Ice Village Tour (Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan and Tomamu Ice Village)
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
“Kotan” means “Village” and these two mysterious villages will only appear in the winter of Hokkaido.
One appears on Lake Shikaribetsu, the highest lake in Hokkaido. There are a lot of ice buildings in the Kotan, such as an ice bar, ice concert hall, ice chapel, and lots to see. Though it sounds crazy, the most famous attraction there is the Ice Hot Spring on the frozen lake! (Please take your own towel for the hot spring.)
We also love the ice village surrounded by forest in Tomamu. There you can find an ice café, ice bar, ice slide, and there is also an ice skating rink! Indoor activities such as ice glass workshops are also provided.
*For people who would like to ski in Tomamu only, we could offer you transportation. All the details could be negotiable.
Available options
Ice Village Tour (Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan and Tomamu Ice Village)
Lunch
What's included
Driver/guide
Round-trip shared transfer
Local taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Price Includes
• Tour Guide
• All transportation
• Entrance Fee of Tomamu Ice Village
Price Excludes
• Any Private Expenses
What to Expect
Visiting two ice villages in one day makes for a full and jam-packed schedule, but this is a winter-wonderland adventure that we fully recommend making the most of. These ice villages only exist in the winter season.
Please enjoy a drink in the Ice Bar in Lake Shikaribetsu. You can also feel the freezing wind coming towards your face by driving the snowmobiles. If you think that it is not exciting enough, the outdoor Ice Hot Spring in Lake Shikaribetsu is a must to try! Please don’t worry, so far we haven’t heard of someone frozen to death in the Ice Hot Spring! (Remember to bring your own towel)
Then we will go the Tomamu Ice Village to enjoy the elegant and fantastic scenery. You will be satisfied by both indoor and outdoor activities there. You can enjoy some greatrefreshments in the Ice Books & Café. For example, there are ice desserts and latte in ice glasses. It will be a funny experience to have “Ice Meal” inside while outside is about -20°C. And because of the extremely cold weather, please prepare yourselves enough warm clothing!
11:00pm Depart from Sapporo Station
3 hours Travelling Time, will stop by roadside station and take a rest
2:00pm Arrive at Shikaribetsu Kotan
2 hours Free Time, get ready to be frozen!
4:00pm Leave Shikaribetsu Kotan
5:00pm Arrive at Tomamu Ice Village
2 hours Free Time, feel free to travel around Hoshino Resort if you are not interested in the Ice Village
7:00pm Leave Tomamu
2 hours Travelling Time, will stop by roadside station and take a rest
9:00pm Arrive at Sapporo Station
2
Japan, Hokkaido, Shikaoi, Kitaurimaku, 無番地 然別湖コタン
3
Japan, Hokkaido, Shimukappu, Nakatomamu, 星野リゾート トマム アイスヴィレッジ
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
3 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
Departure Point: Sapporo Station North Exit (bus car park)
Directions: When you are in the main JR Train Station, please use the North Exit on the East ticket gate side. You will then see the bus stops, and our guide will be waiting with 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
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