Sapporo: Hokkaido Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Winter Day Trip

Discover Hokkaido on a day trip from Sapporo. Visit Noboribetsu Hell Valley, enjoy a snowmobile ride at Snow World Toya, and see ice sculptures at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.
Tour Overview
Limited‑time Hokkaido Winter One‑Day Small‑Group Tour! Depart from Sapporo, wander through Noboribetsu Hell Valley and witness the magical volcanic landscape filled with rising geothermal steam. Stop by the shore of Lake Toya and Seru Observatory to admire the spectacular scenery of this unfrozen lake. Head to Snow World Toya for an exhilarating snowmobile ride and enjoy panoramic mountain‑and‑lake views from the summit. Finish your journey at the annual Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, known as the “Ice Art Museum”, featuring glittering giant ice sculptures. Ample free time is provided for sightseeing and photos. Embark on an unforgettable icy winter adventure across Hokkaido.
Detailed Itinerary
Noboribetsu Hell Valley | 40 minutes
Steam and sulphurous fumes surge all‑day long from this scenic spot. Eleven hot springs with distinct water qualities gush out from rust‑red rock cracks, forming a stunning geothermal landscape. Walk amid swirling mist and feel the powerful energy deep within the earth. At night, the trail lit by ghost‑fire lanterns creates a surreal pathway resembling the gateway to the mythical underworld.
Lake Toya Lakeside | 20 minutes
Lake Toya, Japan’s 9th‑largest lake, is also the northernmost ice‑free lake in Japan. Formed by volcanic eruptions tens of thousands of years ago, this crater lake stretches roughly 11 km from east to west and 9 km from north to south. It is dotted with islands including Nakajima and Kannonjima. Surrounded by mountains, the crystal‑clear lake boasts breathtaking natural scenery.
Seru Observatory | 20 minutes
Perched on high ground on the west shore of Lake Toya, Seru Observatory is one of the top viewpoints offering close‑up panoramic views over Lake Toya.
Snow World Toya | 70 minutes
A popular snowmobile experience base in Toyako‑cho, Hokkaido, widely rated as one of Hokkaido’s must‑try winter activities. Your route winds through forest trails and climbs to the mountain top. Enjoy thrilling high‑speed rides across snow while taking in spectacular overhead views of Lake Toya and distant Mount Yotei. Snowmobile rides are available at your own expense.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival | 60 minutes
One of Hokkaido’s iconic dream‑like winter events. This festival runs for approximately one month only, from late January to mid‑February each year. Held on the shore of Lake Shikotsu in Chitose City, the festival showcases enormous, crystal‑clear ice sculptures formed by rapidly freezing lake water, earning it the nickname “Ice Art Museum”.
Event Dates: 30 January 2027 ‑ 23 February 2027
Opening Hours: 10:00‑20:00
Admission Fees (Prices subject to annual change, final rates on‑site):
Weekdays: Junior high school students and above ¥1,000 (Primary‑school children and under free)
Weekends & Public Holidays: Junior high school students and above ¥3,000 (Primary‑school children and under free)

Per garantire la disponibilità, prenota il prima possibile. La prenotazione anticipata è consigliata soprattutto se stai pianificando il viaggio durante l'alta stagione come le festività pubbliche o i fine settimana.

Questa escursione può essere annullata senza costi fino a 24 ore prima dell'inizio del viaggio. Se la annulli dopo 24 ore o non ti presenti all'escursione, ti verrà comunque addebitato il prezzo intero dell'attività. Essere in ritardo al ritiro o alla partenza sarà considerato come non presentarsi.