Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Every year more than 200,000 people visit Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido to view beautiful ice sculptures during the Hyoto Matsuri or Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

The ice sculptures take on a beautiful blue color during the daytime and are lit up with multi-colored lights starting at 4:30 in the evening. 

The festival features ice slides and horseback riding for children, taiko drumming performances, an ice wedding, and fireworks. The fireworks begin at 6:30 pm every Saturday and Sunday during the festival.

This year the festival kicks off on January 27 and runs through February 19. The attractions are open every day from 9:00 in the morning until 10:00 in the evening. Admission is free, however donations are encouraged.

From Shin-Chitose airport, you can take a bus to the Shinkotsuko bus stop (takes approximately 55 minutes). The cost is 1,030 yen. Or you can take a taxi, which takes about 40 minutes and costs 7,000 yen.

Details

Date: January 27 – February 19, 2017

Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Fee: Free admission

Website: http://hyoutou-special.asia/ (in Japanese)

Transportation: There are two options from Shin-Chitose airport

• Option 1: Bus to Shikotsuko bus stop – about 55 minutes/1,030 yen
• Option 2: Taxi – about 40 minutes/7,000 yen