Shikaribetsuko Kotan Open-Air Bath on Frozen Lake
This natural bath is found in Shikaribetsu-ko Kotan, a village of ice that appears for only 60 days atop the frozen surface of Lake Shikaribetsu, the highest lake in Hokkaido. The village is made completely of ice and snow, and that includes the baths and changing rooms. This might be the only place in the world to experience the exquisite contrast of soaking in hot water in a below-freezing room, and it's almost certainly the only place to enjoy an outdoor bath on top of a frozen lake. Shikaribetsu-ko Kotan is open most years for about two months, from late January. The village has become a symbol of Tokachi's winter, and features not only baths but a bar, a chapel, and lodges offering overnight stays.
Spot details
- Address
- Hokkaido Kato-gun Shikaoi Cho Kitaurimaku Shikaribetsuko Map
- Phone
- 0156698181
- Hours
- 9:00-18:00
- Closed
- Late Jan.-Late Mar.
- Fees
-
[Admission support Friday] 500 yen
[Sno raft] 1,000 yen
[Sinomobile] 2,000 yen
[Drink ice glass at ice bar] 1,000-3,00 0yen - Parking Lot
- Available(100spaces)
- Credit Card
-
Available(VISA, MasterCard, JCB)
※Partially availableAvailable - Smoking
- Not available
- Wi-Fi
- Available (Free Wi-Fi in Shikaoi Town)
- English Menu
- Available
- Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day
- Possible if it's snowing
- Average budget
- [Lunch] 1,001-3,000yen
- Estimated stay time
- 60-120 minutes
Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN