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Sapporo Snow Festival

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The Coolest

The Coolest

Sapporo Snow Festival - Hokkaidō, Japan

We may have been denied front-row seats to the Summer Olympics, but there's a competition brewing on Japan's northernmost island that could make a winter visit just as exciting.

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A short flight from Tokyo, the city of Sapporo is known for sub-zero winter temperatures, record snowfalls, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo Yuki Matsuri).

Scheduled for February 4 - 11, 2022, the competition attracts teams from all over the world. The main event is held in Odori Park, where oglers stroll the avenue marveling at the imaginative sculptures whilst sampling Hokkaido cuisine.

When night falls, wander over to the city's Susukino entertainment district to see mesmerizing ice sculptures lit with neon lights. A third location, Tsudome, added in 2009, features action-packed snow rafting, ice sledding, and an indoor gourmet market.

While the Sapporo Snow Festival lasts just a week, there's more to see at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, and Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival. Toss in some ski runs at Niseko, Furano, Teine, or Rusutsu—then stick the landing with a relaxing onsen for the win.

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