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Shikotsuko Ice Festival – Blue Ice Sculptures and Dreamy Winter Illuminations

Shikotsuko Ice Festival – Blue Ice Sculptures and Dreamy Winter Illuminations
The Shikotsuko Ice Festival is a popular winter event held on the shores of Lake Shikotsu in Chitose, Hokkaido. This guide highlights the blue ice formations made from lake water, colorful night illuminations, ice tunnels and slides, weekend fireworks and nearby hot springs, along with access from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, what to wear and tips for enjoying a winter trip to Lake Shikotsu。

Highlights

Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival Overview

The Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival takes place on the lakeshore and is known for crystal-clear ice sculptures with the distinctive “Shikotsu Lake blue” tone, plus nighttime illuminations.

Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival (Daytime Highlights)

Ice objects made using Lake Shikotsu water glow with a bluish clarity, creating a walk-through experience that feels like entering an ice castle.

Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival (Illuminations)

After sunset, the illuminated displays transform the venue into a different mood, with a photogenic, dreamlike ice world.

Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival Things to Do

There are many hands-on highlights such as ice tunnels, slides, and visiting the “Hyoto Shrine,” built from ice.

Lake Shikotsu Access

From New Chitose Airport to Lake Shikotsu: about 40 minutes by car or about 1 hour by bus. From Sapporo: JR to Chitose Station (~30 minutes) plus a bus to Lake Shikotsu (~1 hour) is a common route.

Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival Dates and Admission

The festival typically runs from late January to late February. Admission is about 1,000 yen for junior high school age and above as a guide (may change by year).

Staying Warm at Lake Shikotsu (Cold Weather and Hot Springs)

Temperatures around Lake Shikotsu can drop below freezing, so warm clothing is essential, and you can warm up with food stalls and at Shikotsu Lake Onsen.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival?

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Shikotsuko Hyōtō Matsuri) is a magical winter ice festival held every year from late January to late February at Shikotsu Lake Onsen in Chitose, Hokkaido.

Its official name is the “Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival ~Ice Museum~,” and it is known for ice objects made by spraying Lake Shikotsu water onto frameworks with sprinklers and freezing it.

In the daytime, the ice glows in a transparent blue known as “Shikotsu Blue (Natural Blue),” and at night the illuminated displays create a fantastical atmosphere.

Lake Shikotsu is famous for its high water clarity, and the beauty of the ice created from its clear lake water is exceptional.

This popular winter event lets you enjoy natural art unique to a cold region along with Hokkaido gourmet food.


How to Get There and Transportation Information

Access by Air

  • 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 Lake Shikotsu: About 40 minutes by car, or about 55 minutes by local bus.

Access by Train and Bus

  • From Sapporo Station to Chitose Station: About 30 minutes by JR Rapid Airport train.
  • From Chitose Station / New Chitose Airport to Lake Shikotsu: About 50–55 minutes by Hokkaido Chuo Bus (frequency varies by season).
  • Limited-time shuttle bus: May operate from New Chitose Airport and Chitose Station to Shikotsu Lake Onsen (reservation rules and operation details vary by year).

Access by Car

  • From central Sapporo: About 1 hour via National Route 453.
  • From New Chitose Airport: About 40 minutes via Hokkaido Route 16.
  • Parking: Public parking is available at Shikotsu Lake Onsen (fees may vary depending on the season).


Highlights of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

1. Ice Objects and Shikotsu Blue

The ice objects are made by spraying and freezing the clear lake water of Lake Shikotsu, and in the daytime they shine with a unique blue glow known as “Shikotsu Blue.”

This blue color is a natural color created by the exceptionally pure water of Lake Shikotsu.

With many ice creations in different shapes standing throughout the venue, it feels like walking through an ice museum.

2. Night Illumination

From 16:30, the illuminated displays transform the ice objects into a fantastical world lit by colorful lights.

The illumination is held until 20:00.

3. Ice Tunnel and Ice Slide

The venue also features an ice-made tunnel and slide, which can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

The slide is especially popular with kids, and you can enjoy the beautiful ice art while sliding.

4. Hyōtō Festival Guided Tour

Guided tours may be offered at the venue, allowing visitors to learn about the production process of the ice sculptures while exploring.

It is a great option for those who want to enjoy the Ice Festival more deeply.


How to Enjoy the Ice Festival

1. Dress Warmly!

The Lake Shikotsu area often becomes extremely cold, so proper winter clothing is necessary.

It gets especially cold when viewing the illuminations at night.

  • Thick down jacket
  • Gloves, hat, and scarf
  • Non-slip shoes (snow boots recommended)
  • Disposable hand warmers

2. Enjoy Hokkaido Gourmet Food

The Shikotsu Lake Onsen area around the venue has cafés and restaurants where you can warm up with hot meals and drinks.

Be sure to try chip (himemasu, kokanee salmon), a Lake Shikotsu specialty.

  • Chip (himemasu) dishes: Dishes made with a freshwater fish famous in Lake Shikotsu.
  • Jaga butter: A popular dish of fluffy Hokkaido potatoes topped with butter.
  • Hot milk / hot wine: Warm drinks taste especially good in the cold.

