Hokkaido│Sapporo/Chitose│Lake Shikotsu Ice museum Hyoto Festival Bus
〇Enjoy a special cream puff from Mizunouta's Lab, included with your booking if you depart from Sapporo or Chitose.
〇Audio guides are available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
＊Admission ticket is not included.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 20 travelers |
| Tour types | Audio guide |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Please note: Only cash payments are accepted for ticket purchases at the venue.
Staff on the bus may use a translation app to communicate with you.
Q＆A
Q. Is it possible to bring luggage?
A. Our large buses can accommodate suitcases. We kindly ask that you bring one suitcase per person.
Q. Is there a restroom on the bus?
A. No, there isn't. Please use the facilities available at each stop.
Q. Can you tell me the bus number in advance?
A. The bus number will be provided to you at check-in.
Q. Can I have the guide's phone number?
A. Our guides vary by day. If you have any questions, please contact us via WhatsApp at +81 8047943858.
・Please note that the schedule may change due to weather conditions.
・We are not responsible for any belongings left on the bus. Please manage your valuables personally.
・No refunds will be issued once the tour has commenced.
・We will contact you if we determine that the tour cannot be operated. In such cases, we will offer a date change or a full refund.
・Footing may be slippery due to weather conditions. Please wear appropriate footwear.
・Strollers are permitted, but please be aware that navigating certain areas may be difficult.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, also known as Hyoto Festival, is distinctive for its large-scale ice sculptures crafted from the crystal-clear water of Lake Shikotsu. These intricate natural ice formations, illuminated in vibrant colors, create a magical, ethereal atmosphere, especially after sunset. Its setting within a national park, surrounded by mountains and a serene lake, offers a different ambiance compared to other snow festivals.
To reach the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, shuttle bus services are a convenient option from major hubs like Sapporo Station and Chitose Station. These services often provide direct routes to the Lake Shikotsu Hot Springs area, where the festival is held, minimizing the hassle of transfers. Direct bus services make it possible to visit the festival without a private car.
The Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival typically takes place annually from late January to late February, though specific dates can vary slightly each year. It is held at the Lake Shikotsu Hot Springs area, on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, in Chitose City, Hokkaido. The festival grounds are easily accessible within this scenic hot spring resort village.
Visitors to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival can explore numerous ice sculptures, slides, and structures created from frozen lake water. During the day, the ice glows with a natural sapphire blue hue, while at night, colorful lights illuminate the sculptures, transforming the landscape. The festival also features various events, ice skating (weather permitting), and warming facilities to enhance the visitor experience.
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival offers distinct experiences during different times of the day. Visiting in the late afternoon allows you to see the ice sculptures in natural daylight before sunset. Staying into the evening is highly recommended as the festival grounds are beautifully illuminated with colorful lights, creating a breathtaking and mystical nighttime spectacle.
Yes, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival site and the surrounding hot springs village offer several facilities for visitors. You can find food stalls selling warm snacks and drinks, souvenir shops, and rest areas. There are also nearby hot spring resorts where visitors can warm up and relax after exploring the icy wonderland, some offering day-use options.
Yes, to enhance the international visitor experience, information and audio guides are typically available at or near the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. These guides often cover details about the festival's creation, the unique properties of Lake Shikotsu's ice, and general visitor information in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Near the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, visitors can enjoy local delicacies and warm treats to combat the winter chill. You might find various food stalls offering traditional Japanese snacks and hot beverages. A renowned local specialty often associated with the region's culinary delights is the special cream puff from Mizunouta's Lab, which is popular among visitors.
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