Shikaribetsu Kotan Hokkaido
A magical ice village built on a frozen lake in Hokkaido, offering unique drinks, igloos, and winter charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
The lake is frozen and the village is built
Shikaribetsu Kotan Hokkaido
Best Time
The lake is frozen and the village is built
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical ice village built on a frozen lake in Hokkaido, offering unique drinks, igloos, and winter charm.
"It's a really beautiful lake, the highest in Hokkaido. I will definitely revisit this place again. "
Warm Up with an Ice Drink
Order a drink in an ice cup at the ice bar for a memorable photo op and a chilly experience! :ice_cube:
Bring Your Own Towel
Essential for the onsens and foot baths. You can buy one, but bringing your own saves money. :beachwithumbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enchanting Ice Bar
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan
Sip on a drink served in an ice cup for a truly unique and photogenic experience.
Magical Igloo Village
Lake Shikaribetsu
Explore whimsical igloos and ice structures built on the frozen lake, creating a fairy-tale winter wonderland.
Relaxing Foot Bath & Onsen
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan
Warm up with a free foot bath or enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the onsens available for men and women.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Cold: Dress Warmly!
+1Cash is King for Drinks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Warm Up with an Ice Drink
Order a drink in an ice cup at the ice bar for a memorable photo op and a chilly experience! :ice_cube:
Bring Your Own Towel
Essential for the onsens and foot baths. You can buy one, but bringing your own saves money. :beachwithumbrella:
Cash for Purchases
Card payment systems can be unreliable; have cash ready for drinks and souvenirs. :moneywithwings:
Capture the Ephemeral Beauty
The village is temporary! Don't miss the chance to see this unique winter spectacle.
Tips
from all over the internet
Warm Up with an Ice Drink
Order a drink in an ice cup at the ice bar for a memorable photo op and a chilly experience! :ice_cube:
Bring Your Own Towel
Essential for the onsens and foot baths. You can buy one, but bringing your own saves money. :beachwithumbrella:
Cash for Purchases
Card payment systems can be unreliable; have cash ready for drinks and souvenirs. :moneywithwings:
Capture the Ephemeral Beauty
The village is temporary! Don't miss the chance to see this unique winter spectacle.
Check for Melting
Visit earlier in the season (January/February) as igloos may melt by mid-March. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Shikaribetsu Kotan to be a unique and magical winter destination, especially enjoying the ice bar and igloo village. While the remote location and potential for melting due to warm weather are noted drawbacks, the ephemeral beauty and novelty of the experience make it a worthwhile stop for many. +1
"As I visited with a very unlucky friend, the day we arrived was an abnormally warm day (above 0), so only the ice bar was open. One of the igloos melted and collapsed. However, it’s still a really beautiful lake, the highest in Hokkaido. I will definitely revisit this place again."
Jumi
"An interesting place to stop by if you’re driving and want to take a walk and rest from the road. The entrance ticket was paid. If you want to buy a drink, it’s better to have cash with you. I tried to pay by card, but the payment system didn’t load, so I had to pay in cash.
In the photo, you can see a seaberry soda. There is a free foot bath available to everyone, and there are also onsens for men and women. Be sure to bring a towel with you, or you can buy one there. There are also a few igloos standing around.
It might be even more beautiful in the evening when the lanterns light up, but it was interesting during the day as well. Overall, it’s a nice place to stop by along the way and add some variety to your trip."
Poly Boldyreva
"Enjoy the frost of Lake Shikaribetsu - the famous ice village in Hokkaido
Coming to the ice village on Lake Shikaribetsu, visitors will have the opportunity to admire and stay in ice "hotels". Have fun and relax in theaters and giant ice skating rinks. Surely with these different things will give you great experiences during your trip to Hokkaido.
Lake Shikaribetsu is about 14km in circumference and is located in the Daisetsuzan National Park area, in Tokachi District, Eastern Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Nestled deep in the Daisetsuzan Mountains, Lake Shikaribetsu has the highest elevation in the area (more than 800m); is one of the lakes with the clearest water surface in Japan's rivers and lakes; and is the lake with the longest freezing time in Japan.
Lake Shikaribetsu is located quite far from the main center of Hokkaido Prefecture. From Sapporo City's Chitose Airport, it takes about 2.5 hours to travel to Shikaribetsu (about 169 km).
What to do at Lake Shikaribetsu . Ice Village
1. Stroll to see the ice village
2.Visit the Ice Chapel and enjoy a drink at the Ice Bar.
