Odori Park, Sapporo

Sapporo, Hokkaido / 大通公園（北海道札幌市）

Welcome to Odori Park, a spacious urban park located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido. Odori Park is a must-visit destination for foreign travellers with its picturesque landscapes, vibrant events, and the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival.

Odori Park is known for hosting the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts millions of visitors from around the globe. The festival takes place in early February and features stunning snow and ice sculptures that line the park’s wide central promenade. These intricate creations, ranging from small sculptures to massive snow structures, showcase incredible artistry and craftsmanship.

During the Snow Festival, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, illuminated by colourful lights and a festive atmosphere. Visitors can explore the various snow and ice sculptures, enjoy snow slides and rides, and indulge in delicious winter treats available at the festival stalls.

Aside from the Snow Festival, Odori Park offers a serene retreat throughout the year. Its vast lawns provide a perfect spot for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely walks. The park’s beautiful flower beds, carefully manicured gardens, and sculptures add to its charm and offer pleasant sights to behold.

Surrounding the park, you’ll find a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, where you can sample local cuisine and shop for souvenirs. The Sapporo TV Tower, located nearby, offers panoramic views of the city and is an iconic landmark worth visiting.

Odori Park truly embodies the spirit of Sapporo, combining natural beauty, cultural events, and a warm sense of hospitality. Whether you visit during the Snow Festival or any other time of the year, Odori Park promises an unforgettable experience for foreign travellers.

Why did I visit there?

This park is located directly above Odori Subway Station in the centre of Sapporo, so when I was in Sapporo, I naturally visited it for a wide range of activities, from commuting to work and school to dining and shopping. Spring brings the cherry blossoms, summer the beer garden, followed by the Autumn Festival, and winter from the Christmas illumination to this Sapporo Snow Festival. It is an oasis that keeps people busy in all seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

However, I will never forget the excitement of visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival for the first time. It is said to have attracted more than two million visitors from Sapporo, all parts of Hokkaido, Japan and abroad. What impressed me about the Sapporo Snow Festival is that it takes approximately one month to finish 30,000 tonnes of clean snow using heavy machines.

Main Festivals

Please use this as a reference when planning your trip.

⚠️Although the event is held every year, please be aware of any changes in the timing of the events or sudden cancellations.

How do I get to ODORI PARK?

Just go to Odori Station and up above ground, the next underground station to Sapporo Station.