By Alex
Lake Akan in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, freezes over in winter, allowing visitors to walk on its surface. However, the most captivating sight during a winter visit to Lake Akan is the "frost flowers." In simple terms, frost flowers are uniquely shaped ice crystals that bloom one by one on the frozen lake, transforming the surface into a floral sea—a truly spectacular sight.
▲A vast field of frost flowers blooms on the frozen surface of Lake Akan. (Photo by buffalo__09 @Twitter)
The formation of frost flowers requires a combination of specific weather conditions. First, the temperature must be -15°C or lower, the lake surface must be free of snow, and the environment must be relatively calm with little to no wind. Depending on the weather, they may form as single petals or as fully bloomed, shimmering frost flowers. Each frost flower has a diameter between 3 and 10 centimeters.
▲(Photo by buffalo0925 @IG)
▲Each frost flower has a diameter between 3 and 10 centimeters (Photo by ucchi946 @Twitter)
Lake Akan is located within a large volcanic crater, which causes temperatures to drop significantly at night. Additionally, the surrounding mountains block the wind, creating ideal conditions for frost flower formation. However, frost flowers are quite "fragile"—they melt when exposed to sunlight or if temperatures rise slightly, and they can break apart if the wind picks up. Generally, frost flowers are more likely to be seen from December to March of the following year.
▲Frost flowers are very "fragile"—they melt when exposed to sunlight and break apart if the wind gets stronger. (Photo by photokumaphy @IG)
▲(Photo by photokumaphy @Twitter)
Finally, for those planning to walk on the lake to see the flowers, be aware that some areas of Lake Akan, where hot spring water flows, may have thinner ice. Walking on the ice alone can be dangerous. It is recommended to join a guided tour led by professional guides. Not only is it safer, but you also have a higher chance of seeing frost flowers and other rare winter wonders, such as drill-star dust (related article) and fog ice.
▲(Photo by WiseCamera @Twitter)
▲At Lake Akan, you can also see various other snowy wonders, including ice bubbles. (Photo by shochacamera @Twitter)
▲(Photo by tomo0416yuki @Twitter)
▲In Japan, the phenomenon known as "Onikakushi" (lit. demon hiding) is actually a natural result of ice contracting in cold temperatures and expanding in warmth. (Photo by fuehrsn @Twitter)
▲Ice cracks. (Photo by shochacamera @Twitter)
Source: Explorer The Wonderland Eastern Hokkaido Official website