Sapporo Snow Festival: Japan's Legendary Winter Celebration of Ice and Snow

Every February, the city of Sapporo transforms into one of the world's most extraordinary winter spectacles. In this episode of Walking Tour of Japan, we explore the Sapporo Snow Festival - a celebration that began in 1950 when a group of high school students built six snow sculptures in a city park, drew fifty thousand visitors, and accidentally launched a tradition that now attracts more than two million people from around the world each year.We start at the eastern end of Odori Park, taking in the full scope of the festival from the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower before walking the entire 1.5-kilometer length of the park, past the massive snow sculptures built by Self Defense Force engineers and international teams, through blocks of smaller competition pieces, and into the evening illuminations that transform the park after dark. We then continue into the Susukino district, where translucent ice sculptures glow under colored lights in one of Japan's most vibrant entertainment neighborhoods.Along the way, we cover the full history of the festival - from its post-war origins and early growth to its national recognition in 1959 and worldwide fame following Sapporo's 1972 Winter Olympics. We share practical tips for making the most of your visit, including the best times of day to come, what to look for in the international competition sculptures, and how the projection mapping shows work after dark.For food, we recommend Ganso Ramen Yokocho for Sapporo's signature miso ramen in a lively alley of tiny shops, Jingisukan Daruma for the city's beloved grilled lamb barbecue served with a decades-old house sauce, and Soup Curry Garaku for the warming, spiced broth dish that originated right here in Sapporo. Nearby sites include the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, the Sapporo Clock Tower, Tanukikoji Shopping Street, and Nijo Market.Visit NorthStarTravelers.com to explore our other podcast shows and browse gear recommendations for wherever your next journey takes you.