Hokkaido’s Snow Crystal Museum is a small themed “museum” dedicated to snowflakes that has caught the attention of visitors from around the world. Japan is famous for these focused museums and the Snow Crystal Museum will not disappoint. The museum is reminiscent of a European castle and is located in the Hokkaido Folk Arts and Crafts Village in the city of Asahikawa.
The Folk Arts and Crrafts Village also includes the International Dyeing and Weaving Art Museum and the Yukara Ori Craft Museum. After you are finished taking a journey reminiscent to Elsa’s Ice Castle from Disney’s animated movie, Frozen, there are plenty of other interesting things to see and do in the Village.
The architecture of the Snow Crystal Museum shows little Japanese influence, but rather looks like a European castle magically moved to northern Japan. Elaborate snow crystal figures and decorations are found all over the museum. The snowflake motif can be found on every detail, the creators of the museum did a wonderful creating the magic of a snowflake world.
Inspiration came from research materials (1925-1987) of Kobayashi Tadashi-saku, professor of Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University who dedicated his life to the study of snow. Accenting the grandeur, a grand piano and glass chandeliers complement the setting.
A spiral railing laced with metal snowflakes greets you when you enter the museum. Descending the stairs the sound of falling water can be heard and you are greeted by fountain where you can toss in a coin for good luck and wishes.
A set of doors decorated with gorgeous snowflakes guarded by two statues of women flank the door which leads to a amazing corridor of ice containing windows that highlight rows of real frozen waterfalls. These icefalls are preserved at minus 15 degrees and are framed through the glass windows that are cool to the touch.
This leads you to the Music Hall, popular place in the Snow Crystal Museum for museum patrons as well as specials events like weddings and concerts.
Oil paintings themed from “the northern sky” Kita no Sora cover the ceiling like a French Renaissance Château. After the Music Hall, the Snow Crystal Room awaits with over 200 snow crystals pictures displayed on floor-to-ceiling window panes.
There is an interactive room with information on snowflakes and crystals complete with snow-themed children’s books, videos, and statues when you are finished your visit to the Snow Crystal Museum.
A European inspired cafe is in the Snow Crystal Museum opened in June, 2014 appropriately called ‘Snoowna’ カフェレストラン スノーナ that is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Delicious European entrees and desserts including frosty parfaits will entice your taste buds.
Address: 3 Chome-1-1 Minamigaoka, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-8028, Japan
Hours for the Museum are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Admission is 650 yen and the website in Japanese is at http://www.yukaraori.com/yukibi/
