CHITOSE, Hokkaido -- Splash ice, a rare winter phenomenon, has appeared along the shore of Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost lake that remains unfrozen even in winter.

This phenomenon occurs when water spray, driven by strong winds and waves, freezes upon contact with surfaces such as trees or piers. Larger formations are typically seen after stormy weather, especially when temperatures drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius.

When this reporter visited, the weather was sunny but windy, with a biting chill at minus 5 C. Along the lakeshore near Yamasen Bridge -- where the Chitose River originates -- there were splash ice formations on driftwood.

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival will run from Feb. 1 to 24 along the lakeside, featuring illuminated ice sculptures in the evenings.

(Japanese original by Taichi Kaizuka, Hokkaido Photo and Video Department)