Every year, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world . Visitors not only come to admire the beautiful ice structures but also participate in many interesting activities such as ice skating, exploring ice caves or enjoying hot cuisine typical of Hokkaido. More than that, the cold but vibrant atmosphere of winter here leaves an unforgettable impression on anyone who visits. In this article, let's explore the history, artistic highlights, and things to know to fully enjoy the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.
1. History and origin of the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival
The Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival was first held in 2002 at Lake Shikotsu (Photo source: Collected)
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival was first held in 2002 at Lake Shikotsu, located in Hokkaido Prefecture, northern Japan. The aim of the festival is to create a unique event to attract visitors during the cold winter. Hokkaido, famous for its cold climate and heavy snowfall, is an ideal location for ice and snow festivals. Lake Shikotsu, located in the mountains, is the deepest freshwater lake in Japan and offers a majestic natural environment, creating a great backdrop for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.
This festival has become one of the largest winter events in Japan, attracting not only domestic tourists but also many international tourists. In recent years, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival has developed many new activities, enhancing the experience for visitors and preserving the characteristics of the Hokkaido region.
2. Highlights of the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival
Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival is a combination of wild nature and ice and snow art (Photo source: Collected)
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is a fusion of wild nature and ice and snow art. Each year, the festival has a different theme, and the ice and snow works created by artisans are an important highlight of the event. These works are very elaborately shaped, from ice castles, character statues to majestic landscapes, all giving the feeling of being lost in a mysterious world of ice and snow.
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival usually lasts from late January to mid-February, when the temperature in Hokkaido drops to its lowest. This is the ideal time to admire the beautiful ice and snow works, as well as participate in the exciting activities that the festival offers.
One of the biggest attractions of the festival is the ice sculptures. The artists will shape giant blocks of ice, creating works that can reflect shimmering light at night. Visitors can visit, admire and take pictures with these works of art. In particular, at night, the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival becomes more magical than ever when the works are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a mysterious and attractive space.
3. Activities and experiences at the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival
The Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival also offers visitors many interesting activities (Photo source: Collected)
In addition to visiting ice art, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival also offers visitors many other interesting activities. One of the activities not to be missed is ice skating and participating in winter games. Visitors can participate in games such as snowboarding, snowball fights, sledding, and many other games suitable for all ages.
In addition, an indispensable experience when participating in the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is enjoying Hokkaido's typical winter cuisine . Food stalls at the festival will serve a variety of hot dishes such as miso soup, grilled dishes, and local dishes typical of Hokkaido, helping visitors enjoy the culinary flavors while enjoying the cold winter air.
Another special feature of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is the ice boat activities on Lake Shikotsu. Visitors can take part in an ice boat ride, admire the beautiful scenery of Lake Shikotsu, and enjoy the fresh, peaceful air of this area. This is a very memorable experience that not every visitor has the opportunity to experience.
4. Time to attend the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival
The Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival usually takes place from late January to mid-February (Photo source: Collected)
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival usually takes place from late January to mid-February, when Hokkaido's weather is at its coldest. This is the ideal time to see ice art because the snow and ice will be created and will retain their shape for the longest time. If you want to attend the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, plan ahead and prepare carefully for your trip.
When attending the festival, you should also pay attention to the schedule and time of the activities. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival usually lasts about a week to 10 days, so check the specific schedule so you don't miss out on the fun activities at the festival.
5. Things to note when participating in the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival
When participating in the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, visitors should note the following to have a smooth and safe trip. First, because the festival takes place in winter, the weather can be very cold, so you need to prepare warm clothes and full necessary items to protect your health. In addition, make sure you check the information about the schedule and activities in the festival in advance so as not to miss any events.
Since the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival attracts a lot of visitors, it is also advisable to book your accommodation and transportation in advance to avoid disappointment. Booking your hotel and services in advance will make your trip easier and more convenient.
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival in Hokkaido is one of the great winter events that you cannot miss when coming to Japan. With impressive ice artworks, exciting winter activities and beautiful natural scenery, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival will definitely bring you unforgettable experiences. If you love winter and want to explore the unique beauty of Hokkaido, do not forget to join the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival during your trip to Japan.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-bang-ho-shikotsu-v16096.aspx
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