Evanescent beauty of Ice Sculptures And Eternal Beauty of A National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle

The National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Carving Festival is a great festival in winter where you can see a lot of beautiful ice sculptures. Skillful ice sculptors gather at this event to show their skills. You can enjoy beautiful ice sculptures with Matsumoto Castle and the Japanese Alps in the background.

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A National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle, Surrounded By The Japanese Alps

Matsumoto Castle

The National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Carving Festival is held is Matsumoto Castle, within the Nagano prefecture. As a registered national treasure, it is also the oldest castle among those registered as national treasures. The castle is surrounded by the Japanese Alps, the surrounding scenery among the green mountains is magnificent. Matsumoto Castle used to be the “Fukashi Castle” as built by Ogasawara family. It was repaired greatly by Shingen Takeda and was bought back by Sadayoshi Ogasawara in 1582 and renamed “Matsumoto Castle. This special site was once on the market. However, a man of great power from the town bought the castle back. Around 1897, the castle started tilting, so money was collected by the Society for the preservation of Tenshu, founded by local people including figures such as the principal at Matsumoto junior high school to fund its successful repair. The repairs were carried out and completed in 1903. This significant site still exists because of the local people’s loyal effort and support in maintaining its historical beauty and. charm for future generations.

A Short-lived Beauty Created By Ice Sculptors

Because ice sculptures don’t last forever, unlike other sculptures such as those made of wood, it makes it even more special and valuable to see. There are only five ice houses in Japan that can make natural ice. Three ice houses out of the five are in Nikko, Tochigi. It takes about two weeks to make ice that is 5.9inches (15 cm) thick. The way of processing and storing hasn’t changed since a long ago. These icehouses store one year’s worth of ice. Ice sculptures are made by not only the skill of sculptors but also thanks to the effort of people who make great quality and clear natural ice.

How Is An Ice Sculpture Made?

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1. Make A Base
Normally, make a square base with snow and pour water on top to freeze.

2. Cut Ice Cubes
Cut ice cubes in different shapes depending on the design. Then, pile up the ice cubes.

3. Draw The Design
Draw the design on the ice piled up on the base.

4. Carve
Carve the big parts by using tools such as chainsaw.

5. Trim
Trim in detail by using small tools such as gravier and carving knives.
This is how beautiful sculptures are made. It is often lit up after completed for display. Under the very cold temperature, they can stay intact for more than 24 hours.

The National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Carving Festival

This is one of the most popular events in Nagano prefecture. This year, it is held on January 26th and 27th. The temperature can drop to 14F (-10℃）in this area. However, this event is always so lively and warm with many people that you can forget about the coldness! Sculptors from inside and outside of Nagano prefecture gather to show their skills and compete. In the cold weather, the sculptors make their ice sculptures throughout the night. Because of global warming and the recession, there are less opportunities for ice sculptures to be displayed in parties and events. This National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Carving Festival is a very valuable event since these kinds of events are held less and less. All the ice sculptures will be displayed with Matsumoto castle in the background. It is a great view of winter art. Being able to see Matsumoto castle in the background makes this festival even more special.

Not Only Ice Sculpture But Also More To Enjoy

Other than ice sculpture displays, you can see other events such as dance shows and slides made of ice. It is a great event for children. On Saturday, ice sculptures that are not for the competition are displayed as well. Also, you can see live ice carving performances. The ice sculptures that are entered in the competition will be carved on Saturday night for Sunday exhibition. The ice sculptures will start melting when the temperature rises so the best time to visit to see those ice sculptures would be on Sunday early in the morning. Here is a list from the program.

◆Ice Carving championship
◆Ice Jumbo Slide
◆Ice Carving live performance
◆Opening ceremony with Japanese drums
◆Eating area offered by Matsumoto Ogottsuo Shokudo
◆rock-paper-scissors tournament
◆Raffle drawing
◆Dance performance by Studio beach house MATSU>STA

And even more! Just by looking at this program, it made you excited, didn’t it?

At the eating area offered by Matsumoto Ogottsuo Shokudo, there will be many food stands and food trucks. You can eat many kinds of local food including delicious warm soup such as pork miso soup and ramen noodles. You can see beautiful ice sculptures made by skilled professionals and a variety of performances such as dance and Japanese drums while eating hot delicious local cuisines. In the cold weather, you can feel warmth and it will make a great memory.

Information

The National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Carving Festival

Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873

Access
By train: 15 minutes’ walk from Shinonoi JR Matsumoto station

By bus: Take Matsumoto Tour Bus “Town Sneaker” North Course to “Matsumotojo-Shiyakushomae” stop. It is about 10 minutes’ ride.
Date: January 26th(Sat.) and 27th(Sun.)

Hours: From 10:30 on 26th ~15:30 on 27th *Pre-carving event starts from 18:00 on 25th(Fri.)

Fee: Free