Lake Shikotsu, located an hour's drive from Sapporo, hosts the "Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival" every winter. The ice sculptures, which captivate visitors with the lake's blue waters during the day, are illuminated in colorful lights at night, creating a fantastical spectacle.

What kind of fun can you expect to have at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival? I actually went there, so I'll give you a detailed guide.

Table of contents
1. Lake Shikotsu, located close to the city center, is a popular tourist spot.
2. Ice sculptures made from the waters of Lake Shikotsu
3. Conclusion
 

1. Lake Shikotsu, located near urban areas, is a popular tourist spot.

Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity 32,000 years ago. Despite being located relatively close to urban areas, it is home to a large population of wild animals. Lake Shikotsu has a circumference of approximately 42 km, an area of ​​78 km², and a maximum depth of over 360 m.

During the summer season, you can enjoy sightseeing boats and other boating activities. Lake Shikotsu boasts the clearest water quality in Japan for nine consecutive years, earning it the nickname "Shikotsu Blue."

Located close to Chitose Airport, where tourists disembark, it is one of Hokkaido's leading tourist destinations, bustling with visitors from within and outside Hokkaido, as well as from overseas.

A scene from the shores of Lake Shikotsu at night. The red bridge visible in the background is the "Yamasen Tetsusen" (Mountain Line Railway). It operated as a private light railway for a paper mill until 26.

It was later donated to Chitose City and has been used for many years as a road bridge and pedestrian bridge. It is beautifully illuminated at night.

2. Ice sculptures made from the waters of Lake Shikotsu

As the new year begins and the coldest part of winter arrives, the annual winter festival, the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival, takes place. The venue is Shikotsu Lake Onsen in Chitose City. Ice sculptures are created by drawing water from Lake Shikotsu and spraying it with sprinklers.
 

■ Welcome Gate

This is a view of the "Welcome Gate," the entrance gate to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. The long ice tunnel, stretching for over 10 meters, heightens the anticipation of entering the venue. Measures have also been taken to make walking easier on the often-icy ground inside the venue, demonstrating the thoughtfulness of the organizing committee.

■Blue Tower Red Tower

As you pass through the gate, two towers stand before you, as if welcoming you. The "Blue Tower" soars high, like a symbol of the venue. The "Red Tower," illuminated in a powerful red, is another striking feature.

■Hyoto Shrine

Inside the venue was an "Ice Shrine" made of ice.

The entrances and exits are arranged radially and converge towards the center. The objects stuck to the surface of the ice are coins.

People can be seen sticking money onto the wall as an offering, making a wish. It seems that the money stuck here will be used to fund future festival operations. 

■ Ice Slider

This ice slide is popular with children. It's only about 3 meters high, so even young children can enjoy it. There are also staff members on duty at all times, so you can rest assured.

The surface is very smooth, so it might be safer to press your body firmly against the ice to maintain stability. Adults can enjoy it too.

■Child Drink

Located in the center of the venue, alongside the ice slide, is the "Child Link," where children can slide and play on the ice while wearing their winter boots.

The children were excited, as it was an experience they don't often get to have. The spotlights reflecting off the ice rink looked very beautiful.

Helmets are available for rent. Depending on weather conditions, the ice slide and child drink may be closed.
*This facility is for children only, however, depending on the situation, adults may accompany young children.

■ Ice Aquarium

 
This ice building, with its beautiful Shikotsu Lake blue waters, houses an "Ice Aquarium" where you can see exhibits of kokanee salmon, Dolly Varden trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and dace.

A mystical world unfolded before me, as if I were peering into the depths of Lake Shikotsu, known for its "Shikotsu Blue" color.

A fantastical exhibit featuring illuminated fish. It possesses the beauty of an art museum.

■Mossy Cave

 
The famous "Mossy Cave" at Lake Shikotsu has been recreated in an ice cave. While the original "Mossy Cave" is densely covered with about 30 types of moss, this cave recreates it by covering the walls and ceiling with coniferous trees.

Since the actual "Mossy Cave" is currently inaccessible due to flood damage in 26, it's a good idea to try a simulated version of it here.

 

■Big Mountain

A "big mountain" suddenly appeared on the shores of Lake Shikotsu. Stepping inside through its large opening...

This ice wall is about 10 meters high. The lake water that has been sprayed onto it has created a pattern resembling geological strata. It's truly breathtaking.

There's a gaping hole in the sky, like a volcanic crater. A section of the sky has been carved out, allowing us to see the clouds passing by.

■ Lake Shikotsu Blue Pond

 

The "Shikotsu Blue Pond" was created with the "Blue Pond," a nationally famous tourist spot in Biei Town, as its inspiration.

It was created by plowing a pond about 10 meters in diameter and filling it with water from Lake Shikotsu. A tree stands in the center. At night, it is illuminated, creating a magical glow.

■Blue Chateau

You ascend a large spiral staircase, as if passing through a long tunnel towards the sky. Upon reaching the top, you'll find an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the festival grounds.

 

A view from a hilltop. Lake Shikotsu and Mount Eniwa, located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, can be seen in the background of the venue. The sunset over the lake is also beautiful.

Next to the main office at the venue, there is a warm rest area. The rest area has vending machines for drinks and is a great place to warm up. Please feel free to come here if you need a break.

Chitose, where Lake Shikotsu is located, doesn't receive as much snowfall as Sapporo, but it is a place where the freezing cold is severe. Please dress warmly so you can fully enjoy the festival.

On Saturdays and Sundays during the event period, fireworks will be launched starting around 18:30 PM, further enhancing the magical atmosphere of the venue at night.

In addition to dynamic live performances of Japanese taiko drums, there will be a variety of events to liven up the festival, including game competitions and prize giveaways. For detailed event information, please check the official website.

3. Conclusion

What did you think?
At night, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is illuminated with seven colors of light. Although the ice pillars may all look the same, if you look closely, you'll see that each one has a different expression.

It looks completely different during the day and at night, so it might be fun to enjoy the difference in its appearance.

[Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival]
■Date and Time: Held annually from the end of January to the middle of February. Please check the official website for details.
■Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Light-up from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM)
■Address: 40 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport / 60 minutes by car from Sapporo city center
〒066-0281 Shikotsu Lake Hot Springs, Chitose City, Hokkaido
http://hyoutou-special.asia/

*This article describes the events of the 2017 Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

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