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Lake Shikotsuko Ice Festival

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The Lake Shikotsuko Ice Festival in Hokkaido is a winter spectacle you won’t want to miss. Held from late January to mid-February, this festival transforms the area around Lake Shikotsu into a dazzling display of ice sculptures and frozen creations.

The centerpiece of the festival is the stunning ice formations made from the lake’s pure water. These sculptures come in various shapes and sizes, from majestic ice castles to intricate tunnels and slides. At night, colorful lights illuminate the ice, creating a magical, glowing wonderland.

One of the most exciting parts of the festival is the ice slide. Kids and adults alike enjoy zooming down this frosty chute, adding a sense of adventure to the icy surroundings. For those seeking a unique experience, there are ice bars serving drinks in ice glasses, offering a literal taste of the cold.

The festival grounds also feature food stalls with hot local delicacies, perfect for warming up. You can savor hot soups, grilled meats, and other winter treats while exploring the ice sculptures.

The Lake Shikotsuko Ice Festival is not just about the visual spectacle. It’s a celebration of winter, bringing people together to enjoy the beauty and fun of the season. The combination of art, adventure, and delicious food makes it a memorable event for all ages.



The area

Address
Lake Shikotsu, Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Lake Shikotsuko Ice Festival

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.
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Joon Wei Teow
Feb 21, 2025
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.
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Mohsein Sani
Mar 6, 2025
**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.
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Jay yuan
Jan 11, 2025
Unfortunately, drizzly weather accompanied us so views were minimal, gray and foggy. The visitor center showcased live displays of snails, lizards , beetles, frogs, snakes and fish of the area, lake formation info, a few interactive exhibits and several wildlife taxidermy. Peddle boats and kayaks were available for rental. TIP: A hotel & onsen are across the street of the visitor center’s main entrance. OVERALL: I bet this place is gorgeous in autumn…
Breathtaking view of two mountains, pinnacle of Hokkaido nature. Not over crowded with tourists makes it even more worth a drive destination.
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Xavier
Feb 10, 2025


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