The Sapporo Snow Festival draws millions globally to witness its breathtaking ice and snow sculptures. In 2024, the festival attracted about 2.39 million visitors, making it one of Japan’s largest winter events. Yet, the real charm of Hokkaido lies beyond the festival grounds.
This guide unlocks local secrets: authentic food, hidden spots, and cultural activities that locals cherish, ensuring your stay at a Hokkaido hotel becomes an unforgettable journey into the heart of winter.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways:
- Book a central Hokkaido hotel for easy access to festival sites and day trips like Otaru, Jozankei Onsen, and Asahiyama Zoo.
- Try local specialties such as soup curry, jingisukan, and fresh seafood bowls at Nijo Market.
- Go beyond the festival with night illumination walks, snowshoeing at Moerenuma Park, and Otaru’s Snow Light Path Festival.
- Avoid crowds and cold by visiting early or late, layering up for -7°C to 0°C weather, and using Sapporo’s underground passages.
Local Activities You Can’t Miss
Beyond the main festival grounds, Sapporo and its surroundings offer unique winter experiences that locals frequent.
Night Illumination Walks
While the main festival sites are bustling during the day, consider less crowded evening strolls. The illuminated sculptures at Odori Park take on a magical quality after dark, offering a different perspective. Nearby, the Susukino site showcases intricate ice sculptures that shimmer under the lights, best appreciated without the midday rush.
Local Neighbourhoods
Explore Sapporo’s vibrant local neighbourhoods. Tanukikoji Shopping Street, a historic arcade spanning approximately 1 km, provides a warm respite from the cold with its diverse array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to find local souvenirs or grab a quick bite.
Just a short walk away is the Nijo Fish Market, a bustling hub where locals gather for the freshest seafood. Here, you can witness daily life unfold and even sample some incredible seafood bowls right on the spot.
Snowshoeing or Winter Hiking
For those seeking an active escape, consider snowshoeing or winter hiking in nearby parks, such as Moerenuma Park. Designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this park transforms into a serene, snow-covered landscape in winter, making it perfect for a peaceful outdoor adventure away from Sapporo’s city hustle. It’s a fantastic way to experience Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
For more information about Moerenuma Park, please visit its official website.
Local Winter Events
Venture to smaller ice festivals in nearby towns. Otaru, a charming port town easily accessible from your Hokkaido hotel, hosts its own enchanting Snow Light Path Festival, where candles illuminate the historic canal and streets, creating a romantic winter setting.
Asahikawa, located further north, also hosts its own winter festival, renowned for its massive snow sculptures, providing a glimpse into local festivities. Many hotels near Sapporo Station provide easy access to trains for these delightful day trips.
What Locals Eat During the Snow Festival
Hokkaido is a culinary paradise, especially in winter. Locals have their go-to dishes that provide warmth and comfort.
- Soup Curry: A Sapporo specialty, soup curry is a hearty and warming dish perfect after hours outdoors. Unlike traditional Japanese curry, it features a thinner, flavourful broth filled with large chunks of vegetables and meat. Many local restaurants specialize in this dish, each with its unique spice blend.
- Jingisukan (Grilled Lamb): Named after Genghis Khan, this grilled lamb dish is a speciality of Hokkaido. Thinly sliced lamb is cooked on a dome-shaped grill, often accompanied by vegetables, and served with a savoury sauce. It’s a communal dining experience that locals love and a must-try.
- Fresh Seafood Bowls: Given Hokkaido’s proximity to rich fishing grounds, its fresh seafood becomes one of its attractions. At Nijo Market or local izakayas, indulge in kaisendon (seafood bowls) featuring local delicacies like uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), and various types of crab. The freshness is unparalleled.
- Yatai Food Stalls: During the festival, special yatai food stalls pop up, offering festival-only street eats with local flavours. These can range from warm ramen to grilled seafood skewers and sweet treats. Exploring these stalls is an authentic way to sample Sapporo’s winter culinary scene.
Many hotels are located near vibrant dining districts, ensuring you can savour these local delights at your leisure.
Day Trips from Your Hokkaido Hotel
Staying in Hokkaido isn’t just a base for Sapporo. It’s also your gateway to wider Hokkaido. Here are places you have to visit:
Terusan Otaru
Just a short train ride from Sapporo, Otaru is famous for its picturesque canal, which is especially stunning in winter. The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, usually held in February, transforms the canal and surrounding streets into a fairy-tale setting with illuminated snow and glass lanterns.
