00:00:01 John Daub: You see it, don't you? Street food as far as the eye can see. That up there is the Sapporo TV Tower, and this is your guide to the Sapporo Snow Festival. It's 2020, start of a new decade—actually, that might be 2021. But nevertheless, this is the year of the Olympics here in Japan. It's an extremely exciting time to be here. This snow festival was almost doomed. We didn't think it was going to snow at all. And then last night, it just snowed—the entire month of January's snow in one day, it seems like, in February. It dumped on us, and now we're still digging out.

00:00:36 John Daub: The snow sculptures I'm going to show you—you're going to want to stick with us for an hour as we go from the start at the Sapporo TV Tower all the way to the end of the street. So if you've never been to the Sapporo Snow Festival, after this live stream, you're going to feel like you have. It's pretty exciting stuff. This Sapporo TV Tower is going to look a lot smaller in about 25 minutes. But before we go, we're not alone. Oh no. Along the way, we're going to look at street foods, gifts, activities. At the end of this guide, you'll be a veteran—know exactly what to do, how to stay safe, what not to eat. And there's Matsumi and Kanae having a good time. Hello, everybody. Good morning. We're digging out of yesterday's snowstorm. I think they said it was like six or seven inches. When I walked out of my hotel at 11 p.m. last night, there was at least four inches on the ground.

00:02:05 John Daub: Now, the Sapporo TV Tower is a pretty good place to start because at the top, you get an amazing view, especially at night, all the way down Odori Park (大通公園, long central park). Odori Park goes about eight blocks, and in the middle is where Sapporo TV has a snow sculpture that's usually one of the best. But this year, because of the lack of snow, it's a little less stunning than in years past. It's pretty large—they have a large building down there. We're going to check that out.

00:02:54 Guest (from Chile): Hi. How are you?

00:02:54 John Daub: How you doing? There's a lot of people from Chile. Only in Japan. Just yesterday we met two people from... Well, here you go—you found me a card. You're very welcome. Thanks for saying hi. What's your favorite place here? I've been staying in Tokyo, Osaka, traveling across Japan. Just seeing the views. I'm very happy to see you. Thank you very much. Thanks for saying hi. Awesome.

00:03:38 John Daub: Now you can go left or right, but it's actually one way—you have to go right. We're supposed to, but I'm going left because whatever people are doing, I do the opposite and usually discover more stuff that way—or get told to go the other way. The reason we're going left is the street food is most popular. We haven't eaten breakfast because we're filming another episode just on food. One point: in Sapporo, Hokkaido, we have zangi (炸ぎ, local fried chicken)—it's actually karaage (唐揚げ, Japanese fried chicken), using thigh meat instead of breast, so it's juicier, dark meat. It smells pretty good. These shops don't really start selling until about 11 a.m. around lunchtime. We're at 9:45, but you could probably buy some stuff. Here's some yakisoba (焼きそば, fried noodles)—another festival staple. Oh man, that was a pretty healthy serving.

00:05:30 John Daub: This area is for J-Com, a local cable company—they have an ice skating rink on the other side. If we get too much ice or snow, you can take this salt or sand for public safety. Anybody can use it—just put the bag back when done. I like this system. If you're here a few days, get sube-dome (すべり止め, anti-slip shoe grips)—like a rubber band with metal grips, 700-1000 yen (7-10 dollars). Without them, you're guaranteed to fall on your butt at least once. A lot of people falling.

00:07:15 John Daub: Ando1135—that's where I was last year, but it was snowing constantly. Thanks to your main channel video—hope to come back soon. Because of the video I did about five years ago, no sense doing an entire new guide like this. We're doing something different for another edited episode. Hey, Benevale's here—food is coming, food and drink fun. Find something hot and cozy. This is the next intersection—starts with the post office. Over the last couple years since I was here in 2017, Hokkaido has been embracing more Ainu (アイヌ, indigenous people) culture. A little fairer skin than Japanese—you'll find pieces of it all over Hokkaido. There's a new Ainu museum opening near Noboribetsu in April—that's exciting. I went two and a half years ago and thought they needed changes; views and comments worked—they completely changed the Ainu park.

