From Sapporo: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival & Snow World Toya and Lake Toya Day Tour

Depart from Odori Station
and head to Snow World Toya

Meet your guide early in the morning at the meeting point near Sapporo Odori Station and depart by bus. Pass snow-covered forests, mountains and frozen lakes on the roughly 2.5-hour drive to the first stop, Snow World Toya.

Here you have about 1.5 hours for a break and free time. If you wish, you can ride a snowmobile across the white snowfields (optional, extra cost at your own expense).

Look down on Lake Toya
from Silo Observatory

A 30-minute bus ride takes you up to the Lake Toya observatory (Silo Observatory). In winter, Lake Toya, one of Hokkaido's best-known volcanic lakes, shows a striking contrast between white mountains and blue water. Spend about 30 minutes taking photos and enjoying the open view.

Stroll along the lakeshore
in Lake Toya Onsen town

Next, visit Lake Toya Onsen, a hot spring resort town set between the lake and the mountains. For about an hour, walk along the lakeshore, explore the town streets or do some shopping.

Walk among the ice sculptures
at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

The highlight of the tour is the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, held every year from late January to mid-February. Giant ice structures, ice tunnels, castles and illuminated ice sculptures made from the famously clear water of Lake Shikotsu create a winter wonderland.

Spend about 1.5 hours walking among the ice sculptures, taking photos and enjoying the festival atmosphere (admission not included). Afterwards, the bus takes about an hour to return to Sapporo Odori Station, where the tour ends.

※ On weekends and Japanese public holidays, the route, order of visits and length of stops may change due to traffic or early closure of attractions.
※ The ice festival is held every year from late January to mid-February.
※ Snow, ice sculpture and illumination conditions depend on the weather and are not guaranteed.