3.Overnight in ice house, igloo
4.Sleigh ride
5. Take a hot outdoor shower and soak your feet in ice!"
Son Nhat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Shikaribetsu is quite remote, about 169 km from Sapporo City's Chitose Airport, taking approximately 2.5 hours by car. Driving is the most convenient way to reach this destination.
Yes, it's a popular stop for day-trippers, especially for those driving through Hokkaido. You can enjoy the ice village, ice bar, and foot baths during the day.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the Tokachi region and reaching Lake Shikaribetsu, as public transport options are limited.
While not explicitly mentioned, many Hokkaido tours might include this area as part of a winter itinerary. It's worth checking with local tour operators.
Expect snowy and icy roads. Ensure your rental car is equipped with winter tires and drive cautiously.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access the ice village. It's advisable to have cash ready for payment.
The ice village is typically open from January to March, but specific daily hours can vary. It's best to check closer to your travel dates.
Yes, some igloos are available for overnight stays, offering a unique winter accommodation experience.
Advance booking is generally not required for the ice bar, but it can get busy. Having cash on hand is more important.
The entrance ticket typically grants access to the ice village, including the ice bar area and free foot baths. Onsen access might be separate.
📸 📸 Photography
The ice bar with drinks in ice cups, the igloos, and the frozen lake landscape are prime photo opportunities. The village looks magical when lit up at night.
Both offer unique experiences. Daytime showcases the intricate ice structures, while evenings provide a magical ambiance with lanterns.
Use a wide aperture to isolate subjects and a fast shutter speed to capture the crispness of the ice. Protect your camera from the cold and moisture.
Yes, you can take photos inside the igloos, but be mindful of other visitors and the delicate ice structures.
Many visitors recommend capturing the unique ice cups at the bar and the overall serene winter landscape of the frozen lake.
🎫 ❄️ Winter Activities
You can stroll through the ice village, enjoy drinks at the ice bar, relax in the free foot bath or onsens, and potentially experience sleigh rides. +1
While not explicitly detailed, the frozen lake provides a natural setting for winter activities, and ice skating might be available.
The primary focus is the ice village experience. While the frozen lake is vast, organized winter sports beyond what's offered at Kotan are less common.
Visitors can admire and potentially stay in 'ice hotels' or igloos, offering a unique overnight experience in the frozen environment.
The name 'Kotan' itself means 'village' in the Ainu language, hinting at the indigenous heritage of Hokkaido.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Dress the kids in multiple warm layers, including waterproof outerwear, hats, and gloves. While the ice bar is fun for adults, consider bringing some kid-friendly snacks or ensuring they have a warm drink. The novelty of the ice village itself is usually enough to keep them entertained for hours.
🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
+1Key advice: Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped for winter driving with snow tires. Be prepared for potentially icy or snowy roads and drive cautiously. Having cash on hand is crucial for any purchases, as card machines can be unreliable in remote, cold areas.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Best shots: Capture the village at dusk when the lanterns begin to glow, creating a magical atmosphere. Experiment with low-light photography and long exposures to emphasize the ice's texture and the surrounding winter scenery. Don't forget to protect your gear from the extreme cold and condensation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ephemeral Nature of Shikaribetsu Kotan
+1Visitors often remark on the magical atmosphere, especially when the village is illuminated by lanterns in the evening. The experience is deeply tied to the natural environment of Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park. The lake itself is known for its clear waters and high elevation, contributing to its long freezing period, which is crucial for the Kotan's existence.
It's important for visitors to be aware that the village's condition is highly dependent on the weather. As one reviewer noted, an unusually warm day caused an igloo to melt and collapse. Therefore, visiting earlier in the season, typically January or February, is often recommended to ensure the best experience before the warmer spring temperatures begin to take their toll.
Experiencing the Ice Bar and Local Flavors
While the ice bar is a highlight, it's wise to be prepared for payment methods. Some travelers have encountered issues with card payment systems in the cold, making it advisable to carry cash. This ensures you can enjoy a warm drink without any payment-related hiccups.
Beyond the ice bar, the area offers opportunities to sample local flavors, such as the seaberry soda mentioned by one visitor. The presence of onsens and a free foot bath also provides a chance to relax and warm up, making the entire experience a well-rounded winter adventure.
The Ainu Heritage of 'Kotan'
+1While the primary focus of Shikaribetsu Kotan is its unique ice structures and winter activities, understanding the meaning of 'Kotan' adds another layer to the visit. It serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted history of Hokkaido and the indigenous cultures that have shaped its identity.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit