What other travelers are saying about Sapporo Snow Festival
A beautiful park with lots of shade trees, smaller gardens and numerous places to sit and enjoy by yourself or with friends. There are small coffee and snack stands close to the Sapporo tower. There’s a historic building at the other end - also a Five ring Olympic Ring by the rose garden. It has a rectangular layout that makes for a good leisurely stroll. It’s very accessible via subway or streetcar. It’s within walking distance of the main JR station, Susukino and Tanikokoji.
Odori Park is the heart of Sapporo, stretching through the city center and changing its charm with every season. In spring, colorful tulips and cherry blossoms brighten the lawns, making it perfect for a stroll or picnic. Summer brings lively festivals, food stalls, and outdoor performances, filling the park with energy. Autumn paints the trees in shades of red and gold, turning the park into a calm, scenic walkway. In winter, Odori transforms into a snowy wonderland, hosting the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival with giant ice and snow sculptures. Whether day or night, any time of year, Odori Park is a must-visit to enjoy Sapporo’s nature and culture right in the middle of the city.
Odori Park is a must-visit destination in Sapporo, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and city life. Stretching over 1.5 kilometers, the park divides the city into north and south, serving as a refreshing green space amidst Sapporo's urban landscape.
During my visit, I was struck by the park's meticulously landscaped gardens, vibrant flower displays, and iconic landmarks like the Sapporo TV Tower. The park is especially lively during events like the Sapporo Snow Festival and the summer beer garden, making it a dynamic spot for both locals and tourists.
Whether you're strolling through the pathways, relaxing on a bench, or enjoying the seasonal festivals, Odori Park provides a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere. Its central location, accessibility, and diverse attractions make it a highlight of any trip to Sapporo.
An absolutely lovely park that spans several blocks beyond the TV tower station. We were lucky enough to come during the autumn fall festival which offers extensive tents and vendors selling all types of food, drink and sweets! I'd love to come back and see this in the winter
🌳 Odori Park – Sapporo’s Chillest Backyard 🌸
Smack in the center of Sapporo, Odori Park stretches over a dozen blocks and feels like the city just exhaled. It’s not your typical “big attraction,” but that’s kind of what makes it great. It’s where locals walk their dogs, kids chase pigeons, and travelers like us take a breath between ramen bowls and sightseeing stops.
The park runs east to west, carving a green path right through downtown. Depending on when you visit, you might stumble into a full-blown festival, a beer garden, an ice sculpture competition, or… nothing at all—and somehow, that’s just as nice. In summer, it’s all fountains and flowerbeds; in winter, it’s a snow-covered wonderland.
It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of place that grounds you in the city. Sit on a bench, grab a soft serve or hot corn from a stall, and just watch life go by.
💡 Pro tip: Head to Sapporo TV Tower on the eastern end for a great aerial view of the park. And if you’re here during a festival—like the Snow Festival or the Summer Beer Garden—it goes from peaceful park to full-on party real fast.
The festival typically takes place in February. It spans seven days, offering visitors ample time to explore the sculptures and activities.
It is held in Sapporo, Japan, with the main sites at Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome, offering different attractions and experiences.
Visitors can marvel at large and intricate snow and ice sculptures, enjoy illumination events, and participate in fun activities like ice slides and snow rafting.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is generally accessible, although some specific events or attractions within the festival might charge a fee.
Artists and teams worldwide work with local volunteers to sculpt these magnificent creations from blocks of snow and ice, using traditional carving tools and modern technology.
