Hokkaido Winter: LAKE SHIKOTSU ICE FESTIVAL
12:27 AM
39th LAKE SHIKOTSU ICE FESTIVAL (Shikotsu Lake Hyoto Matsuri)
Lake Shikotsu in Chitose is a caldera lake formed due to volcanic activity. This lake doesn't freeze over most winters. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 pm and is lit up at 4:30 til it closes.
The sparkling blue ice sculptures in the day are colorful at night. It is from frozen from sprayed water from the Lake Shikotsu. The natural blue is also called “Shikotsu Lake Blue”.
There are many activities you can do besides admiring the sculptures. Among them is an ice slide for adults and children and skating rink for children.
There is a fireworks display at 6:30 PM on the weekends. There is no entrance fee but donations Y300 are welcome. You are given a postcard and drink discount when you donate.
Getting There: You can pay cash or with your IC (Kitaca/Suica/etc) on the bus Y930 Chitose Station (bus stop #4) (first bus leaves at 8:51) to Lake Shikotsu / Y1030 from Chitose Airport Bus Stop #1 & #28 (Domestic Terminal) 1st stop or Stop # 66 (International Airport). It takes 55 minutes from the Domestic Terminal stop or 44 minutes from Chitose Station to Lake Shikotsu. First bus leaves at 8:40 AM and last is 4:30 departing from the domestic terminal. If going on a weekend it may be better to take the bus earlier in the route to make sure you get a seat. There are only 4 trips per way on weekdays but there is an additional trip on weekends and holidays. The last return bus leaves at 7:10 PM. You can also take a sightseeing bus from Sapporo or take a cab to the Lake.
Bus timetable from the festival website:
When you get off at the bus stop, walk towards the payphone, past the ramp and continue to the small road. Turn right to the small road, you'll see the visitor center on your left continue onwards towards the lake. The slope is downward and may be slippery because of the ice. The ice festival will be on your left.
Tip: It is really cold especially when the wind blows since you'll be so close to the lake.
Dates: January 27- February 19, 2017
Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM– 10:00 PM
Illumination/Light Up: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Fireworks: 6:30 PM on the weekends
Sites: Lake Shikotsu
Access: LAKE SHIKOTSU via Bus or via taxi or private vehicle.
Website: http://hyoutou-special.asia/
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