The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the largest and most popular events in all of Japan. Held in the frosty month of February, this festival began back in 1950 when a group of high school students co

nstructed statues made of snow in Odori Park. Since then, the festival has grown by leaps and bounds and represents one of the most famous annual happenings in the world.

If you're heading to the Sapporo Snow Festival, you're not alone. Make sure to book your hotel accommodations far in advance to ensure you get a room. The Snow Festival is one of Sapporo's busiest times for tourism.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is held for one week and features not only amazing snow sculptures at three different locations but lots of other events as well. The sculptures themselves are featured at Odori Park, Satoland and Susukino. There are hundreds of sculptures ranging in size from small to large. One popular feature is the snow sculpture contest, where teams from different countries compete to build the best sculpture.

Other happenings that occur as part of the Sapporo Snow Festival include an opening ceremony, great live music, a ski marathon, snow sliding events, and much more. If you'll be attending the Sapporo Snow Festival, make sure you're adequately prepared. This means dressing in warm layered clothing and skid-proof footwear. You can even purchase special items called snow chains that are glued to the bottom of your shoes by a professional clerk. These snow chains can be purchased at shoe and cobbler shops for around 1000 yen. Once they're attached to your shoes, they cannot be removed.

Be sure to carry some currency with you so you can purchase things like souvenirs and delicious hot Ramen. Extra tissues are always a good idea, because the frosty temperatures can lead to sniffly noses. And don't forget your camera - the Sapporo Snow Festival is so beautiful and magical that you'll want to preserve your memories forever.