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Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

By Lindsay Colbert|Updated 18 June 2026

The Shikotsu Ice Festival is an annual event held in the town of Chitose on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, and makes a fantastic alternative to the Sapporo Snow Festival. Taking place every February, it attracts visitors from all over Japan and beyond to witness the spectacular ice sculptures created for the occasion.

The festival is held on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural scenery. During the winter months, the lake freezes over, providing the perfect canvas for the festival’s extraordinary ice works. For roughly two weeks each year, the lakefront is transformed into a winter wonderland of towering sculptures, sparkling lights, and lively entertainment.

Note: The Shikotsu Ice Festival typically takes place each February, but exact dates, activities, and admission details vary by year. We recommend checking the official Chitose City website before planning your visit to confirm current-season dates and programme information.

lake shikotsu ice festival blue lights

The Ice Sculptures

The centrepiece of the festival is the collection of ice sculptures created by local artists and ice carvers. These range from intricate, finely detailed works to larger-than-life installations that tower over visitors. After dark, the sculptures are illuminated with colourful lights, creating a dazzling display that is truly unforgettable.

shikotsu ice festival illumination

Activities and Entertainment

Beyond the sculptures, the festival offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages, including snow and ice slides, ice skating, snowshoeing, and traditional Japanese taiko drum performances. Food stalls and vendors are on hand throughout, serving hot drinks and warming snacks to keep the cold at bay.

One of the festival’s most memorable highlights is the fireworks display held over the frozen surface of Lake Shikotsu — fireworks set off directly from the ice create a stunning spectacle of light and colour that reflects beautifully off the frozen lake below.

lake shikotsu ice festival green lit sculptures

A Festival With History

The Shikotsu Ice Festival has a rich history, dating back to its origins as a small local event in the early 1970s. Over the decades it has grown into one of the most popular winter festivals in Japan, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year and establishing itself as a highlight of the Hokkaido winter calendar.

Combining the Festival With a Ski Trip

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is a wonderful cultural experience for anyone skiing in Japan during the winter months. Combining a visit with a stay in Niseko makes for a perfect Hokkaido winter trip — world-class powder snow and a truly unique cultural experience, all in one visit. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Japan Ski Experience team to help plan it all.

Written by

Lindsay Colbert

Managing Director

An avid skier, Lindsay spent 5 fantastic seasons skiing resorts across Japan, both on the mainland and in Hokkaido, before founding Japan Ski Experience in 2007. Lindsay’s main focus is improving client experiences year on year to take JSE from strength to strength.

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