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ice sculptures 2012/8/4 18:27
As we have to be back in Australia for school term we cannot get to the Sapporo and Asahikawa ice festivals. Are there any ice sculptures we can see before 30 January when we have to be back in Australia? Also is it possible to see the sea ice at that time too?
thanks
by Lynette (guest)  

... 2012/8/5 16:34
Information on the drift ice:-
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6868.html

So, yes you should be able to see it on the boats from Abashiri. I would try and go as late as you possibly can in your itinerary to help maximise the chances of a good viewing experience.

We went to Abashiri mid-February after the Sapporo Snow Festival and the drift ice was one of the highlights of our trip.

I haven't been to any of these other winter festivals and you may have to re-check dates for next year but a quick search shows a few which may interest you:-
Sounkyo Hyoubaku Matsuri (Ice Waterfall)
http://www.sounkyo.net/english/index.html

Higashikawa Kori Matsuri (I can't find much information but usually mid January)
http://asahikawa-tourism.com/asahikawa/asahikawa_sites/higashikawa/hig...
http://www.welcome-higashikawa.jp/info/?c=8&s=204&sc=&lv=&cl=1
I think this is a video from this year:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u56IDtgjVU

My Japanese isn't so good so hopefully someone will correct me if I have given you the incorrect info on the festivals!

Enjoy your trip!
by GC3 rate this post as useful

Re: ice sculptures 2012/8/5 17:45
by GC3 rate this post as useful

Re: ice sculptures 2012/8/5 21:52
For ice sculptures, Sapporo and Asahikawa ice festivals are the best. The Sounkyo Hyoubaku Matsuri has ice caves but no sculptures.

If you just want to join the some kind of snow festival before Feb, Chitose Shikotsu Hyoto Matsuri (Ice Festival) could be another option:

English:
http://www.shikotsuko.com/english/index.html

(See #1 IceFestival).

Japanese:
http://www.shikotsuko.com/activity/event.html#id01

The English page only shows the festival begins late Jan every year. If you click one of the picture, it shown the festival begins from 27-Jan-2012 this year.

The Japanese page is currently showing 25-Jan-2013 (for now, could change).

I haven't been to this festival myself so can't give you any more details. The location is closer to Sapporo and New Chitose. It might fits your itinerary better if you depart from New Chitose airport.
by Douglas (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: ice sculptures 2012/8/6 12:03
Thanks for those answers. I will check them out. I really want to see the ice sculptures and the sea ice, so I will try to go as late as possible
by Lynette (guest) rate this post as useful

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