Right about this time of year, we are all starting to long for sunshine and warmth….but the city of Sapporo in Japan hosted the most amazing snow festival last week! The 66th annual Sapporo Snow Festival (February 5 – February 11, 2015) features four-story ice and snow sculptures lining Odori Park, with nearly two million visitors expected to appreciate their beauty.
What initially began as a competition among local high school students in 1950 has grown into one of Japan’s biggest wintertime attractions. Below are three pieces that we loved the most!
The 400 year-old Manila Cathedral snow sculpture was one of the architectural wonders featured this year. The sculptures were built by 400 Japanese army troops who volunteered to sculpt the creations.
Image courtesy of: Welcome to Sapporo
The Illuminated Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Central Gate snow sculpture is a replica of the UNESCO Heritage building. Nearly the same size as the original building, this sculpture took 29 days to complete by 3,500 Self-Defense Force personnel.
Image courtesy of: Welcome to Sapparo
Months prior to the opening of Star Wars’ newest film (set to open in December), a months- worth of work by the Hokkaido-based 11th brigade of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force was put into making this impressive sculpture come to life. The Lucasfilms-approved design was perhaps, part marketing strategy, part artistic creativity… nonetheless, it’s beyond stunning.
Image courtesy of: Hyperbeast
