Winter Wonderland

Last weekend I was fortunate to visit Sapporo and experience the Snow Festival. What an amazing spectacle of snow and ice and BRRR how cold it was!

When I landed on Friday evening it was -12C and clear skies. After checking in to my hotel I was eager to walk the streets and get a sneak peek at all the snow sculptures. The illuminated snow was beautiful...









On Saturday morning the skies were blue and it was a brisk -7C.

The snow sculptures were beautiful...






















The ice sculptures were equally as stunning...





















The food in Hokkaido is amazing. With an array of yummy foods available at street stalls during the festival I sampled delicious crab, scallops, and lots of beautiful vegetables.

My accommodation was also fabulous. I can highly recommend the Cross Hotel - modern, clean, impeccable service, beautiful food, fab location and an ice bar out the front! My rate included a wonderful hot buffet breakfast each morning. The selection included both Japanese and western food.









Unlike other Japanese cities, Sapporo has a rectangular street system that is relatively easy to navigate. The streets are wide and there are many European style buildings. As in other cities, the transport system was efficient. The trains to and from the New Chitose airport are fast and plenty.

There are more pics from my weekend to view here.