Sapporo: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Private Day Trip Onsen

Planning a winter trip to Hokkaido? Then this private day tour from Sapporo to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival might just be your perfect winter escape. As a seasoned travel writer, I’ve looked into this experience in detail, and let’s be honest—there’s a lot to love here, from the enchanting ice sculptures to relaxing hot springs. It’s a well-rounded day that balances visual wonder with warmth and comfort.

What really stands out are the dreamy illuminated sculptures, the chance to soak in a traditional Japanese onsen, and the fact that it’s a private group, ensuring a personalized experience. The only caveat? On slippery winter roads, it’s worth confirming your driver’s safety arrangements beforehand. If you’re after a memorable winter adventure that combines art, nature, and relaxation, this tour hits the spot.

This experience suits those who love photography, enjoy cultural sights, or simply want a relaxing break amid wintery scenery. It’s ideal for travelers craving a cozy, authentic day out and who don’t mind a bit of cold weather to see some truly unique ice art.

Good To Know

• Private group ensures personalized service and flexibility.
• Includes a relaxing onsen experience to warm up after exploring the ice sculptures.
• Spectacular night illumination and optional fireworks add a magical touch.
• Accessible throughout the day, with time for photography, shopping, and a lakeside walk.
• Value for money considering transportation, entry fees, and onsen included.
• Good for all ages (except those with mobility issues), especially if you love winter scenery and cultural moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Day Trip

This tour offers a comprehensive taste of Hokkaido’s winter charm, with enough flexibility and highlights to satisfy most travelers. In essence, it’s a blend of scenic beauty, cultural interest, and cozy relaxation. Here’s what you can anticipate.

The Departure and Journey

Your day begins with a prompt pick-up from downtown Sapporo hotels around 11:00 AM. The bus ride is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy the snowy scenery outside. The road conditions can be icy, so confirm safe driving with your driver beforehand—many providers note the importance of this for peace of mind.

Arrival at the Ice Festival

Once at the Shikotsu Lake Onsen Area around 12:15 PM, you’ll purchase tickets (around ¥1,000 per person). The festival itself is a winter wonderland of ice sculptures formed by spraying highly transparent lake water onto frames, creating stunning, ephemeral artworks. These sculptures glow with the famous “Shikotsu Lake Blue,” which is just as mesmerizing in daylight as it is at night.

Travelers often comment on how the natural formation process gives the sculptures a dreamy and authentic quality. One reviewer mentioned, “It’s like walking through a frozen fantasy world, with sculptures that look like they belong in a fairy tale.”

Exploring the Ice Sculptures

In the daylight, you’ll have plenty of time to wander around and take photos. The sculptures vary in size and complexity, with some designed for fun activities like sliding down ice slides. Food stalls nearby offer grilled scallops and hot drinks, perfect for warming up in the crisp air. If you prefer, you can bring your own snacks or simple meals.

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Relaxing at a Shikotsu Lake Onsen Hotel

At around 1:30 PM, you’ll take a break for a hot spring soak at a nearby onsen hotel. Many visitors find this the highlight—nothing beats dipping into warm, mineral-rich waters after walking among icy sculptures. Be sure to reserve your day-use hot spring slot in advance, as spaces can fill quickly. Expect to spend about an hour immersed in the soothing, steaming water, which offers relief from the cold and a moment to unwind.

Deeper Festival Exploration and Scenic Walks

After warming up, you’ll return to the festival around 2:30 PM to explore more, take close-up photos of sculptures, and browse cultural or creative stalls. Many find this part especially enjoyable because it allows for more detailed shots and a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship. The lakeside viewing platform offers a sweeping view of wintery Shikotsu Lake, making for great landscape photos.

Dusk and Night Illumination

By 4:30 PM, the sculptures start to glow with colored lights, turning the scene into a magical display. If you’re a fan of night photography, this is the moment. The illuminated sculptures shimmer against the darkening sky, creating a surreal atmosphere.

On weekends or holidays, you may catch a fireworks display at 6:30 PM, which adds an extra layer of enchantment. Though brief, the fireworks are a popular feature, and many reviewers say they’re well worth sticking around for.

Return to Sapporo

The trip winds down with a return bus around 6:30 PM. The drive back offers the chance to relax and reflect on the day’s sights, and you’ll arrive back in Sapporo around 7:00 PM. Some travelers opt to stay longer at Lake Shikotsu independently, which is certainly feasible if you want more time for sightseeing or relaxing.

The Value of This Tour

Considering the entry fee, transportation, hot spring experience, and optional fireworks, many find this tour offers solid value. The private group setting means you can enjoy a more personalized experience, ask your guide questions, and perhaps even customize parts of your day.

The inclusion of the onsen is a real bonus, especially in winter, when the cold can be relentless. It transforms what might be a simple sightseeing trip into a full day of both visual pleasure and physical comfort.

Additional Notes from Reviews

Reviewers have pointed out that winter roads can be slippery, so confirming safe driving arrangements is important. Also, many appreciate the flexibility of the itinerary, which allows extra time for photography or a quick snack break. One review mentions how the ice sculptures glow with “Shikotsu Lake Blue” in daylight, which they described as “like seeing a painting come to life.”

Other Practicalities

• The tour is wheelchair accessible, but those with mobility impairments should confirm details beforehand.
• Bring warm clothing, gloves, a hat, camera, cash, and snacks to make the most of your day.
• No large luggage allowed, so pack light.
• The tour is available in English, Chinese, and Japanese, making it suitable for diverse travelers.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy winter scenery, want an intimate experience with a private guide, and love photography or cultural sights. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a balance of art, nature, and relaxation—especially if you’re looking for a cozy, memorable day.

It’s less suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking on uneven, icy terrain and the need to climb in and out of the bus and hot springs.

The Sum Up

The Sapporo: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Private Day Trip offers a well-rounded, authentic winter experience in Hokkaido. You’ll marvel at spectacular ice sculptures that glow with vibrant colors, enjoy a relaxing soak in an onsen, and possibly watch a fireworks display if your visit coincides with the right days. The private group setup ensures a personal touch, and the inclusion of food, hot springs, and scenic stops makes it a real value.

If you’re visiting Sapporo and love winter landscapes, this tour provides a perfect blend of visual magic and cultural comfort. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day surrounded by icy art, steaming hot water, and snowy vistas—all in one convenient package.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, starting around 11:00 AM and returning to Sapporo around 7:00 PM.

Is the tour suitable in all weather conditions?
The tour operates in winter, but be prepared for potentially slippery roads. Confirm safe driving arrangements with your driver.

Are there options to stay longer at the festival?
Yes, you can re-enter the festival after enjoying the onsen and explore the sculptures further, especially for the evening light show.

Can I visit the festival on non-festival days?
On non-festival days, the tour offers alternative activities such as lake cruises, snowmobiling, and visits to the lakeside and local markets.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to confirm specific arrangements with the provider.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, gloves, hat, camera, cash, snacks, and a scarf are recommended. Avoid bringing large luggage.

Can I reserve the hot spring in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your hot spring slot beforehand to ensure availability.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, admission tickets to the festival, hot spring experience, and optional fireworks viewing on weekends or holidays.

Is it a group or private experience?
This is a private group tour, offering a more personalized experience tailored to your preferences.

This day trip is a fantastic mix of art, nature, and relaxation that captures the essence of a winter in Hokkaido. It’s perfect for those seeking both scenic beauty and cultural comfort in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby