacy 'Snow Crab (Kani) Course Cuisine' and the heartwarming 'Soup Curry'. 'Genghis Khan' (grilled lamb) is also highly popular among mature travelers for excellent protein replenishment. While there is a 'Food Square' within Odori Park, we recommend reserving a comfortable restaurant in the Susukino area to enjoy a relaxed meal rather than eating outdoors in the cold.
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| The highlight of Sapporo travel, enjoying crab cuisine in Susukino |
"The Sapporo Snow Festival is not just for viewing. It is the completion of a winter journey that satisfies all five senses, combining warm hot springs and gourmet food within a dazzling snowy kingdom."
Conclusion: The Golden Time to Book is Now
The 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival is set to be grander than ever with its 75th anniversary and the return of the Tsudome venue. To safely enjoy the magnificence of Odori Park and the vibrancy of Susukino, preparing cold-weather gear (cleats, heat packs) and planning an efficient route is essential. Popular hotels and restaurants fill up quickly during the festival, so please hurry to book your accommodation as soon as you secure your flights.
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| Unforgettable winter memories, the night view of the 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How should I dress for the weather during the Snow Festival?
Sapporo in February drops to around -10°C (14°F). Instead of one thick coat, 'layering' thin clothes is better for adapting to the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. Waterproof snow boots with non-slip soles are essential, and preparing detachable cleats sold at convenience stores will make your walk much safer.
Q. How do I get to the Tsudome venue?
To reach the Tsudome site by public transport, take the Toho Subway Line to 'Sakaemachi' Station and walk or take a shuttle bus. During the festival, shuttle buses may also run from the Odori venue or Sapporo Station, so it is recommended to check the latest transport information on the official website.
Q. When are the snow sculptures lit up?
The snow sculpture light-up at Odori Park usually takes place from sunset until 10:00 PM. We recommend visiting during both time slots to appreciate the details of the sculptures during the day and the fantastic atmosphere created by the lights at night.