[Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival] A spectacular winter event where you can enjoy the fantastic world of ice

What is the Shikotsu Lake Hyotō Festival?

Shikotsu Lake Hyotō Festival (Shikotsu-ko Hyōtō Matsuri) is a magical ice festival held every winter at Shikotsu Lake in Chitose, Hokkaido.

This festival is known for its ice sculptures made by spraying water from Shikotsu Lake. By day you can enjoy the clear blue ice known as “Shikotsu Lake Blue,” and by night the illuminated displays create a fantastical atmosphere.

It’s a popular winter event where you can enjoy nature’s cold-weather art, snow activities, and Hokkaido gourmet food.

How to get there / Transportation

By plane

• From Tokyo (Haneda) to New Chitose Airport: about 1 hour 30 minutes by plane.
• From Osaka (Kansai) to New Chitose Airport: about 2 hours by plane.
• From New Chitose Airport to Shikotsu Lake: about 40 minutes by car, about 1 hour by bus.

By train / bus

• From Sapporo Station to Chitose Station: about 30 minutes by JR Rapid Airport train.
• From Chitose Station to Shikotsu Lake: about 1 hour by Hokkaido Chuo Bus (5 services per day).
• Direct tour bus from Sapporo Station to Shikotsu Lake (limited period): about 1 hour 30 minutes.

By car

• From central Sapporo: about 1 hour 30 minutes via the Dōō Expressway.
• From New Chitose Airport: about 40 minutes via Hokkaido Route 16.
• Parking: temporary parking lots are available around the venue.

Highlights of the Shikotsu Lake Hyotō Festival

1. Ice sculptures and “Shikotsu Lake Blue”

The ice sculptures made from Shikotsu Lake’s clear water emit a distinctive blue glow during the day known as “Shikotsu Lake Blue.”

Various shapes of ice carvings line the site, giving the feeling of walking through an ice castle.

2. Nighttime illumination

After sunset, the ice sculptures are lit by colorful lights, creating a dreamlike world.

The ice glowing in pink, blue, and green looks like something out of a fairy tale and is perfect for photography.

3. Ice tunnels and ice slides

The venue includes ice tunnels and slides made of ice, which can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

The slides are especially popular with children, who can enjoy the beautiful ice art as they slide.

4. Ice shrine for making wishes

There is an “ice shrine” at the venue where you can pass through an ice torii gate and offer a prayer.

It is said that praying here can bring good relationships and better fortune.

5. Weekend-only fireworks

On weekends, fireworks are launched into the night sky above Shikotsu Lake.

The combination of ice sculptures and fireworks is spectacular and offers a winter-only spectacular view.

How to enjoy the festival

1. Dress warmly!

Temperatures around Shikotsu Lake can drop to , so good cold-weather gear is essential.

• Thick down jacket
• Gloves, hat, and scarf
• Shoes with good grip (snow boots recommended)

2. Enjoy Hokkaido food

There are food stalls offering Hokkaido specialties at the venue, where you can warm up with hot dishes.

• Ishikari-nabe: Hokkaido’s specialty salmon and miso hot pot.
• Jaga-butter: fluffy Hokkaido potatoes topped with butter.
• Hot milk and hot wine: warm drinks that are especially satisfying in the cold.

3. Warm up in hot springs

There are Shikotsu Lake hot springs nearby—perfect for warming up after being out in the cold.

Especially recommended are “支笏湖第一寶亭留 翠山亭” (Shikotsuko Dai-ichi Hotei Suiyantei) and “レイクサイドヴィラ翠明閣” (Lakeside Villa Suimeikaku), where you can soak in hot springs while enjoying beautiful lake views.

Shikotsu Lake attractions by season

Winter (Dec–Feb): Hyotō Festival & snow activities

• Besides the Hyotō Festival, you can enjoy snowshoeing and wakasagi (pond smelt) fishing around the lake.

Spring (Mar–May): Signs of spring and lakeside walks

• As the snow melts, Shikotsu Lake’s clear blue water is stunning—ideal for lakeside walks.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Canoeing & SUP

• Canoe and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) experiences on the lake, prized for its high water clarity, are popular.

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Autumn leaves and hot springs

• The surrounding mountains are colored with autumn foliage, offering spectacular views.

Useful information for travelers

Event period (2024)

• Late January to mid-February (check the official website for exact dates)

Admission fee

• 1000 JPY for junior high school students and older (environmental conservation cooperation fee)
• Free for elementary school students and younger

Recommended accommodations

• 支笏湖第一寶亭留 翠山亭 (Shikotsuko Dai-ichi Hotei Suiyantei): a lakeside hot spring inn.
• レイクサイドヴィラ翠明閣 (Lakeside Villa Suimeikaku): a luxury hotel with lake views from every room.
• Business hotels in Chitose: budget-friendly options in Chitose city.

Wi‑Fi

• There is no Wi‑Fi at the venue.
• Free Wi‑Fi is available around Chitose Station and Sapporo Station.

Language support

• Tourist information centers provide brochures in English, Chinese, and Korean.
• Some hotels and restaurants offer English support.

Summary & Frequently Asked Questions

The Shikotsu Lake Hyotō Festival is an event where you can enjoy Japan’s stunning winter scenery.

Take in the clear ice art and the illuminated, dreamlike landscapes while experiencing the charms of Hokkaido in winter!

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will the festival be held if it rains?

A: Yes, the festival is held in rain, but some areas may be closed depending on weather conditions.

Q: Is the ice slippery?

A: Yes, surfaces can be slippery—wear shoes with good anti-slip properties.

Visit the Shikotsu Lake Hyotō Festival for a memorable trip to enjoy Hokkaido’s spectacular winter scenery!