Yuki Matsuri in Hokkaido

During the second week of February, Hokkaido welcomes every year more than two millions of people for a winter festival, the Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival). The main events are located in Sapporo, the main city in Hokkaido, but the Yuki Matsuri is a global winter festival that even small villages celebrate, especially around temples where snow meets candle light every night.

~ The TV Tower in Sapporo ~

~ View on the Odori, main site of the Festival in Sapporo ~

~ One of the many attractions, a Big Air contest ~

~ Some sculptures reach at least 5m high! ~

~ Susukino, Shibuya in Sapporo ~

~ Susukino's site presents impressive ice sculptures ~

~ Tsudomu site is great for kids, parents should be armed with patience ~

At 30min by train, you can find another festival in Otaru, with less sculptures but all the more beautiful at night with a fantastic mix between snow and candles.

~ Otaru offers a more romantic atmosphere ~

Another place to visit during the Yuki Matsuri is Asahikawa, 2nd largest city in Hokkaido, where you can find also snow and ice sculptures. At 30min by bus from Asahikawa station, is Asahiyama zoo which worths the detour. 

We ended our trip with a little detour to Jozankei to enjoy a good onsen. The city was deserted, enclaved by mountains, it felt like a ghost town.

~ A Kappa statue in Jozankei ~