Yuki Matsuri

I am looking for the cheapest hotel I could possibly find in Sapporo (or in between there and Ehetsu etc). It's only for one night (Feb 5th) so I do not care about cleanliness or anything like that. Anyone got any suggestions??

For a foreigner trying to plan a trip to Sapporo during the peak of the festival: on the weekend, when everyone else will be going, and looking to pounce at the absolutely last second on the best deal they can find !

If not.....not so inconveniently, I MAY be forced to end up in 30 minutes away celebrating the joys of winter ice candles in the nostalgic, historical city of Otaru.

Otaru is a beautiful city with its own charm, but being in the middle of Sapporo is much more convenient, obviously.

A quick search on Japanican revealed some places for about 6000/night. I used this website to book when I went last year. Unfortunately, the best place I stayed in Sapporo, Ino's Place, is booked solid that night Hope you find a great deal and have fun!

Ehetsu? You must mean Ebetsu (where I used to live). Not all that far away from downtown Sapporo (about 15-20 minutes by local train).

Have you tried the Toyoko Inn? There's one near Susukino. How much are you willing to spend at this last moment decision?

Thanks for the answers. I may be staying in Hakodate at the Comfort Inn but am severely and almost hopelessly addicted to 3300 a night budget rates in TOKYO. lol

At any rate, the trip got moved up a week for other reasons....so I'll be there to watch preparations for the festival (which can be even more interesting than seeing the finished objects). Anyone ever witnessed all that park scaffolding in person ?