Hokkaido Winter Exclusive | Snowmobile Experience · Lake Toya · Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival | Depart from Sapporo
- Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival: Chase the romance of a Hokkaido winter and admire the dreamlike snowscape illuminated by ice sculptures
- Snowmobile Adventure: Ride across snow-covered fields and experience the joy of Hokkaido's winter outdoors
- Lake Toya Scenic Tour: Ascend to the observatory for a panoramic view of the winter lake and mountains, and feel the natural beauty of Hokkaido
- Daytime Lake Views × Nighttime Ice Festival: Experience the most iconic natural and festive charms of a Hokkaido winter in one trip
- Direct Departure from Sapporo: Skip the hassle of transport planning and easily start your Hokkaido snow season journey
- Recommended Routes
Hokkaido Instagrammable Landmarks | Hokkaido Jingu Shrine・Hill of the Buddha・Otaru Canal・Mt. Tengu Ropeway | Depart from Sapporo
Package Options
Product Info
Visit the popular Hokkaido winter attraction, the 'Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival', to admire large-scale ice sculptures and snow art crafted from the waters of Lake Shikotsu.
The itinerary includes the lighting ceremony at 16:30. After dark, the ice sculptures are illuminated by lights, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that offers a completely different view from the daytime, perfect for photos.
In addition to the ice festival, you can also enjoy the natural scenery of Hokkaido along the way and experience a winter trip full of seasonal charm.
※ The admission fee for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival must be paid by the traveler and is not included in the tour price.
※ Lighting times may be adjusted due to event arrangements or on-site conditions; please refer to official announcements for the actual schedule.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company Name: Beihua Trading Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 4
Team Leader: 0
Tour guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: JRT Group Co., Ltd.
Address: Room 510, Floor 5, Ginza Ishii Haru, 6-14-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tokyo Governor's Registered Travel Agency No. 2-8353
Name of travel industry association: Japan Travel Industry Association (full member)
Reminders
A minimum of 4 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
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please check your email address. We will contact you via email if we are unable to reach you through the messaging software.
If traffic congestion, facility maintenance, or other factors affect the itinerary or duration of stay at each attraction, adjustments may be made.
Arrival time depends on traffic conditions on the day. Please do not make dinner reservations or rush to catch a flight or Shinkansen.
In the event of force majeure (blizzard, highway closure, etc.), if attractions are cancelled or the itinerary is changed, the tour fee will not be refunded or modified.
When there are a small number of participants, the driver will act as the tour leader and will not get out of the vehicle to accompany and explain the tour. Please be aware of this.
Please be sure to arrive at the designated meeting point at the specified time. Do not be late. As this tour cannot be changed to other trips or joined midway, if you are unable to participate in the day tour due to your own reasons, you will be responsible for the corresponding losses. Thank you for your understanding.
No refunds will be given if a traveler abandons the tour midway due to personal reasons.
Please note that the snow season and snow conditions may vary depending on local weather, and the actual scenery may differ from expectations. The tour will not be cancelled or refunded for this reason.
If you are unable to join the tour or the scenery is not good due to force majeure factors such as traffic or weather, our company will not be responsible and will not be able to provide a refund or reschedule. Thank you for your understanding.
The day trip itinerary does not include personal travel insurance and personal accident insurance. Please purchase these separately if needed. Outdoor activities and high-risk sports involve specific risks and dangers; please assess your own health and abilities. Our company assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage caused by accidents or unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
FAQ
1. When does the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival typically take place, and what can visitors expect to see?
The Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival is a winter-limited event, generally held from late January to late February. Visitors can expect to see magnificent ice sculptures created using water from Lake Shikotsu, renowned for its clarity. As evening falls, these sculptures are beautifully illuminated, transforming the site into a magical, dreamlike landscape and offering a unique winter spectacle.
2. What kind of experience can travelers expect from the snowmobile activity in Hokkaido's winter landscape?
The snowmobile experience offers an exhilarating opportunity to ride across vast, snow-covered plains. Participants can feel the thrill of winter outdoor fun while surrounded by Hokkaido's beautiful natural scenery. It's a chance to actively engage with the snowy landscape and create memorable winter adventure moments, enjoying the unique charm of the region.
3. What are the main sightseeing highlights at Lake Toya during winter, especially from the observation deck?
During winter, Lake Toya offers stunning views of its serene, often partly frozen, lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a panoramic vista of this winter wonderland, appreciating the unique natural beauty of Hokkaido. The peaceful winter landscape provides a picturesque setting for photography and reflection.
4. What essential winter clothing and gear are recommended for outdoor activities like the snowmobile experience and Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival?
For Hokkaido's winter outdoor activities, it's essential to layer clothing. Recommended gear includes thermal underwear, waterproof and windproof outer jackets and pants, a warm hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf, and waterproof, insulated boots. These items will help protect against the cold and snow, ensuring comfort during activities like snowmobiling and visiting the ice festival.
5. What is the general flow of the itinerary, including visits to Lake Toya and the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival within the tour?
The tour typically starts from Sapporo, proceeding to Lake Toya for scenic winter lake views. This is followed by an exhilarating snowmobile experience in the snowy plains. The day concludes with a visit to the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival, allowing participants to enjoy the beautifully illuminated ice sculptures, experiencing both Hokkaido's natural beauty and festive charm.
6. What benefits does starting this Hokkaido winter tour directly from Sapporo offer for travelers?
Starting the tour directly from Sapporo offers significant convenience, as it eliminates the hassle of planning complex transportation routes to various attractions. Travelers can enjoy direct access to popular winter spots like Lake Toya, the snowmobile activity site, and the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival, allowing for a relaxed and smooth start to their Hokkaido winter adventure.
7. What makes the nighttime illumination of the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival a unique experience?
The nighttime illumination at the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival transforms the ice sculptures into a truly magical and dreamlike spectacle. The artistic lighting enhances the intricate details and vast scale of the ice formations, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere distinct from the daytime views. It's a captivating display that embodies Hokkaido's unique winter romance.
8. Are there specific photo opportunities or scenic viewpoints recommended at Lake Toya during the winter season?
At Lake Toya, the observation deck is highly recommended for capturing panoramic winter scenery, offering expansive views of the lake and surrounding snow-covered mountains. The calm winter lake itself, with its potential for mist or ice, also provides unique photo opportunities. Look for vantage points that showcase the vastness and tranquility of the winter landscape for stunning photographs.
