[winter][ Hokkaido Shikaoi Town]Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan Snow and hot springs
"Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan" is a village of ice and snow that appears for a limited time every winter on Lake Shikaribetsu, surrounded by the vast nature of Hokkaido. This special village is known as a unique winter tourist spot that can only be realized in an environment blessed with severe cold and snow. Its main feature is that everything is made of natural materials, such as buildings made of ice, a plaza decorated with snow, and a hot spring installed on the lake surface. Since it can only be enjoyed for a limited period of about 50 days, tourists who visit can enjoy a special winter experience. In addition, the lit-up ice buildings shine fantastically at night, inviting viewers to another world. The number of foreign tourists visiting is also increasing due to the form of an "ice village" that is rare even internationally. "Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan", where sightseeing, activities, and the beauty of nature come together in harmony, is the ultimate travel destination that can only be experienced in Hokkaido in winter.
The charm of Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan: A special winter experience in a fantastical village of ice and snow
"Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan" is a village of ice and snow that appears for a limited time every winter on Lake Shikaribetsu, surrounded by the vast nature of Hokkaido. This special village is known as a unique winter tourist spot that can only be realized in an environment blessed with severe cold and snow. Its main feature is that everything is made of natural materials, such as buildings made of ice, a plaza decorated with snow, and a hot spring installed on the lake surface. Since it can only be enjoyed for a limited period of about 50 days, tourists who visit can enjoy a special winter experience. In addition, the lit-up ice buildings shine fantastically at night, inviting viewers to another world. The number of foreign tourists visiting is also increasing due to the form of an "ice village" that is rare even internationally. "Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan", where sightseeing, activities, and the beauty of nature come together in harmony, is the ultimate travel destination that can only be experienced in Hokkaido in winter.
Activities you can experience at Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan: Adventures amidst snow and ice
Shikaribetsu Kotan offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Particularly popular is the "Ice Bar," a natural open-air bath built on the lake. You can't experience anywhere else gazing at the surrounding silvery white scenery while bathing in a hot spring made of ice. Many people are also attracted to the wedding experience in the ice church and the special cocktails served at the ice bar. In addition, there are plenty of outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoe hiking, so you can enjoy nature with your whole body. At night, there is a program where you can observe the stars on the lake, and the sight of the starry sky reflected on the frozen lake surface is breathtakingly beautiful. These unique activities leave a deep impression on tourists who visit, and many of them become repeat visitors. Tourists from Japan and abroad come to enjoy these experiences, further increasing the popularity of "Shikaribetsu Kotan."
Access to Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan and surrounding tourist information
To visit Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, it is common to access it from Sapporo or Obihiro, the central cities of Hokkaido. It is located about an hour and a half by car from Obihiro Airport and about three hours by car from Sapporo. Considering the road conditions in winter, it is recommended to use a rental car or tour bus to access it. There are also other attractive tourist spots scattered around Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan. For example, the Tokachi Plain, with its beautiful scenery unique to Hokkaido, and Tokachigawa Onsen, famous as a hot spring resort, are also popular tourist destinations. In addition, you can enjoy local gourmet food along the way, and sweets made with fresh seafood and Hokkaido milk will double the enjoyment of your trip. By utilizing this access information and surrounding tourist information, your trip to Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan will be even more fulfilling. In particular, since it is a special spot that is only available in winter, you will need to plan your visit carefully, but the moving experience will be worth the effort.
[ Snow and hot springs]Other recommended spots
Tokachidake Onsen Snow and hot springs
Hokkaido Kamifurano Town
Take the Tokachidake Town Bus from Kami-Furano Station on the JR Furano Line to the last stop, Ryounkaku, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan Snow and hot springs
Hokkaido Shikaoi Town
From Obihiro Station, take the Hokkaido Takushoku Bus for about 100 minutes.
Marukoma Onsen Snow and hot springs
Hokkaido Chitose City
Take a local bus from JR Chitose Station to Lake Shikotsu Bus Terminal, then a shuttle service is available.
Kotan no Yu open-air bath Snow and hot springs
Hokkaido Teshikaga Town
Approximately 20 minutes by car from Teshikaga Station on the JR Senmo Main Line.
Makkari Onsen Snow and hot springs
HokkaidoMakkari Village
Approximately 2 hours from Sapporo, approximately 3 hours from Hakodate
Yumoto Takubokutei Snow and hot springs
Hokkaido Hakodate City
About 3 minutes walk from the Hakodate City Tram "Yunokawa Onsen" stop
Utoro Onsen Snow and hot springs
Hokkaido Shari Town
About 50 to 60 minutes by bus from JR Shiretoko Shari Station to Utoro Onsen
Hoheikyo Onsen Snow and hot springs
Hokkaido Sapporo City
A free shuttle bus is available from "Makomanai Junior High School" stop, a 1-minute walk from "Makomanai Station" on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line.
Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza Snow and hot springs
Hokkaido Akan Town
If you contact the inn after arriving at Akan Bus Terminal, you can use the shuttle service.