Shikaribetsu-ko Onsen: The “Lake in the Sky” and its Mystical Ice Village
Shikaribetsu-ko Onsen is Hokkaido’s highest hot spring resort, located at an elevation of 804 meters within the Daisetsuzan National Park. Known as the “Lake in the Sky,” Lake Shikaribetsu is a pristine caldera surrounded by untouched primary forests and jagged peaks. This destination is world-renowned for its winter transformation, where a “phantom village” made entirely of ice and snow—the Shikaribetsu Kotan—appears on the frozen surface of the lake. It is a place of extreme beauty and silence, where the air can drop to -30°C and the only sound is the hiss of steam rising from an outdoor bath carved into the ice. For those seeking the ultimate northern adventure, Shikaribetsu offers a sensory experience that is both ancient and ephemeral.
Key Information
| Address | 〒081-0344 北海道河東郡鹿追町北瓜幕 / Kita-Urimaku, Shikaoi Town, Kato District, Hokkaido |
| Google Maps | View on Google Maps |
| Spring Quality | Sodium, Chloride, and Hydrogen Carbonate Springs (Iron-rich) |
| Benefits | Neuralgia, muscle fatigue, poor circulation, and chronic skin diseases |
| Access | 100 min by bus from JR Obihiro Station; 60 min by car from Shintoku Station |
| Number of Ryokans | 2 main lakeside hotels (Hotel Fusui and Shikaribetsu-ko Hotel) and nearby wilderness retreats |
| Day-trip Bathing | Available at Hotel Fusui and the seasonal “Ice Open-Air Bath” on the lake |
The Healing Waters: Volcanic Heat and “Amber” Transparency
The hot springs of Shikaribetsu are a gift from the Shikaribetsu Volcanic Group. The water is rich in sodium, chloride, and iron, gushing from the source at a high temperature. When the water comes into contact with the air, the iron content oxidizes, giving the bath a unique amber or light brown tint. Scientifically, these bicarbonate-rich waters are excellent for “softening” the skin and warming the body from the core, making it a powerful remedy for the intense cold of the highlands. The most famous soaking experience is the Ice Open-Air Bath, a giant tub placed directly on the frozen lake in winter, where you can soak in 42°C water while looking out over a 100-cm thick sheet of crystal-clear ice.
Top 5 Recommended Ryokans
- Shikaribetsu Lakeside Onsen Hotel Fusui (The Hub): Every guest room offers a direct view of the lake. Famous for its open-air baths that seem to float on the water’s edge and its traditional Kaiseki meals.
- Kanno Onsen (Hidden Gem): Located a short drive away in the Shikaribetsukyo Gorge. A legendary “Secret Onsen” with 13 different indoor and outdoor pools, each fed by a unique mineral source.
- Ice Lodge (The Ultimate Experience): Not a traditional hotel, but a series of hand-built ice igloos on the lake where guests can spend a night in a thermal sleeping bag. Available only during the Kotan festival.
- Kamishihoro Hotel (Modern Base): A stylish, minimalist hotel in the nearby town, perfect for those who want modern amenities while exploring the lake and the Taushubetsu Bridge during the day.
- Onsen Pension Mori no Fukuro (Cozy/Family): A charming wooden lodge known for its warm atmosphere and delicious breakfasts, catering to hikers and nature watchers.
Must-Visit Public Baths (Soto-yu)
The Ice Open-Air Bath is the most iconic “Soto-yu” in the world. Open only from late January to mid-March, it is a public bath built on the lake using snow and ice blocks. There is also a free Public Footbath in the Kotan area where visitors can rest while sipping a cocktail from an ice glass. For those visiting in the summer, the outdoor baths at Hotel Fusui are open to day-trip visitors, offering a breathtaking view of the “Twin Peaks” of Mt. Tenbo reflected in the water.
Walking Guide & Scenic Spots
In summer, take the Lake Shikaribetsu Cruise or rent a canoe to appreciate the water’s incredible transparency—the highest in Japan. A hike up Mt. Hakuun offers a stunning aerial view of the lake’s unique gourd shape. Keep an eye out for the Northern Pika (Naki-usagi); these “living fossils” from the Ice Age live in the rocky slopes and are a symbol of the area. In winter, exploring the Ice Chapel and the Ice Bar in the Kotan village is essential. At night, the village is illuminated, creating a world of glowing blue ice under one of Japan’s clearest starry skies.
Local Gastronomy & Souvenirs
The culinary specialty is the Miyabe Charr (Oshorokoma), a rare fish that lives only in Lake Shikaribetsu. It is often served as sashimi or grilled with salt. Also, try Venison Steak from the surrounding Tokachi forests. At the Ice Bar, you can enjoy original cocktails like the “Shinonome,” served in a glass you carve yourself from a block of lake ice. Souvenirs include “Kyun-chan” goods (the Hokkaido mascot based on the pika) and local dairy products from Shikaoi Town.
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Cultural & Historical Context
The lake’s name comes from the Ainu word sikari-pet, meaning “a river that turns itself,” referring to the outflowing river that winds sharply. The Ainu legend of Hakujahime (the White Snake Goddess) is still celebrated here; it is said she saved the people from famine by teaching them how to catch the Miyabe Charr. The Shikaribetsu Kotan began in 1980 when three local young men built an igloo to find joy in the harsh winter, evolving into a 45-year tradition built entirely by volunteers and the local community.
Practical Travel Tips
Weather: Temperatures in winter are among the coldest in Japan. High-quality down jackets, thermal layers, and “heat packs” (kairo) are mandatory. Transportation: The bus from Obihiro Station is free for those who obtain a “Bus Ticket” from the Tourism Association (check latest eligibility). Cash: The Ice Bar and activities in the Kotan require cash for the “Season Pass” (sponsorship fee) and drinks. Booking: The “Ice Lodge” experience is highly popular and often sells out months in advance.
2025-2026 Latest Updates
The **45th Anniversary Shikaribetsu-ko Kotan** is scheduled for **January 24th to March 15th, 2026**. This year, the festival will introduce a new “Ice Music Hall” with acoustics designed specifically for the frozen environment. Additionally, the **Shikaribetsu Nature Center** has expanded its English-guided “Forest and Pika” tours for the 2025 summer season to meet growing international demand.
Safety & Manners
When using the Ice Open-Air Bath, remember that the changing rooms are simple and may be shared; always maintain a polite and quiet demeanor. Do not feed or approach the pikas or wild foxes, as they are protected species. In the winter village, stay on the designated paths on the lake, as the ice thickness is monitored only in those areas. Finally, take all your trash back to your hotel to preserve the “Lake in the Sky” as the purest natural environment in Hokkaido.
