Sapporo - Japan's fifth largest city Map of the Hokkaido region Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city. With a population of 1.85 million it is Hokkaido's political, economic, cultural and transportation center. During the Meiji period, the Japanese government, eager to fortify its northern defenses, established the Kaitakushi (Development Commission) to aid in developing the region. The result was a beautiful town with streets crossing at 90 degrees that less than 130 years later finds itself a major Japanese metropolis. Today, Sapporo is the jewel of Northern Japan with tourists particularly interested in landmark buildings from the pioneering age; the Clock Tower, the old red brick buildings as well as the charm of nature found lining the streets in the shape of famous poplar, elm and acacia trees. Combined with the region's pure air, abundant greenery and culinary treasures, Sapporo is a truly unique city.

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The 60th Sapporo Snow Festival - Odori Park, Sapporo Community Dome (Tsu-Dome), and Susukino, Sapporo City, Hokkaido - February 5th (Thur)-11th (Wed & Holiday), 2009 Nearly 300 beautiful snow statues and ice sculptures lines Odori Park and two further locations in Hokkaido’s capital every winter. Being the 60th such festival, it has now grown into being one of the most famous festivals in Japan attracting numerous domestic and international tourists to Sapporo. http://www.snowfes.com/english/

SL (Steam locomotive) Fuyu-no-Shitsugen-go start of operations - Running between: Kushiro and Shibecha on the JR Senmo Line - January 24th (Sat), 25th (Sun), 2009 (to Kawayu-Onsen Station) /  January 31st (Sat)-March 8th (Sun), 2009 (to Shibecha Station) (NB: operation dates and times are subject to temporary amendment) The steam locomotive named "SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen-go" is a 75 minute journey through a snow covered marsh between Kushiro and Shibecha stations. Occasionally accompanied by the toot of a whistle, a local guide explains the nature to be observed on the huge Kushiro Marsh as well as providing an explanation of the Japanese crane - a special national treasure. Potbellied stoves, which alone remind many people of Hokkaido, are placed in the passenger cars and passengers can roast dried squid (bought beforehand) as a tasty snack. http://www.jrkushiro.jp/sl09/sl09g.html

Icebreaker Orora - Abashiri Port, Abashiri City, Hokkaido - January 20th (Tue)-March 31st (Tue), 2009 The first icebreaker purpose built for tourism cuts powerfully through ice up to one meter thick in places as passengers scour the Sea of Okhotsk and the sky above to glimpse resident seals and eagles. http://www.ms-aurora.com/ (Japanese version only)

Diamond Dust in Kawayu - Kawayu Onsen Hot springs, Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido - December 20th (Sat), 2008-March 31st (Tue), 2009 Kawayu Onsen is a major hot springs resort in eastern Hokkaido, located between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu. During the festival, about 80,000 light bulbs illuminate the whole town of Kawayu Onsen. You can enjoy walking along the Orion Forest, the main venue of the festival located in the center of Kawayu Onsen town. These illuminations brighten up the freezing winter sky of Kawayu Onsen. http://www.kawayuonsen.com/k/ (Japanese version only)

Zoo in the Snow - The Winter Opening of Asahiyama Zoo - Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido - November 11th (Tue), 2008-April 7th (Tue), 2009 Asahiyama Dobutsuen, the northernmost zoo in Japan, has been a popular attraction with its cute animals and exciting exhibits that allow visitors to experience the animals moving, swimming, and flying up close. After snow lies thick on the ground in Asahikawa, its most famous event, the "Penguin Walk," begins, and takes place twice a day at 11am and 2:30pm. http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

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