Lake Shikotsu, a caldera lake renowned for Japan's highest water transparency, provides the exceptionally clear water used to build the festival's signature ice towers and caves each winter. Organisers spray lake water onto frames over several weeks, creating translucent structures that display an otherworldly blue hue unique to Shikotsu's mineral composition. Evening illuminations in blue, green, and violet turn the lakeside venue into a glowing ice palace. The festival runs from late January through mid-February and is easily accessible as a day trip from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Snow/Winter
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- Late January to mid-February
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Prefecture
- Hokkaido
- City
- Chitose
Highlights
- ◆Translucent ice structures built from award-winning pure lake water
- ◆Distinctive natural blue hue of Shikotsu ice
- ◆Coloured night illuminations reflecting on the lake surface
- ◆Walk-through ice caves and tunnels
- ◆Easy access — 50 minutes from New Chitose Airport