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Discover the Magic of Shikaribetsu Kotan: A Winter Wonderland on Frozen Lake Shikaribetsu

Discover the Magic of Shikaribetsu Kotan: A Winter Wonderland on Frozen Lake Shikaribetsu

Date published: 4 March 2023

Discover the enchanting magic of Shikaribetsu Kotan, an annual winter event in which a breathtaking ice village is made on the frozen shores of Lake Shikaribetsu in Hokkaido! Held from late January to early March, as one of Hokkaido’s many winter events, Shikaribetsu Kotan showcases the true essence and natural beauty of the region.

Our Sapporo correspondent joined in 2023’s event to see what makes it a fun winter destination. From an open-air onsen and a bar made completely out of ice to staying in your own igloo, this is everything you need to know about visiting Shikaribetsu Kotan.

Surrounding nature in Lake Shikaribetsu
Surrounding nature in Lake Shikaribetsu

What is Shikaribetsu Kotan?

The word Kotan derives from the Ainu (an indigenous group of people in Hokkaido) word for village. As the name suggests, a small village is built on the frozen surface of Lake Shikaribetsu from late January to early March, when the temperature plummets below -15°C.

Naito Tomoka, a guide at the Shikaribetsu Nature Center, shared an explanation of the stunning Kotan, saying that it's a harmonious blend of the harsh cold and the gorgeous lake water, constructed only with the blessings of nature.

Shikaribetsu Kotan Igloos
Shikaribetsu Kotan Igloos

The igloos are made using two different methods. Clear ice is created by directly using the water from the lake, making most of the interior design. White ice is made by the snow from the lake, which has been compressed and hardened over a day, creating a strong exterior and resilience to the sunlight.

Ice Bar
Ice Bar

Naito went on to explain more of the Kotan’s secrets. The ice village takes over two months to create with the help of over 40 volunteers, who include the regular staff, local residents, the self-defense forces, and people from over the country and the world. However, the construction does not stop there. Until the ice village closes, new creations and pieces of art are added. In fact, every year the design changes, making each visit an exciting one!

Igloo illuminated at night
Igloo illuminated at night

The ice village of Shikaribetsu Kotan is a breathtaking sight during the day, as the sunlight enhances its natural beauty. At night, the subtle illuminations create an illusion of the igloos floating in the air. According to Naito, the igloos are not excessively lit, and natural colors are used to maintain the serene feeling of being surrounded by nature. The emphasis is on enjoying and returning to nature.

Lake Shikaribetsu during the day
Lake Shikaribetsu during the day

Background of Shikaribetsu Kotan

Overlooking over Shikaribetsu Kotan
Overlooking over Shikaribetsu Kotan

2023 marks the 42nd anniversary of the events, with the first starting in 1980. The area’s local people originally created the event as a fun way to make use of the freezing temperatures. Since its origins, the event has grown, seeing over 400 visitors daily.

Lake Shikaribetsu is a freshwater lake and the highest lake in Hokkaido, sitting at 804 meters above sea level. This sees temperatures drop to around -30°C during the winter. It’s the only natural lake in the Daisetsuzan National Park, with some of the clearest water in the country.

Shikaribetsu kotan
Shikaribetsu kotan

How to get to Shikaribetsu Kotan?

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Shikaribetsu Kotan is by car. This will take around 3.5 hours from Sapporo and 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport. The roads leading up to the lake are very icy during the winter months. Every rental car will be fitted with winter tires, but even still, please take extra caution when driving.

Road leading up to Lake Shikaribetsu
Road leading up to Lake Shikaribetsu

The views leading up to the lake are spectacular. The snow-covered plains of Tokachi along with the imperious mountain range, are some of Hokkaido’s finest winter scenes. Take advantage of the various observation points that look out over Hokkaido’s nature.

Ougigahara Observation Platform
Ougigahara Observation Platform

From Sapporo Station, take the Limited Express Tokachi to Obihiro (2 hrs 43 min; 7,790 yen o/w for a reserved seat). This section is covered by the JR Rail Pass, but seats need to be reserved on this train. From Obihiro Bus Terminal, ride bus No. 51 for Shikaribetsu-ko (1,680 yen o/w) and get off at the final stop (around 1 hr 30 min). Note that this bus is not covered by the JR Rail Pass.

Shikaribetsu-ko bus stop
Shikaribetsu-ko bus stop

From New Chitose Airport take the JR Rapid Airport Train towards Sapporo and get off at Minami-Chitose Station. Then take the JR Ozora Limited Express Tokachi to Obihiro and then board the No. 51 bus.

