tripuuu.log
Winter Scenery · Hokkaido

Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan

Lake Shikaribetsu, ShikaoiLake❄ Best season: Late Jan – Mid Mar
Search by dates and destination
Overview

Overview

At Lake Shikaribetsu, 804 m above sea level in the south of Daisetsuzan National Park, an ice and snow village called Shikaribetsu Kotan appears on the frozen lake only in winter. You can enjoy a magical world made entirely of the lake’s ice and snow, including an ice bar and an open-air bath on the ice.

Address
Lake Shikaribetsu shore, Shikaoi-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido 081-0344
Official website
https://kotan.jp/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonDuring the Shikaribetsu Kotan event period (late January to mid-March)
December
January
February
March

Entry and activities may be restricted depending on the weather and the condition of the ice

This season’s events & operating dates

Shikaribetsu Kotan 2027: January 28 – March 14, 2027

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

This winter-only village has been held for more than 40 years, with an ice bar, an ice lodge, an open-air bath and footbath on the ice and more lined up on the frozen lake. The highlight is the combination of the white lake surrounded by mountains and the buildings made of ice.

📷 Best views
On the lake (Kotan venue)

Ice buildings on the frozen lake and snowy scenery surrounded by mountains

Hours

Opening hours

January 28 – February 289:00–20:00

Ice bar 10:30–19:20

March 1 – March 149:00–18:00

Ice bar 10:30–17:20

Open-air bath on the ice (January–February)9:00–19:50

Men only 17:00–18:20, women only 18:30–19:50. In March 9:00–17:50. Cleaning on Thursday mornings

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

Admission season pass¥600 (elementary school students and older)

Activities charged separately

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The hot spring minerals in the open-air bath on the ice can stain fabric, so bring a swimsuit and towel you do not mind getting stained
  • ✓Check the event status and any restrictions on the official website and social media before you go
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Obihiro Station (JR Nemuro Main Line)About 100 min by bus
From major stations & airports
  • Tokachi-Shimizu IC: Car (About 60 min)
  • Obihiro Airport: Car (About 80 min)
Driving & winter roads
100 spaces (free)
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
February normals for Obihiro: high -0.2°C, low -12.0°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Lake Shikaribetsu, at 804 m, is even colder
What to wear & bring
Protect your whole body with a heavy down jacket, insulated pants, a hat, gloves and snow boots. The ice is slippery, so ice grips are reassuring
☁ Hokkaido weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & safety

  • !A season pass is required for entry
  • !In the open-air bath on the ice, you may bathe wearing a swimsuit or a bath towel (there are mixed-bathing hours)
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Lake Shikaribetsu KotanPR

PRSee more places to stay near Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Obihiro & Tokachi

Zoo

Obihiro Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Obihiro & Tokachi

A city-run zoo inside Midorigaoka Park in Obihiro. In addition to its summer season from spring to autumn, it opens on weekends and holidays from December to February for the winter season. Admission is free for junior high school age and under, and with its play area it's a family-friendly zoo.

See all attractions →
Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Hokkaido

Old town

Otaru Canal in Winter

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Jan

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookHokkaido autumn leaves toursSounkyo, Jozankei and moreView