Lake Shikotsu during Winter

We ditched Lake Toyako for Lake Shikotsu and it was one of the best places I’ve been during winter. A trip to Lake Shikotsu in winter is an unforgettable experience. The landscape, covered in a blanket of snow, is transformed into a peaceful wonderland. The air is crisp and clean, and the silence of the snow-laden forests is a profound contrast to the noise of daily life. The highlight of any winter trip here is the Shikotsuko Hyoto Matsuri, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. This remarkable event is a testament to the creative power of nature. The festival grounds are a surreal landscape of luminous ice sculptures, each one a unique work of art crafted from the lake's pure, crystal-clear water. By day, the sculptures shimmer with a serene blue glow. At night, they are illuminated with a kaleidoscope of colors, turning the festival grounds into a magical, unforgettable spectacle. We did marshmallows barbecue which my family and I enjoyed so much . We grabbed a cup of coffee in the cute little cafe on our way back to our onsen hotel which the hotel is definitely one of the highlights of this trip.