Upon arriving at Shikaribetsu Lake, head to the nature center to pick up your season pass for the ice village (500 yen, tax incl.).

Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center
Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center

Relax at the Ice Bar

Exterior of the Ice Bar
Exterior of the Ice Bar

The first attraction at the front of the village is the Ice Bar. The narrow interior turns and slowly reveals the impressive Ice Bar standing in the middle. The clear ice blocks used in making the bar walls and tables contrast beautifully with the exterior of the structure, showing true skill and craftsmanship.

Interior of the Ice Bar
Interior of the Ice Bar

At the counter, customers can choose from a selection of alcohol, containing original cocktails and other hot drinks. This year, there are two original cocktails, Koisum and Shinonome. Both can be served in an ice cup (1,800 yen, tax incl.) or a plastic cup (1,000 yen, tax incl.).

Koisum cocktail on the right, Shinonome cocktail on the left
Koisum cocktail on the right, Shinonome cocktail on the left

Koisum translates to “bubbles in the lake” in the Ainu language and contains kiwi syrup, peach tree liquor, and blue currant. It is carbonated but has a refreshing mouthfeel and taste.

Shinonome (the 40th-anniversary special cocktail) takes inspiration from the morning glow around Shikaribetsu. It contains orange juice, white rum, and lychee liqueur, which is very easy to drink, like juice.

Ice Bar
Ice Bar
Alcohol display
Alcohol display
Ice Bar counter
Ice Bar counter
Being served the cocktails in an ice glass
Being served the cocktails in an ice glass

The are other alcoholic drinks such as umeshu, plum wine (ice cup 1,800 yen, paper cup 1,000 yen, tax incl.), and hot drinks such as Chococino (500 yen, tax incl.) or Cafe au Lait (500 yen, tax incl.).

Chococino
Chococino

Throughout the day, music plays throughout the bar, which you can enjoy along with your drinks. On occasion, there are live performances on the stage at the back of the Ice Bar.

Ice Bar
  • Admission Fee: Show season pass. Drinks are charged separately.
  • Visiting hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Beverage sales hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Last order 5:30 p.m.)
  • *Admission may be restricted if there are a large number of people

Escape the freezing cold - hop into the relaxing, open-air bath!

View from the foot bath
View from the foot bath

One of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy the Shikaribetsu Kotan and the surrounding nature is from the onsen bath. From the foot bath, you can look out over the Kuchibiru (mouth) shaped mountain and the frozen lake. Despite the weather being around -10°C throughout most of the day, the foot bath helps you forget about the cold.

Foot Bath
Foot Bath

There are no towels for rental, so we recommend bringing your own. However, this year, they have a special towel created by the designer of the village (1,500 yen, tax incl.). If you soak the towel in the foot bath, wring it, and let it freeze, you can hold it up like a piece of paper!

2023 Shikaribetsu Kotan towel design
2023 Shikaribetsu Kotan towel design

Next to the footbath is a small onsen, which anyone can enter but only in groups at a time. You can wear a swimsuit or go in with no clothes. From the onsen, you’ll be able to immerse your whole body and fully escape from the cold. Don’t forget about the beautiful views as well! From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the onsen is only open to males and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., it is only open to females.

Night view from the onsen
Night view from the onsen
Onsen and Footbath
  • Admission Fee: Show season pass.
  • Operating Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Exclusive Hours: [Men Only] 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Exclusive Hours: [Women Only] 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • *The capacity of both the footbath and open-air bath is 5-6 people
  • *There is a limit to the number of people who can enter.

Learn about the area at the GeoPark Igloo

GeoPark Igloo
GeoPark Igloo

Located in Shikaoi Town, Lake Shikaribetsu is inside the Tokachi Shikaoi Geopark, certified by the Japan Geoparks Network as a region where you can feel the “story of life nurtured by volcanoes and cold.” The ice village is a true masterpiece and harmony of nature and the people, so it was worth your time to learn more about the surrounding natural attractions. Visit the GeoPark Igloo to learn more about the different types of ice you can find.

Inside the GeoPark Igloo
Inside the GeoPark Igloo

Visit the serene Ice Chapel

Outside of the ice chapel, photo courtesy of Shikaribetsu Nature Center
Outside of the ice chapel, photo courtesy of Shikaribetsu Nature Center

Unfortunately, during the time of visiting, the ice chapel was not ready for the 2023 season. The ice chapel can be used to hold events and ceremonies with reservations. “It is not uncommon for couples to meet through their volunteer work at Kotan and end up getting married at the ice chapel,” says Naito.

