Mesmerizing ‘Ice Hotel’ Opens in Japan for Winter
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![Carl Samson](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CARLSAMSON_NEXTSHARK.jpg?width=128&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
By Carl Samson
A hotel literally made of ice in northern Japan is now accepting reservations.
Enter the “Ice Hotel,” a frozen complex of domes, relaxation space and outdoor bath in Shimukappu, Hokkaido prefecture.
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The hotel is located at the end of the “Ice Village” in Hoshino Resort Tomamu, where temperatures drop to as low as -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) in the months of January and February.
The domes, which function as guestrooms, measure 17 meters across, and everything inside is made of ice.
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It’s all ice from the ceiling to the wall to the furniture, including the guests’ beds.
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The hotel’s relaxation space, which again is made of ice, functions as a lounge area where guests can sip on a variety of hot drinks.
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Options include cinnamon, ginger, honey, lemon, milk, whiskey, and some other liquids, as well as about 50 recipe cards to help guests pick their perfect mixture.
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Finally, the hotel comes with its own outdoor bath or rotenburo — which, you guessed it, is built with ice — where guests can enjoy a hot dip.
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Guests need not worry about literally chilling with all the ice as the hotel provides extra-warm sleeping bags and special winter wear after the outdoor bath.
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Unfortunately, the Ice Hotel and its ethereal, transcendent feel will only last for as long as it’s winter in Hokkaido.
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Guests planning to sleep in the domes can check-in between Jan. 19 and Feb. 28 for 23,000 yen (about $205) a night. However, prospective visitors can already make reservations here.
The Ice Village pre-opens on Dec. 10 and will remain in operation until Mar. 14, 2019. Visitors can enter from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 500 yen (about $5).
Images via Hoshino Resort Tomamu
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