Shikotsuko Ice Festival: Hokkaido's Frozen Lake Fantasy

Beside one of Japan's clearest caldera lakes, glowing towers and tunnels of sprayed ice turn a Hokkaido winter night into a shimmering blue-lit wonderland.

Published October 21, 2026 at 6:23 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The Shikotsuko Ice Festival, also called the Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival, is a winter event at Shikotsu Onsen in Chitose, Hokkaido. It usually runs from late January into February. Its signature feature is a village of ice sculptures made by spraying lake water until it freezes, which glow in many colors after dark and look a rich "Shikotsuko blue" by day.

For travelers who want a winter festival near Sapporo that feels more intimate than the city's giant snow sculptures, this one is a favorite. It sits beside a deep, clear lake surrounded by volcanic mountains, and visitors can combine ice-gazing with hot springs. This guide explains what the festival is, how the ice is made, what to see by day and by night, how to get there from Sapporo and the airport, and how to stay warm and comfortable.

What is the Shikotsuko Ice Festival?

The festival is held each winter at Lake Shikotsu, in Chitose City, within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. In Japanese it is often called Shikotsuko Hyoto Matsuri, and the word hyoto refers to the towering ice structures at the heart of the event. The festival is run by a local executive committee and is closely tied to the hot spring resort on the lake shore.

Unlike ice festivals that feature carved blocks, this one is known for structures formed by spraying water and letting it freeze in the cold. That method gives the ice a natural, sculptural look, with layers and ripples that catch the light. The creations range from towers and tunnels to small buildings and slides.

The mix of ice art, lighting and mountain scenery makes the festival feel like a small winter village. Around two hundred thousand visitors are reported to attend in a typical year, drawn both by the beauty and by the fun of playing on the ice.

The lake behind the festival

Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake, formed when land sank between surrounding volcanoes tens of thousands of years ago. It is the second deepest lake in Japan, with a maximum depth of about 363 meters, and it lies in the southwest of Hokkaido near Chitose. The lake is known for exceptionally clear water, which is part of its fame.

Its name comes from an Ainu word meaning a large hollow or depression. Nearby mountains such as Mount Eniwa and Mount Fuppushi frame the water, and the lake is protected within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Because the lake is so deep, it holds its heat well, and it is known as the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan, which is why the festival's ice is made by spraying rather than harvested from a frozen surface.

In winter sunlight, the festival's ice takes on a rich blue tone that locals call Shikotsuko blue. The color is closely tied to the lake's identity, and it is a big reason sightseers make the trip.

When and where it is held

The festival usually runs from late January to mid- or late February. The opening and closing dates depend on temperature and weather, since the ice must be cold enough to form and stay solid. Always check the official festival website or local tourism information before you travel, because dates and schedules vary from year to year.

The venue is at Lake Shikotsu Hot Springs, called Shikotsu Onsen, on the eastern shore of the lake in Chitose City, Hokkaido. It is roughly forty minutes by car from New Chitose Airport and around an hour from central Sapporo.

What happens: a day at the festival

By day, visitors can walk among the ice structures and watch the colors shift with the sunlight. The lake and surrounding peaks form a dramatic backdrop, and clear days offer lovely views of Mount Eniwa and its snowcap. This is a good time to take photos and to explore without the evening crowds.

As dusk falls, lights come on and the scene changes. Published information for past editions describes illumination from late afternoon until around ten at night, with the ice lit in a range of colors. The ice that looked soft and blue by day now glows in reds, greens and violets, and the whole venue takes on a dreamlike air.

On weekends, past festivals have offered fireworks in the evening, and the event is known to close with fireworks. Live taiko drum performances have also been part of the program, along with games and prize events, so check the schedule to see what is planned for your visit.

Highlights and unique features

Several structures have become signature attractions. Past editions have featured a welcome gate in the form of an ice tunnel, towers lit in strong colors, and an ice shrine where visitors place coins on the surface as a wish, with the money said to help fund future festivals. The exact designs change from year to year, so each visit can bring something new.

