While Skiing is my thing and dragging me away from the powder factory that is Niseko is difficult, I am really glad I found the time between turns to get to Sapporo for the yearly Winter Festival. Only a 2hour train ride from Kutchan I would highly recommmend it.
I have been to many winter festivals before in New Zealand but this one tops them all! I dont know if it was because of the crazy big and super detailed snow sculptures, the fact that it was -10 degrees or just purely because I was in Japan and couldnt help but just be amazed by everything.
The food is another of the great things here, there are a huge amount of stalls and eaterys including these chocolate dipped bananas which seemed to be at most stalls ( Below ) I didnt actually try them but I am now wishing I had!
This was the Big Air Ski Comp they had running throughout the day great spot take a break on the stands and watch some of the skilled young Japanese riders.
Always Keep your camera out never know what you might see!
Dont leave early because the whole city transforms when the sun sets and the atmosphere of the city comes to life. The ice and snow sculpture know have lights pointing from all directions and it is as if you are at a completely different festival.
Enjoy !!!