2 days in Sapporo for the Snow Festival

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningCheck the weather first

   Mount Moiwa

   A small mountain on the southwest edge of the city, reached by a ropeway and a small cable car. At the top there is a wide view over the city and the plain. The ropeway can stop in wind or heavy snow and the view depends on cloud, so check ahead and keep this stop flexible.

   Go when Morning, on a day with clear air, or the evening for the lights.

   Local tip The ropeway can stop in wind or heavy snow, and the view depends on cloud. The top is colder than the city, so wear a warm layer and keep this stop flexible.

   

   About 15 min by car or transit5.1 km
2. 2
   AfternoonWorth a short look

   Sapporo Clock Tower

   A small white wooden building with a clock in a gable, set among tall office towers. It is smaller than people expect, but it is one of the symbols of the city. See it from the street, then step inside if you like.

   Go when Afternoon, when the low sun is on the white front.

   Local tip It is smaller than most people expect, so take your photograph from the street and spend your time elsewhere. Go in only if you want a warm break.

   

3. Lunch

   Soup curry

   A Sapporo dish of a thin, spiced curry soup with large pieces of chicken or vegetables and rice on the side. Small cafes across the center serve it, and it warms you through.

   Local tip Choose how spicy you want it, and start mild. Tell the staff about any allergy first.

   

   About 8 min walk0.7 km
4. 3
   EveningCheck ahead, lit at night

   Odori Park

   The main site of the festival, a long, wide park in the middle of the city. It usually fills with huge snow and ice sculptures, with stages, food stalls and lights that come on after dark. This is usually the best time to see them lit. Sites, dates and lighting times can change each year, so check ahead. Look, do not climb, and keep to the paths.

   Go when Evening, when the sculptures are usually lit.

   Local tip Look, do not climb, and keep to the paths. The crowds are large and the ground is icy, so move slowly. Wear boots with a grip, and warm your hands every hour or so.

   

   About 10 min walk0.8 km
5. 4
   EveningCheck ahead, lit at night

   Susukino

   The big entertainment district of Sapporo, where the festival usually places a row of lit ice sculptures along the main street at night. Some are very detailed, and carving contests may be held. Look, do not touch, and give the carvers room. Sites and times can change, so check ahead.

   Go when Evening, after dark when the ice is lit.

   Local tip Look, do not touch, and give the carvers room if a contest is on. The street is busy at night, so keep your things close and watch for ice on the pavement.

   

6. Dinner

   Warm stalls at the festival

   The festival site usually has food stalls with hot Hokkaido snacks, soups and drinks. A warm bowl between sculptures makes the evening longer.

   Local tip Take turns holding places and warming hands. Keep dry gloves in a pocket, and put litter in the bins.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Travel from SusukinoAbout 18 min by car or transit6.9 km

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   MorningCheck ahead

   Sapporo Community Dome

   The Tsudome dome in the east of the city, which usually hosts the family site of the festival, with snow slides, a snow maze and play areas. Sites can change from year to year, so check ahead before you go. A good morning for anyone traveling with children.

   Go when Morning, with children, before the crowds.

   Local tip Sites change from year to year, so check ahead that this dome is used this year. Go by bus or ride from the nearest station, and bring dry gloves, since the slides leave them wet.

   

   About 21 min by car or transit8.8 km
3. 2
   MorningWorth the time

   Hokkaido Shrine

   A quiet Shinto shrine in a wooded park on the west side of the city, reached by a long approach under snowy trees. The air is still and the snow is clean. Walk the approach slowly, because the path can be icy.

   Go when Morning, when the grounds are quiet.

   Local tip Walk the full approach under the trees. Bow slightly at the gate, keep your voice low and ask before photographing people at prayer. The gravel can be icy underneath the snow.

   

   About 41 min by car29.5 km
4. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Otaru Canal

   A curved canal lined with old brick and stone warehouses, once the heart of the herring and shipping trade. In winter the banks are white, the warehouse windows glow and the path can be icy. Walk the full length slowly.

   Go when Afternoon, as the light softens over the warehouses.

   Local tip Walk the whole length of the stone path, but watch for ice at the water edge. The wind off the harbor can be sharp, so cover your face and hands.

   

   About 3 min walk0.2 km
5. 4
   EveningCheck ahead, dress warm

   Otaru Snow Light Path

   A winter event that usually runs for about ten days in February, when snow lamps and small ice lanterns line the canal and the old railway line, with candles floating on the water. Volunteers keep the flames lit. Dates and routes change each year, so check ahead. Dress warmly, because standing in the cold goes on longer than you think.

   Go when Evening, with a warm meal first, and the last train home kept in mind.

   Local tip Dates and routes change each year, so check ahead. Stand back from the candles, do not touch the lanterns, and keep your hands warm. Snow can delay the train, so build slack into the evening.

6. Dinner

   Hot snacks at the Light Path

   Food stalls along the event routes usually sell hot, simple food and warm drinks in the cold air. A cup of something hot in your hands is half the point.

   Local tip Use the stalls for a small bite and keep a proper meal for later, in a warm place.