00:08:42 John Daub: Whoa, they have Snow Festival stamps—the postcard set. Interesting, but the price is not. Awesome—so the post office embraces the festival; you can get Sapporo Snow Festival memorial stamps, good for postcards. International postcard is 70 yen, but I always send Patreon supporters an 84 yen stamp—they're more stylish, the typical letter stamp in Japan. She bought one—you're the proud owner of a memorial stamp. This is some Ainu cuisine—venison (deer), more deer than beef here because the population is out of control. Deer eat or be eaten—it's a tough world. Hokkaido was all right.

00:10:53 John Daub: We're moving to the next intersection—a little more empty. After the ski jump, we have the Sapporo TV snow sculpture. Hey Danny's here—hi John, Kanae and Matsumi, have a nice day. It's a lot warmer now than yesterday—yesterday was like Montreal weather, now more like Toronto. There's something for Ellis—some daruma (達磨, good luck doll). They have commemorative stamps, buttons, pins—a lot of people have pin collections. This is the 70th? No, ones through the years—so you can have a hat filled with pins. Check out here at the Snow Festival—they put in vending machines special for it. Coca-Cola has special Snow Festival cans of Coke, only available January 31st to February 11th. This milk coffee only in Hokkaido, corn soup, ebi umami (shrimp soup)—hot soups you need when it's cold.

00:13:09 John Daub: Look how far from the tower. They're very strict with the lights—patrols make sure you don't cross on blinky lights; hardcore solid green only. We've made it 400 meters away—yesterday we couldn't see it for snow. Now the weather's warmed up. In this part of the park (sanchome, three-chome), they have a ski jump—they've done this for years, since 2007 or 2008 when I first came. I remember standing here with hot coffee watching jumps, mouth open. They have a contest—schedule here. You're not allowed to fly drones. Today is February 6th (getsugatsu muika)—afternoon snowboard jam session. No drones for next six months unless full-time with classes.

00:15:33 John Daub: They're removing snow from last night—it was insane. Please do what Peter said. It's hard because everything's snowy—you're throwing snow involuntarily. I'm focused on not walking into pylons. No offense to chat. Copyright music—run past it so it's not heavy in the speaker. My face is slightly frozen. Kanae, what do you want to eat? Seafood? Ramen and seafood, tempura. The Itigo Daifuku (strawberry daifuku) is coming up. These guys are really strict—once the light blinks, you can't cross. Let's get to the Sapporo TV sculpture, usually one of the best. There's Susukino (すすきの, entertainment district) over there—if you cross straight ahead, less than a kilometer to Sapporo Station. In the middle is Odori Park. Sapporo TV Tower getting smaller.

00:18:03 John Daub: They're looking at me funny like I did something wrong. When people stare in Japan, it's powerful—not one person, like 20 following you. You know you're wrong, get back on path. You feel the heat like lasers. See, it says one way—we broke that. That's where I filmed the opening of the 2015 Sapporo Snow Festival guide. Oh, they do sumo—this is the first snow sculpture 20 minutes in. All sponsored—this is Yurikata, character mascot for a house company. Larger than life—if he rolls, he'll crush a house. They have projection mapping—color lit at night, really pretty. Bungee jumping was further that way? No, I'm not serious.

00:20:06 Kanae Daub: Whenever you see something broken in half with cheese dipping, that says Kanae all over it. Matsumi, are you hungry? Yeah, gyoza dumplings and ramen. I had half an apple pie last night—I crashed after one bite.

