My Canadian self is missing some winter experiences, and am thinking of going to Hokkaido on one of the upcoming long weekends.
And I’m wondering if anyone from Wintery countries has gone to Sapporo snow festival and thought it was worth the crowds and more expensive hotels and flights?
Or would I be better off going on the non festival long weekend.
Like, I do have a winter festival in my home town of Winnipeg. So I’m also wondering if it will be much of the same, or will it be a lot of different and new experiences.
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It’s pretty nice and feels festive. I would go there for the food as I think their seafood is hands down the best in Japan, and the snow festival as a bonus. But that’s me.
The festival is worth visiting, even with the crowds. You may also want to visit Otaru and Asahikawa while you are up there as well. Maybe even Hakodate
The Sapporo Snow Festival is an event to enjoy snow sculptures, so you might find it enjoyable if you like things of that nature.
I googled ‘Winnipeg winter festival’ and found some pictures. I reckon the snow festival in Sapporo is a so much larger version of the festival in your city, with Japanese vibes.
Went for 2023 Snow Festival, and also from Canada. They had amazing ice and snow sculptures. They even hosted events on the snow sculptures.
Winter is great for soup curries and seafood on the Hokkaido island.
I am lol’d when you compared Sapporo to Winnipeg 😝
Hey I’m originally from Winnipeg too! From a quick glance at your profile, I see you’re a JET. When I did JET a few years ago I went to the snow festival in 2019. The snow sculptures were cool but you are right it kind of felt like Festival du voyager, just more kawaii. The best part are the food stands even though you can probably find most of it around Sapporo on any other day. Since you are living in Japan, I would say it’s worth visiting to make this trip more special. But for anyone not in Japan I don’t think it’s worth coming to Japan for the snow festival.