This Village Made Entirely of Ice Is the Ultimate Winter Wonderland
Forget everything you knew about tropical island getaways and pack your heaviest parka. Japan's Hokkaido Island is setting up a "winter wonderland" for tourists this year — and temperatures are forecasted to be as low as -22°F.
The Tomamu Ice Village, located on the northernmost island of Japan, is exactly what it sounds like: a village made of ice. Opening in December, the village will boast a variety of winter-themed, ice-centric activities and scenes for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The frozen town will feature an Ice Hotel (which is made entirely of ice), cocktails in ice glasses at the Ice Bar, stunning views from atop the Ice Slide before — you guessed it — you slide down and flaunt your athletic ability on the nearby skating rink.
If you're feeling so inclined, you could even book a wintry wedding in the Ice Chapel. Made of a single, massive piece of carved ice (meant to symbolically represent "the unbreakable love between two pure souls which shall last forever"), couples should just warn guests to pack for Arctic conditions. Everything from the altar, to the wedding aisle and even the benches is hewn from ice and snow.
For families, the ice village will also offer an array of special kid-oriented activities. Children can make music with instruments fashioned from ice, play in an "ice bubble experience" and craft their own original pieces of art, er, ice-works. Oh, and it will definitely satisfy all their "Frozen" fantasies.
Though the village's pre-opening will commence on Dec. 10, the official grand opening is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2019. Travelers can visit the Tomamu Ice Village until mid-March.
Guests should expect to pay ¥500 (about $5) for the entrance fee, however, specific activities and experiences may require additional payment. The Ice Village will be open daily from 5pm to 10pm. For more information, visit the official Tomamu Ice Village website.
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