Sapporo is world-famous for its winter season, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience its iconic snow-covered landscapes and seasonal festivities. Did you know that Sapporo receives an average of nearly 6 meters of snowfall annually, making it one of the snowiest cities in the world? This abundance of snow sets the perfect stage for its celebrated events and promises unforgettable experiences.
At the heart of the winter magic lies Susukino, one of Sapporo’s liveliest districts and a key venue for the Snow Festival. Known for its buzzing nightlife and culinary delights, Susukino also hosts dazzling ice sculptures and the famed Ice Bar, creating a unique atmosphere that combines art, culture, and entertainment. Staying at Travelodge Sapporo Susukino means being steps away from all the action, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
With our Year-End Sale, you can save up to 45% on stays throughout 2025, making this the perfect time to plan your Sapporo winter adventure. From sparkling light displays to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your guide to Sapporo’s must-see winter events:
Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory: A Festive Holiday Tradition
Date: 2 November 2024 – 25 December 2024
Location: Sapporo Factory, Chuo-ku
As highlighted on the official Sapporo Factory website, le Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory is a hallmark of Sapporo’s winter celebrations. Standing an impressive 15 meters tall, this Sakhalin fir tree is adorned with dazzling lights and 1,500 colorful ornaments, creating a breathtaking centerpiece within the complex’s atrium. A visit to this beloved holiday tradition promises a magical atmosphere perfect for creating unforgettable winter memories.
Sapporo Factory is more than just a venue for the tree. It’s a bustling commercial complex filled with shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and even a beer museum. During the holiday season, the area comes alive with festive activities, including a five-minute music and light show every hour from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., enhancing the tree’s charm with synchronized melodies and vibrant illuminations. Don’t forget to spot the giant Santa Claus climbing up the chimney at the Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer Brewery, another highlight of the Sapporo Factory.
Staying at Travelodge Sapporo Susukino makes accessing the Sapporo Factory incredibly convenient. After your visit, take advantage of our self-service laundry facilities, ideal for keeping your winter gear fresh, or unwind in our welcoming common areas.
Sapporo White Illumination: Sparkling Lights Across the City
Date: 22 November 2024 – 11 February 2025
Location: Odori Park, Sapporo Station, Ekimaedori, Minami 1-jo dori
The Sapporo White Illumination is a dazzling light festival that marks the start of the winter season in Sapporo. As Japan’s first illumination event, dating back to 1981, it remains a beloved tradition that transforms the city into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Millions of lights sparkle across key landmarks like Odori Park, Ekimaedori, and Minami-icho-jo dori, creating a magical atmosphere that enchants visitors year after year.
At Odori Park, the trees and pathways are draped in glittering lights, while sculptures made of light add an artistic touch. Minami-ichi-jo dori features rows of illuminated ginkgo trees, forming a picturesque corridor of light. Meanwhile, Ekimaedori becomes a hub of festive cheer, with nearly every tree wrapped in twinkling lights. A lot of bars and restaurants are along the way, making the area very festive.
Don’t forget to explore the German Christmas Market at Odori Park. This market is a celebration of Sapporo’s sister-city relationship with Munich, offering everything from mulled wine and German sausages to beautifully handcrafted ornaments. Be sure to grab a mug to take home as a souvenir!
Staying at Travelodge Sapporo Susukino puts you just a short walk away from these displays. After enjoying the sights, return to our cozy rooms equipped with high-speed WiFi, or step out to explore Susukino’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
Sapporo Snow Festival: A Spectacle of Ice and Snow
Date: 4 – 11 February 2025
Location: Odori Park, Susukino, Tsudome
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a winter tradition that transforms the city into a wonderland of ice and snow sculptures. Since its inception in 1950, it has grown into one of Japan’s most iconic winter events, drawing visitors from around the globe. According to the official event website, this week-long festival features three main venues, each offering unique attractions:
- Odori Park: The centerpiece of the festival, this venue showcases enormous snow sculptures, some towering up to 15 meters high. These intricate works of art are created by international and local teams and range from replicas of famous landmarks to whimsical designs. At night, the sculptures are illuminated, creating a magical setting for photos. Food stalls line the park, offering Hokkaido’s winter specialties, including steaming bowls of ramen, fresh seafood, and Jingisukan (Mongolian barbecue).
- Susukino Site: Just a very short stroll from Travelodge Sapporo Susukino, Susukino transforms into an ice art gallery. Intricately carved ice sculptures fill the streets, illuminated by the vibrant neon lights of the district’s nightlife. The Ice Sculpture Contest takes place here, showcasing breathtaking designs by talented artists. Don’t miss the Ice Bar, where you can sip cocktails in glasses made of ice.
- Tsudome Site: Perfect for families, this venue features interactive snow activities like sledding, snow slides, and snowman-making contests. Indoor attractions ensure that kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun, regardless of the weather.
Located in the heart of Susukino, Travelodge Sapporo Susukino offers unmatched access to this spectacular event. Afterward, recharge with a delicious breakfast in our inviting dining area, the perfect way to start your next adventure.
