Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival

The Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival in Sapporo, Japan, is an annual event that transforms the frozen landscape into a mesmerizing display of light and ice. Visitors can wander through this winter wonderland, marveling at the thousands of illuminated sculptures and lanterns reflecting on the lake’s surface. While the experience is primarily in Japanese, it offers a unique opportunity to take in the captivating beauty of Japan’s winter festivities.

Good To Know

• The Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival is an annual event held in Sapporo, Japan, featuring beautiful illuminations and intricate ice sculptures.
• The tour package includes the experience of the festival, with a meeting point at ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo and a return at Sapporo Station’s North Exit.
• The festival is primarily conducted in Japanese, with limited English communication available, providing a unique opportunity to experience Japanese winter festivities.
• The outdoor venue can be slippery, and warm clothing is essential, as the festival is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for strollers.
• The festival highlights include a dazzling display of lights, thousands of illuminated ice sculptures and lanterns, and opportunities for ice skating and snowshoeing.

Event Overview

The Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival is an annual event held in Sapporo, Japan.

The festival features beautiful illuminations and intricate ice sculptures around Lake Shikotsu. It has received 5 reviews with a 3.4 rating from Viator and Tripadvisor.

The event takes place in Sapporo, a vibrant city known for its winter attractions.

While the festival has limited English communication, it offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese winter festivities.

Visitors should dress warmly and expect slippery conditions at the outdoor venue.

Tour Details

A tour package offers travelers an opportunity to experience the Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival.

The meeting point is the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo, with the tour ending at Sapporo Station’s North Exit. The tour starts at 3:40 PM and returns around 9:00 PM, with a maximum of 45 participants. The price is £53.14 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour experience includes:

1. Limited English communication, as the tour is primarily conducted in Japanese.
2. Longer transportation duration (1.5 hours each way) compared to time spent at the site (under 2 hours).
3. An optional 300 yen entrance fee for the ice festival maintenance.
4. Potential delays due to traffic or weather, requiring ample transfer time.

Accessibility and Safety

Though the event takes place in an outdoor setting, the venue can be slippery, so visitors should dress warmly for the extreme cold.

The festival isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Attendees should also note that infants must sit on laps.

The event is located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

Tour Experience and Feedback

According to reviews, the tour is primarily conducted in Japanese, with limited English communication available. This can be a challenge for some travelers who don’t speak the language fluently.

Additionally:

1. The transportation duration to and from the site is longer than the actual time spent at the festival, which may feel like a waste of time for some.
2. The maximum stay at the site is under 2 hours, which some travelers have found to be too short.
3. An entrance fee of 300 yen is recommended but not mandatory for the ice festival maintenance.
4. Feedback indicates mixed experiences regarding the overall value and communication during the tour.

Additional Considerations

Travelers should be aware that tour confirmations may not be provided until within 48 hours of the experience, subject to availability. Buses may encounter delays due to traffic or weather, so it’s important to allow ample transfer time. Most travelers can participate, but feedback indicates mixed experiences regarding communication and value for time spent.

Highlights of the Festival

The Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival offers a dazzling display of lights that transform the frozen landscape into a winter wonderland.

The festival’s highlights include:

1. Thousands of illuminated ice sculptures and lanterns scattered across the frozen lake, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

2. Breathtaking reflections of the lights on the smooth, glossy surface of the lake, adding to the magical atmosphere.

3. A large, illuminated ice sculpture depicting the famous Mount Usu volcano, a stunning centerpiece of the festival.

4. Opportunities for visitors to enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and other winter activities amid the enchanting setting.

Preparing for the Tour

To make the most of the Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival tour, it’s essential to prepare accordingly.

First, dress warmly in layers, as the venue can be slippery and the temperatures extremely cold. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is a must.

Although strollers are allowed, the terrain may be challenging.

Travelers should also note the tour is primarily conducted in Japanese, with limited English communication.

Lastly, be mindful of the transportation duration – up to 1.5 hours each way – which leaves little time at the festival site.

With proper preparation, visitors can make the most of this enchanting winter wonderland experience.

Getting to the Venue

Attendees meet at the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo, located in the hotel’s 1st floor lobby. From there, they board a bus that will transport them to the Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival site.

The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, so visitors should plan accordingly and allow ample time for potential delays due to traffic or weather conditions.

The tour experience includes:

1. Scenic bus ride to the festival location
2. Entrance to the illumination and ice festival
3. Roughly 2 hours to explore the site
4. Return bus trip back to Sapporo Station

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Lighting Displays Can I Expect to See?

The lighting displays can include a variety of ice sculptures, lanterns, and illuminated pathways on the frozen lake. Visitors can expect a enchanting atmosphere created by the creative use of lighting to highlight the winter scenery.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available On-Site?

There are food and drink options available on-site, though the selection may be limited. Visitors can expect to find warm beverages and snacks to enjoy while taking in the festival’s illumination displays.

Is Photography Permitted During the Festival?

Photography is generally permitted during the festival. Visitors are encouraged to capture the stunning ice sculptures and illuminated landscapes. However, tripods may be restricted in certain areas to maintain crowd flow and safety.

Can I Explore the Lake Area Outside of the Festival Grounds?

Visitors can explore the lake area outside the festival grounds, but they should be cautious as the venue is described as slippery and they’ll need to dress warmly for the extreme cold conditions.

Are There Any Unique Cultural Performances or Activities at the Event?

The event features cultural performances and activities like ice sculpting demonstrations and live music. Visitors can also explore local food stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere around the illuminated frozen lake.

The Sum Up

The Winter Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival in Sapporo, Japan, offers a captivating winter experience. Visitors can marvel at the breathtaking ice sculptures and lanterns reflected on the frozen lake, with the illuminated Mount Usu volcano as the centerpiece. Though primarily in Japanese, the festival provides a unique opportunity to take in Japanese winter festivities amidst stunning natural scenery.