At the mention of Japanese tourists immediately think of the Sakura Samurai, the philosophy of Zen Buddhism and unusual for Europeans distinctive culture.But the winter holidays with Japan for most tourists did not associate.And it is in vain, because it is winter in Japan there are many interesting things.In particular, the winter festivals ...
Sapporo Snow Festival
One of the highlights of the Japanese winter year already become Sapporo Snow Festival.At this time, a large-scale celebration of snow and ice sculptures will be held from 5 to 11 February 2013.At the 64th time on the island of Hokkaido will bring together thousands of visitors from around the world to admire the works of the best sculptors of the snow globe.
festival will be held at three venues.Centre for traditional celebrations will Odori Park.From the height of the observation platform Sapporo TV Tower offers spectacular views of the park, filled with bright lights and decorated with a variety of snow sculptures.Every day, guests of the festival expect concerts, during which the sculptures serve as decorations.Just one stop by subway from Odori Park is the area of Susukino which is reserved for the ice sculpture.In the third, the "family" of the festival guests will Tsudome more snow figures, as well as three types of snow slides.
first Sapporo Snow Festival was held in 1950 in Odori Park.Then to the public was presented with 6 snow figures made by local high school students.Five years later, in the snow festival was attended by activists of the Self-Defense Forces, which built the first large-scale ice sculpture.In 1972, when Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics, the international media to tell the world about regularly held in Japan Snow Festival.Since 1974, the festival is held an international competition for the construction of snow sculptures.Here is a brief history of the festival gains popularity and worldwide recognition.Now the number of visitors of the festival hovers around two million spectators annually.
in Asahikawa Winter Festival
Asahikawa City - the second largest city after Sapporo Hokkaido - from 6 to 11 February, is also conducting a large-scale festival of snow, combined with the international ice sculpture competition.Since the festival is held at the same time with the Sapporo Snow Festival, if you wish, you can attend both events, as from one city to another to go no more than 80 minutes by train.
Street Haven Dori Asahikawa at the festival will present a gallery of ice sculptures in the open air.It is very convenient, because the street starts right from the railway station where trains arrive from Sapporo.
Experts advise to look at the ice sculptures and the light of day and in the evening light, especially when they look magical.
Near Haven Dori is a second area Asahibasi Festival, which presents snow sculptures.It is here that held the solemn opening and closing ceremonies of the festival, during which soar into the sky fiery colors of fireworks.
During a visit to the city of Asahikawa, you can visit not only the festival, but also to visit the city's famous zoo.
Kamakura Festival in the city of Yokota
In mid-February 2013 in Yokota Akita Prefecture will host traditional festival of Kamakura.Translated into Russian "Kamakura" means a snow hut.Indeed, during the festival in the city there is a lot of snow and ice huts of different sizes and shapes.Especially beautiful it looks in the evening, when put into the ice houses light sources, making the whole city becomes like a fairyland.
This festival, compared with the previous, more intimate, but its history has now 400 years old.Home ice festival tradition of burning huts put Christmas decorations, thereby returning them to the gods.During the festival, people thank Shinto gods by offering them a treat of sake and rice cakes.
Today, in place of the gods of the Japanese pantheon are mere passers-by, where local children are invited to the snow huts and treat them with rice cakes and sweet rice liqueur.
Photo source: japan-guide.com tumblr.com asahikawa-tourism.com
Articles Source: km.ru, visitjapan.ru
