you can see a part of a japanese shinzo shrine this one, kaisuga in nara prefecture in western japan, built in the eighth century. but this giant sculpture here recreated in snow. very realistic. 11 meters tall, 17 meters wide. and 2,000 tons of snow. now the architects behind this probably not who you would expect, actually members of japan's self-defense forces. it took 100 personnel about a month to put it all together. >> kimberly it looks like a big crowd there. where have all the people come from? >> well gene a real mix of a crowd here. we're seeing lots of families. we're seeing people who look like they've just come from work. and of course a lot of tourists. now i've been speaking to the tourists. i want to introduce you to one here. hello. >> hi. >> where did you come from? >> i'm from the u.s. >> yes. what brought you to hokkaido? >> well i've actually never been to hokkaido before it's my first time and i was always like looking for a good reason to go, and with the really famous snow festival it happens every year it's a good excuse to come. >> what is your impression of