Lake Shikotsu during Winter

We ditched Lake Toyako for Lake Shikotsu and it was one of the best places I’ve been during winter.

A trip to Lake Shikotsu in winter is an unforgettable experience. The landscape, covered in a blanket of snow, is transformed into a peaceful wonderland. The air is crisp and clean, and the silence of the snow-laden forests is a profound contrast to the noise of daily life.

The highlight of any winter trip here is the Shikotsuko Hyoto Matsuri, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. This remarkable event is a testament to the creative power of nature. The festival grounds are a surreal landscape of luminous ice sculptures, each one a unique work of art crafted from the lake's pure, crystal-clear water. By day, the sculptures shimmer with a serene blue glow. At night, they are illuminated with a kaleidoscope of colors, turning the festival grounds into a magical, unforgettable spectacle.

We did marshmallows barbecue which my family and I enjoyed so much . We grabbed a cup of coffee in the cute little cafe on our way back to our onsen hotel which the hotel is definitely one of the highlights of this trip.

Post by SuWeii | Sep 9, 2025