2026 Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival in Hokkaido
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Come see the fantastically illuminated ice sculptures!
The ice sculptures are made from the crystal clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, and the colorfully lit ice art creates a fantastical and mystical landscape. Of course, it's also perfect for taking great photos on social media.
A variety of large and small ice sculptures, made by freezing Lake Shikotsu's water with sprinklers, line the grounds. At night, they are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a magical world. The main ice sculpture is a masterpiece that took a team of about 10 people more than two months to create, and its impressive beauty is truly remarkable when viewed up close.
This tour is easy to travel on, as you'll ride a round-trip reserved-seat bus. Admission to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is also included.
Available options
ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo
Starting point:<br/>ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo by IHG, 1-chōme-2-9 Kita 3 Jōnishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003, Japan
Sapporo view hotel odori park
Starting point:<br/>Sapporo view hotel, 8 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Ice Festival admission fee
Detailed itinerary
1
Come to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, one of the three biggest winter events in Hokkaido! Don't miss the fantastic ice sculptures lit up with colorful lights.
What's not included
Dinner
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
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Tripadvisor
3.8
4 reviews
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour does not include sightseeing guides and will be conducted in Japanese.
Buses may be delayed due to traffic congestion and adverse weather, so please allow ample time for transfer to other means of transportation.
Infants aged 2 and under are free if they do not require a bus seat (please note in the comments section when booking that a child aged 2 and under will be traveling with you to confirm this). If a bus seat is required, a child fare will be charged.
Tour times are subject to change depending on road conditions, etc.
Please note that there may be some delays in arrival due to road conditions. In addition, in the event of bad weather, the tour may be forced to be canceled on the day.
If you are not present by the departure time, we will not wait for you and will not provide refunds.
Return time is around 21:30
There will be no sightseeing explanations during the tour. If you require English assistance during the tour, we will use simple language or an interpreter.
Meeting point
Meet in the hotel lobby on the first floor. A staff member will call your name. (Please note that this meeting place is also used by other tours.)
Important notes
Our tour guide will meet guests at hotel lobby, and he or she will call name
for gathering.
Tours depart on time and we will not wait or refund late participants.
About Sapporo
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is known for its stunning winter landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and delicious seafood. The city hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival and offers a unique blend of modern urban life and traditional Japanese charm.
Top Attractions
Sapporo Beer Museum
Learn about the history of beer in Japan and the Sapporo Beer brand. The museum offers beer tasting and a chance to see the brewing process.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free entry, beer tasting costs vary
Odori Park
A large park in the heart of Sapporo, known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival held here in February.
Nature
1-3 hours depending on the season
Free
Sapporo TV Tower
A landmark of Sapporo, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The tower is illuminated at night, creating a beautiful sight.
Architecture
1 hour
¥790 for adults
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sapporo Ramen
A rich, miso-based ramen with corn, butter, and pork. A must-try local specialty.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains pork, can be made vegetarian with modifications.
Soup Curry
A spicy, flavorful curry soup with vegetables and meat, a Hokkaido specialty.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Genghis Khan
Grilled lamb or mutton, a popular dish in Hokkaido, often cooked on a dome-shaped grill.
Dinner
Contains lamb, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Skiing in Niseko
Snowboarding in Rusutsu
Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park
Onsen (hot spring) bathing
Strolling through Odori Park
Shopping in Tanukikoji
Visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum
Exploring Otaru's historic district
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Winter) and July to August (Summer)
Winter is ideal for snow festivals and skiing, while summer offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and festivals.
Winter: -5°C to 0°C, Summer: 18°C to 25°C
Winter: 23°F to 32°F, Summer: 64°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Sapporo is a very safe city with low crime rates. However, petty theft and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and agreed-upon fares.
- • Be wary of strangers offering help or services, especially in tourist areas.
Getting there
By air
- New Chitose Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
Sapporo Station
By bus
Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, Susukino Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The subway system is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. It consists of three lines: Namboku, Tozai, and Tohoku-Johetsu.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Susukino
Odori
Tanukikoji
Day trips
Niseko
110 km from Sapporo • Full day or overnight
A popular ski resort known for its powder snow, Niseko offers excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter, and outdoor activities in summer.
Otaru
30 km from Sapporo • Half day or full day
A charming port city known for its historic buildings, canals, and fresh seafood. Otaru offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.
Furano
140 km from Sapporo • Full day or overnight
Known for its lavender fields in summer and skiing in winter, Furano offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Sapporo Snow Festival • Early February
Sapporo Beer Festival • Late July to early August
Yosakoi Soran Festival • Early June
Pro tips
- Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a unique beer tasting experience.
- Try Sapporo's famous ramen at Ramen Republic or other local ramen shops.
- Explore the historic Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade for souvenirs and street food.
- Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival if visiting in February.
- Take a day trip to Otaru for its charming canals and fresh seafood.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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