00:20:29 John Daub: There's Tashikara miso ramen—that's what we had with Chilean friends yesterday. Tashikara (likely Tasukara [?]) is in central Hokkaido—they make incredible ramen. Kanae scarfed hers faster than me. Butter corn, special miso ramen for Sapporo. I asked the owner if it's better than the head shop—he wouldn't say. Reason you drive seven hours to Tasukara. The Wagyu beef looks good. We're back for a main edited video on food. There's the mochi daifuku. Kanae, you want one? Pockets change—she took all the silver ones! She's not a gold digger. Look at the steam—that's jaga bata (じゃがバタ, potato butter).

00:22:45 John Daub: They have vending machines down the way—Yubari Melon Hot Milk. It is confirmed—you are right in front of us. Nice to meet you—did you enjoy the snow last night? Incredible. I was at the hotel watching, laughing at suckers. We were walking snowmen. Glad I saw you—my main purpose from Australia to see you. John is the reason I started coming to Japan. I've been here six times past year—no video shows the beauty. You have to jump through the screen. You get an "I found me" card. Even evening full of people, they control crowd well. They started over 50 years ago—Japan Self-Defense Force made sculptures, so popular they increased size. Six students from local high school did six statues first year, one day only. Second year, Defense Force did massive structures.

00:25:02 John Daub: This is the Sapporo TV one—they're doing maintenance. For you, sir—thank you, you found me. I did—I'm so happy. I'll go home and watch the live stream. Do you have a channel? All Abroad. Started coming and YouTube because of you—hopefully improve. Encourage All Abroad—he's been chatting. You're a good man—enjoy, check ice sculptures tonight. Awesome—I saw tons of his posts on Discord. Very cool—check his channel. They put a lot of butter in jaga bata—winter keeps it from melting. Sea urchin (uni, ウニ) in potato? If they put uni in it, jack price to 800 yen—smart. We ate crab sticks yesterday—really good. Love crab sticks. What is that wrapped in bacon? Asparagus? Ishi Yoshi lover—get Genghis Khan (ジンギスカン, mutton BBQ).

00:27:26 Matsumi: Get some Genghis Khan.

00:27:29 John Daub: Do they have it here? At main food court—you don't cook yourself like restaurant. Street food good if hungry, but gets cold fast—eat in six bites. Kanae has daifuku—winter is strawberry season in Japan, greenhouse makes sweeter. Yomogi (蓬, mugwort) mochi—not matcha, more bitter, balances sweet red bean and strawberry. Very good. Mitsumichi (pounded rice?) wonderful—we make during New Year. A little hard because of cold—means natural.

00:29:34 John Daub: They take mashed potatoes, make long french fries, deep fry—that's zangi karaage. Takoyaki (たこ焼き, octopus balls) on stick? Deep fried takoyaki? Never heard—doesn't sound right if not pan-fried. Experimental—street food 500-800 yen, pricier for better ingredients, seafood. Wow, check that out—weird, never seen. Tokyo Slim welcome aboard—first live stream. Mountain of oden (おでん, stew). Where Conan the Detective is, ants working to repair from snow—suspended truck called "All is One," co-sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe and Sapporo TV.

00:32:38 John Daub: Teams fixing—by afternoon open again. Quite a ways from TV Tower now—tourists love watching ants on massive statue. Smartphone on a stick—that's All Abroad doing his thing. Respect laws—don't cross red light, hard for cars to brake on ice. That's why sube-dome. Whistle men here—Gochome (五丁目, five-chome), five of eight intersections. Yakikuri (焼き栗, roasted chestnuts). Yesterday strange yurikata. Don't smoke, kids—tried once in college, awful. Ice smoking hut for smokers.

00:37:17 John Daub: Sapporo gloating—they stole marathon from Tokyo for heat. Marathon runners sculpture—sly. Moving to summer Olympics for sponsor dollars. Official program. Melon kuma (melon bear) bit my head last time—violent. This Yurikata from Hokuto-shi (北斗市, northern Hokkaido town)—Hokuto means north. Hokigai (北蛤, surf clam)? Long fingers—from far galaxy. Love Japanese yuru-chara (ゆるキャラ, mascots). Thumbs up for more? If 500 likes, Kanae dances snow dance. Street view of festival—this next snow sculpture. Steve joined Patreon Daimyo class—sending package from Sapporo, thanks.

