Winter Day Tour from Sapporo: Jozankei Hot Springs and the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Setting Out from Sapporo for Winter in Jozankei and Lake Shikotsu

This winter day tour departs from Sapporo and takes you to Jozankei and Lake Shikotsu. You spend the morning in the hot spring town of Jozankei, then head to Lake Shikotsu in the afternoon. After enjoying the snowy lakeside views, you visit the Ice Festival to see the illuminated ice sculptures.

In Jozankei, you have about 3 hours 30 minutes of free time. You can soak in a hot spring or join an activity you have booked in advance. Choosing how to spend your time is one of the best things about this tour.

Transport by vehicle to and from Sapporo is included, so you do not need to arrange your own transport between the two areas.

First, Choose How to Spend Your Free Time in Jozankei

When you arrive in Jozankei, you have about 3 hours 30 minutes of free time. You can relax in a hot spring or join a snow rafting trip, so plan your time however you like. Here are some ideas for how to spend it.

■ Soak in a day-use hot spring You can enjoy a hot spring at a facility that accepts day visitors. Check the reception hours of the facility you want to visit, and plan your schedule around meal times as well. Bathing fees and food and drink are paid separately.

■ Join a snow rafting trip Ride a rubber raft down the Toyohira River in winter and see the snowy landscape from the water. This activity costs extra, and advance booking is required for the 11:30 session. When you book, be sure to check how to apply, where to meet, and how the activity fits with the tour's schedule.

■ Eat and stroll around the hot spring town You can also walk around the hot spring town or have lunch at a place that catches your eye. Keep an eye on the time before the group meets again, and stroll only in areas that are open to pedestrians that day.

※Futami Park is announced as closed to entry due to maintenance work. Please check before adding it to your plans as a place for snow hiking.

Next, Enjoy Snowy Views and Snow Play on the Shores of Lake Shikotsu

In the afternoon, you head to Lake Shikotsu. On the lakeshore, you can walk along while looking out over the blue water and snow-covered mountains.

The tour also offers free snow tube rentals. Depending on the snow conditions and the day's guidance, enjoy some snow play by the lake.

If you would like a break, you can also stop at a café by the lake. Food and drink are paid separately.

Finally, See the Lit-Up Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

From the evening, you head to the Ice Festival venue. After sunset, the ice sculptures are lit in a range of colors and look completely different from how they appear in daylight.

In 2027, the festival runs from January 30 to February 23, and the illumination starts at 16:30. As you walk around the venue, take a closer look at the shapes of the ice, the texture of its surface, and the way light passes through it.

The admission fee is not included in the tour price. Fees vary depending on the day you visit, so please check the latest official information.

After your visit, the group meets again and returns to Sapporo by vehicle. The expected return time is around 19:30, but this may vary depending on road conditions and other factors.

※The Ice Festival photos are images of the venue. The shapes of the sculptures and the exhibits differ from year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

■ Does everyone do the same activity in Jozankei? No. You have about 3 hours 30 minutes of free time, and you can spend it as you like, such as in a hot spring or on an optional rafting trip at extra cost.

■ Are there any additional costs? Rafting fees, hot spring bathing fees, Ice Festival admission, and food and drink are paid separately. Please check the extra costs for the activities you want to do.

■ Do I need to book rafting in advance? Yes. Advance booking is required for the 11:30 session. Please check how to apply, the activity fee, and the meeting point when you book the tour.

■ Where do we meet, and when do we return? The tour departs at 9:30 from near Sapporo Station and is expected to return around 19:30. For the exact meeting point and time, please check the information sent to you after booking. The return time may vary depending on winter road conditions.

■ What languages are available for the guide? English, Chinese, and Japanese are available. Please check the plan you are booking for the language you want.

■ What should I wear? Bring a warm jacket, a hat, gloves, and non-slip winter shoes. Layering is recommended so you can adjust to indoor and outdoor temperatures. If you plan to go rafting or use a hot spring, please also check in advance what you need to bring.

Things to Check Before You Book

• Meeting point, departure time, and expected return time
• Activity bookings in Jozankei and any extra costs
• Ice Festival dates and admission fee
• Warm clothing, non-slip shoes, and gloves

Please check the booking page for the latest conditions.

Summary

Will you soak in a hot spring in Jozankei, or see the snowy scenery from the river? Once you have chosen how to spend your morning, you head to the shores of Lake Shikotsu in the afternoon. After snow play and a lakeside stroll, you can see the illuminated ice sculptures.

In a single day, you take in the snowy hot spring town, the blue lake, and ice sculptures lit in a range of colors. On your next trip to Hokkaido, why not join a day tour that lets you enjoy the evening scenery too?

You can find details and availability at 【冬限定・札幌発】定山渓の雪景色散策×支笏湖氷濤まつり夜景観覧 1日ツアー.