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Hokkaido, Japan, remains the top choice for numerous travelers, boasting diverse and rich natural landscapes. Witness the enchanting cherry blossoms in spring, the gentle fall of red leaves in autumn, and be astonished by the snow village near Shikaribetsu Lake in the frigid winter.
Shikaribetsu Lake
Visit the ice village on Shikaribetsu Lake for a chance to marvel at and stay in ice hotels. Enjoy entertainment in ice theaters and experience the thrill of giant ice slides. Undoubtedly, these unique aspects will provide you with fantastic experiences on your journey to Hokkaido. To learn more about this extraordinary lake, start your exploration and gather essential travel tips with Mytour.
Are you ready for a journey to the snow village? @shutterstock
1. Overview of Shikaribetsu Lake
Shikaribetsu Lake, with a circumference of about 14km, is located in the Daisetsuzan National Park area, in the Tokachi district, eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Nestled deep in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, Shikaribetsu Lake boasts the highest elevation in the region (over 800m); it's one of Japan's deepest and longest-frozen lakes.
The uniqueness of the lake's topography, being at an elevation of over 800m and having an extended freezing period, gives rise to the appearance of the ice village during the coldest times of winter. This is a point of pride for Hokkaido tourism, offering visitors exceptional and unparalleled experiences.
Shikaribetsu Lake is situated in the Daisetsuzan National Park area. @shutterstock
2. Shikaribetsu Ice Village
A village entirely made of snow on a frozen lake might seem like a fantasy, but it exists and has become a captivating tourist destination for exploration enthusiasts.
The Shikaribetsu Ice Village, also known as Shikaribetsu Kotan, was established in 1980. In the frigid Hokkaido weather, locals found joy in creating a village on the frozen lake, entirely crafted from ice.
Initially, locals built rudimentary ice tents, evolving into a festival running from late January to the end of March. The event continues to grow each year, attracting millions of tourists from all over Japan and the world.
In the constructed village, services include outdoor hot spring baths on the frozen lake, foot baths, and snow tents with bar counters serving refreshing drinks in ice-made glasses. Impressively, the village features a church, a concert hall, and guest accommodations for overnight stays.
The unique annual ice village is built every year. @shutterstock
Travel tips for Shikaribetsu Lake
3. Best Time to Visit Shikaribetsu Lake
Shikaribetsu Lake
However, did you know that in summer, the lake also exudes a fresh beauty, surrounded by lush greenery? Or in autumn, when the leaves transition to vibrant yellow and red hues. Each season paints the lake with its own charm, captivating every traveler.
Scenic Shikaribetsu Lake in the clear and expansive summer. @shutterstock
Winter transforms the lake into a stunning icy village. @internet
4. Guide on How to Move Around During Your Trip
Means of Transportation to Japan
To reach the unique destination of Shikaribetsu Lake, travelers initially choose the mode of transportation to get to Japan. To reduce travel time and enhance convenience, airplanes are always the preferred choice.
Currently, several reputable airlines operate flights from Vietnam to Japan, including Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, China Southern, Thai Airways, Scoot, VietJet Air, and more. Travelers are recommended to choose Chitose Airport (located in Sapporo) in the southwest of Hokkaido as a convenient layover.
At Mytour, travelers can effortlessly book flight tickets to Japan at highly favorable prices. The price alert feature, especially, keeps you informed about the best and most suitable flight options for your needs.
Vietnam Airlines serves numerous flights to Japan. @vietnamairlines
Means of transportation to Shikaribetsu Lake are quite extensive. It takes approximately 2.5 hours (about 169 km) to travel from Chitose Airport in Sapporo to Shikaribetsu. After landing at Chitose Airport, you can choose services like trains and buses to reach the city of Sapporo or head directly to Shikaribetsu Lake.
Shikaribetsu Lake is situated quite far from the main center of Hokkaido. The journey from Chitose Airport in Sapporo to Shikaribetsu takes approximately 2.5 hours (around 169 km).
After landing at Chitose Airport, you can opt for services like trains and buses to take you to the city of Sapporo or head directly to Shikaribetsu Lake.
5. Things to Do in Shikaribetsu Ice Village
Take a leisurely stroll to admire the ice village's charm.
Shikaribetsu Ice Village exists for only 2 months each year, making it a prideful destination for many travelers. You'll have the opportunity to admire the designs and architecture of structures built using blocks of ice created by compacting fallen snow on the lake.
Take a stroll around the village with friends, marveling at the creative landscapes. Don't forget to capture some photos with impressive and beautiful ice sculptures.
Experience the enchanting scenery in a magical space. @internet
Visit the Ice Chapel and enjoy drinks at the Ice Bar.
In such a unique place, a chapel too? Exploring and praying inside an ice church is truly surreal. Therefore, at Shikaribetsu, the Ice Chapel is a must-visit for any traveler wanting to witness this extraordinary structure.
Next, the undeniable allure of the Ice Bar; undoubtedly an ideal spot to savor delicious drinks rarely experienced in a lifetime.
Everything at the Ice Bar is crafted from ice blocks. From tables, chairs, shelves, to the bar counter and even the glasses, all meticulously sculpted from ice. Here, they offer nearly every type of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage, catering to a diverse array of visitors.
Would you like to experience delightful beverages in this icy realm? @internet
Overnight in an ice, snow tent
For adventure enthusiasts and explorers, spending the night in the ice village is an incredible experience. You'll have the opportunity to wander around the village at night, marvel at the glittering scenery under the lights, and feel the chilling weather.
Choose an ideal snow tent without worries, as everything is perfectly designed with excellent insulation and soundproofing. So, relax and immerse yourself in this unique space to wake up to a spectacular sunrise tomorrow morning.
Are you ready to stay overnight in these 'hotels'? @internet
Snowmobiling Adventure
For thrill-seekers, snowmobiling on the frozen lake is a fascinating activity. Specially designed snowmobiles allow you to comfortably tour the scenic landscape and experience the sensation of gliding on ice.
Snowmobile rental price: 2,000 JPY/2 rounds/person (~356,000 VND)
Outdoor Hot Springs and Ice Foot Soak!
Arctic Spa Experience
Immerse yourself in one of the most unique and captivating activities in the ice village. Imagine soaking in an outdoor hot tub amidst the freezing temperatures – what a sensation it would be!
The tubs and foot baths are crafted from ice, and the water is pumped from a hot spring with a temperature of 75°C, maintaining a cozy 45°C in the tubs. After a day of braving the icy chill, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation.
Indulge in a warm water soak, creating a delightful experience in the enchanting ice village. @internet
Independent Travel Tips for Shikaribetsu
Explore Shikaribetsu Lake
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Learn more:
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