Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

If you visit Hokkaido in winter, you should not miss the “Ice Plain Walk Tour” on the Notsuke Peninsula.

Located between Shiretoko Peninsula and Nemuro Peninsula, Notsuke Peninsula stretches out like an arm into the Sea of Okhotsk and is approximately 26 km long. The inner Notsuke Bay is usually the sea, but from January to mid-March the sea surface freezes over, creating a snowy landscape.

At this time, the horizon disappears and the “ice flat line” appears. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as strolling on the snow-covered surface of the sea in the white world that extends all the way to the ice flat, or taking trick photos using perspective.

Caution.

Walking on the frozen sea surface is extremely dangerous. Be sure to join a guided tour by the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center.

　Todowara Ice Flatline Walking Tour (reservation required)

　Period: Mid-January to early March every year

Access

　Approximately 1 hour drive from Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport.

　Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by reservation-only bus “Higashi Hokkaido Express Bus Route 7” from JR Mashu Station.

　Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Utoro Onsen (hot spring) by reservation-only bus “Higashi Hokkaido Express Bus Route 6

Frost flowers, or “frost flowers,” bloom on Lake Akan, which is covered with ice and snow. This natural phenomenon occurs when frozen water vapor crystallizes on the ice, forming a flower-like shape. In order for frost flowers to occur, three conditions must be met: there must be no wind, there must be no snow on the lake, and the temperature must be below minus 15 degrees Celsius. Lake Akan, meeting these conditions, is the best place to view frostflowers.

Frostflowers usually appear from December to early March, but they gradually melt and disappear as the temperature rises, so the best time to see them is early in the morning. Since you may not be able to find the best spot on your own, it is recommended that you join a local guided tour. You will be able to view the frostflowers safely and in the company of an experienced guide.

Hoshino Resort Tomamu is a popular resort in Hokkaido. In winter, many tourists visit the resort for the skiing, but the “Fog Ice Terrace” is also very popular, offering a spectacular view of the snow-covered mountains in a 13-minute gondola ride.

Fog ice is water vapor and fog frozen in the air at temperatures of 2-10 degrees below zero that adhere to branches. On Mt. Tomamu in winter, foggy ice that looks like small white flowers blooms on tree branches. On a fine day, the blue sky and snow-covered mountains surrounded by white fog and ice make for a very fantastic sight.

At the Fog Ice Terrace, visitors can also enjoy fog ice-themed desserts and hot cocktails. Enjoy the special experience of viewing the beautiful scenery of snow and ice with a hot cocktail in hand. Visitors can also enjoy a different atmosphere from the daytime during the “Fog and Ice Terrace Light-Up Event,” held at night from December 1 to 25.

Lake Mashu is called “Kamuito” (Lake of the Gods) in the Ainu language. In summer, the lake is shrouded in mist, but in the frigid winter months, the lake is half-frozen, leaving the water clear and blue, and the lakeside area is covered in white snow and the branches of the trees are decorated with rime. The winter view of Lake Mashu from the observatory is truly breathtaking.

■Access: Take the bus from JR Mashu Station (20 minutes), or an hour and 55 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport.