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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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 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.

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.).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.