Lake Shikotsu is Japan’s second deepest lake and one of its clearest, and it’s said to be the northernmost lake in the country that never freezes. It’s also only about forty minutes from New Chitose Airport, an easy first or last stop.
See Lake Toya, Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Hokkaido’s volcanic scenery on a guided day trip from Sapporo, with winter options and extra costs to plan for.
Most Popular★ 4.8“Had a fun day trip to Noboribetsu on 15 July, with Ms. Lee as our tour guide. Ms. Lee is enthusiastic, provided good information on the places that we visited and assisted us with photo taking. The only disappointment is not being able to see…”
★★★★★★★★★★
1,393 reviews10 hoursFrom $44.25
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See Lake Shikotsu, Showa Shinzan and Lake Toya on a Sapporo day tour, ending with lakeside time and seasonal fireworks.
★ 4.5“This tour was fantastic! The timing was excellent, and the itinerary was well-paced. Our guide, Ella, was incredibly friendly, well-prepared, and provided very detailed explanations. It was a perfect trip!”
★★★★★★★★★★
374 reviews10.5 hoursFrom $47.39
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See Noboribetsu’s steaming Hell Valley, Lake Toya and a winter ice festival on a Sapporo day trip, with optional Toya snowmobiling.
★ 4.8“The itinerary wasn't tiring~ The tour guide provided a thorough introduction.”
★★★★★★★★★★
126 reviews10 hoursFrom $56.85
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Compare Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya views, snowmobiling and Lake Shikotsu’s winter ice pillars on a guided day trip from Sapporo.
★ 4.9“Thank you, Eric the tour guide! The time management was excellent. The food and travel tips explained on the bus were very interesting. Hell Valley, Lake Toya, and the ice season itself don't require a long time to visit on your own, so I think…”
★★★★★★★★★★
124 reviewsFrom $56.85
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Compare Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya, a bear park and evening fireworks on this long Sapporo day trip, with practical advice on timing and value.
★ 4.4“This was my first time on a one-day tour, and I was lucky to have an excellent guide, Joy, who shared a lot of information about Hokkaido and was very thorough throughout the trip.”
★★★★★★★★★★
100 reviewsFrom $47.39
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Review this Sapporo winter day trip to Lake Shikotsu and Tomamu, with stop-by-stop timing, costs, guide details, and weather caveats.
★ 4.4“very good itinerary, efficient and super patient guide. one of the best tours we've had”
★★★★★★★★★★
78 reviews10.5 hoursFrom $89.25
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See Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya, Showa-Shinzan and more on a long day tour from Sapporo, with seasonal fireworks and ice festival options.
★ 4.9“The route planning is decent, but the only drawback is that I haven't seen the maple leaves turn red yet.”
★★★★★★★★★★
20 reviewsFrom $44.25
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Compare Hokkaido’s Lake Toya, bear ranch and Noboribetsu Hell Valley on a guided day trip from Sapporo, with winter snowmobiling and ice-festival options.
★ 4.7“our tour guide Leo is excellent! the tour was entertaining and not boring. communication is great and took care of everyone needs. highly recommended tour guide, Leo.”
★★★★★★★★★★
20 reviewsFrom $40.25
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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“There was plenty of time, the itinerary was convenient, and the Ice Waterfall Festival was very beautiful 👍”
★★★★★★★★★★
18 reviews2 hoursFrom $43.65
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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“My husband and I missed the Sapporo Ice Festival and therefore booked our flight for the Chitose & Lake Shikotsu ICE Festival last February 17. This is experience was AMAZING! The artistry, engineering ,passion and culture of excellence in the ICE installations made us breathless…”
★★★★★★★★★★
10 reviewsFrom $58.53by Tour&Charter International
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Visit Hoheikyo Dam, Jozankei and Lake Shikotsu on a relaxed Sapporo day trip, with nature stops, foot baths and practical advice.
★ 4.6“We were very fortunate to have Cinna Chan as our tour leader from Hong Kong. Throughout the trip, she proactively helped us take photos, introduced special local foods in Sapporo, and even helped us make dinner reservations.”
★★★★★★★★★★
10 reviewsFrom $55.19
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Pair Jozankei’s snowy river valley with Lake Shikotsu’s glowing ice festival on a small-group winter day trip from Sapporo.
★ 5.0“Amazing views & I had great time doing snow rafting and my husband enjoyed the scenery. However, drone images can be taken better since we have to purchase the images & videos for JPY 10,000.”
★★★★★★★★★★
10 reviewsFrom $94.59
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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon on a private day trip. Unforgettable landscapes await! Click now for an unforgettable adventure.
★ 5.0“Sumi was really good in guiding us to this piece of untouched haven, it was such a treat for my family and me, we had a first hand’s encounter with Hokkaido’s beautiful nature that was totally breathtaking. Sumi speaks great English and she Read more”
★★★★★★★★★★
9 reviewsFrom $247.58by Hokkaido Private Adventure
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Your journey to the clearest lake in Japan awaits at Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, where a customizable tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs alike.
★ 4.5“The drive out of town was really enjoyable. Tomo is a great tour guide and will create a bespoke experience, just for you. Shikotsu Lake is so clear and absolutely gorgeous. The ambience is serene and picturesque. Possible sightings of deer aRead more”
★★★★★★★★★★
7 reviewsFrom $175.91by Sapporosightseeing Ambasador Special Travel Package
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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“The tour guide was diligent and professional, and the itinerary was on time.”
★★★★★★★★★★
6 reviews2 hoursFrom $35.35
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