Sapporo Snow Festival

glacial Art, 7 days start of February Sapporo (Hokkaido)

Japanese castle in ice

Every year in February, 250 sculptures of snow and ice over the streets of Sapporo. Welcome to Yuki Matsuri (さっぽろ 雪 祭り), a world famous festival!

Snowy Sapporo

In 1950, six students from Sapporo decided to build snow sculptures for fun. The approach appeals to people. Two years later the festival and exhibition is already attracting many participants and visitors. The small festival grows locally until 1972 when Sapporo becomes the host city of the Olympic Winter Games, and modernized at the same time. The reputation of the festival transcends borders and in 1974, it is accompanied by an international ice sculpture competition. Since it is one of the world's largest winter events.

Snowdragon

The three largest sites boroughs Chuo and Higashi, are decorated with snow statues and ice from the most modest monuments real size. This festival is seen annually by 2 million visitors, including many foreign visitors.
Odori Park, in the center of the city of Sapporo, is transformed into a museum of snow for 1.5 km. Are enclosure in the International Square (Nishi 11-chome, Odori) is the international competition statues of snow where a dozen teams from around the world participate every year. This park is always open and you can come walk around whenever you want, especially to admire the magnificent spectacle of the illumination statues from 22:00.

Odori Park

In another ambiance, the statues exhibited in the Susukino district, known for being a nightlife, offering an amazing spectacle. Here you will find unique and fun works: culinary specialties of Hokkaido, such as crab, cuttlefish and salmon are caught in the ice.

Yuki Matsuri: Odori Site

In 2006 was opened Satorando park, focusing on the theme of agriculture (open from 9:00 to 17:00). In addition to attractions for children such as snow slide 100 meters long or the labyrinth, the organizers offer balloon flights or downhill slopes in sleds.

Self-Defense Forces (Japanese army) have long played a prominent role in the manufacture of gigantic statues or transport snow. But since their involvement in Iraq, preparations for the festival are supported by citizen volunteers.