Don’t Ski? 3 Fun Ways to Have an Epic Winter Experience in Hokkaido!
When it comes to Hokkaido in winter, skiing or snowboarding are usually the first things that come to mind. But the truth is, this northern prefecture of Japan has so much more to it. With snow being a big part of daily lives in Hokkaido, there is a long list of unique snow activities and stunning sceneries that people from all corners of the world are willing to travel thousands of miles for.
Read on to find out more about what this place has to offer!
1) The one and only Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan: Seasonal outdoor bath and ice village on a frozen lake
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan is a winter-only event that is held on the frozen Lake Shikaribetsu for one and a half months. The word “kotan” means “village” in the indigenous Ainu language, and in this seasonal village, all the buildings are made of snow and ice from the lake. This includes the Ice Bar, where you can drink from an ice glass, and the Ice Hall, where events and performances are held.
The best activity is definitely the outdoor bath. Before you get into the steaming hot spring, you would first need to take off your clothes in a changing room that also happens to be made of snow and ice. Brrrr!
Just the thought of it gives you the chills, but once you get through it, you can soak yourself in the warm and cozy natural tea-colored spring water pumped directly from the hot spring source.
The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the bath can get up to more than 60℃! Air temperature is below freezing but your body will scarcely feel cold at all, except maybe your face, which is exposed to the biting winter wind. It’s a weird and interesting feeling!
You can also choose to have a mini spa session in the hot spring as you appreciate the surrounding view of the frozen lake and snow mountains afar. Unfortunately, there is only one bath, but don’t worry. If you feel uncomfortable about mixed-gender baths, keep an eye out for the same-sex-only time slots. Foot baths are also available!
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Name: Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan |
2) A guided tour on an icy horizon: Ice Field Walk
Think of your average horizon, but make it one over an icy field spreading far and wide. This is what we call Ice Horizon!
Sandwiched between the Shiretoko Peninsula and the Nemuro Peninsula, Notsuke Bay is where the Ice Field Walk Tour takes place. This bay in east Hokkaido sits on the inner side of the curved Notsuke Peninsula, and completely freezes during the frigid months of January to mid-March. With no surrounding mountains, you can see the icy field stretching miles and miles far into the horizon, ultimately meeting with the clear blue sky.
The Ice Field Walk is a two-hour-long guided tour that allows you to walk on the frozen sea with snowshoes to Todowara, the remains of a withered fir forest. As you walk further into the horizon, you will find yourself surrounded at one point by nothing but snow and ice. The view will surely take your breath away, so don’t forget to bring your camera with you before starting your trek.
Take advantage of this unique location and play around with forced perspective photography. Through your guide’s useful tips, your clever trick photos will delight and confuse your friends on social media!
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Name: Ice Field Walk Website: Betsukai Ice Horizon (official) |
※Things to bring: Cold-protective clothing, hat, gloves, scarf, snow boots (or high-top shoes), hiking leggings, camera or smartphone (The staff will take trick photos for you using your camera.)
※Rental for cold-protective clothing and long boots are available. Feel free to put in a request when making your reservations.
3. Walking on thick ice: Drift Ice Walk
Each year from late January to early March, sea ice formed near Russia will drift with the wind and water currents to reach the Okhotsk Sea off the eastern shore of Hokkaido Island. This rare natural phenomenon can now be seen up close―and even touched!
Drift Ice Walk is a guided tour that gives you the chance to see, touch, walk, and even lay down on real drift ice. If you want to challenge yourself, you can get into the freezing ocean in a dry suit and float alongside the drift ice too.
“Isn’t it cold? Can I do it even if I can’t swim?”
Don’t worry! The dry suit is cold-protective and retains heat. It is also buoyant and keeps you safely afloat, even if you don’t know how to swim.
If luck is on your side, you might even encounter wild animals only found in cold regions. Remember to keep a vigilant look out for seals resting on the drift ice, sea eagles flying in the sky, or even sea angels (clione or sea slug) in the water when you join the tour. Sometimes the drift ice crashes against each other, making a sound that almost resembles an animal cry!
There are four tours each day. If your schedule permits, join the 3:15 p.m. tour. You’ll make it just in time for a beautiful sunset view, which is only seen during this slot.
Want to feel what it’s like walking on drift ice, or witness the power of nature up close? Then be sure to not miss out on this winter experience.
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An extra bit of info!
Did you know that you can experience dog sledding in some of the tourist areas in Hokkaido, such as Furano and Tokachi? 🐕🐕
Follow us @visitmyjapan to discover more!
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