Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival　Explore the Magical

Held from late January to early February

Lake Shikotsu is a massive crater lake filled with some of the clearest waters in all of Hokkaido. Winter in Shikotsu is a cause for celebration, and the locals host a fantastical ice festival that draws crowds every year. Dozens of ice sculptures are crafted from the pure lake waters and put on display. During the day, visitors can look out at the azure hues of the crystal clear lake while admiring the sculptures, while at night, these same pieces of art are done up in multicolored lights to give the event a magical atmosphere. For visitors that want to warm up after the festivities, the area is replete with quaint hot spring bathhouses.