The festival began in 1950 when 6 senior high school students of the city made six snow statues in Odori Park. Japan was still recovering from the aftermath of the war and economically times were still fairly tough. The activities of the students gained publicity in the local media, and many locals took their enthusiasm to heart and began to feel more optimistic for the future. It took only a couple of years for the festival to become extremely popular in the local area.


In 1955, the Self Defense Force joined in and built massive snow statues as well. The Festival has grown from these humble beginnings to become the biggest and most well-known of Hokkaido's winter events and a snow festival of international caliber.
During the festival hundreds of snow and ice sculptures are created in three areas of Sapporo;

  Odori Koen - Sapporo's central park & playground which hosts the artistic snow sculptures (including the vast sculptures made with the assistance of the military), the festival launch, and much of the live music and other entertainment. This section is open all day and illuminated each night.

  Satorando(Satoland) - a new site that made it's debut at the 2006 festival replacing the Makomanai JGSDF base. As with the base, it is the only site not located in the center of the city. Satorando/Satoland is just as kinderfreundlich as Makomanai ever was, and even better for adults with hot air balloons, snow mazes and an ice bar.

  Susukino - the nightlife area which hosts the ice festival, where sculptures are carved using chainsaws and other power tools on the first day of the festival. Open day and night but best viewed after dark.




**Those who wish to participate in the "07 Snow Festival can make their reservation here.