By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 
The famous winter event in Hokkaido, the “Sapporo White Illumination,” officially began lighting up in late November, with the entire city adorned with dazzling bulbs, presenting the most romantic and beautiful winter scenery.

The Sapporo White Illumination Tree Festival originally began in 1981, making it Japan’s earliest illumination festival. Now in its 35th year, the number of bulbs has grown from an initial 1,000 to an astonishing 520,000, creating a romantic sea of lights that makes Sapporo’s winters vibrant and colorful. The White Illumination features three exhibition areas: Odori Park, Naeichi-dori venue, and Ekimae-dori venue. Among them, the Odori Park venue uses bulbs to create iconic Christmas symbols such as the memorable Sapporo TV Tower and snowflakes, making the nights brilliantly radiant. Additionally, while enjoying the illuminated trees, you can also visit the “Sapporo Munich Christmas Market” (late November – late December) at 2-chome in Odori Park, which is filled with a strong Christmas atmosphere. During the Christmas season, the lighting hours are extended until midnight, making it a popular date spot for couples.

This year’s White Illumination event, which opened on November 20, will continue at the Odori Park venue until December 25 (Christmas); the Ekimae-dori venue runs until February 11, 2016; and the Naeichi-dori venue lasts the longest until March 14, 2016. In this cold weather, why not stroll through Sapporo amidst the city adorned with brilliant illuminations and experience the uniquely enchanting winter of the north?

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