[winter][ Hokkaido Chitose City]Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is one of the must-see events for travelers visiting Hokkaido in the winter. This festival is an attractive winter festival that attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad, and is particularly notable for its artistic ice objects. The ice sculptures made from the crystal clear water of Lake Shikotsu emit a unique blue glow when illuminated by natural light during the day. This blue gradation, called "Lake Shikotsu Blue," has a special beauty that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Meanwhile, at night, the area is lit up, creating a fantastic world that is different from the daytime. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival venue is vast and offers a variety of activities to visitors. For example, the ice slide and ice maze are popular with families, and you can have so much fun that you will forget the cold. There are also plenty of food stalls where you can enjoy hot drinks and Hokkaido gourmet food, making it a great spot to soothe your cold body. We highly recommend visiting this festival for travelers who want to experience the charm of Hokkaido's winter.
Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival: A spectacular winter event that Hokkaido is proud of
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is one of the must-see events for travelers visiting Hokkaido in the winter. This festival is an attractive winter festival that attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad, and is particularly notable for its artistic ice objects. The ice sculptures made from the crystal clear water of Lake Shikotsu emit a unique blue glow when illuminated by natural light during the day. This blue gradation, called "Lake Shikotsu Blue," has a special beauty that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Meanwhile, at night, the area is lit up, creating a fantastic world that is different from the daytime. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival venue is vast and offers a variety of activities to visitors. For example, the ice slide and ice maze are popular with families, and you can have so much fun that you will forget the cold. There are also plenty of food stalls where you can enjoy hot drinks and Hokkaido gourmet food, making it a great spot to soothe your cold body. We highly recommend visiting this festival for travelers who want to experience the charm of Hokkaido's winter.
Highlights of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival: Art created by ice and light
The biggest attraction of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is the ice sculptures and their illumination. The ice sculptures illuminated by natural light during the day have a distinctive blue glow that makes the most of the transparency unique to Lake Shikotsu. This blue color attracts many tourists as "Lake Shikotsu Blue". Meanwhile, at night, the ice sculptures are lit up with lights of various colors, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime. When you go through the ice tunnel, the light refracts, making you feel as if you have wandered into another world. The chandeliers and ice buildings made from the ice of Lake Shikotsu are all works that show the beauty of their form, with attention to detail. These ice sculptures are handcrafted by local craftsmen, and you will be amazed by their skill and artistry. In addition, during the illumination event, the ice sculptures and the night view of Lake Shikotsu create a special scene. By taking your time to enjoy these sights, you will come to understand that the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is not just a tourist event, but a special place where you can experience Hokkaido's winter culture and nature.
Access information for Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and how to enjoy the surrounding area
The venue for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is located in the Lake Shikotsu Onsen area in Chitose, Hokkaido. It is conveniently located about 40 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, making it easily accessible to many tourists. If you use public transportation, there is a direct bus from Chitose Station, so even travelers visiting Hokkaido for the first time will not have to worry about getting lost. The Lake Shikotsu area is also famous as a hot spring resort, so you can relax in the hot springs after enjoying the festival. There are plenty of accommodation facilities in the area, so we recommend planning a two-day, one-night trip to enjoy the Ice Festival. In addition, Lake Shikotsu itself is known as the second clearest lake in Japan, and its beauty attracts many people regardless of the season. When you visit the Ice Festival, be sure to take a stroll around the lakeside and feel the tranquility of nature. There are also restaurants scattered around the Lake Shikotsu area that use locally produced ingredients, so you can enjoy fresh seafood and game dishes. Packed with such diverse attractions, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is sure to be a great destination when planning a winter trip to Hokkaido.
[Winter Festivals and Illuminations]Other recommended spots
Sapporo Snow Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Sapporo City
Odori Venue: A short walk from Odori Subway Station Susukino Venue: A short walk from Exit 3 of Susukino Subway Station on the Namboku Subway Line Tsudome Venue: A 5-minute walk from Sakaemachi Subway Station on the Toho Subway Line
Obihiro Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Obihiro City
A free shuttle bus is available from in front of Obihiro Kosei Hospital.
Lake Akan ICE, Love, Akan <Fuyukabi> Winter festival and illuminations
HokkaidoKushiro City
A bus runs from Kushiro Station to Lake Akan 3 to 4 times a day.
Asahikawa Winter Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Asahikawa City
Free shuttle bus available from JR Asahikawa Station
Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Path Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Sapporo City
During the event, a free shuttle bus will be running around the accommodation facilities in the hot spring town, and can be used from the bus stop closest to the facility.
Tokachi River Swan Festival <Sairinka> Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Otofuke Town
From Obihiro Station Bus Terminal, take the bus bound for Tokachigawa Onsen, get off at Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen, and walk for about 10 minutes.
Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Chitose City
Take the bus bound for "Shikotsu Lake" from New Chitose Airport
Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Kamikawa Town
Direct bus from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo Onsen
Otaru Snow Light Path Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Otaru City
Approximately 8-10 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station to the canal venue