The Shiretoko Ryūhyō Festival: Drift Ice and Snow by Night

The view from Cape Puyuni, where the waters off of the Utoro district are covered in drift ice.

A scene from Aurora Fantasy, the laser light show that formed the heart of Shiretoko Fantasia.

The entrance to the 2018 Shiretoko Ryūhyō Festival.

The ice towers at the main face of the ice dome. (© 2019 Takenaka Hirohiko)

Seen from behind, the trees surrounding the structure are clearly visible. The rounded portions were molded using balloons. (© 2019 Takenaka Hirohiko)

The spaces open wide and grow narrow once more in this labyrinth of ice. (© 2019 Takenaka Hirohiko)

This ice mold seems to have a life of its own. (© 2019 Takenaka Hirohiko)

The ice dome’s interior is astonishingly roomy. (© 2019 Takenaka Hirohiko)

“Bar the Ice” offers original cocktails inspired by sunsets over the drift ice. (© 2019 Takenaka Hirohiko)

The installation is left to melt naturally when the festival ends, rather than be demolished. (© 2019 Takenaka Hirohiko)

The colors of the campfires make a striking contrast with the illuminations.

The hanging tents may be shared by more than one person at a time.

These hammocks are ideal for stargazing without putting a strain on one’s neck. (By Toymock)

Talks by nature guides are accompanied by videos projected in the tent.

Electrical River is installed along the path to Yūhidai. (By ZuraZura)

The illuminated drift ice as seen from Yūhidai. (Photo courtesy Shiretoko Shari-chō Tourist Association)

Shiretoko-chepu-man come in plain and mountain horseradish varieties.

Shiretoko Drift Ice Coffee is an original coffee blend made by Hazeya Coffee in Abashiri. Customers can make their own coffee onsite with campfire-boiled water.

A coffee booth in the shape of a small igloo.

The proper way to walk on the ice floes is to wear a drysuit and be accompanied by a tour guide.

Drift ice at Ikushina Primeval Flower Garden. While the floes piled up onshore are safe to walk on, it isn’t always easy to tell where the land ends and the ocean begins under the ice.

The view from Furepe Waterfall of the drift ice and the precipice.

Japanese deer can be seen frequently on the walking path to Furepe Waterfall.

The sight of sunset over the drift ice en route to the Ryūhyō Festival.