Sapporo Snow Festival 2009 さっぽろ雪まつり

I finally made a visit to Sapporo Snow Festival [Feb05-Feb11.2009]!

After finishing my business in my home town, I headed to Hokkaido, northern island of Japan.
Luckily the date matched to visit the festival, so planed 2n/3d trip. Finally my dream since 1st grade came true! I did see them with my own eyes not postcard or tv!!!

My ticket on my hand, I went to Chubu International airport on Feb.3rd. Yes, 2 days ahead. Little bit worried about my low status ticket as assigned aircrafts are small A320s or B737s. Also I got my friend advice that those building are ready, just no lighting up or no food stalls, and lesser visitors. Goooood

My boarding pass was issued without problem, but checkin agent also shockingly announced me that "Please note that the flight will take off here with condition... may divert to Tokyo or other airport."
Oh, Oh... not good.
I checked weather forecast... I thought OK. But I remembered she also warned me the festival period sometimes hit by horrible snow storm.
Got a window seat, got a drink, closed window shade and nervously took a nap.
After 1.30 flight, upon approaching, I faced blue sky, snow covered very shiny land. Yes! we made it.

It is said snow fall is lesser than before because of global warming, but still the threat for me who had lived southeast asia more than a decade; Can I walk properly on snow or ice covered town? Isn't it too cold for me?? My winter gear is good enough??? Well, I saw many local gals enjoys fashions wearing pin heeled boots. Wow. It seemed it's slippery just around me

This 60th festival scheduled only 1 week long, took over a month to build those statues and huge buildings with tons of tons of tons of snows. They have to bring snow from somewhere as you can't find much in a city. That's true. I expected more snow even in a city center, but not. And sadly some faces looks like crying... yes. it's too warm for snow and start melting. The festival is held on 1.5km long Odori park.
There is also held international competition. You will see how to make it or your country attended; They use 3 cubic meter snow and spend 4 days to complete by 3 men power, by several countries. And last day, winner will be announced. Some countries are from hot zone. Are they ice sculptor?

I visited festival site 3 times; one and two days before opening after dusk, and daytime on the opening day before leave Hokkaido. I preferred to visit at night time. The beauty of color contrast are stunning, with the light and music make feel so romantic♥ During the festival period, you can fine local cuisine stall easily by the sidewalk. And don't forget to try their local beer; Sapporo beer!

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