As of today, out of season, returns ~December. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Shimo-no-hana are fragile ice crystal formations that appear along Lake Akan's shoreline during cold, calm winter conditions.
Water vapor and capillary exudation from vegetation and open water freeze into ribbonlike ice crystals that look like white flowers or feathers.
The phenomenon is weather-dependent and visible only for a few hours on calm, cold mornings.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Akan Ainu Kotan Shoreline (Lake Akan) |
| Akan Onsen Shoreline and Hotel Pier |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.