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[winter][ Hokkaido Shikaoi Town]Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan (Shikaoi Town) Snow scenery spot

winter

Shikaribetsu Kotan is a village made of ice and snow on Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoi Town, Kato District, Hokkaido, and offers visitors a special, extraordinary experience. This spot was built on the surface of Lake Shikaribetsu at an altitude of about 800 meters, and is known as a special place located on the highest lake in Japan. Taking advantage of the harsh winter cold, buildings made of snow and ice, such as ice bars and open-air ice baths, stand on the frozen surface of the lake. In particular, the buildings are lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that fascinates visitors. Due to the fact that the entire village exists for a limited time, it is popular with many tourists as an experience that can only be had now. The appeal of Shikaribetsu Kotan is not only the scenery, but also the experience itself. Enjoying a drink in a space surrounded by ice walls and soaking in warm water in the extreme cold will all be memorable experiences. In this way, Shikaribetsu Kotan can be said to be a unique tourist spot that makes the most of the beauty and creativity of Japan's winter.

The charm of Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan: an extraordinary experience in a fantastical winter village

Shikaribetsu Kotan is a village made of ice and snow on Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoi Town, Kato District, Hokkaido, and offers visitors a special, extraordinary experience. This spot was built on the surface of Lake Shikaribetsu at an altitude of about 800 meters, and is known as a special place located on the highest lake in Japan. Taking advantage of the harsh winter cold, buildings made of snow and ice, such as ice bars and open-air ice baths, stand on the frozen surface of the lake. In particular, the buildings are lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that fascinates visitors. Due to the fact that the entire village exists for a limited time, it is popular with many tourists as an experience that can only be had now. The appeal of Shikaribetsu Kotan is not only the scenery, but also the experience itself. Enjoying a drink in a space surrounded by ice walls and soaking in warm water in the extreme cold will all be memorable experiences. In this way, Shikaribetsu Kotan can be said to be a unique tourist spot that makes the most of the beauty and creativity of Japan's winter.

Ice bar and open-air ice bath: Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan's specialty experience

If you visit Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, you should definitely try the ice bar and the open-air bath on ice. The ice bar is a special bar surrounded by walls and counters made of ice, and drinks are served in glasses made of ice. Drinks enjoyed in this unique space provide a fresh sensation that you can't get at a regular bar. In addition, hot drinks and local alcoholic beverages enjoyed in the cold are exceptional. Next, the open-air bath on ice is another specialty that represents Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan. The open-air bath installed on the lake warms your body from the core in a fantastic view surrounded by snow and ice. The contrast between the extremely cold outside air and the warm water has the effect of relaxing not only the body but also the mind. Also, the starry sky seen from the bath will be a special moment that you can't experience anywhere else. These activities provide visitors with an experience unique to Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, making their memories unforgettable for the rest of their lives.

Tips and access information for visiting Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, only available in winter

To enjoy Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, the timing of your visit and preparations are important. This snow and ice village is open for a limited time every year from late January to late March. In spring, the entire village melts and disappears, making it a special spot that can only be experienced during this short period. Therefore, a planned visit is necessary. Also, since you will be spending time in an extremely cold environment, cold weather measures are essential. By preparing thick cold weather gear, boots, gloves, hats, etc., you can spend your time comfortably. Regarding access, Lake Shikaribetsu is about an hour and a half by car from Obihiro City in Hokkaido. There are direct buses from Obihiro Airport and Obihiro Station, and it is relatively easy to access by public transportation. However, transportation may be affected by weather in winter, so we recommend that you make your travel plans while checking the latest information. When visiting Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, be sure to check the latest information on the official website in advance and enjoy a safe and comfortable trip. By keeping these points in mind, you will be able to enjoy your special winter experience at Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan to the fullest.

[Snow Scene Spots]Other recommended spots

Daisetsuzan National Park Snow scenery spot

Hokkaido Kamikawa Town

About 30 minutes by bus from JR Kamikawa Station.

Mt. Hakodate Snow scenery spot

Hokkaido Hakodate City

From JR Hakodate Station, take the Hakodate Bus bound for Ropeway for about 15 minutes, then get off at the last stop and take the ropeway for about 3 minutes.

Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan (Shikaoi Town) Snow scenery spot

Hokkaido Shikaoi Town

Take a local bus from Obihiro Station and it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Blue Pond (Biei Town) Snow scenery spot

HokkaidoBiei Town

Take the Dohoku Bus from JR Biei Station to Shirogane Onsen, then walk for about 5 minutes

Otaru Canal Snow scenery spot

Hokkaido Otaru City

Approximately 8 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station

Goryokaku (Hakodate City) Snow Scenery Spot

Hokkaido Hakodate City

About 15 minutes walk from Goryokaku Park Station

Mount Moiwa Observatory (Sapporo City) Snow scenery spot

Hokkaido Sapporo City

Approximately 20 minutes walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line

Asahiyama Zoo Snow scenery spot

Hokkaido Asahikawa City

About 30 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station

Lake Mashu (Teshikaga Town) Snow Scenery Spot

Hokkaido Teshikaga Town

You can take the Akan Bus sightseeing bus from Kushiro city.

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