Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival which takes place every year during Winter, is one of the best place to visit in Japan and probably the best ice festival in northern part of the country.
Just beside the eye-catching lake Shikotsu, this ice festival has been taking place for over 40+ years with pride. This is an exceptionally beautiful place where the visitors get the opportunity to create their lifetime memories.
If you go on a sunny day you can enjoy the lake and its stunning mountainous view from just beside of the festival area.
While in the festival, you are assured to enjoy colorful illuminated ice caves, ice aquariums, frozen giant ice walls, fireworks during evening and so on…
How to visit this festival?
By car it takes about 40 minutes from New Chitose Airport or about an hour from Sapporo. It is also possible to go there by train, bus and taxi.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival – Entry Fee and Address
Entry fee for adult to enjoy the festival is about 500 yen. It is free for junior high school student and below.
Address: Lake Shikotsu hot springs, Chitose city
Website: https://hyoutou-special.asia
When to visit Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival?
The festival takes place from late January to mid February every year on the bank of majestic lake Shikotsu. The festival opens at 10:00 and closes at 20:00. Illumination starts from 16:30. Fireworks can be enjoyed on Saturday and Sunday from around 18:30.
Some Handy Tips
Some handy tips to get the best experience from this festival – if weather and time is feasible then visit the festival between 10th February and 13th February around 3PM. In this way you can enjoy the beauty of the festival during day and night time. In general you can visit anytime during business hour, but at least check the weather beforehand. The snowy ground may feel bit slippery, therefore wear winter boots if possible.
Shikotsu Ice Festival is a unique place to visit in Japan during Winter for experiencing amazing man made ice structures. Now that you know about this wonderful festival, why not give it a visit when you get the opportunity? If you have a travel itinerary in Hokkaido in Winter, keep this Ice Festival in your bucket list.