00:41:09 John Daub: Really awesome projection mapping at night. Last time, Macau statue made you feel there. This sponsored by Japan Racing Association—Hokkaido 98% thoroughbreds. Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Creepy voice: world holding hands—like 70s Coke commercial. Kanai doesn't like atsukiri bacon (厚切りベーコン, thick bacon)—fishball soup maybe. Intersection closed by blood bank—give blood, get bento, yakisoba, Hokkaido juice. Good cause.

00:44:52 John Daub: Food court! Ishikawa rice. Betting here? Funny guards. This where we bought something last time—turned frozen stick. Toby (crow)! Can I make snowball, throw at him? Crows fight back with posse, gravity. Food area—people eating hot. Favorite food, Matsumi? Kani-man (蟹まん, crab bun)—steamed buns with crab, from Hakodate. Head scallop soup, squid mayo cheese, potato yaki, kebabs with crab. Try kani-man—six dollars, good racket, booth space not free, cold suffering. Grilled Hokkaido scallops mammoth—got 20 for 500 yen in Wakkanai 2003.

00:49:49 Kanae Daub: Kanai's getting kani-man.

00:49:56 John Daub: Massive. From Hakodate—stamped kani-man. Take bite, show guts—crab meat. Sono mama (as is). Very nice—all crab. Really good—mixed in sauce like gyoza batter, meatball, steamed bun. Cheaper in Hakodate (100 yen), but worth extra. No more crab—you get carbs now. Guilty. Need carbs—I need crab. Almost end—two more big sculptures. 53 minutes—speed up. Genghis Khan—600 yen reasonable. Snow Miku drink like orange ramune (ラムネ, fizzy soda). Miku blue hair character everywhere. Zangi happy—karaage, thigh momo-niku (もも肉, thigh meat), not breast mune (胸肉).

00:56:04 John Daub: Souvenirs like pins, Snow Miku bags. NHK snowman covered in snow—local artists slower. Yesterday's snowfall beautiful—check Susukino live stream. Signal drops at night—turn off apps. Russian Matryoshka (マトリョーシカ, nesting dolls). Giant sculpture distance—away from idol cover music, greedy copyright. Selfie with Ojasumi (おじゃすみ [?]). Hokkaido soups famous—corn, potato, chowder, good dairy, corn, produce.

00:59:57 John Daub: Pan right—what's that? Poland flag—shoutout Poland, represented. Beautiful details—pillars, windows, balcony, gargoyles. Poland Hibai (Poland Plaza?)—Lazienki Park Palace, Chopin statue. 100th diplomatic anniversary. Original picture here—love comparing snow to real. Special stage—HBC simulcast opening day. Pianist took requests—Ghibli, Totoro.

01:02:37 Staff (Lithuanian): Hello. What selling? Smoking incense Santas—from Lithuania. Third year—hopefully back.

01:03:54 John Daub: Smells good—nose stuffed from cold. Stage schedule—HBC. Poland Lazienki Park, Chopin. Paying respect.

01:05:41 John Daub: End of road—Matsumi heads out, we refresh for shoot. 8 Hachichome (八丁目). View back—TV Tower small. Hour walk with food stops—45 minutes normal, 30 running, but careful, buy sube-dome. Dead zone at 5G booth. Lithuanian brings burners yearly—smart. Looks German imperial—Ainu museum opening April 24th. Improved—bear to UK zoo. Japan Self-Defense Force booth—thank for defending, festival support. 71st Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (雪まつり, Snow Festival)—started 1954, six students six statues one day. Process: snow from north, tractors heap, carve—started January, finished Feb 2nd.

01:11:53 John Daub: Community, international sculptures further. New Ainu park like this—glad redoing. Questions in comments—we'll be back in a couple years. Stay warm. Still hungry? Yes—so regroup, eat more. Enjoy snow—see you soon.