Hokkaido’s festivals peak in the cold. Sapporo’s Snow Festival in February is the big one, but the day trips go to the ice festivals at Lake Shikotsu and Sounkyo gorge, which are smaller and stranger.
Ride the GARINKO GO III IMERU, visit Sounkyo’s lit ice falls, and get practical advice on weather, long bus hours, meals, and refunds.
Most Popular★ 4.7“The crab fried rice was delicious 🤤 and the street cheese popsicles were unique. The only downside was that we were short on time, but luckily we caught the ice cream. Thank you to the captain for sailing us! I was touched by the old…”
★★★★★★★★★★
301 reviewsFrom $188.39
See Noboribetsu’s steaming Hell Valley, Lake Toya and a winter ice festival on a Sapporo day trip, with optional Toya snowmobiling.
★ 4.8“This tour was truly unforgettable. What made the experience even more special was our tour guide, Mr. Andy. One of my favorite moments was when I hesitated to try the snowmobile. I wasn't confident at first, but he encouraged me and jokingly said that once…”
★★★★★★★★★★
126 reviews10 hoursFrom $56.85
Compare Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya views, snowmobiling and Lake Shikotsu’s winter ice pillars on a guided day trip from Sapporo.
★ 4.9“the tour was excellent.. from our very kind tour guide, thank you so much mr. Leo.. He gave us tips and ideas of the places.. also to the diver thank you also because he drively safe and sound from going to every places of the…”
★★★★★★★★★★
124 reviewsFrom $56.85
Review this Sapporo winter day trip to Lake Shikotsu and Tomamu, with stop-by-stop timing, costs, guide details, and weather caveats.
★ 4.4“The guide provided excellent service, the tourist attractions were beautiful, and it was convenient not having to drive myself.”
★★★★★★★★★★
78 reviews10.5 hoursFrom $89.25
Discover Hokkaido’s winter beauty on a full-day tour from Sapporo to Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and volcanic wonders—perfect for nature lovers and explorers.
★ 4.5“It’s a packed well managed one day trip. We could visit many places we couldn’t do by ourselves. Guide was very nice and provided some hints for shopping. We enjoyed the day, thank you very much.”
★★★★★★★★★★
21 reviews10 hoursFrom $63by Japan Holiday Travel Co., Ltd.Sapporo Sales Office
See Lake Shikotsu’s water-made ice sculptures glow at night on a Sapporo bus tour, with festival entry and about two hours to explore.
★ 4.5“smooth bus ride in snowy conditions and sufficient time to explore the festival”
★★★★★★★★★★
18 reviews2 hoursFrom $43.65
Ride Monbetsu’s Garinko icebreaker, explore the Okhotsk coast and see Sounkyo’s illuminated ice festival on a long day trip from Sapporo.
★ 3.8“The meeting place is suitable and the tour guide is polite. Unfortunately, the itinerary information mentioned visiting the seal breeding center, the Sea of Okhotsk Lighthouse and the seal park, but the tour guide did not take us there and did not explain the reason.…”
★★★★★★★★★★
17 reviewsFrom $213.65
Highly anticipated for its breathtaking ice sculptures and serene natural beauty, the Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 2025 is a must-visit event for winter enthusiasts. However, be prepared for the weather.
★ 4.0“When you go on this tour, stop and eat before you get on the bus, or get food right when you get to Lake Chitose. All of the places close at 6 PM. You arrive around 5:30 PM and go directly to the ice sculptures.…”
★★★★★★★★★★
10 reviewsFrom $58.53by Tour&Charter International
Pair Jozankei’s snowy river valley with Lake Shikotsu’s glowing ice festival on a small-group winter day trip from Sapporo.
★ 5.0“Private chartered car was very convenient, and the customized route was all highlights. The scenery in the hot spring lounge I randomly found was great for photos. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival was also very special, feeling like a world from Frozen. Highly recommended!”
★★★★★★★★★★
10 reviewsFrom $94.59
Ride from Sapporo or Chitose to Lake Shikotsu’s ice festival for glowing ice displays, a self-guided visit, and a complimentary cream puff.
★ 5.0“Friendly guide, great puff ever.”
★★★★★★★★★★
6 reviews2 hoursFrom $35.35
Discover the beauty of Hokkaido with this 5.5-hour Sapporo tour to Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Illumination, featuring expert guides and stunning snow scenery.
★ 4.73 reviews5.5 hoursFrom $54by H.I.S. Co Ltd(TIC)
Discover the serene beauty of Hokkaido with this small-group tour to Lake Shikotsu’s ice festival and Jozankei hot springs, perfect for relaxation lovers.
★ 5.03 reviews9.5 hoursFrom $111by MIRAI