Sapporo is one of the top 5 winter destinations in Japan. It is worth a visit. If your trip is going to be in February then you are truly lucky! February is a great time to visit Sapporo, especially during the Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri). This iconic winter festival is held in early February every year.
Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, has so much to offer you throughout the year. In February, the city highlights a lot of amazing things to do and see, including the snow festival, food, and the fun winter outdoor activities.
In this post, I will be sharing with you a list of the best things to do and see for your February trip to Sapporo. To be honest, it’s not only about attending the snow festival, but much more than that. Let’s explore!
1. Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri)
It might be cold across the country, but Hokkaido in winter offers travelers countless choices for a perfect gateway. Sapporo is a must-see winter destination in Hokkaido.
If you are planning a trip to Japan this winter, don’t forget to visit Sapporo. The easiest and fastest way to access Sapporo from Tokyo is to fly. Consider flying with Peach Airline if you are on a budget. It’s recommended that you should make your reservations at least 3-4 months in advance to get a cheap flight deals.
In February, during the snow festival, the city welcomes millions of tourists, both international and local. Streets around the Odori and Susukino areas are packed with tourists, and so are the restaurants and other shops.
There are many snow sculptures on display on the Odori site (main site of the festival). Some of those snow sculptures can be over 15 meters tall. On the other hand, you will see stunning ice sculptures of various kinds made by snow sculptors on the Susukino site.
Take a walk in Odori Park and enjoy food and drinks from various food stalls. I recommend you visit the Sapporo TV Tower, from where you will enjoy amazing views both during the day and at night. Everyone loves Sapporo, where you can truly have a memorable winter break.
Read: Where to Shop in Sapporo
2. Enjoy a Day Trip to Otaru
If you believe that a perfect day trip can be the highlight of your vacation, and then consider visiting Otaru from Sapporo in February. Do you know that another popular winter festival is held there?
It’s called Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, which usually takes place at a similar time as the famous Sapporo Yuki Matsuri. Otaru, the charming port city becomes decorated in lights and snow statues during the festival. At night, Otaru’s streets are filled with adorable glowing snow statues and snow candles.
Attending the festival could be the main reason to visit Otaru in February, though you have other spots to check out. For example, Sakaimachi Street, Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitaichi Glass Sangokan Kitaichi Hall, and Mt. Tengu are worth your time.
If somehow there is a chance of missing the festival during your visit to Sapporo, check out my 1-Day in Otaru Itinerary guide. This will show you exactly how to spend a memorable day in Otaru City!
3. Visit Jozankei Onsen
Located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Jozankei Onsen is another interesting place to explore outside Sapporo City. To access Jozankei, one hour drive from central Sapporo is required. If you don’t want to drive, take the Jotetsu Bus from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal.
Hoheikyo Onsen in Jozankei offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for its guests. It’s a great place to enjoy traditional Japanese outdoor hot spring baths that come with a panoramic view of nature.
When you are in this hot spring resort town, you should experience the views that I pretty like. One interesting spot that I recommend you is Jozankei Ohashi Bridge. It provides stunning view of the onsen resort including the Toyohira River and mountains in the distance.
Pay a visit to Jozankei Shrine before you leave for Sapporo. This shrine hosts the annual winter event called “Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro” where you can see 1000 snow candles on the grounds. Held from late January to early February, it’s worth seeing for its magical display of snow candle lights.
4. Spend the evening at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is a historic landmark in Sapporo, which was used as a venue of ski jumping events during the Sapporo Olympic Winter Games held in 1972. For locals, this place is also a popular place to enjoy Sapporo’s cityscape!
In February, many tourists come and take a thrilling chairlift ride to the top of the ski jump stadium to experience panoramic views of Sapporo cityscape and snowy landscape. They also visit the Sapporo Olympic Museum, located at the foot of the Okutayama Ski Jump Stadium.
To get to the Observation Lounge and Café Celeste, you have to take the same chair lift used by ski jumping competitors. Don’t be afraid of the height; just feel the thrill and enjoy the entire ride for 5 minutes. From the observation lounge, the spectacular views will leave you in awe!
5. Take a Stroll in Maruyama Park
One of the great things about Sapporo is that there are so many things to do. Why don’t you head to Maruyama Park and enjoy a leisurely stroll there?
This snow covered park is a short distance from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line. The park is one of the renowned cherry blossom spots in Sapporo. In February, you can see snow piles on its grounds.
This lovely place is not too crowded. You can enjoy nature there as you stroll along the paths, and get spectacular views of the snowy landscape.
After exploring the park, make your way to Hokkaido Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu). It’s a sacred and interesting landmark in the city, where many locals visit the shrine during the New Year.
6. Try Local Food and Drinks
Hokkaido is often called as the food capital of Japan. Do you agree? For foodies, this part of Japan is quite appealing for sure!
Hokkaido’s cuisine is famous for its high quality produce, fresh seafood, and dairy products. In Sapporo, you can eat delicious soup curry, miso ramen, Jingisukan, Sushi and fresh seafood, and beer. My guide to What to Eat in Sapporo has great tips, which you must take a look.
Located in the heart of Sapporo, Nijo Market is a perfect place for visitors to try fresh seafood in Sapporo. Eating Donburi dish there is a common thing. Not only Donburi is eaten there, but also sushi!
The Sapporo Beer Museum is a nice place to behold. It highlights the history of beer in Japan and the process of beer making. This is without question a unique landmark in Sapporo, and next to the museum, there is the Sapporo Beer Garden. You can taste Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) there.
When you visit any convenience store in the city, make sure to buy some regional food and drinks including snacks and milk.
7. Attend Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
This winter festival in Hokkaido is held in Lake Shikotsu Hot Springs. Lake Shikotsu is one of the most beautiful caldera lakes in the region. The view of this lake is incredible year-round. For nature enthusiasts this place hard to miss.
The festival presents mind-boggling ice sculpture, ice slide, ice skating, food carts and much more. The ice sculptures you see there are made by spraying water from the lake. In the evening, they illuminate the sculptures with vibrant multicolored lights, creating a great magical atmosphere.
Please note that there are hot spring baths for day visitors to enjoy. So go for it if you are interested in.
Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is held from early to late February every year. You can access Lake Shikotsu Onsen within 40 minutes by car from Sapporo downtown.
Conclusion
A visit to Sapporo in February means exploring not only the Sapporo Snow Festival, but also other popular winter events like Otaru Snow Light Path Festival and Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. These winter festivals should be on your Japan’s bucket list when you decide to visit Japan in winter.
In Sapporo, foods are delicious, landscapes are incredible, festivals are entertaining, and hot springs are relaxing! The capital city of Hokkaido is a great place to enjoy your winter holidays. So come and appreciate the hospitality of this beautiful city.
Read the following articles to get some insight into Sapporo Travel:
1. Famous Food to Eat in Sapporo
2. Shopping in Sapporo
3. Cheap Accommodation Ideas in Sapporo
4. Best Museums to Explore in Sapporo
5. 1-Day in Sapporo Itinerary in Winter
6. Best Day Trips from Sapporo
7. Best Ski Resorts in Sapporo
8. Best Time to Visit Sapporo
