Icicles of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan

These are so nice-icle. The natural ice wall of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan

Behold, the magic of the Misotsuchi Icicles in Chichibu, Japan! This breathtaking natural ice wall, over 25 metres wide and more than 10 metres tall, is formed by spring water freezing as it trickles down a rock face. The attraction, called 'Misotsuchi no Tsurara,' is only open from mid-January through mid-February, and includes coloured lights after dark, creating a scene that feels straight out of a winter fairy tale.

Just two hours from Tokyo, it's the perfect escape to enjoy nature's artistry and some fresh mountain air. Warm up afterward with a soothing soak at the nearby Otaki Onsen, a local favourite for relaxation. Since much of Chichibu sits in or near the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, there's abundant nature to see after you've witnessed the illuminated icicles.