It might be called the Sapporo Snow Festival, but these amazing ice sculpture exhibits are stealing the spotlight!
This brilliant swordfish ice sculpture is my personal favorite of all the amazing exhibits at the Sapporo Snow Festival 2025. Called “Pisces,” it was sculpted by the team from the UCP Art Studio in Sapporo as part of the constellation series.
Incredible ice sculptures like this can be seen all along the street adjacent to Odori Park where the main festival takes place. Located near Susukino station, the ice sculpture area is rightfully called “Susukino Ice World,” and I would strongly urge you to not miss out on seeing these exhibits!
Susukino Ice World
Susukino Ice World is perhaps the most underappreciated feature of the Sapporo Snow Festival. The main area with the snow sculptures is extremely popular and draws the biggest crowds, and rightfully so, but many overlook the amazing ice sculptures just around the corner.
Perhaps I’m biased in my artistic preferences, but I just think the ice sculptures look way cooler than the snow ones, not to say they don’t both have their charm. Truly mesmerizing pieces of pure transparent ice brilliantly sculpted into all kinds of exhibits like dragons, snakes, and eagles, I found myself utterly enchanted and inspired by what I saw.
Innovative Marketing!
A popular 24-hour sushi restaurant in Japan known as Sushi Zanmai took full advantage of the snow festival to put their ingredients on display in a big block of ice! Much like a seafood market, you could see all the different fish and shellfish on display. That’s sure to boost their sales!
Interactive Sculptures
As you walk along Susukino Ice World, you’ll find a space where people interact with the ice sculptures on display. Perhaps it’s more for children, but you can take a seat on a fancy sculpted bench or jump on the little ice trains and cars like a kid. Try not to get any frostbite on your bottom though!
Book That Flight!
All good things must come to an end, so while the Sapporo Snow Festival is over for 2025, it’ll be back next year come early Feb! As someone who has been to Hokkaido in both the summer and winter, you’re certainly doing yourself a disservice to not come in the snowy season. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!