Icy Splendor: Making Memories at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Chitose Shikotsu-ko Hyōtō Matsuri) is a yearly celebration of winter’s beauty in Hokkaido, showcasing intricate snow sculptures and interactive ice displays crafted from the exceptionally clear waters of Lake Shikotsu. This festival, set in the picturesque Lake Shikotsu Onsen town, runs from late January to February and promises visitors a unique blend of natural artistry and local charm. By daylight, the sculptures boast a natural azure hue, aptly named “Shikotsu Blue,” while at night, the ice creations come alive with a vibrant array of lights, transforming the area into a luminous winter wonderland. Whether you’re here for the day or after dusk, the festival offers a breathtaking experience that’s both photogenic and fun. Let’s delve into what makes this event a must-see and how you can get the most out of your visit.

Why See the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

• Natural Artistry: Marvel at the stunning sculptures made from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, showcasing the talent of local artists.
• “Shikotsu Blue”: Witness the unique blue tint of the ice sculptures during the daytime, a natural phenomenon that adds to the beauty of the artworks.
• Night Illuminations: Experience the ice exhibits in a different light as they are illuminated with vibrant colors after dark, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Hot Spring Baths: Take a dip in the nearby onsen (hot springs) for a relaxing experience that perfectly complements the cold-weather activities.
• Accessible Adventure: The festival is easy to get to and navigate, ensuring a stress-free experience for both first-time and returning visitors.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 2024

In 2024, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is scheduled to take place from January 27 to February 25, from 10:00 to 20:00. The light-up starts at 16:30.

My Festival Experience

I attended the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival in 2023 and while the event was scaled down (no live performances and food stalls inside the venue) to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it was nevertheless an enchanting experience.

You enter the venue by going through a cave-like entrance made entirely of hardened ice. Once in, a winter wonderland unfolds where you’re free to explore different exhibits. Some are out in the open, while others require you to enter “ice caves.” The theme and displays are different every year, so it’s best to take your time to explore each.

Among the most memorable displays from my visit are the Hyoto Shrine, where you can stick coins on the ice walls; the Koke no Domon (Moss Cave), where you enter a long tunnel filled with stalactites lit in green (named after a now inaccessible attraction in Chitose); and the Ice Wall, which features a stunning, rugged cliff-like structure that towers over the festival grounds, creating a mesmerizing backdrop that’s perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots.

I visited the festival on a late afternoon where I got to see the sculptures in their famous Shikotsu Blue color and waited until after dark to see the site lit up in beautiful colors. Both views were stunning, but the nighttime colors add a romantic, magical feel. There are stairs for you to climb so that you can see the festival grounds from an elevation. You’ll get the best view from here.

Video

Below is a video capturing my experience of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival in 2023. The segment starts at 2:06.

Lake Shikotsu Festival vs. Other Winter Festivals in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is known for its abundant snow, which also means it has a lot of winter festivals. Other than the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Sounknyo Ice Fall Festival are also well-known. All feature grand snow sculptures and exhibits but have slightly different characteristics.

For one, the Japanese names of these festivals provide a clue as to how they’re different. Sapporo’s is called “Yuki Matsuri” where yuki means snow. Sounkyo’s is called “Hyōbaku Matsuri” where hyōbaku means “frozen waterfall” while Lake Shikotsu’s is called “Hyōtō Matsuri” where hyōtō means “frozen spindrift.” The names allude to how the sculptures are made, specifically what kind of water was used to make them.

One other key difference is that the Sapporo Snow Festival showcases gigantic snow sculptures often based on popular media characters or whatever was trending that year. Among the three, it is the biggest in terms of scale and also can get the most crowded. Sounkyo and Lake Shikotsu are also more similar to each other in a sense that you interact with the exhibits more rather than just look at them. The latter, however, is the more accessible of the two.

Travel Tips

• Dress Warmly: The key to enjoying the festival is staying warm. Layer up with thermals, a waterproof coat, gloves, and a hat to keep the chill at bay. Wear snow shoes or snow boots to prevent slips.
• Timing is Everything: Visit during the day to see the “Shikotsu Blue” and return in the evening for the lit-up sculptures – it’s like two different festivals in one! Re-entries are possible when you purchase a ticket and there’s a small room for keeping yourself warm before re-entering the festival site.
• Check the Schedule: Look up the festival’s event schedule for special performances and activities. Each day might offer something new
• Local Flavors: Don’t miss out on the local food stalls. Hokkaido is famous for its fresh seafood and dairy products – they’re a treat for your taste buds. In 2023, the food stalls were located near the bus stop and outside the venue.
• Soak in an Onsen: Warm up and unwind in one of the many hot springs in the area. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of icy exploration. Depending on the facility, you can soak in the hot spring without staying the night. Check for higaeri (日帰り) options when looking for an onsen.
• Stay Nearby: Consider booking accommodation close to the festival for easy access and a chance to explore the area at your leisure.
• Before or After Flying: There’s a bus that runs from Chitose Airport to the festival site, so you can easily go to the festival after arrival or right before departure.
• Book a Tour for Easy Access: If you will be going to the festival from Sapporo, this tour acts as a shuttle to and from the venue.

FAQ

How to Get to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Event Name (English): Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Event Name (Japanese): 千歳･支笏湖 氷濤まつり, Chitose Shikotsu-ko Hyōtō Matsuri
Venue: Shikotsuko Onsen
Festival Dates: January 27 to February 25, 2024
Business Hours: 10:00 to 20:00
Light-up: 16:30 to 20:00
Admission Fee: ¥500 for participants aged 16 and above

From Chitose Airport

You can buy tickets at the Hokkaido Chuo Bus information desk located inside Chitose Airport. The bus ride is 55 minutes long and costs ¥1,050 one-way.

You can also take a taxi from the airport. It will cost you around ¥7,000 one-way and take you there in around 40 minutes.

From Sapporo

You can book this tour that will take you to the festival site and back.