2. Must-see events in Hokkaido in January!

2-1. Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival

The three major winter events in Hokkaido are the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.
And a very high percentage of people who attend this ice waterfall festival are experiencing the harsh winters of Hokkaido.
This is a traditional festival that has continued for over 40 years since 1976.

Image provided by: Kamikawa General Promotion Bureau

An icefall is a waterfall that has frozen. Water from the Ishikari River is pumped up, and its cold temperature is used to quickly create an artificial ice waterfall.
And at night, it's illuminated with rainbow-colored lights. This might be the best part.

The towering icefalls are not just decorative objects; they also offer plenty of attractions, including observation decks and shops.

I took a walk through a fantastical landscape while experiencing a bitter cold that felt less like a chill and more like it was invading my body.
This world is a fantasy world that transcends the ordinary. Please experience it for yourself.

Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival Basic Information
Event period: Late January to late March
Access: Take the bus bound for Sounkyo from JR Sekihoku Line "Kamikawa Station" (approximately 30 minutes) and get off at "Sounkyo Onsen" bus stop.
For inquiries, please contact the Sounkyo Tourism Association at 01658-2-1811.

2-2. Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan

Speaking of cold, the ice surface of Lake Shikaribetsu, near Rikubetsu Town, the coldest town in Japan, is just as cold.
The event held here is at Shikari Lake Kotan.

As it's a relatively new event, it's become well-known nationwide, so many of you may already be familiar with it.
The elusive village of Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan appears only during the harsh winter months. At the "Ice Bar," where you can enjoy drinks in a bar made of ice, even the cocktail glasses are made of ice.

At the "Open-Air Bath on Ice," the entire area from the bath to the changing room is on ice. You can have an experience here that you won't find anywhere else in Japan.
This event is unique to Lake Shikaribetsu, where temperatures can drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius and the water thickness exceeds 70 cm.
With plenty of ice activities available, including snowmobiling, you can fully experience the freezing cold from daytime to nighttime.

Shikari Lake Kotan Basic Information
Event period: Late January to late March
Access: From JR Nemuro Main Line "Obihiro Station", take the Hokkaido Takushoku Bus for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and get off at "Shikaribetsu Lake", or from JR Nemuro Main Line "Shintoku Station", take the Hokkaido Takushoku Bus for approximately 1 hour and get off at "Shikaribetsu Lake". *Free during winter.
Prices: Ice bar/drink 500 yen per glass, ice glass making 1500 yen (includes one drink)
For inquiries, please contact the Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan Executive Committee Secretariat (located within the Shikaribetsu Lake Nature Center) at 0156-69-8181.

2-3. Hakodate Winter Festival

Within Hokkaido, there are many beautiful, vibrant, and atmospheric winter illuminations, such as Sapporo's White Illumination and Otaru's Snow-Lit Path.

While those events tend to be more about enjoying the illuminations themselves, the illuminations at the Hakodate Winter Festival are designed to allow you to enjoy the city of Hakodate itself.

Walking through Hakodate, a city rich in exotic charm with its sloping streets adorned with illuminations, the joy of travel truly sinks into your heart.

 Image source: Hakodate Tourism Photo Library

Because this area of ​​Hokkaido has a mild climate and less snowfall, it's easy to walk around and you can enjoy Hokkaido's winter without much difficulty.
In the distance, the fishing lights of the Tsugaru Strait and Goryokaku Fortress become stars on the ground, bringing a beautiful sense of peace to travelers.
Because the air is so clear in winter, both the night view from Mount Hakodate and the night view from the other side are beautiful, making this a trip where you can truly appreciate the charm of Hakodate.

Image source: Hakodate Tourism Photo Library

Hakodate Winter Festival Basic Information
Event period: Late January to late March
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Hakodate Main Line "Hakodate Station," or approximately 20 minutes by car from "Hakodate Airport."
Organized by Hakodate Winter Festival Executive Committee
For inquiries, please contact the Hakodate Winter Festival Executive Committee at 0138-27-3535.

Next page 3. Hokkaido specialties you'll want to eat in January!

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