The Sapporo Snow Festival in 2025 will be held from Tuesday, February 4th to Tuesday, February 11th!

When speaking of Sapporo’s winter traditions, the snow festival always comes to mind. It is hosted mainly in Odori Park, with additional events in Susukino and Tsudome, drawing numerous tourists every year.

For a convenient visit to the Odori Park venue, utilizing the subway and the underground walkway “Chikaho” is highly recommended. Here, we offer detailed guidance on accessing the site from Sapporo Station, which is directly connected to New Chitose Airport.

Heading to Odori Park!

First, set your sights on the Odori Park venue, which stretches 1.5 km!

Odori Park runs east to west through the heart of Sapporo City, spanning from 1st to 12th block.

The iconic TV Tower stands at 1st block on the east side.

The festival extends to the 11th block, featuring a multitude of snow sculptures, so it’s helpful to check the locations of ones you want to see in advance.

Official Sapporo Snow Festival website: https://www.snowfes.com/

Sapporo Station has three sections!? Easy travel by subway!

Though commonly referred to as Sapporo Station, it encompasses multiple buildings and facilities, which might seem confusing for first-time visitors.

Sapporo Station includes the JR Line for trains, and the subway consists of the Namboku Line and the Toho Line. As the gates and platforms differ for these lines, ensure to verify your destination to avoid mistakes.

Optimal Access to Odori Park for the Snow Festival

The best way to reach the Sapporo Snow Festival is by using the “Namboku Subway Line.” This line runs north-south through Sapporo City, and it’s just one stop from Sapporo Station to Odori Station. The theme color is green, making it easy to spot with green-lined signs and subway cars. When boarding at Sapporo Station, take the train bound for “Makomanai” and get off at “Odori Station.”

Avoid the Rush Hour for a More Comfortable Trip!

Both Sapporo and Odori stations are heavily used for commuting, particularly during rush hours, leading to significant congestion. At Sapporo Station, the north side cars get crowded, while at Odori Station, the fourth car near convenient transfers is particularly busy. If you have luggage, it’s advisable to choose less crowded cars to avoid the hustle.

Comfortably Navigate Using the Underground Walkway “Chikaho”

Sapporo’s underground includes a walking space known as “Chikaho.” This allows you to move comfortably between venues while avoiding the winter cold. The Chikaho connects from Sapporo Station to Odori Park, providing excellent access. As it’s pedestrian-only, it allows for easy movement regardless of weather conditions, ensuring comfort on snowy or rainy days typical of Sapporo’s winter.

Walking directly from Sapporo Station to Odori Park is possible without using the subway. It’s approximately the distance of one stop, making it an enjoyable option if you want to combine sightseeing with a stroll.

Advantages of Chikaho

Weather-independent: Offers comfortable travel even in harsh winter conditions of Hokkaido.

Warm environment: As it’s underground, it provides shelter from the cold wind, allowing movement in a pleasant temperature.

Diverse shops: Lined with various stores, it offers opportunities for shopping and enjoyment.

Direct Underground Access to Odori Park: Which Exit to Take?

Using the Chikaho or the subway to reach Odori Station allows you to quickly arrive at the Sapporo Snow Festival venue. The lively atmosphere of Odori Park, bustling with the excitement of the festival, can be immediately felt.

There are several exits providing direct underground access to Odori Park.

Each exit is conveniently located near different festival sites, making it easy to choose based on your destination.

Consider these exits:

• Exit 2 (5-chome)
• Exit 5 (4-chome)
• Exit 6 (3-chome)
• Exit 8 (3-chome) *elevator available
• Exit 27 (1-chome)

If you mistakenly take the wrong exit, you can use the Sapporo TV Tower as a landmark once you reach the surface. This iconic tower is situated in 1-chome of Odori Park, serving as a reliable point of reference. Especially for families, it’s advisable to agree on this as a meeting point.

Thus, when attending the Sapporo Snow Festival, utilizing the Chikaho or subway for access from Sapporo Station to Odori Park is highly convenient. Remembering this route will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the festival.

Detailed Guide to Maximizing Your Sapporo Snow Festival Experience

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a globally renowned winter event held annually in Sapporo, attracting tourists from around the world with its captivating snow and ice sculptures. To enjoy this event safely and delightfully, a few important considerations are crucial.

What to Know Before Viewing the Snow Sculptures at Odori Park

At the snow festival in Odori Park, you’ll encounter numerous magnificent snow sculptures. By checking the locations and details of these sculptures in advance, you can plan your visit efficiently. Additionally, at night, the sculptures are illuminated, offering a different atmosphere than during the day. When taking photographs, ensure you’re well-prepared against the cold to allow for extended exploration.

Points on Crowds and Access

Be aware of the crowds during the snow festival period. Highly popular areas, especially around Odori Park, can become extremely congested, particularly on weekends and public holidays. This may lead to restricted movement due to the throngs of pedestrians. It is advisable to use the Sapporo subway for access. The Odori Station serves as a central hub, and utilizing the underground walkway known as Chikaho allows for a smooth and warm arrival at the venue.

Thorough Cold Weather Preparation

Hokkaido winters are noted for their intense cold, so effective cold weather preparation is crucial. During the Sapporo Snow Festival, you’ll spend considerable time outdoors, making warm clothing a necessity. Dress warmly and pay special attention to your footwear. Walking through snowy areas can lead to cold feet, so insulated and non-slip snow boots are highly recommended. As the surfaces can become slippery with melting and refreezing snow, wear shoes with good grip, and hold hands with children to prevent falls.

Keep Belongings Minimal

When attending events, keep your belongings to a minimum. Ensure that you manage valuables carefully and avoid carrying large bags, as they can hinder movement and increase the risk of theft.

Prepare Drinks and Cold Weather Gear

If spending extended periods outside, bring warm drinks. A thermos filled with a hot beverage can be a great way to stay warm. Additionally, don’t forget to pack cold weather accessories like hand warmers, scarves, and hats.

Check Restroom Locations

While restrooms are plentiful at the venue, it’s practical to know their locations beforehand due to expected crowding. In major areas like Odori Park, lines can be particularly long, so plan ahead to avoid inconvenience.

Lost Child Prevention and Manners

If you plan to visit with young children, it is wise to ensure your contact information is up-to-date as a precaution against losing them. Taking steps to prevent such incidents is essential. Furthermore, enjoying the event while adhering to proper etiquette is crucial. Avoid damaging the snow and ice sculptures or littering at the venue. By following the rules together, everyone can have a delightful time at the snow festival.

Carrying Out Trash

At the venue, make it a habit to take your trash home with you. Sometimes the provided trash bins might be insufficient, so bringing your own garbage bags and taking them with you when you leave is a considerate practice.

Consider these points to fully enjoy the amazing Sapporo Snow Festival. Relish the beautiful world of snow and ice in Sapporo, creating memorable winter experiences. Using the subway for smooth access and Chikaho for comfortable commuting is a smart choice.

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Photo Studio Palette has two locations in Sapporo’s Chuo Ward (Sapporo Factory and Sapporo Odori). Additionally, Palette +plus, a kids-focused photography studio, has three locations in Sapporo East, West, and Nishioka, one location each in Obihiro and Asahikawa, and two in the Hakodate area.

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Let Palette add color to a page of your delightful travel memories!

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