Sapporo: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Small-Group Day Tour

Traveling through Hokkaido in winter can feel like stepping into a snow globe — shimmering, icy, and utterly breathtaking. While many trips focus on popular sights, this small-group day tour offers a calm, authentic taste of the region’s natural wonders. It’s perfect for those who appreciate scenic views without the rush, especially families, couples, or travelers craving genuine relaxation amid snowy landscapes.

From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu to the soothing warmth of Jozankei Onsen, this tour hits all the right notes. We love the intimate group size—limited to nine—which allows for a more personalized experience, and the slow-paced itinerary that emphasizes comfort over checklist ticking. That said, if you’re eager to cram in every possible activity, you might find the flexible free time a bit too relaxed, but for most, it’s the perfect way to soak in the winter magic.

This experience is best suited for those who want to enjoy stunning scenery with minimal stress, love hot springs, or simply want a peaceful day away from busy tourist spots. It offers a balanced mix of scenic stops, optional activities, and plenty of downtime, making it a thoughtful choice for a winter day in Hokkaido.

Good To Know

• Small Group: Limited to nine guests for a more personalized and less crowded experience.
• Relaxing Pace: Enjoy plenty of free time and optional activities to fit your interests.
• Authentic Scenic Views: Crystal-clear lake, snowy mountains, and illuminated ice sculptures create unforgettable sights.
• Hot Spring Experience: Relax in Jozankei’s renowned onsen, one of Hokkaido’s favorites for soothing winter warmth.
• Flexible Activities: Snow rafting, snow walking, or soaking in hot springs—choose what suits you best.
• All-Day Comfort: The itinerary avoids rushing, allowing you to savor each moment with comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Pickup and Departure at JR Sapporo Station

The tour kicks off at 9:30 AM sharp from JR Sapporo Station. Meeting your driver (who speaks English, Chinese, and Japanese) means you’ll start your day with a smooth, organized transition into the scenic wonderland of Hokkaido. The small group size ensures a more intimate setting, allowing for easy conversation and a relaxed atmosphere.

Scenic Drive to Lake Shikotsu

The drive to Lake Shikotsu takes about an hour and a half, providing a chance to settle in, enjoy the views, and get excited about what’s ahead. As you approach, the landscape transforms into a winter postcard — snow-dusted trees, steaming volcanic mountains, and the looming presence of the lake.

Lake Shikotsu: A Winter Wonderland

Once you arrive at Lake Shikotsu, you’ll get about two hours for sightseeing and exploration. This Japans’ northernmost ice-free lake boasts incredibly transparent water, which, in winter, creates a surreal contrast with the snowy surroundings. Many reviews highlight just how stunning the views are, with one guest noting, “The snow-covered mountains reflected perfectly in the lake — it felt like a painting.”

You can stroll along the lakeside walking path, which is accessible and offers spectacular photo opportunities. In winter, the combination of snow on the shores and the icy mountains in the background creates a picture-perfect scene. Kids find the lakeshore especially playful, with snow creating natural slides and play areas.

If you’re lucky, you might spot the frozen waterfalls or deer wandering nearby, as some reviews mention sightings of wildlife during their visits. For a small fee (~1,000 JPY), you can explore the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, where sculptures are illuminated at night, transforming the landscape into a magical winter scene.

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Optional Activities at Lake Shikotsu

You’ll have enough free time to enjoy:

• A boat cruise: Many find it a peaceful way to appreciate the lake’s vastness and surrounding mountains.
• Café time: Cozy cafes by the lake serve hot drinks and sweets, perfect for warming up while soaking in the views.
• Snow tubes: Provided by the driver for free, these are a fun way to enjoy the snow without much effort.

Reviewers mention how the free time feels well-managed, allowing a leisurely approach. One guest appreciated the “quiet moment to just breathe and take photos without feeling hurried,” highlighting how the pace enhances the experience.

Jozankei Onsen: A Hot Spring Retreat

From Lake Shikotsu, the drive to Jozankei takes about 1.5 hours. Once there, you get around 3.5 hours of free time, which is plenty for relaxing in hot springs, exploring the snowy surroundings, or trying optional activities like snow rafting or snow walking.

Jozankei is famed for its therapeutic hot springs, and many visitors say it’s the highlight of their day. If you opt for the hot spring soak, you’ll enjoy steaming baths enveloped by snow, creating a truly immersive experience. Bring your swimsuit and towel, as onsen fees are not included, but many hotels offer day-use options.

