Explore Shikotsu Ice Festival (day tour)
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy magical winter Hokkaido at Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Every year, Lake Shikotsu creates the most stunning local festival using sprayed water from the lake itself. There is fun for all the family, including ice sculptures, ice buildings and outdoor displays, ice slides, a small ice ring, and a number of stalls and festivities.
Available options
January
January Tour Date<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Local guide
Snacks
Driver/guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Price Includes
• Charter Bus Transportation
• Tour Guide
• Entrance Fees
• Light Dinner/Snack
Price Excludes
• Any Private Expenses
• Hot Spring Fee (there are local hot springs and it is completely optional to use time to go)
What to Expect
We will leave Sapporo Station at 1pm, and travel to Lake Shikotsu by charter bus.
Here we’ll spend the afternoon at the ice festival there, enjoying the frozen sculptures, buildings and activities. As well as an ice slide and an ice rink, there are also many food stalls, view spots of the lake, and a large information centre about the area that we recommend checking out.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll meet together for a light dinner, or coffee and snack, and there would be time here to visit the local hot spring if you wanted to add this to your day.
In the evening, we’ll revisit the ice festival for the illuminations, and on the weekend, the fireworks activity.
1pm Leave Sapporo Station North Exit
2.30pm Arrive at Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival – day time
4.30pm Snack/Early Dinner
6.30pm See the illuminations (also fireworks on weekends)
7.30pm Return to Sapporo
9pm Drop off Sapporo Station
2
Stop 2
Lake Shikotsu, Chitose, Japan
What's not included
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Available languages
Guide guide
ZH-TW
CMN
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
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5 reviews
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Please inform us immediately if you will need infant seats
Meeting point
From the main JR train station, please use the North Exit on the East ticket gate side. There is a Dotour Coffee Shop where we ask people to wait, but if you look outside, you will see a bus car park directly in front of you and a member of our team will also be holding a 'Travel Hokkaido' sign.
About Sapporo
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is known for its stunning winter landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and delicious seafood. The city hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival and offers a unique blend of modern urban life and traditional Japanese charm.
Top Attractions
Sapporo Beer Museum
Learn about the history of beer in Japan and the Sapporo Beer brand. The museum offers beer tasting and a chance to see the brewing process.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free entry, beer tasting costs vary
Odori Park
A large park in the heart of Sapporo, known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival held here in February.
Nature
1-3 hours depending on the season
Free
Sapporo TV Tower
A landmark of Sapporo, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The tower is illuminated at night, creating a beautiful sight.
Architecture
1 hour
¥790 for adults
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sapporo Ramen
A rich, miso-based ramen with corn, butter, and pork. A must-try local specialty.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains pork, can be made vegetarian with modifications.
Soup Curry
A spicy, flavorful curry soup with vegetables and meat, a Hokkaido specialty.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Genghis Khan
Grilled lamb or mutton, a popular dish in Hokkaido, often cooked on a dome-shaped grill.
Dinner
Contains lamb, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Skiing in Niseko
Snowboarding in Rusutsu
Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park
Onsen (hot spring) bathing
Strolling through Odori Park
Shopping in Tanukikoji
Visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum
Exploring Otaru's historic district
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Winter) and July to August (Summer)
Winter is ideal for snow festivals and skiing, while summer offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and festivals.
Winter: -5°C to 0°C, Summer: 18°C to 25°C
Winter: 23°F to 32°F, Summer: 64°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Sapporo is a very safe city with low crime rates. However, petty theft and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and agreed-upon fares.
- • Be wary of strangers offering help or services, especially in tourist areas.
Getting there
By air
- New Chitose Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
Sapporo Station
By bus
Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, Susukino Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The subway system is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. It consists of three lines: Namboku, Tozai, and Tohoku-Johetsu.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Susukino
Odori
Tanukikoji
Day trips
Niseko
110 km from Sapporo • Full day or overnight
A popular ski resort known for its powder snow, Niseko offers excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter, and outdoor activities in summer.
Otaru
30 km from Sapporo • Half day or full day
A charming port city known for its historic buildings, canals, and fresh seafood. Otaru offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.
Furano
140 km from Sapporo • Full day or overnight
Known for its lavender fields in summer and skiing in winter, Furano offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Sapporo Snow Festival • Early February
Sapporo Beer Festival • Late July to early August
Yosakoi Soran Festival • Early June
Pro tips
- Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a unique beer tasting experience.
- Try Sapporo's famous ramen at Ramen Republic or other local ramen shops.
- Explore the historic Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade for souvenirs and street food.
- Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival if visiting in February.
- Take a day trip to Otaru for its charming canals and fresh seafood.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
