Don't Miss: Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 when six students built snow statues in Odori Park. Photo / Supplied

February 7-13, Hokkaido

Sapporo, the capital of Japan's second largest and northernmost island, is turned into a crystalline winter wonderland during Yuki Matsuri, the Sapporo Snow Festival.

The event began in 1950 when six students built snow statues in Odori Park. The idea caught on and today teams of talented professional sculptors come from around Japan and the world to create hundreds of statues and sculptures from ice.

These amazing creations range from small, intricate pieces to huge structures the size of multi-storey buildings.

There's a support programme of concerts and cultural events, and at night the sculptures are beautifully illuminated with coloured lighting.

For information visit snowfes.com.