Highlights
- 'Shikotsu Blue' turquoise ice structures
- Colorful nightly light-ups
- Ice domes, tunnels and slides made from lake water
Background & story
Begun in 1979, the festival uses Lake Shikotsu's famously transparent water, which freezes a distinctive blue; structures are sprayed onto frames over weeks of cold.
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- ~40 min by car/bus from Chitose Station / New Chitose Airport; seasonal buses from Sapporo. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Admission (cooperation fee): ¥1,000 for junior-high age and over on weekdays, ¥3,000 at weekends and on public holidays; free for elementary-school children and younger (official, as of 2026-09-18). Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families
Good to know
The 2027 edition runs 30 January – 23 February, open 10:00–20:00 with the light-up from 16:30 to 20:00 (official). Come at dusk to catch the blue ice turning to coloured light; dress for severe lakeside cold.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 2027 and what are the hours?
- 30 January to 23 February 2027, open 10:00–20:00, with the light-up from 16:30 to 20:00 (official site, checked 2026-09-18).
- How much is admission?
- ¥1,000 for junior-high age and over on weekdays and ¥3,000 at weekends and on public holidays; elementary-school children and younger go free (official, checked 2026-09-18).
Getting there
Lake Shikotsu Onsen lakeside, Shikotsu-Toya National Park — Shikotsukohan, Chitose, Hokkaido