Hitsujigaoka Snow Park: A Family-Friendly Winter Playground
Date: 10 January – 9 March 2025
Location: Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
For families looking for an active and fun-filled winter experience, the Hitsujigaoka Snow Park is the perfect destination. Held annually at the scenic Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, this event offers a wide range of activities designed to let visitors interact with snow in unique and exciting ways.
Highlights include an 80-meter-long snow tubing course, sledding hills, and a snowman-building area where kids can unleash their creativity. Younger visitors will love the snow strider bike area, featuring pedal-free bikes perfect for toddlers aged 2–5. For those looking to try something new, the ski walking experience provides a beginner friendly introduction to the activity. More details on each of the opening hours and dates of the activities can be found in the official website.
What makes Hitsujigaoka Snow Park even more appealing is that all activities and equipment rentals are completely free, making it a budget-friendly outing for families and groups. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered landscapes, it’s also a great spot for snapping memorable winter photos.
From Travelodge Sapporo Susukino, take the subway to Fukuzumi Station on the Tōhō Line, then transfer to the 84 Bus for a 10-minute ride to the park. If you’re driving, free on-site parking is available. After a day of snowy fun, return to the hotel for a refreshing shower and cozy night’s sleep.
Yukitouro (Snow Candle Way): A Peaceful Winter Tradition
Date: 25 January 2025 – 1 February 2025
Location: Jozankei Onsen
Nestled in the serene town of Jozankei, the Yukitouro (Snow Candle Way) is a tranquil winter festival that transforms the Jozankei Shrine into a glowing wonderland. Over 1,000 hand-crafted snow candles illuminate the shrine grounds, creating a dreamy and magical ambiance that contrasts beautifully with Sapporo’s bustling winter activities. This festival is a favorite among those seeking a peaceful escape, offering a chance to reflect and admire the gentle beauty of winter.
The snow candles, each carefully made by locals, embody the spirit of hospitality. Wander through the glowing paths, take stunning photos, and immerse yourself in the quiet magic of this serene celebration. Visitors can also participate in a photo contest, with prizes including pair accommodation tickets to Jozankei’s renowned onsens.
From Travelodge Sapporo Susukino, walk to Sapporo Station and board the Jotetsu Bus to Jozankei Onsen. The scenic ride takes about 60 minutes, with a free shuttle bus connecting the onsen town to the shrine during the festival. After enjoying the peaceful beauty of the snow candles, come back to indulge in a restful night’s sleep in our well-appointed rooms.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival: A Frozen Wonderland
Date: 1 – 24 February 2025
Location: Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Chitose City
The Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival offers a one-of-a-kind winter experience, blending natural beauty with artistic craftsmanship. Set against the pristine backdrop of Lake Shikotsu, known for having some of the clearest water in Japan, this festival features breathtaking ice sculptures created by spraying lake water and letting it freeze into intricate designs.
Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including ice slides, an ice rink, and horse-drawn carriage rides, making it a perfect outing for families and couples alike. With attractions spread across the festival grounds, visitors can refer to the venue map available on the website to make the most of their experience. As night falls, the sculptures are illuminated with colorful lights, transforming the festival grounds into a magical frozen wonderland. The nearby hot springs offer a cozy retreat for warming up after a day of icy fun, and the on-site food stalls provide hearty meals and tasty treats to complete your visit.
From Travelodge Sapporo Susukino, take a train to Chitose Station, followed by a local bus to Lake Shikotsu. After exploring the festival, return to the hotel to relax in our modern co-working space or lounge area, perfect for planning your next day’s itinerary.
Otaru Snow Light Path: A Dreamlike Winter Escape
Date: 8 – 15 February 2025
Location: Otaru City
Though slightly outside Sapporo, the Otaru Snow Light Path is a winter event worth the journey. Listed as one of the events to experience in winter by the Sapporo Tourist Association, Otaru Snow Light transforms the historic port city of Otaru into a glowing wonderland. The festival’s two main sites, the Otaru Canal and the Temiya Line, are adorned with hundreds of snow lanterns and candles, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
At the Otaru Canal, snow lanterns line the water, reflecting off its icy surface for a stunning visual effect. Meanwhile, the Temiya Line, a former railway site, becomes a pathway of illuminated snow sculptures. The festival also offers delicious local delicacies, from sushi to warm desserts, allowing visitors to enjoy Otaru’s culinary delights while soaking in the festive ambiance.
From Travelodge Sapporo Susukino, take a train to Otaru for a memorable day trip. If you have any questions, our friendly front office team is ready to help make your stay as seamless as possible.
Now that you’ve got a glimpse of the incredible winter events in Sapporo, it’s time to start planning your trip! Take advantage of our Year-End Sale and save up to 45% off your stays at Travelodge Sapporo Susukino and other Travelodge hotels throughout 2025. Our hotels offer the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and connectivity to all the best local attractions.
Découvrez le meilleur de Sapporo avec la meilleure offre de Travelodge Hotels Asia à https://www.travelodgehotels.asia/travelodge-sapporo-susukino/
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