Would you dare to spend a night in a freezer? It might sound extreme, but for the adventurous YOLO traveler, Hokkaido’s Ice Hotel offers an experience like no other. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some see it as a once-in-a-lifetime thrill, others question whether it’s worth the chill. Let’s dive into this icy wonderland and decide for ourselves.
Hokkaido doesn’t just do winter—it owns it. From dazzling fireworks to entire chapels carved from ice, this Japanese island transforms into a frosty fairy tale. Take, for example, the Tomamu ski resort, where a hotel and chapel, both encased in seamless ice domes, recently opened for the season. These aren’t your average igloos—they’re architectural marvels, each crafted by spraying water and snow onto balloons during frigid nights, then freezing them into structures 8.5 meters wide and 3.5 meters tall.
‘We want people to embrace the cold as part of the experience,’ said Iwao Watanabe, general manager of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, as temperatures outside dipped to a bone-chilling minus 10 degrees Celsius. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about surviving the cold; it’s about celebrating it.
Here’s the catch: staying in the Ice Hotel isn’t cheap. Guests from other resort hotels can book a night for an additional ¥28,000 (RM720) per person, but there’s a twist—only one group is allowed per day. The temperature inside hovers between minus 5 and minus 7 degrees Celsius, but don’t worry, sleeping bags are provided. Still, it’s not for the faint of heart. Is this a genius luxury experience or a gimmicky overpriced stunt? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The Ice Chapel, nestled in the Ice Village, adds a romantic twist to the adventure. This year marks its 20th anniversary, having hosted over 660 weddings. Imagine exchanging vows in a glittering ice sanctuary—talk about a memorable ‘I do’! But here’s a thought: in a world increasingly focused on sustainability, is building temporary ice structures environmentally responsible? Or is it a harmless indulgence?
Open until February 20 and already fully booked, the Ice Hotel is clearly a hit among thrill-seekers. Whether you’re a cold-weather enthusiast or a skeptic, one thing’s for sure—this isn’t your average winter getaway. So, would you take the plunge? Let’s spark a debate—is this the ultimate winter adventure, or just a frosty fad?
