Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan

Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the most famous celebrations in the world that brings in a mood of revelry and frolic in winter. Also known as Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, one of the popular festivals and events in Japan, this winter fun continues for 7 days and will be celebrated from 6th to 12th February in 2007.
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, was built during the initial period of Meiji Period on the architectural principles of rectangular street system followed in North America. This city grabbed the headlines during the Olympic Winter Games in 1972. History says that Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan was started by local youth who erected six statues of snow at Odori Park in 1950 almost in a measure to break free from the depression induced by the War in Japan. The optimism spread by these youth gained momentum when some warriors from the Makomanai base of the Self-Defense Force, constructed a massive snow sculpture in 1955. The pomp, merry-making and the grandeur of the festival were blended with the spirit of leadership, and team management. Gradually, it evolved into the most popular winter festival in Hokkaido that turns Sapporo into a white dreamland of snow and ice.

Features of Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan

" Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan is celebrated in three sites- Odori Park, Satoland and on the main street in Susukino.

" A number of statues are made of snow and ice in Odori Park.

" Some of the sculptures are so huge that support of the military is sought

" The main site of this festival, it also hosts a number of entertainment programs on a stage also made of snow, to please the guests

" While you can relish live music, you will be enchanted by the playground being lit by gorgeous lights at night.

" In Satoland in the central part of the city, which became one of the sites for the festival in 2006, you can go foot-loose through the labyrinth made of snow and watch hot air balloons.

" You can also chill at the ice-bar

" You will be mesmerized by the ice festival in Susukino, which is otherwise known for its vibrant nightlife.

" Ice sculptures are made with living crabs and salmon on display.

" A contest on Ice Sculpture is also organized and the Ice Queen is felicitated through photo sessions.

" The illuminated look of the festival is seen best at night in Susukino.

Season to visit Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan

Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan is celebrated for a week in February every year.

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