Lake Shikaribetsu has the highest elevation of any lake in Hokkaido. This leads to incredibly cold temperatures around the lake during the winter. Thanks to this natural phenomenon, an ice village is built on top of the lake every year, erected in celebration of nature’s gifts. This village, called Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a fun, ice-filled world. A variety of structures are made for this village, including an ice bar where patrons can sip cocktails while completely surrounded by snow and ice. Visitors can also take a dip in the open-air baths located on top of the frozen lake.
