The interior of the chapel looks otherworldly, cast in a beautiful pale blue light.

They even have an ice concert hall where singers, bands and dancers give live performances.

Of course, you need a bar when you’re on vacation, right? The ice bar at Shikaribetsuko Kotan is utterly cool both in temperature and in awesomeness!

The ice bar has been a fixture of the event for over 30 years, and it features counters and pillars made of huge ice blocks cut out from the frozen lake, allowing you to admire the magnificence of natural ice.

And you can even relax in an outdoor hot bath with a spectacular view!

Other activities guests can enjoy at the Shikaribetsuko Kotan include an ice theater where videos are shown projected on a screen of ice in the bar area, a small ice maze for kids, rental snowmobiles, ice cup- and sculpture-making classes, nature walks in the woods and cross-country skiing.

2018's Shikaribetsuko Kotan will be held from January 27 to March 21, and it should be a fascinating winter experience in a stunning natural environment. But it is in a remote area of Hokkaido, so if you’re interested, you may want to inquire with a travel agency that can help you make transport and accommodation arrangements. It certainly should make for an unforgettable, snow-filled vacation—just be sure to keep warm!

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