Tsudome

Tsudome, officially known as the Sapporo Community Dome, became a venue for the Sapporo Snow Festival in 2009, marking a strategic relocation designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve visitor accessibility. The dome measures 132.4 meters in diameter and stands 43 meters high, making it an impressive architectural structure in Sapporo's Higashi-ku district. Beyond its winter festival role, the facility functions year-round as a multi-purpose sports venue hosting marathons, basketball games, and football competitions, and also serves as the location for Sapporo's largest flea market, the Golden Market.

As one of three main sites of the Sapporo Snow Festival—alongside Odori Park and Susukino—Tsudome attracts approximately two million visitors annually during the festival's eight-day run each February. The Sapporo Snow Festival originated in 1950 when six local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park, eventually growing into one of the world's three largest snow festivals. While Odori Park showcases massive artistic snow sculptures and Susukino features illuminated ice carvings, Tsudome distinguishes itself as the family-oriented venue focused on interactive winter activities and hands-on snow experiences.

The venue operates both outdoor and indoor spaces during the festival. The outdoor area features snow slopes, ice slopes, and winter play zones, with popular attractions including long snow slides, tube sliders, giant slides, and snow rafting. Some attractions use 3-meter high, 3-meter wide, and 3-meter deep snow blocks for sculptures.

Indoor facilities provide climate-controlled comfort with a spacious rest area, a well-equipped playground for younger children, and stage events throughout the festival period. The food court, named "Hokkaido Umaimono Street," offers local Hokkaido specialties including ramen from shops opened within the past five years. Most outdoor activities are free, though some attractions like ziplines charge fees (1,000 yen for adults, 700 yen for children).

Tsudome is located a 15-minute walk from Sakaemachi Station on the Toho Subway Line. From Sapporo Station, the subway journey takes approximately 10 minutes and costs 250 yen; from Odori Station, it takes 15 minutes and costs 290 yen. Shuttle buses operate between Sakaemachi Station and the Tsudome site for 200 yen one way (cash only). Additional shuttle buses connect Tsudome to Odori Park and Susukino sites for 210 yen.

The venue has no parking facilities, making public transportation essential. During the Snow Festival, the site operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some attractions closing at 4:00 PM. Admission to Tsudome is free, though visitors should bring cash for paid attractions and shuttle buses. Smoking, drones, balloons, and pets are prohibited throughout the venue.