We timed our visit to coincide with the Sapporo Snow Festival
This event took place in several venues at the center of the city
Some of the snow sculptures were small and cute
While others were grand, such as this full-size replica of the facade of St Paul's cathedral in Macau
Other large sculptures depicted scenes from manga
Susukino, otherwise known as the red light district of Sapporo, hosted a display of ice sculptures
The centerpiece was an ice carving competition
Teams had from 3 pm to 11 am to shape and finish their creations
A propane torch is used to clarify the ice surface
They were given a limited number of ice blocks, and restricted to a height limit of 3 metres
The results were intricate
and delicate
Some depicted creatures from mythology, such as Pegasus
Otherwise depicted scenes from the natural world
This was the only entrant from outside Japan, by a nice carver from Maui, of all places. Notice how this sculpture uses a different technique and has no lines joining the ice blocks.
This intricate creation depicts a beehive
At night, the sculptures take on a whole different life
Hawaiian Style won a prize!
Some sculptures were commercial in nature
But one of the finest was found outside a hotel in Jozankei
The Japanese love festivals, so winter gave a perfect opportunity to take advantage of ice, snow, and darkness
In the little spa town of Jozankei, the temples hosts an annual light festival
