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Experience Winter Magic: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Marukoma Onsen Lakeside Bath

Updated October 13, 2026 · Reviewed by auto (grounded facts + verify)

Discover a breathtaking winter wonderland at Hokkaido's Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, a spectacular event featuring stunning ice sculptures. For a truly unforgettable experience, pair your visit with a relaxing soak at the nearby Marukoma Onsen, famous for its unique lakeside hot spring baths. This guide helps you plan your visit to these two iconic Hokkaido attractions.

What is the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival?

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, officially known as the Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, transforms the shores of Lake Shikotsu into a magical landscape of ice and snow. Held annually, this festival showcases a variety of ice sculptures and structures, often illuminated at night to create a dazzling spectacle. It's a popular winter event that draws visitors from across Japan and around the world, eager to witness the artistry and beauty of ice in a natural setting. The festival is a celebration of winter's unique charm, offering a chance to experience Hokkaido's cold season in a vibrant and engaging way.

The 2027 Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is scheduled to run from Saturday, January 30 to Tuesday, February 23 [1]. During this period, the festival grounds are open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For those who wish to see the ice sculptures in their full illuminated glory, the special lighting displays begin each evening at 4:30 PM [1]. This extended operating period allows ample time for visitors to plan their trip and enjoy the festival at their leisure.

How Much Does the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Cost?

Understanding the admission fees is essential for planning your budget for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. The pricing structure is designed to be accessible, with different rates for weekdays and weekends, and free entry for younger children.

For visitors aged junior high school age and above, there is a difference in admission fees depending on the day of the week. On weekdays, the admission cost is ¥1,000. However, on weekends and national holidays, the admission fee increases to ¥3,000 [1]. This tiered pricing aims to encourage visits during less crowded periods. Importantly, elementary school students and younger children can enter the festival grounds free of charge, making it a family-friendly destination [1].

What is Marukoma Onsen Lakeside Bath?

Marukoma Onsen is a historic hot spring inn nestled on the shores of Lake Shikotsu. It is renowned for its unique outdoor bath, which is situated right on the edge of the lake. The experience of soaking in the hot spring water while gazing out at the serene lake and surrounding natural beauty is what makes Marukoma Onsen a special destination. The onsen's location allows guests to feel truly immersed in nature, with the sounds of the lake and the fresh, crisp air enhancing the relaxation.

The onsen's most distinctive feature is its outdoor bath, which is directly adjacent to Lake Shikotsu. This proximity means that the water level of the bath can fluctuate with the lake's water level, a natural phenomenon that adds to its unique charm. The hot spring water itself is known for its mineral content, offering a therapeutic and rejuvenating experience for visitors. The atmosphere is peaceful and natural, providing a perfect contrast to the lively ice festival.

How to Get to Lake Shikotsu and Marukoma Onsen

Reaching these beautiful Hokkaido destinations involves a combination of public transport and potentially a short taxi ride, depending on your starting point. The closest major airport is New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo.

From New Chitose Airport, visitors can take a bus to the Lake Shikotsu area. JR Hokkaido Bus operates services that connect the airport to Lake Shikotsu. The journey typically takes around 45 to 50 minutes. Once you arrive at the Lake Shikotsu bus stop, you can then take a taxi to Marukoma Onsen, which is a short drive away. Alternatively, some visitors may choose to travel from Sapporo Station, which also has bus services to Lake Shikotsu. The bus ride from Sapporo Station to Lake Shikotsu is longer, usually around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

For those attending the Ice Festival, the festival site is generally accessible by bus from the Lake Shikotsu area. Planning your bus connections in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The primary draw for visiting this region is the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, which dictates the most opportune time for many travelers. The festival itself is a winter event, so visiting during its operational dates is key if ice sculptures are your main interest.

The 2027 Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 23 [1]. This period falls within the heart of Hokkaido's winter, ensuring cold temperatures suitable for the formation and preservation of ice sculptures. The daily operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with illuminations commencing at 4:30 PM, offering both daytime and nighttime viewing experiences [1]. For those seeking to combine the festival with the onsen, visiting during these dates allows for a complete winter experience.

What to Do at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival offers a variety of attractions and activities centered around its magnificent ice sculptures. Visitors can spend hours admiring the intricate designs, which are often illuminated after dark, creating a magical ambiance.

Beyond simply viewing the sculptures, the festival often features other elements that enhance the visitor experience. These can include events, food stalls offering local Hokkaido delicacies, and opportunities to learn about the process of creating these frozen masterpieces. The sheer scale and artistry of the ice structures are a primary draw, providing ample photo opportunities and a memorable visual spectacle. The festival is a testament to the creativity that can be achieved with natural elements in a winter landscape.

What to Do at Marukoma Onsen

Marukoma Onsen offers a serene and restorative experience, particularly for those seeking relaxation amidst nature. The main attraction is, of course, the onsen itself.

The highlight is the outdoor bath, which is located directly beside Lake Shikotsu. The hot spring water provides a warm and soothing environment to unwind. The unique aspect of this bath is its direct connection to the lake, meaning the water level can change with the lake's own water levels. This creates a truly natural and immersive onsen experience. Visitors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich hot spring water while taking in the tranquil views of the lake and its surroundings. It’s an ideal place to relax after a day exploring the ice festival or simply to enjoy the peaceful winter scenery.

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Comparing the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Marukoma Onsen

To help you visualize the experience, here's a comparison of the two attractions:

Planning Your Visit: Tips and Considerations

When planning your trip to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Marukoma Onsen, a few practical tips can enhance your experience. Given that both attractions are in Hokkaido during winter, being prepared for cold weather is paramount.

Dress in warm layers, including thermal underwear, a fleece or wool sweater, and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket. Don't forget warm gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and a scarf. Comfortable, waterproof boots with good grip are essential for walking on potentially icy surfaces.

If you plan to visit Marukoma Onsen, consider booking accommodation in advance, especially if you intend to stay overnight. The onsen is a popular destination, and rooms can fill up quickly. For the Ice Festival, while admission is free for younger children, there are fees for older visitors on weekends and holidays [1]. Checking the official festival dates and times is also crucial, as these can vary slightly year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival take place? A: The 2027 Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is scheduled from January 30 to February 23 [1].

Q: What are the opening hours for the Ice Festival? A: The festival is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with illuminations starting at 4:30 PM [1].

Q: Is there an entrance fee for the Ice Festival? A: Yes, admission is ¥1,000 on weekdays and ¥3,000 on weekends and holidays for junior high school students and older. Children in elementary school and younger are free [1].

Q: What is special about Marukoma Onsen? A: Marukoma Onsen is famous for its outdoor hot spring bath located directly on the edge of Lake Shikotsu, offering a unique natural bathing experience.

Q: How do I get to Lake Shikotsu from New Chitose Airport? A: You can take a JR Hokkaido Bus from New Chitose Airport to Lake Shikotsu, which takes about 45-50 minutes. From there, a taxi can take you to Marukoma Onsen.

Sources

[1] hokkaido-campingcar.jp — https://hokkaido-campingcar.jp/en/shikotsuko-hyoutou-campingcar-en/