Lake Akan Frost Flowers

Lake Akan's ethereal frost flowers

"Frost flowers," uniquely shaped ice crystals, cover the surface of Hokkaido's Lake Akan and transform the landscape into a shimmering meadow of white.

Weather conditions need to be just right for this rare natural phenomenon to occur. Frost flowers form in relatively windless conditions when temperatures drop to -15 degrees Celsius and the lake isn’t covered in snow. Depending on the weather, they can form as isolated petals or bloom into full-fledged, glittering flowers. Each piece is fragile and can melt with slight changes in temperature or wind. Stay in Kushiro for a few days during the winter months, December to March, for the best chance to see these delicate crystalline structures.

Visiting on your own can be dangerous as the ice may be thin on some parts of the lake. Maximize your chances of spotting some frost flowers and stay safe by joining a tour with a professional guide.

How to get there

Lake Akan is about 70 minutes by bus or car from either Kushiro Airport or Kushiro Station.

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