Finland, the land of a thousand lakes, is synonymous with saunas. 1  But nestled within this steamy tradition lies another, perhaps more bracing, ritual: avanto. This involves cutting a hole in the ice of a frozen lake and plunging into the frigid waters below. 2  Surprisingly, this invigorating practice isn't confined to Finland. In the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, the tradition of avanto is alive and well, offering a unique cultural experience.   

The "Hokkaido Avanto" season kicked off on January 11th at Lake Kuttari in Shintoku, Hokkaido. A precisely cut, two-meter-by-two-meter square in the 20-centimeter-thick ice reveals the lake's icy depths, hovering around a chilling 0 degrees Celsius. The ritual begins in a nearby sauna, where participants sweat and prepare themselves for the dramatic plunge. Steaming bodies, a mix of anticipation and trepidation, emerge from the sauna and, with cries of "Cold!" and "Ow!", immerse themselves in the avanto.

For visitors like Shoichi Maeda, a company employee from Warabi, Saitama Prefecture, the experience is both shocking and exhilarating. "It was definitely cold," Maeda commented after his avanto experience, "but I got to enjoy the magnificent view around here, so it was a wonderful experience." The stunning Hokkaido landscape, a backdrop of snow-covered forests and frozen lake, adds another dimension to the ritual, transforming a simple dip into a memorable adventure.

The Hokkaido Avanto experience offers a fascinating blend of Finnish tradition and Japanese appreciation for nature. It's a testament to the shared human desire for pushing boundaries and experiencing the raw power of the elements. The contrast between the intense heat of the sauna and the biting cold of the avanto creates a sensory awakening, leaving participants feeling invigorated and refreshed.

While the thought of plunging into icy water might seem daunting to some, the Hokkaido Avanto offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience a cultural tradition far removed from everyday life. It’s a chance to embrace the cold, challenge oneself, and emerge with a renewed sense of vitality. The Hokkaido Avanto season runs until March 9th, offering adventurous souls a chance to experience this unique and invigorating tradition. The experience comes at a cost, starting at ¥20,000 per person on weekdays, but for those seeking an unforgettable cultural immersion, the price may well be worth the plunge.

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