From Sapporo: A Winter Day Trip from Noboribetsu Hell Valley to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Leave Sapporo at 7:50 a.m. for the Steaming Noboribetsu Hell Valley

The tour departs from a designated meeting point in Sapporo at 07:50 and returns at around 18:00, for a total of about 10.2 hours. The first stop is Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani) in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, where wooden signs at the entrance mark the national park and "Noboribetsu Jigokudani."

Beyond the walking path, a valley of mixed ash-grey and reddish-brown rock opens up, with white steam hissing from vents all around. In winter, the contrast between snow-dusted slopes and rising steam is striking, and it is a spot where many visitors stop to take photos.

At dusk, lights come on along the wooden boardwalk, and as the valley sinks into blue, only the path glows in warm tones. Your visit time may shift depending on traffic on the day, so please follow your guide's instructions and be back at the meeting point on time.

Take in Lake Toya and Nakajima Island from the Lakeshore and Viewing Platform

At Lake Toya, admission to the lakeshore and the viewing platform is included in the tour price. The chain of Nakajima islands floating in the middle of the lake becomes the centrepiece of every composition, from whichever angle you look.

In winter the shore is edged with snow, and there is a classic photo spot where you can frame Nakajima behind the "Lake Toya WELCOME" sign. As the colour of the sky changes, the surface of the lake shifts from blue to purple.

From the viewing platform you can see the whole lake from above, and sometimes look down on sightseeing boats cruising across the water. If you plan to take photos, a windproof jacket and gloves will keep you comfortable.

Finish the Day with the Ice Sculptures of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

The highlight of the itinerary is the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Shikotsuko Hyoto Matsuri). Admission is at your own expense.

The venue is filled with ice towers and walls made by spraying lake water, which are known for the translucent bluish tint called "Shikotsu Blue" in daytime, then transform under colourful illuminations after sunset. You may also see children playing on an ice slide, making this an easy venue for families to enjoy.

Because you will be walking on ice outdoors, non-slip shoes and warm clothing are essential. After soaking up a full range of Hokkaido's winter scenery, you will return to Sapporo by bus.

Optional Snowmobiling at Snow World Toya (Extra Cost)

In the Toya area, you can add snowmobiling at Snow World Toya at your own expense.

You straddle one of the machines lined up on the snowfield and ride in single file along forest trails that feel like tunnels of snow-laden trees. You wear a helmet and follow the vehicle in front of you, and the contrast between the stillness of the winter forest and the sound of the engines makes for a memorable experience.

People who should avoid strong stimulation, such as those with high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma or epilepsy, as well as pregnant women, cannot take part. Please check your health condition before deciding to join.

Things to Check Before You Book

• The tour departs from and returns to Sapporo, and takes about 10 hours in total
• Please check the meeting point and departure time for the plan you booked, and arrive 10 minutes before departure
• Meals are not included in the tour price
• Snowmobiling at Snow World Toya and admission to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival are charged separately
• Depending on the number of participants, the tour may run with a driver only and no guide
• Depending on weather, road conditions and crowds, the order of stops, time spent at each place and return time may change

Prices, operating hours, stops and tour details are subject to change. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

This bus tour takes you from Sapporo to Noboribetsu, Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, letting you see several different faces of Hokkaido's winter in a single day.

You begin at snow-covered Noboribetsu Hell Valley, where you can see the steam vents and rugged scenery typical of a volcanic area. Next, you head to Lake Toya to enjoy an open winter landscape of lake and mountains. At Snow World Toya, you can play in the snow and, if you wish, try snowmobiling. Finally, you head to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and walk through a magical venue where ice sculptures are illuminated.

Volcanoes, lakes, snow play and illuminated ice: the appeal of this tour is that it lets you experience Hokkaido's winter from many angles in a single day. It is ideal for anyone who wants to visit the region's winter highlights from Sapporo without driving long distances on snowy roads.

You can check availability and book through Day Tour from Sapporo: Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.