3. Warm Up in an Onsen

Shikotsu Lake Onsen offers high-quality hot springs with different mineral qualities, making it perfect for warming up after being outside.

Some ryokan offer day-use bathing, so it is recommended to enjoy an onsen together with your Ice Festival visit.

In particular, “Shikotsuko Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta” and “Kyukamura Shikotsuko” offer beautiful hot spring experiences surrounded by nature.


Seasonal Highlights of Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing

Winter (December to February): Ice Festival & Snow Activities

  • In addition to the Ice Festival, you can enjoy snowshoe experiences and ice walks around Lake Shikotsu.

Spring (March to May): Arrival of Spring and Lakeside Walks

  • After the snow melts, Lake Shikotsu shows a beautiful clear blue color, making it ideal for lakeside walks.

Summer (June to August): Canoeing & SUP Experiences

  • Canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the highly transparent lake are popular activities.
  • Clear kayak experiences, where you can paddle while looking at the lake bottom, are also becoming increasingly popular.

Autumn (September to November): Fall Foliage and Onsen

  • The surrounding mountains are colored with autumn leaves, with peak viewing usually from early to mid-October.

Useful Travel Information for Visitors

Event Period

  • Usually from late January to late February (check official information for details)
  • Opening hours: 10:00–20:00 / Illumination: 16:30–20:00

Admission Fee

  • Junior high school students and above: 1,000 yen (as an environmental conservation cooperation fee)
  • Elementary school students and younger: Free
  • Payment methods: Cash, various credit cards, and PayPay

Recommended Hotels

  • Shikotsuko Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta: A resort hotel by the shore of Lake Shikotsu.
  • Kyukamura Shikotsuko: Offers a premium time experience of the Ice Festival for overnight guests only.
  • Business hotels in Chitose City: Available at reasonable prices.

Wi-Fi Information

  • Wi-Fi coverage inside the venue is limited.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available at Chitose Station and New Chitose Airport.

Language Support

  • Official guidance may be available in multiple languages.
  • Some hotels and restaurants may provide English support.

Summary

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is a beautiful ice festival created from the highly transparent water of Lake Shikotsu.

In the daytime, you can admire ice objects glowing in “Shikotsu Blue,” and at night you can enjoy magical illuminated scenery.

There are also high-quality hot springs nearby, making it a highly recommended winter trip where you can enjoy spectacular ice scenery and onsen together.


Frequently Asked Questions

A. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival features ice sculptures made by freezing Lake Shikotsu water, held in the Shikotsu Lake Onsen area. In daytime you can enjoy the clarity, and at night the atmosphere changes with illumination. Walking the whole venue once before choosing photo spots helps you avoid ending up with too many similar shots.
A. It’s usually held from late January to late February, though timing can shift depending on temperatures and ice conditions. If warmer days continue, ice formations can change shape, so if you have specific shots in mind, going early in your stay can help. The venue is exposed to wind, so it can feel even colder—gloves, a hat, and a neck warmer are must-haves.
A. Admission is 1,000 yen for junior high students and older, and free for elementary students and younger. Opening hours are typically 10:00–20:00. Nights can get crowded for illumination, so if you want calmer photography, daytime can be easier. The icy ground is slippery, so anti-slip soles help. For cameras, to reduce condensation, place your gear in a bag before going indoors.
A. Buses from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo are convenient, getting you to Shikotsu Lake Onsen, where the venue is close by. If you drive, it’s winter roads, so arriving early is safer. On weekends, parking can fill up, so a smooth plan is to arrive before late afternoon, take a break in the onsen town, then enjoy the nighttime lights. Check bus times early, and aim for the bus one before the last service to improve your chances of getting a seat.
A. The festival involves a lot of standing and looking, so it can feel colder than sightseeing where you keep walking. A windproof outer layer, thick socks, and a hat that covers your ears help. If your hands get cold, photography becomes tough, so layering thin gloves under mittens is useful. Pocket warmers also help when touching icy structures.
A. To bring out transparency, backlight to sidelight angles often look best. Because illumination colors change, even waiting a few seconds in the same spot can give a different mood. On a phone, night mode helps; if you include a person, staying still for two seconds improves sharpness. If you get too close, your breath can fog the shot—keeping a little distance helps clarity.
A. To avoid crowds, weekdays from daytime into late afternoon are a good target. Nights tend to attract more groups; if you want the lights but less stress, going right after the lights turn on can be relatively easier to walk. The venue flow can feel one-way, so following the flow instead of pushing against it reduces friction. Using restrooms on the onsen town side first helps.
A. Shikotsu Lake Onsen has facilities for day-use bathing, and it pairs perfectly with the festival. A comfortable plan is: see the ice sculptures first → warm up in the onsen → return for nighttime lights. Buying a sweet hot drink for the way back can keep you warm while traveling. The ground gets wet easily, so an extra pair of socks can make a big difference in comfort.

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