Other highlights have included an ice aquarium that displays fish, a recreation of a mossy cave found at the lake, and a blue pond inspired by the famous pond in Biei. Some editions have also featured a tall observation structure with a spiral staircase, offering views of the grounds, the lake and the mountains.

Families enjoy the play areas. An ice slide suitable for children, a rink where visitors can slide around in boots, and horse rides around the venue have been listed among the attractions. There are also weddings held among the ice sculptures, which add to the fairy-tale mood.

Light, color and atmosphere

The festival's appeal comes from the contrast between day and night. In sunlight, the ice looks like pale glass shaded in blue. At night, colored lights bring out the textures of the sprayed ice and make each structure glow from within.

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than rowdy. Couples stroll slowly, families take turns on the slide, and photographers set up tripods near the towers.

After the cold, the resort town's hot springs offer a welcome reward. Day-visit baths are available at local facilities, so a soak can easily be part of a festival day. This pairing of ice and hot water is a big part of what makes the trip special.

How to get there and where to watch

By public transport, Shikotsu Onsen can be reached from JR Chitose Station by bus in roughly fifty-five minutes, according to published information. Check the festival site and local bus operators for current routes and schedules. From New Chitose Airport, a taxi or rental car takes around forty minutes.

If you drive in winter, make sure your rental car has winter tires and allow extra time. Roads near the lake can be icy, and parking may fill up on weekends.

Once you arrive, the festival grounds are compact and easy to walk. The best views of the whole venue are often from the elevated structures or from the lake shore. At night, walk slowly around the lit areas and give yourself time to take in each section.

Tips for visitors and festival etiquette

Dress very warmly. Temperatures drop quickly after dark, so wear thermal layers, a windproof coat, a hat, gloves and boots with good grip. Hand warmers are inexpensive and useful. Bring a small towel if you plan to use a hot spring.

Move carefully. Ice paths can be slippery, so take small steps and hold the hands of children. Follow signs and staff directions, especially around slides and play areas, and keep to marked paths.

Treat the ice with care. Do not climb on structures unless they are meant for it, and do not break pieces off. Be considerate when taking photos in narrow tunnels or near entrances so that others can pass, and keep your flash off when people are admiring the glow.

Combine it with nearby sights

The hot spring town itself is a pleasant place to relax, with baths and local meals. Many visitors also pair the festival with time in Sapporo, which is only about an hour away and has its own famous winter events.

For a bigger Hokkaido winter trip, consider the candlelit canal of Otaru or the sculptures of the Sapporo Snow Festival. Chitose is also close to the airport, so the festival can be an easy first or last stop on a Hokkaido itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Shikotsuko Ice Festival held?

It usually runs from late January into February at Lake Shikotsu Hot Springs in Chitose, Hokkaido. The exact start and end dates depend on weather and can change from year to year. Check the official festival website or a local tourism office before you travel, and arrive after sunset to see the lights at their best.

How is the ice made?

The ice structures are made by spraying water from Lake Shikotsu in freezing temperatures so that it builds up layer by layer into towers, tunnels and other forms. The lake itself is famously deep and is known as an ice-free lake, so this method creates the festival's distinctive natural-looking ice and its blue color in daylight.

How can visitors get to the festival from Sapporo?

Shikotsu Onsen is about an hour by car from central Sapporo and roughly forty minutes from New Chitose Airport. By public transport, visitors usually take a train to Chitose Station and then a bus to the hot spring town, which takes about fifty-five minutes. Confirm current routes and timetables before you go.

Further Reading

To explore further, see Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival (Japan National Tourism Organization), Lake Shikotsu (Wikipedia) and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Sapporo Travel).

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Sapporo Snow Festival: Giant Sculptures in Winter, Otaru Snow Light Path: Candlelit Winter Canals and Hokkaido Travel Guide: Regions and Seasons at a Glance.