Right around this time, the Snow Festival(Yuki Matsuri) begins on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. The festival revolves around large snow sculptures that are built over the previous few days. Themes vary from year to year. Wooden substructures are erected as a skeleton for the mounds of snow that will be dumped around it. Then craftsmen go to work creating giant postcard scenes or recreations of buildings and edifices. Smaller sculptures dot the main Odori Park area alongside the massive productions. At the nearby downtown area(Susukino), ice carvings glisten under the mid day sun and neon of the night. A third area exists for the children to participate and frolick in. This area has changed its location several times over the years.
Hokkaido is known for some of the food that it produces. They have milk and dairy products as well as potatoes that are proud to bear the islands name. Also, they are abundant in seafood from the rich waters to the north.
I have visited the festival twice before, once in 2001 and 2006. I plan on going back next year with friends. See you there!
For more info and gallery, http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html
Hokkaido is known for some of the food that it produces. They have milk and dairy products as well as potatoes that are proud to bear the islands name. Also, they are abundant in seafood from the rich waters to the north.
I have visited the festival twice before, once in 2001 and 2006. I plan on going back next year with friends. See you there!
For more info and gallery, http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html
