Japan takes “let it snow” to a whole new level in the northern part of the country where snow falls like fine powder and ice is transformed into various stunning shapes. Hokkaido prefecture is a popular tourist destination mainly for its ski resorts and winter festivals. The most popular one is held in its capital, Sapporo, which gets over two million visits each year. The Sapporo Snow Festival or Sapporo Yuki Matsuri is one of Japan’s most anticipated winter festivals. It features ice sculptures, stunning light displays, concerts, and other events. The one-week celebration turns the city into a literal winter wonderland and is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. Ready to dive into the snowy festivities? Here’s everything you need to know about it:

The 2020 Sapporo Snow Festival is happening from February 4 to February 11.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido prefecture, the second-largest island of Japan, located in the northern part of the country. It's known for its winter festivals and snow-capped mountains, making it a prime winter destination.Whether you plan on going directly to Hokkaido or decide to make a stop at Japan’s other exciting cities, here are the best ways to get to Sapporo:

There are two airports in the city: New Chitose Airport (CTS) and Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD), the former being the main international airport serving the Sapporo Metropolitan area.There are no direct flights from Manila to Sapporo, so you will have to make a transit in either Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) or Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX). From there, the domestic flight to CTS will take about an hour and a half.There are several airlines serving flights to Sapporo. JetStar has flights for as low as PHP 13,000, with a layover in either Tokyo or Osaka.New Chitose Airport is about 50 kilometers away from Sapporo’s city center. You can either take the Japan Rail Express train to Sapporo station this will take about 37 minutes and will cost about JPY 1,070.Bus services are also available at the airport and have several routes with prices ranging from JPY 630 to JPY 1,100.

With Japan’s extensive and well-run railways, trains are definitely the best way to get around the country.However, taking the train to Sapporo from Japan’s major cities is both time-consuming and expensive. The whole journey from Tokyo to Sapporo can take about eight hours and cost around JPY 29,000.If you decide to take this route, simply take the JR Tohoku or the Hokkaido from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (this will take about four hours), and then transfer to the Hokuto limited express to get to Sapporo (this will take about three and a half hours).If you’re coming from Osaka, you will have to take the Shinkansen Nozomi from Osaka Station to Tokyo Station. From there, just follow the Tokyo to Sapporo train route mentioned in the previous paragraph. This will add another two and a half hours to your total travel time.Read A Basic Guide to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Japan has an extensive ferry network that has long-distance ferries traveling between ports in Honshu (the main island) and Hokkaido. Most of these ferries arrive in Otaru or Tomakomai.It’s no secret that the fastest and easiest way to get to Sapporo is by plane, but if you have time, you can enjoy a more affordable and scenic way of travel.If you’re in Tokyo, you can port from Oarai in Ibaraki prefecture to Tomakomai in Hokkaido, which will take about 17 or 18 hours. Prices vary depending on room type, season, and the ferry line.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is the biggest snow festival held annually in February at Hokkaido’s capital, featuring spectacular ice sculptures and snow activities. Three locations will host the festival: Odori, Susukino, Tsudome

The festival’s main site is staged in the 1.5 kilometer-long Odori Park. This site features several concerts and events, as well as hundreds of snow sculptures in different shapes and sizes made by locals and professionals.Apart from dozens of snow and ice sculptures throughout the park, here are some of the highlights you shouldn't miss this year:

For the complete list of features and events, click here.

Located in Sapporo’s largest entertainment district, Susukino exhibits over a hundred ice sculptures! This year, the theme is “Finding Delight in Ice” and features interactive sculptures. Here are some of the highlights:

For the complete list of features and events, click here.

If you’re looking to get down and dirty in the snow, Tsudome is the place for you! Enjoy the different snow slides and other ice activities that will definitely give you that unique Hokkaido experience!

For the complete list of features and events, click here.

Here are some recommended accommodations in Sapporo offering stylish accommodations, a great location, and a wide range of facilities and amenities for a budget-friendly price.

Home of the world-renowned Sapporo beer, fresh seafood, and other popular Japanese dishes, Sapporo offers a delicious range of traditional dishes that will definitely satisfy your palate.

Dine at this Hokkaido Heritage site and enjoy the free-flowing drinks right from the brewery! Feast and savor other Japanese specialties like the red king crab and hand-rolled sushi for 100 minutes. Skip the line and book in advance here.

Your Japan trip wouldn’t be complete without having a bowl of ramen. When in Sapporo, you should try their famed miso ramen.

Okonomiyaki is one of the most popular Japanese staple dishes often found in stalls along the street. The Japanese pancake is topped with various toppings like seafood bits, vegetables, and meat. Experience this one-of-a-kind delicacy at a small food joint inside Sapporo station.

For authentic and fresh Hokkaido seafood, book a meal at this restaurant!

Have a one-of-a-kind winter experience in Hokkaido. Book now on Traveloka!