The winter village of Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan しかりべつ湖コタン

It is in the grandiose landscape of Daisetsuzan National Park , in the city of Shikaoi, that Lake Shikaribetsu (Shirabetsuko in Japanese) is located. During the harsh winters of Hokkaido, its clear water is completely frozen - the thickness of the ice can reach the meter - and every year since 1980, a village of snow and ice has been built there, which will disappear once spring comes. .

To read : The six most beautiful lakes in eastern Hokkaido

completely frosted

For two months, the lake bristles with igloos in which various establishments are installed. Buildings are constructed with ice blocks made from compressed snow, which allows for different styles and shapes. There is even an ice chapel where weddings are celebrated.

It is also the only frozen lake in the world that offers outdoor hot spring baths ( onsen ). We undress in cabins made of snow before slipping into the water, surrounded by the frozen immensity. For those who prefer not to undress (which is understandable), there are also hot water basins to warm their feet.

Once well warmed up, why not have a drink in the extraordinary bar set up in an igloo? They serve frosted drinks in ice glasses...

See also: Ice Hotel de Tomamu

Many activities

But at the Shikaribetsu Kotan village, it's not just about walking from igloo to igloo. Throughout these two months different events are organized. Concerts, projection of videos on a wall of ice, workshops (in particular for making glasses or ice sculptures), labyrinth for children, snowmobile rental, walks or even cross-country skiing attract some 40,000 curious people each year. It is still better not to be too chilly because the average temperature is - 20°C !

The village is not very big and you can go around it in about thirty minutes . Small clarification: in this world as magical as it is unreal, toilets have no place. You have to go to the public toilets near the Lake Shikaribetsu Nature Center.

The bravest can sleep in an igloo , warm (?) in sleeping bags. At night, the lake and its surroundings are shrouded in darkness, and the area is known for its beautiful starry skies .