Ice Village Tour (Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan & Tomamu Ice Village)

Overview

“Kotan” means “village” in the Ainu language, and these two magical ice villages appear only during Hokkaido’s winter.

The first one rises on the frozen surface of Lake Shikaribetsu, the highest lake in Hokkaido. Here you’ll find incredible ice structures such as an ice bar, an ice concert hall, and even an ice chapel. The highlight, however, is the open-air Ice Hot Spring built directly on the frozen lake — a once-in-a-lifetime experience! (Please remember to bring your own towel.)

The second stop is the enchanting Tomamu Ice Village, surrounded by forest. You can enjoy an ice café, ice bar, ice slide, and an ice skating rink.