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At the Snow Art Museum, visitors can explore a unique collection of snow and ice sculptures, some of which are interactive and can be touched. Additionally, there are seasonal exhibitions showcasing snow-themed art and performances. For the more adventurous, the museum often offers workshops where visitors can create their own snow art. Don't miss the incredible ice bar where you can enjoy a drink in an igloo-like setting.
The Snow Flower Museum, located in the Asahikawa Traditional Arts and Crafts Village in Hokkaido, Japan, lives up to its name, being a rare museum dedicated to snow. The museum's architecture is inspired by medieval European architecture, and the grounds outside are covered in thick snow, creating a variety of snow-themed designs. Descend the hexagonal spiral staircase and enter a world of snow.
This snow-themed art museum boasts a beautiful exterior and exhibits various forms of ice and snow crystals. Screen explanations and diagrams provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the variations and shapes of snow crystals. The Icicle Corridor, enclosed by thick glass walls, offers a unique view of the Snow Crystal Room, where icicles of various shapes are displayed. The walls and dome contain 200 microscopic photographs of snowflakes. Despite its small size, the room evokes a dreamlike experience. The dome is a massive oil painting, and the stage, corridors, and seating are all painted white, exuding a pure and romantic atmosphere.
The concert hall and theater, which have a ceiling covered with 28,000 oil paintings by seven artists, are also worth seeing.
Climate: temperate monsoon climate
Best time to travel: All seasons
1-3 hours
Adults: 800 yen (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
High school/college students: 600 yen (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Elementary and junior high school students: 500 yen (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
(Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Half-price ticket: disabled
Free ticket: Infants and young children
Ages 65 and older: 400 yen (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Online discount: 650 yen (weekends from January 1st to December 31st)
Car rental discount: 650 yen (weekends from January 1st to December 31st)
15 or more groups: 650 yen (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
09:00-17:00 (January 1st - December 31st, Monday to Sunday)
Closed from December 30th to January 4th of the following year.
The Snow Art Museum, located in Japan, is dedicated to the art and culture of snow, ice, and cold environments. It showcases the intersection of nature and art, with an emphasis on sculptures and installations made from snow and ice. The museum highlights both traditional and contemporary artistic expressions related to snow, particularly in cultures where winter and snow are integral to daily life.
The Snow Art Museum is located in the city of Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. The museum is accessible by public transportation, including buses and taxis from Sapporo Station. From the station, it takes about 30 minutes by bus or taxi. Walking from central Sapporo is also an option, though it takes about an hour.
The Snow Art Museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the winter months, from December to February, when the snow sculptures are most prominent and the exhibits showcase seasonal artworks. However, the museum is also open year-round, and summer visits offer a less crowded experience.
The general entrance fee for the Snow Art Museum is around ¥1,500. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's entrance or online through the official website, especially during peak seasons when lines can be long.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually required, but it is recommended during the winter season (December to February), as it can get crowded. You can book tickets online a few days to a week ahead to ensure availability during peak times.
Visitors typically spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum, depending on how much time is spent on each exhibit. For those wishing to participate in workshops or special tours, it may take longer.
Must-see highlights include the snow and ice sculpture displays, which change seasonally. The interactive exhibits and the ice bar are also popular with visitors. The museum also hosts a snow art gallery showcasing global artists' interpretations of winter and snow.
Guided tours are available in Japanese, and audio guides in English are available for rent at the museum. These audio guides provide detailed information about the exhibits and the history of snow art.
The best photography spots are near the main snow sculptures, where visitors can capture the intricate details of the ice and snow artworks. The ice bar and the outdoor snow gardens also provide great photo opportunities, especially when the sculptures are illuminated at night.
Start by exploring the large snow sculpture gallery, then visit the interactive exhibits. Afterward, head to the ice bar for a unique experience. Finish by browsing the temporary exhibitions, which change seasonally.
Night visits are available during the winter season, when the snow sculptures are illuminated. These light shows create a magical atmosphere and are perfect for evening photography. Special night tours are offered during the Snow Festival in February.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in winter. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times to visit, making it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience.
The museum provides clean restrooms, a cafe with hot drinks, and a small gift shop offering souvenirs related to snow and ice. There are also seating areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the exhibits.
The Snow Art Museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for visitors with mobility impairments. It is also family-friendly, with interactive exhibits suitable for children.
Both cash and mobile payments are accepted at the museum. Credit cards are widely accepted, and mobile payments like Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay are available for convenience.
Inside the museum, there is a small cafe offering warm drinks and light snacks. Nearby, you can find a variety of restaurants serving Japanese cuisine, including ramen, sushi, and local specialties from Hokkaido.
Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants in the area. Vegan and halal food options may be limited, but there are a few places that cater to special dietary needs.
Several hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) are located near the Snow Art Museum in Sapporo, offering a range of accommodations from budget to luxury options. Popular choices include the JR Tower Hotel, Sapporo Grand Hotel, and local guesthouses.
Nearby attractions include the Sapporo Snow Festival, Odori Park, and the Sapporo Clock Tower. These can easily be combined into a day trip from the Snow Art Museum.
The museum shop offers a range of snow-themed souvenirs, including miniature snow sculptures, winter apparel, and handmade crafts. You can also find unique items like snowflakes and ice-themed jewelry.
From the Snow Art Museum, visitors can take a taxi or public bus back to Sapporo Station. For those continuing their trip to other destinations in Hokkaido, the JR train system provides excellent connections to nearby cities like Otaru and Hakodate.
