Hokkaido, the northern most island of Japan, is one of the country's most sought out vacation spots. Aside from the countless delicious meals to be had there, Hokkaido is regarded as Japan's winter wonderland and the home of a beautiful snow festival. Now for those who want to double down on their frozen fantasies can seek out Hokkaido's newest lodging for a limited amount of time, as the Hoshino Resort is opening up an ice hotel to give visitors a chance at a chilling stay.

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Source: Snowtomaru

The ice hotel is a seasonal extension of the Hoshino Resort, located just 90 minutes from New Chitose airport in Hokkaido. In midwinter, temperatures can drop to twenty below freezing. The ice hotel extension debuted in 2008, but has been evolving since then and this year will take the shape of a dome using one large block of ice.

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Source: Snowtomaru

8.5 meters in diameter and 3.5 meters in height, the dome sports ice bedding and ice sofas, but perhaps the most attractive feature of the exotic hotel is that it provides a traditional Japanese open air bath that overlooks the snowy horizon and forestry of Hokkaido.

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Source: Snowtomaru

Of course, for such an icy experience, the hotel makes sure to provide hot drinks such as mulled wine and hot apple juice, along with hot tea and coffee to warm you up in the morning. Stay at the hotel will run for a limited period between January 14 to February 28, 2017, with reservations able to be made from the official site, at 20,000 yen ($196.09 USD) per person.

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Source: Snowtomaru


By - grape Japan editorial staff.