Inside the ice chapel, photo courtesy of Shikaribetsu Nature Center
Inside the ice chapel, photo courtesy of Shikaribetsu Nature Center

Tour the frozen lake by snowmobile

For those that want to get their heart beating (and not from the cold), there are snowmobiles available to tour the frozen lake and take in the serene winter scenery. (Adults 3,000 yen, children (aged 10-12) 2,000 yen, tax incl.) The snowmobiles tour a one-kilometer lap, which you can drive by yourself!

If you don’t want to drive by yourself, there is also a raft boat, which you can ride and be driven around in at some high speeds! Don’t worry it, comes with all the safety equipment! (Adults 2,000 yen, children (aged 10-12) 1,000 yen, tax incl.)

Snowmobile
・Usage fee: Adults 3,000 yen, Children 10-12 years old 2000 yen
・Age: 4th-grade elementary school or older, must not be pregnant
・Business hours: 9:30 a.m. to around sunset (determined by the weather, etc.)
Rafting
・Usage fee: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 4-12 years old 2000yen
・Age: 4 years old or older, not pregnant
・Business hours: 9:30 a.m. to around sunset (decided by weather etc.)

Spend the night in an igloo

For those who love the cold, you can even stay the night at one of the igloos. These are only available for the guests staying at the nearby Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui. Special bedding equipment and instructions are given by the staff to ensure that you are comfortable during your stay at the igloo.

Ice Lodge
Ice Lodge

Temperature can drop below -30°C but the igloo helps keep the wind and extreme cold out. Staying in an igloo on a lake amid the still and quiet surroundings is incredibly unique - making it a one-of-a-kind destination. If it turns out to be too cold, you can always return to your room at the hotel!

Ice lodge, photo courtesy of Shikaribetsu Nature Center
Ice lodge, photo courtesy of Shikaribetsu Nature Center

Marvel at the starry night sky on a night walk

Nightwalking, photo courtesy of Shikaribetsu Nature Center
Nightwalking, photo courtesy of Shikaribetsu Nature Center

Surrounded by mountains, the Shikaribetsu Kotan is especially gorgeous at night when the diamond-studded sky is most striking. The Night Watching guide is only available for those staying at Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui and is only available in Japanese (adults 4,500 yen, elementary school students 2,000 yen, infants 1,500 yen; tax incl.). Special winter boots are available to rent, which is included in the price, and you can also rent warm ski wear as well (500 yen, tax incl.).

The guide will show the top spots around the village to enjoy the magical starry sky. On clear evenings, you’ll be able to see stars as far as the eye can see - and if you are lucky, even some shooting stars!

Shikaribetsu Kotan at night
Shikaribetsu Kotan at night
Nightwalking
  • Fee: 3,500 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for elementary school students (5,500 yen for one person)
  • Hours: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Age: 6 years old and above
  • Bring: Ski wear, gloves, hats, warm inner
  • Rental equipment (included in price): Boots
  • Rental equipment (additional charge): Ski wear (500 yen)
  • Others: Those who are in poor physical condition or pregnant cannot participate.
  • Shikaribetsu Kotan
    然別湖コタン
    • Address Kitaurimaku, Shikaoi, Kato District, Hokkaido 081-0344

Enjoy Lake Shikaribetsu during the whole year

Lake Shikaribetsu during late summer
Lake Shikaribetsu during late summer

Lake Shikaribetsu during the winter is truly a magical wonderland. Shikaribetsu Kotan helps emphasise nature's beauty, from the mountains, to the lake and Hokkaido’s harsh winter climate. However, during the rest of the year, the lake takes on a new look. From spring, the ice melts and the soft green foliage and the blooming flowers appear. During summer, the lake becomes accessible by canoe and the stillness and tranquility of the lake can be enjoyed from the water. In autumn, the mountains become stained with crimson and golden yellows from the autumn foliage.

No matter the time of year, Lake Shikaribetsu is beautiful!

Recommended places to stay nearby

Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui
Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui

Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui is the only active hotel at Lake Shikaribetsu. The ryokan offers traditional-style Japanese rooms, meals focusing on Tokachi and Hokkaido ingredients as well as onsens overlooking Lake Shikaribetsu.

Written by:

Andy Cheng

Andy Cheng

Andy is a chef and culinary journalist with over 7 years in Japan, extensively exploring its regional dishes. A University of Nottingham graduate, he trained in five Japanese restaurants before transitioning to freelance work. He contributes to over 10 global clients, including Marriot Bonvoy and the Hokkaido Tourism Board, and assists in translation and promoting inbound tourism with local governments.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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