For a once-in-a-lifetime winter vacation with your family, consider traveling to Japan for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. A venue for the International Snow Sculpture Contest, the festival features more than 400 snow and ice sculptures.
Displayed in the 1.5-mile-long Odori Park in Sapporo’s center, the sculptures can reach 50 feet in height; the most dramatic of them are replicas of famous buildings or shrines. Walking among these frozen structures, it’s hard to believe they are built entirely of packed snow. This year’s statues will be built by teams from Hawai’i; Indonesia; Poland; Singapore; Thailand; Lithuania; Mongolia; and Portland, Oregon.
Not all statues are created by competing teams; dozens more are made by local groups and individuals. Some are large enough to act as stages for concerts and performances, and the statues are lighted every evening, turning the park into a glittering wonderland. You can see a bird’s-eye view of the park from the soaring Sapporo Tower at the end of the park.
Along with Odori Park are two other venues for sculptures, events and activities. At the family-oriented Tsu Dome area are giant snow slides, an ice-skating rink (there’s another rink in Odori Park where you can rent skates), snow rafting, Nordic skiing, food vendors and additional snow sculptures.
Colored lights bring sculptures along the Susukino entertainment district to life, and an ice bar here serves hot drinks.
While it may be a little late for seeing this winter’s festival Feb. 4–11, 2024, there’s plenty of time to plan for the next festival, Feb. 2–14, 2025.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedLuxury
May 7, 2024Pamper Mom at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Mother’s Day is around the corner and The Ritz-Carlton, Portland and The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain are ready to help you pamper the special lady in your life. Add these luxury hotels to your family travel itinerary.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
North America
May 6, 2024Relax Like a Rock Star at Andaz West Hollywood
Hollywood has a long history as a leading hub for the entertainment industry, attracting visitors to experience the excitement of the movies and get a touch of the rock star life. At Andaz West Hollywood, a concept property by Hyatt, family travelers can get a glimpse of what it’s like to live like a rock star, even if only for a couple of nights.
Parents
May 1, 2024Experience Extravagance this Mother’s Day at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
If family travel is on the itinerary for Mother’s Day this year, consider Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa and its over-the-top Mother’s Day offering, for up to four people. No detail will be overlooked for mom this year.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Travel Tips
Apr 26, 20245 Tips for First-Time Campers
Your family has decided to finally take that camping trip you’ve all been talking about, but the time has now come to actually pack and prepare for the trip. While there are many things to keep in mind for your first camping trip, Teddy, founder, White House Glamping, offers five important tips to remember.
ShareThis