The combination of sunset and winter makes Lake Shikotsu truly breathtaking. The stunning views and serene atmosphere create a magical experience. Plus, there's an ice festival by the lake, offering beautiful ice sculptures and a unique winter charm for ¥1,000 per adult.
This place was clod with strong gust of wind… it gives a vibe of winter wonderland. The shop closes early at 4pm so we weren’t able to have a snack. It was too bad that we missed the last day of ice festival, just 1 day before as well. Despite all of those, still nice to be here… this place is mesmerizing 🥰
I visited Lake Shikotsu and it was a very nice experience overall. The lake is known for its beautifully clear water and stunning scenic views, and it definitely lived up to its reputation in that regard. The natural surroundings are peaceful and make for a relaxing atmosphere — great for taking a walk or just enjoying the scenery.
There are a few things to see and do around the lake area — you can explore the walking paths, visit the small shops and cafés nearby, or take a sightseeing boat ride on the lake. The views of the mountains reflecting on the water are truly beautiful, especially on a clear day.
That said, the area itself is relatively small, so depending on what you’re looking for, it may be more of a short visit than a full-day activity. It’s great if you want to appreciate nature and take some nice photos, but there aren’t a huge number of attractions or activities beyond the lake itself.
Overall, Lake Shikotsu is worth a visit if you’re in the area and want to enjoy some beautiful natural scenery. It’s a nice, calm place to take a break from the city and soak in the views.

Got to fulfil my Game of Thrones dreams (sort of!) here by posing next to a miniature ice wall about 3 metres high. A good festival alternative in case you missed the Sapporo Snow Festival a week earlier.
**Shikotsu - ko Lake Review**
Shikotsu - ko Lake, the third - largest deep - water lake in Japan with a depth of about 300 meters, is a place full of charm, especially in winter.
In winter, the scenery around Shikotsu - ko Lake is truly magnificent. The surrounding mountains are covered with snow, creating a serene and pure white world. The clear lake water, in contrast to the white snow - capped mountains, looks like a blue gem. The combination of mountains and water here is a wonder of nature. The snow - covered mountains stand majestically, and the still lake reflects their images like a mirror, making it a perfect postcard - like view.
However, there are some things that visitors need to be aware of. The paths around the lake can be extremely slippery in winter. Ice and snow make the walking surface very dangerous. So, when you are strolling around e lake to enjoy the beautiful winter scenery, you must pay attention to anti - slip. Protect your mobile phone carefully, as if it slips from your hand, it may fall into the lake, which would be very troublesome.
As for transportation, if you plan to take a bus to Shikotsu - ko Lake, it is a bit inconvenient. You can see the small - road bus stops on the roadside. But the bus schedules are very limited. There is only one bus in the morning and also just one at noon. So, it is necessary to plan your journey time in advance to ensure that you can catch the bus.
In conclusion, despite the slippery paths and the infrequent bus schedules, Shikotsu - ko Lake in winter offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning natural beauty. It is a place that nature lovers should not miss.
