Guaranteed Departure on All Dates | Hokkaido Winter Scenery 'Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival' Day Trip | Shikotsu Blue and Magical Illuminations [Departing from Sapporo]
- Guaranteed departure on all dates! Travel with ease using our direct bus service departing from and returning to Sapporo Station—no transfers required. You can participate in this popular Hokkaido event comfortably and safely without worrying about driving on winter roads or navigating public transport connections.
- We will take you to the 'Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival,' where various ice sculptures of all sizes are displayed (Event period: January 30, 2027 (Sat) – February 23, 2027 (Tue)). Enjoy the different atmospheres of the beautiful 'Shikotsu Blue' during the day and the magical illuminations at night.
- A signature Hokkaido winter festival featuring various ice objects created by spraying Lake Shikotsu's water through sprinklers and letting it freeze. The impressive ice art created by the nature of Lake Shikotsu is perfect for photography.
This is a high-quality, reliable Japan tour planned by 'Club Tourism,' a major Japanese travel agency with over 70 years of history. A tour leader known for excellent hospitality will accompany the group, earning high praise from international guests. While the tour is conducted in Japanese, many guests from Taiwan and Hong Kong participate, making it a safe choice even for first-time visitors.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
About the 'Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Ice Festival'
■ Event Period: Scheduled for January 30 (Sat) – February 23 (Tue/Holiday), 2027
■ Opening Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 *Illumination: 16:30 – 20:00
■ Venue: Lake Shikotsu Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido
*It gets very cold! Please dress warmly for the event.
We recommend bringing cold-weather gear such as scarves, hats, earmuffs, and hand warmers, as well as wearing non-slip footwear like snow boots.
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【Advance Notice】
- This product is a 'Request Booking,' which requires time to confirm. Bookings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis; depending on availability, you may be placed on a waitlist or your request may be declined. Your booking is only finalized once the voucher is issued. If the tour cannot proceed due to reasons such as being fully booked, we will notify you by the specified deadline.
- This tour is conducted in Japanese only.Instructions from the tour guide during the trip will be in Japanese. For the operation and safety of the tour, we will use translation apps or other means as necessary to provide information on important matters such as meeting points and departure times.
- Please observe the following when participating:
・Please book with your correct name and email address.
・Please be punctual for your tour meeting time. The tour will depart if you are late.
Please also ensure you adhere to the departure times during the tour.
The daytime ice festival showcases the dazzling "Shikotsu Blue." A breathtaking spectacle created by the translucent blue ice (image).
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival at night, enveloped in a fantastical glow (image)
The colorful illuminations create a breathtaking winter-only ice wonderland that's perfect for photos! (Image)
Enjoy the fantastical ice art at night, which reveals a different side of itself than during the day (image).
A world of crystal-clear blue ice born from the waters of Lake Shikotsu (image)
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Sapporo, Hokkaido
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation used: Chartered bus
Bus company: Sapporo Kanko Bus or equivalent
Meal plan: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation used: None
Minimum number of participants: 1
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) *A licensed tour guide will not accompany the tour.
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated travel industry association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Cancellation fees will also be charged for delays or non-participation due to transportation delays, etc. The tour will depart at the scheduled departure time.
Regarding bus seating, if there is an odd number of participants on this tour, passengers will be seated together. Please note that we may ask that men and women share seats.
The order of the itinerary may be changed.
For safety reasons and to facilitate tour conductor duties, seats for tour conductors are provided at the front of the bus.
The bus may be delayed due to road conditions, but please wait at the designated meeting point.
The drop-off location upon return may differ from the boarding location.
Small and medium-sized buses may be used.
Due to unexpected road congestion and overcrowding at tourist spots, we may be forced to omit some sightseeing spots, shorten sightseeing time, change buses, or have delays in return time.
This tour involves walking around, so please wear rubber-soled shoes or sneakers and comfortable clothing.
It will be very cold. Please dress warmly. We recommend bringing cold weather gear such as a scarf, hat, earmuffs, and hand warmers, as well as non-slip footwear such as snow boots.
FAQ
1. Is the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival worth visiting during winter for international travelers?
Yes, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival offers a truly unique and magical winter experience in Hokkaido. Visitors can marvel at stunning ice sculptures crafted from the clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, enjoy the beautiful natural blue hues during the day, and be enchanted by the fantastic nighttime illuminations. It's a key winter festival that showcases intricate ice art in a picturesque natural setting, making it a memorable destination.
2. What types of ice sculptures and displays can be seen at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival?
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival features a diverse array of impressive ice sculptures of various sizes. These unique creations are formed by spraying the exceptionally clear water of Lake Shikotsu onto structures, allowing it to freeze into intricate shapes. Visitors can explore a landscape filled with ice arches, tunnels, and other artful formations, creating an ethereal wonderland that changes in appearance from day to night.
3. How does the experience at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival differ between daytime and nighttime?
During the daytime, the ice sculptures at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival display a beautiful, translucent blue color, reflecting the clarity of the lake's water and the natural light. As evening approaches and darkness sets in, the festival undergoes a spectacular transformation. The ice structures are illuminated with fantastic lights, bathing them in vibrant colors and creating a truly magical and mystical atmosphere distinct from the daytime experience.
4. How can visitors easily get to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival from Sapporo without driving?
To easily reach the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival from Sapporo without the need to drive on potentially challenging winter roads or navigate transfers, consider booking a dedicated tour. Many tours offer convenient round-trip transportation departing directly from locations like Sapporo North Exit, providing a comfortable and hassle-free journey directly to the festival venue.
5. How much time is typically recommended to fully experience the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival?
To fully immerse yourself in the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and appreciate its offerings, a stay of approximately 120 minutes is typically recommended. This duration allows ample time to admire the intricate ice sculptures, experience both the beautiful daytime ambiance and the fantastic evening illumination as dusk settles, and capture memorable photos of the unique winter art.
6. When is the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival usually held, and for how long?
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is a seasonal winter event. For example, in 2026, it is scheduled to be held from Saturday, January 31st to Sunday, February 23rd. The festival typically runs for several weeks during the coldest part of winter, allowing a window for visitors to enjoy the unique ice art and displays.
7. Are there any specific activities or photo opportunities available at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival?
Yes, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival offers numerous engaging experiences and excellent photo opportunities. Visitors can stroll through a wonderland of unique ice sculptures, explore various ice structures, and enjoy interactive elements like ice slides or tunnels if available. The festival's transition from natural daylight to vibrant nighttime illumination provides distinct visual backdrops for photography.
8. What makes the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival a significant winter event compared to other Hokkaido festivals?
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is notable for its unique method of creation, utilizing the exceptionally clear water of Lake Shikotsu to form its spectacular ice sculptures, resulting in a distinct blue transparency. It offers a captivating dual experience, showcasing natural beauty in daylight and a fantastic, vibrant illumination after sunset, all set against a stunning lakeside backdrop, highlighting Hokkaido's natural winter charm.
