What makes Hokkaido winter festival interesting is that there are so many sites to visit. And they are all unique and charming in a different way. The Sapporo Odori Park is the main site featuring over a hundred snow sculptures, the Susukino Site specilizes in ice sculptures, and the Tsudome Site is suitable for families. Otaru is more spiritual than commercial, many snow and ice objects built round town features love, couples, and starlight.
Otaru is one of my favorite cities in Hokkaido that I almost always visit every time I travel there. It is only around 35 minutes away by train from Sapporo, making it possible to go for a day trip. The main attractions are within walking distance: the fish market, a charming old harbor port with a beautiful canal, and historic buildings. Very easy to work around. During the low season, the area offers a quaint atmosphere.
The annual Otaru Snow Light Path event is held every year around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival so that visitors can go to both places at the same time. In 2016, the event will be held from Feb 5 to 14. Many candles and lights will be set up along the canal and around town, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.
The Sakaimachi Street is a charming city centre filled with historic buildings that are converted into shops, boutiques, glass worshops and restaurants. It is nice to talk a little walk before you go to canal for the snow festival. 境町通り是小樽市中心的一些舊建築街道，現在很多都成為商店、哨子館（玻璃工場）和餐廳，很有特色。往運河漫遊雪燈之路前可以先到這裏走走。The beautiful European style building is a famous cafe LeTao’s main branch. Try a famous cake and coffee. They are lovely. 這座歐洲式建築是甜品店LeTao 的本店，以蛋糕著名，加一杯咖啡是完美配搭。現在生意好了，在同一路上開多了一家分店，並提供其他食品。What’s great about Otaru is that there are fewer big neon lights advertising billboards. Most of the decorations are candles and lanterns that match these historic buildings. 小樽最可愛之處是沒有那麼多霓虹燈廣告牌。這裏用的裝飾是比較地道的燈籠和蠟燭，很配合這裏的舊式建築。
Hugging snowmen! Most of the decorations are hand-made by the locals and students, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere every where. 擁抱在一起的雪人！小樽的裝飾都是很多小樽人和學生的小手工創作，少了商業化元素，多了一份溫馨。The canal site is the main attraction of the Otaru Snow Light Path. The wavering lights on the water are candles in the glass floats that were the same as those used for herring fish in the old days. 小樽運河是「雪光之路」人氣 No. 1 景點。水上漂浮的點點柔光是以前用來捕魚的浮球，而且都是人手點燈的。Along the promenade are hand-made snow and ice art objects that are all lit by hand. 沿著運河倉庫對岸都是人手堆的冰雪「燈」小創作，亮燈也是人手點點蠟燭。The creative ideas are very down to earth. These small houses look like a cosy village. 創作主題也很溫馨，這些小屋就像一條寧靜的小村莊。Star light. Star bright. The first star I see tonight… 星光閃閃，是晚上燭光的好主題。Love is the main theme here. 到處都有心形燭光，充滿浪漫氣氛。
The little heart shape snow caves look like loving families. 一個個小小的燭光心形冰洞，晚上看起來像一個個充滿愛的家庭。The hearts and stars have warmed up the freezing canal, attracting many couples for a evening walk. 晚上的星星和心心吸引不少情侶前來賞燈散步。“This” is why the snow festival here lasts till February 14, the St. Valentine’s Day! Plan your next romantic Valentine’s Day here.「這」就是為什麼小樽的雪祭每年都會延到2月14日情人節！下一次要與情人渡過一個浪漫的情人節，要好好考慮小樽，謹記要很早預訂機票酒店。
Comments are closed.