Sounkyo’s Ice Waterfall Festival builds tunnels and towers of ice in a gorge in the Daisetsuzan mountains, and some tours pair it with a drift-ice cruise out of Monbetsu on the Okhotsk coast. That’s a long way from Sapporo, so it makes for a long day.
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“Thank you for the wonderful trip and to our guide Andy-san for the clear guidance.”
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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“It was such an amazing and incredible daytour. Chillin is our guide, she is really friendly, helpful. She gave us many good advices and recommendations. The most wonderful experience for me is snowmobiling in Toya Snow World, it's breathtaking scene. The ways leads to our…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Core memory unlocked! Thanks to Andy, our awesome tour guide, for keeping us safe and making every destination extra special!”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“I booked this tour because I was looking forward to see the ice village but unfortunately it was closed so they had some alternatives. I enjoyed seeing the ice festival but we only have limited time and could have spend more time in that area.…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Oscar so is handsome 😬😂 Really happy to Had him as a Guide. Explained a Lot. Joked arround and explained everything very Well.”
★★★★★★★★★★
21 reviews10 hoursFrom $63by Japan Holiday Travel Co., Ltd.Sapporo Sales Office
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“A beautiful trip, the weather was rainy, and Lucy was good”
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20 reviewsFrom $44.25
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“this a very convenient way since they you have a shuttle going back and forth to sapporo. tour guide is nice and really gave effort in talking to using google translate. very hassle free!”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“highly recommend! the tour guide was so nice .. even if you dont understand japanese he will try his best to talk in english to help you out .. it was a long journey but totally worth it .. i was lucky because that day…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Ice festival was amazing We loved it,something we never see before Absolutely enjoyed the whole thing Just wish the tour guide could speak English so we can understand the story about it,she friendly & talked all the way but only Japanese language After all we…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“The pickup time was punctual. Besides the pickup, there were basically no other services. There was plenty of time to enjoy the attractions, and the two scenic spots were very fun, especially the Jozankei River rafting. However, the reservation process was a bit troublesome. It…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“The tour guide was diligent and professional, and the itinerary was on time.”
★★★★★★★★★★
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