During the Shikaribetsu kotan period (late January to early March), two outdoor hot spring tubs are set at the centre of the frozen lake. There are specific hours for mixed bath, men only bath and women only bath. During the mixed bath hours, you can wear your swimsuits. You just can't get any closer to the lake than bathing literally at the centre of it. It's an experience of a lifetime for me and simply unforgettable. The igloo village also boasts an ice bar where you can order drinks in carved ice glasses. Not to be missed (though the drinks are thinned out and not very strong. Be there for the experience and atmosphere, not the alcohol.) There are singing performance at night on weekends. You can also ride the snow mobile for a fee.
712nathans
Myself and a group of friends were staying in Asahikawa and thought we would give this place a visit as we had a rental car.In terms of the village on the lake there was the small igloos, the outdoor onsen and the ice bar. The ice bar was definitely worth having a look at and we also got some drinks.The only thing that put us off the visit would be the time it took to get there. Some would say that a 4 hour drive each way is not worth the time to see the lake but if you are close to it or going to stay the night close by then I would definitely say to give this a look over.