Winter travel in Japan is endlessly fun—enjoy flaming cocktails at a dreamy ice bar in Hokkaido

Thinking about playing in the snow in Hokkaido this winter? The Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort in Hokkaido, known for its premium "powder snow," is ranked as Japan's top international ski resort. Aside from skiing and indulging in a steaming hot crab hotpot at nearby ryokan, there’s also a limited-time winter dream ice bar waiting for snow-loving travelers to visit.

Unlike ordinary ice bars made from simple ice bricks, the dreamy ice bar "Bar The ICE" in front of the Hirafu Ski Resort was specially designed by renowned Hokkaido sculptor Hirohiko Takenaka. Inspired by the "Goddess of Winter," the artist took on the challenge of Niseko’s unique bitter cold and heavy snowfall, using unique techniques to sculpt ice and snow. He even embedded shimmering fluorescent feathers and magical lights inside the ice pillars, turning the space into a labyrinth-like dream ice bar.

"Bar The ICE" is scheduled to operate daily from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM between December 24, 2009, and early March. In addition to admiring the magical lighting displays inside the ice bar, you can also enjoy a wide selection of signature cocktails crafted by Hirohiko Takenaka. Each cocktail costs 1,000 yen. One popular option is the flaming cocktail made by adding vodka to beer—the alcohol instantly evaporates in the sub-zero snowy environment, warming your body up right away for an exhilarating experience.

Paired with a series of winter snow festivals across Hokkaido, enjoying a flaming cocktail in the ice bar and experiencing unique activities on the snowy grounds make for a vibrant winter trip to Hokkaido.

Travel Information
Transportation: Take a JR train from Sapporo Station to "Kutchan" Station. It is recommended to purchase the JR Hokkaido Railway Company’s discount ticket package (available at ticket windows at Sapporo Station or major stations in Hokkaido), which includes round-trip non-reserved seat tickets on JR limited express trains,
an eight-hour ski lift pass, and ski equipment rental for 5,500 yen.
Location: "Bar The ICE" is located right in front of the entrance to the Hirafu Ski Resort
Hirafu Ski Resort official website: www.grand-hirafu.jp
JR Discount Ticket Package official website: www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/network/skip/niseko.html

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