Sapporo Snow Festival　The Pride of Hokkaido

Held in early February

Despite its massive fame, the Sapporo Snow Festival was originally started in the 1950s by a couple of high school students building snow sculptures in Odori Park. Since then, this humble gathering has grown into a huge festival that attracts almost three million people from across the globe every year. The type of creations that visitors can expect to see during the festival ranges greatly. Small sculptures of well-known anime characters intermingle with medium-sized works of art specifically carved for the international sculpture contest. Massive, larger-than-life representations of famous structures from around the world tower overall, bringing awe and wonder to any who are lucky enough to attend this magical event. The Susukino Site sculptures, which are made out of pure ice, glitter, and shine, while the Tsudome Site gives the entire family a chance to play in the fluffy winter snow.