Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan: Japan’s Ice Village reappears every winter
Atop a frozen freshwater lake and sea of snow, Japan’s Ice Village reappears every winter. Located in the central mountains of Hokkaido, this man-made village is built from large ice sculptures and domes, Read More : Travel in 2022 will be busier than before Covid-19 pandemic, says TripAdvisor forming an ice bar, ice chapel and ice hotel with beautifully sculpted furniture and icy decor. Since 1980, the Ice Village at Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan has become a cozy retreat for locals and visitors to experience the beauty of Hokkaido.
What is Shikaribetsu Kotan?
In 1980, the locals living near Lake Shikaribetsu in the Daisetsuzan mountains of Hokkaido decided to create a kotan, translated as “village” in Ainu, the indigenous language of Hokkaido. Once temperatures reach -30°C, the kotan can be constructed on Lake Shikaribetsu and remains strong until early March, when the ice structures begin to melt into the lake. Every year, over 40 volunteers help design and build the village, creating a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland.
What is Shikaribetsu Kotan?
In 1980, the locals living near Lake Shikaribetsu in the Daisetsuzan mountains of Hokkaido decided to create a kotan, translated as “village” in Ainu, the indigenous language of Hokkaido. Once temperatures reach -30°C, the kotan can be constructed on Lake Shikaribetsu and remains strong until early March, when the ice structures begin to melt into the lake. Every year, over 40 volunteers help design and build the village, creating a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland.
Source: japantoday.com
