Sapporo TV Tower Transforms into a Super Romantic Christmas Tree with 520,000 Light Bulbs Creating a White Illumination Festival

▲ The Tree of Love in front of Sapporo TV Tower. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong, the same below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Sapporo Report

The annual Sapporo White Illumination in Hokkaido officially kicked off this evening (November 20). The neon lights at the Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park venues were also simultaneously lit at 18:00, adding a strong romantic ambiance to Sapporo’s night scenery.

▲ Vast snowflakes and white illuminated roadside trees on both sides add a winter romance to the White Illumination.

Originating in 1981, the Sapporo White Illumination was first held at Odori Park with only 1,000 light bulbs. Over time, in its 35th year, this year’s event features 520,000 bulbs and themes such as Christmas and the universe. In addition to the main Odori Park light area, there are also venues at South 1st Avenue and Station Front Street.

▲ A Christmas tree glowing in golden light.

In the Odori Park area, you can see the specially decorated Sapporo TV Tower for the White Illumination, shining brilliantly against the sky; in front of the tower, there’s the heart-filled Tree of Love, a golden Christmas tree, and undulating waves of blue lights. At the venue, you can also see giant light decorations such as snowflakes and diamonds crafted with lighting.

▲ Colorful snowflakes.

If you walk to the South 1st Avenue venue, originally a bustling street of department stores, the addition of illumination installations, along with decorative lights on roadside trees and pathways, allows you to feel the joyful atmosphere of the White Illumination while shopping.

▲ Roadside trees at the South 1st Avenue venue are also dressed up in Christmas lights.

After opening today, the activities at Odori Park for the White Illumination will continue until December 25, the Station Front Street venue will run until February 11, 2016; the South 1st Avenue venue, which will only turn off its lights on March 14 next year, lasts for as long as 116 days. Compared to Taiwan’s theme lantern-style illumination festivals, the Sapporo White Illumination is simpler and more straightforward. With its romantic atmosphere paired with cold weather and lively music, it’s no wonder many couples come here especially for dates, warming up their love together.

▲ The most iconic Sapporo TV Tower also gets a new look for the White Illumination.

Sapporo White Illumination
Location:
Odori Park Venue: November 20, 2015 – December 25, 2015, total 36 days
Station Front Street Venue: November 20, 2015 – February 11, 2016, total 84 days
South 1st Avenue Venue: November 20, 2015 – March 14, 2016, total 116 days
Time: 16:30 – 22:00 (extended to 24:00 from December 23 – 25)

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