Japan’s northernmost island is also its snowiest, but at least the residents of Hokkaido have some fun, stylish ways of ways of dealing with the cold temperatures.

The ice swordfish centerpiece at the Tanakas’ party was the talk of the neighborhood for weeks

The annual Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the most famous winter festivals in the world, boasting hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures.

In 2012 the festival will be held from February 6-12, and those who plan their trip accordingly will also be able to take in the nearby Ataru Yuki Akari no Michi (“snow light path” from February 3-12) and Asahikawa Winter Festival (February 8-12).

For the former, lanterns made of snow are placed around the city’s canal and historic sites, making for a beautiful and peaceful evening walk.

The latter bears some similarity to the Sapporo festival, with ice sculptures accompanied by fireworks, laser shows, music and dance performances and, of course, lots of local food and some very cold beer.