In Kamishihoro Town, the "Mushroom Ice Viewing Tour 2022" has been running at Lake Nukabira since February 1st! On this tour, you can see the miraculous ice formations known as "Mushroom Ice," a sight unique to Kamishihoro.

"Mushroom Ice" sparkling under the sun

"Mushroom Ice" is a unique natural phenomenon seen at Lake Nukabira, which is a dam lake. Every winter around February, the water level drops to the lakebed due to hydroelectric power generation, leaving the frozen lake surface resting on top of the tree stumps at the bottom. This formation looks like mushrooms, which is how it got its name, "Mushroom Ice."

More than 100 mushroom ice formations of various sizes appear

On this tour, you will put on snowshoes and walk for about one kilometer on the lake. Along the way, you will also see the Sannosawa Bridge. The guide will take you to a spot on Lake Nukabira, different from the Taushubetsu Bridge crossing route, where numerous mushroom ice formations stand.

"Ice bubbles" formed by gas from the lakebed trapped in the ice

If you're lucky, you might also get to see the much-talked-about "ice bubbles." Why not go and see this unique and mysterious landscape in Japan, woven together by nature and man-made structures?

(Images provided by: NPO Higashi Taisetsu Nature Guide Center)