Visitors can also try their hand at glass workshops or explore the charming Music Box Museum. Otaru makes for a romantic winter escape, and it’s a popular place for locals and tourists alike.
Jozankei Onsen
For a truly relaxing experience, head to Jozankei Onsen, a natural hot spring resort nestled in the mountains just an hour from Sapporo. Surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, an onsen bath here is incredibly rejuvenating. Many luxury hotels in Jozankei offer private onsen experiences, providing a serene escape.
Asahiyama Zoo
If you’re travelling with family or simply love animals, Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa offers unique winter animal exhibits, most notably its famous penguin walk. Watching penguins waddle through the snow is an unforgettable experience. The zoo is designed to allow visitors to observe animals in their natural behaviours, making it a highly engaging attraction.
Planning these trips while staying at a Travelodge Hokkaido hotel during the festival is straightforward. Many hotels offer tour desks or can assist with transportation information. Remember to book your tours or train tickets in advance, especially during peak festival season. You can find excellent rates and secure your stay by checking our booking portal for a hotel in Hokkaido.
Why Stay at Travelodge Sapporo Susukino for the Snow Festival?
Location is everything during the Sapporo Snow Festival. Staying at Travelodge Sapporo Susukino puts you steps away from key sites like Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome, so you’ll spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the illuminated ice and snow sculptures.
After a full day in the cold, Travelodge offers the perfect retreat: warm, comfortable rooms, convenient amenities, and easy access to Sapporo’s dining and nightlife scene. Its central location also makes it an ideal base for day trips to Otaru, Jozankei Onsen, or Asahiyama Zoo, ensuring you experience the best of Hokkaido beyond the festival.
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Insider Tips to Beat the Crowds and Stay Warm
Navigating the Sapporo Snow Festival can be overwhelming, but a few insider tips can make your experience even more enjoyable.
- Early Mornings or Late Evenings: Visit popular festival sites like Odori Park early in the morning (before 9 AM) or later in the evening (after 8 PM) to avoid the densest crowds. The illuminations are particularly stunning at night.
- Weekday Visits: If your schedule allows, consider planning your main festival visits for weekdays, as weekends tend to see a significant increase in local and international visitors.
- Layer Up! Hokkaido winters are cold. The average temperature in Sapporo in February can range from -7°C to 0°C (19°F to 32°F). Wear multiple layers, including thermal underwear, a waterproof outer shell, a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Hand warmers are also a lifesaver.
- Stay Hydrated: Even in cold weather, it’s important to stay hydrated. Warm beverages like hot tea or coffee from local cafes are a great way to warm up.
- Utilize Underground Passages: Sapporo has an extensive network of underground passages, connecting major train stations, shopping areas, and even some hotels near Sapporo Station. These passages, such as Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway and Sapporo Chikagai, offer a warm and convenient way to get around the city centre without braving the cold.
Mixing festival highlights with these local experiences is the best way to enjoy your trip. Don’t just see the festival; live the Hokkaido winter.
Wrapping Up Your Snow Festival Experience
The right Hokkaido hotel can elevate your Snow Festival trip. Central stays like Travelodge Sapporo Susukino combine comfort with unbeatable access to nightlife, culture, and day trips. Handy perks such as breakfast buffets and late check-out make travel smoother, while a prime location keeps you close to the action.
Book at Travelodge today and make the most of your winter getaway.
FAQs
What’s the best time of day to visit the Snow Festival?
The best hotel experience often includes visiting the festival in the early morning (before 9 AM) for fewer crowds, or in the evening (after 5 PM) to see the beautiful illuminations.
Do Hokkaido hotels usually include breakfast?
Many Hokkaido hotels, especially those targeting international guests, often include breakfast or offer it as an add-on. It’s always best to check the specific hotel booking details for your chosen hotel.
Can I see the Northern Lights while in Hokkaido during the festival?
No, Hokkaido is too far south to reliably see the Northern Lights. You would need to travel much further north, closer to the Arctic Circle, for a chance to witness the aurora borealis.
Are there luggage storage options if I check out before my flight?
Most Hokkaido hotels offer luggage storage for guests on their check-out day. You can also find coin lockers at major train stations like Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport.
