Every autumn and winter, Hong Kong people especially love going on a hot spring trip, and a new must-visit in Japan in recent years is located by this lake where there are two inns, and many guests come especially for the “Ice Village.”
Here you’ll find an ice open-air onsen. The entire bath is built from ice bricks, and specially designed pipes bring hot spring water from Lake Ranbetsu into the onsen. However, as there is no heating in the changing room, users need to undress and get in very quickly, or they’ll easily catch a cold. But soaking in the hot spring while gazing at the snowy scenery is truly a blissful experience.
The village doesn’t just have an ice open-air onsen, but also an ice bar. The two-story bar serves drinks in glasses carved entirely from ice. If you’re going with a group of friends, you can even book a private room. This unique experience is something you have to try at least once in your life.
Address: Ranbetsu-ko Kotan, Kitakagami, Shikaoi, Katō-gun, Hokkaido
Dates: January 28 – March 20
Official Website: http://www.nature-center.jp/kotan/
Transportation: From JR “^/Kushiro Station,” transfer to the Hokkaido Takushoku Bus (for Shintoku via Kamishihoro), and get off at “Ranbetsu-ko Kotan”
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