For those who prefer a bit more adventure, snow rafting along the Toyohira River offers a gentle thrill, with reviews praising its scenic route past the Futami Bridge, and the chance to spot wildlife or frozen waterfalls en route. If you prefer a calm walk, the Futami Park snow walking trails provide peaceful forest pathways perfect for reflection and photography.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival: A Nighttime Spectacle

After your relaxing time at Jozankei, you’ll head back to Lake Shikotsu around 3:30 PM. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Ice Festival after sunset, which features beautifully illuminated sculptures and ice art. Visitors describe it as a truly enchanting scene, with the glowing sculptures creating a dramatic contrast against the night sky.

The festival is not included in the tour price (~1,000 JPY admission), but many find it worthwhile to experience this magical display. During the day, the area is still stunning, with snowy landscapes and the tranquil lake providing a peaceful backdrop to your day.

Return to Sapporo

The day concludes with a comfortable drive back, arriving at JR Sapporo Station around 7:30 PM. The entire experience offers a relaxing, scenic escape from the city with plenty of downtime to absorb the beauty of Hokkaido’s winter.

Practical Details and Value

The 9.5-hour tour strikes a balance between sightseeing and relaxing, with transportation, free time, and optional activities designed thoughtfully. The small group size means you’re not lost in a crowd, and your guide (fluent in multiple languages) ensures smooth logistics and local insights.

Cost-wise, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions—transport, a scenic boat cruise, and flexible free time—plus the chance to see the illuminated ice sculptures, which are a highlight for many. The option to reserve and pay later adds flexibility, especially if you’re unsure about plans.

Transportation

Comfortable van transportation makes the journey pleasant and scenic, avoiding the hassle of public transit or self-driving in winter conditions. The vehicle drops off guests at different locations based on their chosen activities, adding convenience.

Group Size and Flexibility

Limiting the tour to nine participants means more personalized attention and the ability to customize your free time within the schedule. Guests often comment on the friendly atmosphere and the helpfulness of the guide.

Price and Overall Value

While optional activities like hot spring entry and ice festival admission cost extra, the core experience provides a well-rounded, peaceful winter day. For travelers seeking a gentle introduction to Hokkaido’s scenic spots with a focus on comfort and authenticity, it’s a worthy investment.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and appreciate natural beauty over a packed itinerary. It suits those who want to enjoy hot springs, stunning winter landscapes, and light outdoor activities without feeling rushed. Families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a peaceful, scenic day will find this experience particularly appealing.

If you’re someone who values authentic scenery, personalized attention, and slow travel, this tour can be a memorable highlight of your Hokkaido trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the relaxed pace and scenic stops make it suitable for families, especially those wanting to enjoy snow and hot springs. Just check your child’s comfort with outdoor activities and cold weather.

What should I bring for the tour?
Warm clothing, sturdy shoes for walking, a hat, gloves, and a camera are recommended. If you plan to soak in the onsen, bring a towel and swimsuit (or inquire about on-site rentals).

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there will be plenty of opportunities to buy hot drinks and snacks at cafes by the lakeside or in Jozankei.

Can I participate in all the optional activities?
Yes, you can choose to join snow rafting or snow walking, but these are optional and require advance booking for rafting. Free time is ample for enjoying the hot springs or exploring at your own pace.

Is the ice sculpture festival included?
No, admission to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival costs around 1,000 JPY and is payable on-site if you decide to visit.

What is the group size?
Limited to nine guests, ensuring a personal experience and flexible schedule.

How long do we stay at each location?
You’ll have around two hours at Lake Shikotsu, 3.5 hours in Jozankei, and additional free time within those periods.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a private van, which is comfortable and equipped for winter conditions.

What makes this tour unique compared to other day trips?
The focus on a slow, relaxed pace, the small group size, and the combination of lake scenery, hot springs, and ice sculptures create a well-balanced and authentic winter experience.

Final Thoughts

This small-group Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Day Tour stands out as a peaceful, scenic way to enjoy Hokkaido’s winter charm without the rush. It’s especially suited for those who want a blend of breathtaking views, cultural relaxation, and light outdoor fun, all delivered at a comfortable pace. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, admiring illuminated ice sculptures, or simply soaking in the snowy tranquility, this tour offers genuine moments of awe.

Perfect for travelers seeking a less commercial, more authentic experience, it provides a meaningful glimpse into Hokkaido’s winter beauty—without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or hurried through sights. If you value comfort, scenic serenity, and authentic relaxation, this tour could be a highlight of your Hokkaido adventure.

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