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- Odori Site (Odori Park)/Tsudome Site (Sapporo Community Dome)/Susukino Site, Sapporo City, Hokkaido - February 6 (Mon)-12 (Sun), 2012 The Snow Festival is an annual event held in the city of Sapporo. After 63 years, it has come to be one of the most famous festivals in Japan now attracting many tourists to Sapporo, both domestic and international. Beautiful snow statues and ice sculptures line Odori Park and two other locations within Hokkaido's capital, beckoning all those who come to see into a mysteriously fascinating world.  http://www.snowfes.com/english/ |
- Utoro Onsen in Shari Town, Hokkaido - January 28 (Sat)-March 3 (Sat), 2012 Visitors can enjoy seeing drift ice in the Okhotsk Sea and also experience in an enjoyable way the severe cold in Shiretoko in winter. The main event is "Aurora Fantasy" held at 8 p.m. every evening during the event. An aurora, such as was seen in Shiretoko in the past, is reproduced by laser lights that color the sky above Shiretoko. http://www.town.shari.hokkaido.jp/shiretoko/event/fantasia.htm |
- Shikotsu-ko Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido - January 27 (Fri)-February 12 (Sun), 2012 Water from Lake Shikotsu is put through sprinklers and becomes different pieces of art in various sizes as it freezes. The high level of transparency of the water makes for a very clear blue color called "Shikotsu-ko Blue" which the various ice figures take on and thereby shine this blue in the sunlight. In the evening, illuminated by colorful strings of lights, a fairy-tale like world is created. Also near the area are good-quality hot springs with varying water characteristics. http://www.shikotsuko.com/ |
- Abashiri City, Hokkaido - January 20 (Fri)-March 31 (Sat), 2012 Abashiri in eastern Hokkaido is a place located at 44 degrees north latitude and faces to the shores of the Sea of Okhotsk, the southernmost point where the ocean water freezes. In winter, the fresh water that floats into the Sea of Okhotsk from the Amur River, the biggest river in the Far East, begins freezing and becomes larger as it drifts to the south. The white fascinating-looking drift ice reaches to the offshore of Abashiri around late January. From the icebreaking ship "Aurora," a variety of wild animals and birds can be seen. Clione come with the ice, and birds and marine wildlife including seals can be seen on the ice. http://ms-aurora.com/abashiri/en/ |
- Around Midorigaoka Park, Obihiro City, Hokkaido - January 27 (Fri)-29 (Sun), 2012 Gigantic snow statues and ice sculptures beautifully create a fantastic atmosphere in the freezing cold air. Fireworks are displayed in the sky. A Snow Maze, spinning sleds, and other events entertain not only children but also adults. Local dishes are served at the eating corner. http://www.obikan.jp/lang/english/festival.shtml#c |
- Kawayu Onsen Hot springs, Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido - December 20 (Tue), 2011-March 31 (Sat), 2012 Kawayu Onsen is a major hot springs resort in eastern Hokkaido, located between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu. During the festival, about 20,000 light bulbs illuminate the whole town of Kawayu Onsen. The "Jewel Hunting in the Diamond Forest" event is held from January 20 to February 20. Participants in snowshoes search for diamond dust as they stroll along routes decorated with illuminations. http://www.masyuko.or.jp/pc/event/ev_diamond.html (Japanese version only) |
- Motomachi and other places in Hakodate City, Hokkaido - December 1 (Thu), 2011-February 29 (Wed), 2012 Various events are held as part of this festival, including the Hakodate Illumination (which takes "Hakodate, a fantastic town surrounded with light" as its theme) where around 50,000 lights illuminate the famous slopes of Motomachi. Motomachi is well known for its exotic atmosphere, with chrches and historic buildings as well as slopes which command panoramic views, and during this event the area fascinates people with its fantastic illuminations. http://www.hakodate-illumination.com/ (Japanese version only) |
- Chitose City, Hokkaido - December 23 (Fri), 2011-March 8 (Thu), 2012 A leisure park where you can enjoy snow activities will open at a 15-minute drive from Chitose Airport. Tube sliding, ski hiking, and playing with snow are available if you pay a park admission fee. Horse riding in the snow, mini-snowmobile driving, 4-wheel buggy driving, and snow rafting are also available with an extra fee. http://www.the-north.co.jp/snow/ (Japanese version only) |
- Sapporo City, Hokkaido - November 25 (Fri)-February 12 (Sun), 2012 The Sapporo White Illumination event was initially held in 1981, and it was the first illumination event anywhere in Japan. Roadside trees and artworks in Odori Park are highlighted with illuminations to enthrall people. The German Christmas Market in Sapporo is also held until December 24th, surrounding the city in a bright and colorful atmosphere. http://www.white-illumination.jp/en/ |
- Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido - November 18 (Fri), 2011-April 8 (Sun), 2012 Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan, has been a popular attraction with its interesting and cute animals and exciting interactive facilities that allow visitors to view the animals moving, swimming, and flying up close. After snow lies thick on the ground in Asahikawa, polar bears and snow leopards become much more active and entertain visitors with their lively behaviors. http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/ |
| All information is subject to change without notice. |
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