By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Every winter, as the cold winds blow and snowflakes flurry, the northern land transforms overnight into a romantic snowy wonderland that captivates the heart. In the Lake Akan area of Hokkaido, every winter, delicate white flowers float on the lake's surface, adorning the distant Mount Akan like a fairytale scene, creating a stunning winter-only painting unique to Hokkaido.
The blooming frost flowers adorn the backdrop of the majestic Mount Akan, a seasonal beauty of Hokkaido. (Image source: hokkaido-labo)
Delicate ice crystals, fragile and exquisite, are the most beautiful artworks of winter. (Image source: livedoor)
The tiny white ice flowers on the lake surface are actually various uniquely shaped ice crystals, exquisitely delicate and fragile, which are truly moving. According to locals, these flowers—exclusive to winter—typically bloom from mid-December to mid-February during the night and early morning, and only occur when temperatures drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius. They can grow to the size of a palm. With good luck and sufficiently low temperatures, these beautiful little blooms may last up to three months, remaining until spring arrives and the earth begins to warm, causing them to wither.
Various different ice crystals are scattered across the lake. (Image source: livedoor)
White frost flowers in the snow add a mysterious beauty to the winter scenery. (Image source: panoramio)