| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Audio guide |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
This tour includes a free multi-language audio guide app/service (English, Chinese, and Korean). If you wish to use it, please bring your own smartphone and earphones. Devices are not available for rental.
You can choose the final drop-off points from where written on the itinerary section. If you decide it, please let the guide know on the day. We do not accept the request from our site
The venue is very slippery, so please be careful when moving around.
It is very cold at the venue, so please dress warmly.
The bus departs on time. so please be careful not to be late for the meeting time.
Operations may be suspended due to traffic restrictions caused by severe weather or other conditions. Please contact us directly for real-time operational updates.
【Notes: Lake Shikotsu】
Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing Cruise is currently suspended and unavailable.
Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center is closed every Tuesday from December 1st to March 31st. However, the restrooms remain accessible even on closed days.
Present your sightseeing bus ticket stub at the souvenir shop "Memeer" to get a 10% discount on souvenirs (some items excluded; closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, subject to change). You can also present your ticket stub at "Hekisui" for 50 yen off all soft-serve ice cream (irregular holidays).
【Notes: Mt. Usu】
Walking trails are available to the summit of Mt. Usu, but comfortable walking shoes and suitable clothing are recommended.
Discount coupons for the Bear Ranch will be distributed to all passengers (Adults: 1,000 yen → 900 yen / Children: 500 yen → 400 yen).
If the ropeway is suspended due to strong winds or bad weather, the itinerary will be replaced with a visit to the Bear Ranch and a complimentary souvenir (subject to change).
【Important Notice】
This tour will be canceled if highways or the Bifue Pass are closed due to severe snowstorms or weather damage.
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 7 day(s) before the departure date
Lake Toya is highly recommended for its stunning volcanic caldera lake, especially during winter when the surrounding landscape is covered in snow, creating a serene and picturesque view. It's part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, offering unique geological formations and panoramic vistas from nearby Mount Usu. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty, soak in local hot springs, and witness the area's natural splendor.
To reach Lake Toya from Sapporo by public transportation, you can take a JR train from Sapporo Station to Toya Station. The journey typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. From Toya Station, local buses are available to transport you directly to the Lake Toya Onsen area, which is the main tourist hub. Alternatively, several guided tours departing from Sapporo offer convenient, direct transportation to Lake Toya and its surrounding attractions.
Due to the cold temperatures during Hokkaido's winter, swimming in Lake Toya is generally not recommended or available. However, visitors can still enjoy the lake's beautiful scenery from the shore or participate in boat cruises that may operate, weather permitting. These cruises often offer unique perspectives of the lake, Nakajima Island, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Focus is usually on appreciating the frosty landscape rather than direct water interaction.
In the evenings around Lake Toya, visitors can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Lake Toya Onsen town. Many hotels and ryokans offer hot spring baths, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Some establishments might feature local performances or special dining experiences. Stargazing is also a popular activity due to the clear winter skies away from city lights, offering a peaceful end to the day.
The most convenient ways to reach Shikotsu-Toya National Park from Sapporo include direct bus services from Sapporo to specific areas within the park, such as Lake Shikotsu or Lake Toya. Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the vast park at your own pace. For a hassle-free experience, joining a guided day tour is highly recommended, as it often includes comfortable transportation, a curated itinerary visiting key sites like Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya, and Mount Usu, along with practical inclusions like lunch and multi-lingual guidance.
To reach Lake Shikotsu for the Hyoto Festival, travelers can take a bus from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport directly to Lake Shikotsu. The festival site is typically located near the Shikotsu Kohan bus stop. During the festival period, special shuttle services or increased bus frequencies might be available. For a streamlined visit, many winter tours include transportation to Lake Shikotsu and the Hyoto Festival, ensuring convenient access to this unique event.
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Museum Hyoto Festival is an annual winter event where the waters of Lake Shikotsu are sprayed onto structures to create magnificent, natural ice sculptures. These icy formations, ranging from towering walls to delicate art pieces, are illuminated with various colors, especially at night, creating a fantastical and breathtaking atmosphere. Visitors can walk through the ice tunnels, admire the intricate designs, enjoy local food stalls, and sometimes even experience ice sliding or other winter activities on site.
Mount Usu, an active volcano and part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, offers visitors a unique experience with its dynamic volcanic landscape. A ropeway takes you close to the summit, providing panoramic 360-degree views of Lake Toya, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding caldera. Visitors can observe the raw power of nature and understand the area's geological history through the various viewing platforms and walking trails, offering spectacular photo opportunities of the stunning natural scenery.