
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo
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Quick answer
Is Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo worth booking?
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo is a 9.5-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $68 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- From
- $68 per person
Discover three different sides of Hokkaido’s winter on a limited-time day tour from Sapporo, available only from January 30 to February 23. Begin at the Hill of the Buddha, where a monumental Buddha statue appears through an opening in the hill. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this striking setting blends architecture, art, nature, and peaceful winter scenery. Next, head to Takino Snow World and enjoy free time surrounded by powder-white landscapes. Try winter activities, take fun photos, or simply enjoy the snowy scenery at your own pace. A sled is included, making it easy to add some playful fun to your visit. End your day at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, where crystal-clear lake water is transformed into spectacular ice sculptures. Explore the enchanting frozen displays and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this seasonal winter event. (Festival admission is not included.) After enjoying the festival, relax on the bus and travel comfortably back to Sapporo.
What you get
About this experience
Discover three different sides of Hokkaido’s winter on a limited-time day tour from Sapporo, available only from January 30 to February 23. Begin at the Hill of the Buddha, where a monumental Buddha statue appears through an opening in the hill. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this striking setting blends architecture, art, nature, and peaceful winter scenery. Next, head to Takino Snow World and enjoy free time surrounded by powder-white landscapes. Try winter activities, take fun photos, or simply enjoy the snowy scenery at your own pace. A sled is included, making it easy to add some playful fun to your visit. End your day at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, where crystal-clear lake water is transformed into spectacular ice sculptures. Explore the enchanting frozen displays and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this seasonal winter event. (Festival admission is not included.) After enjoying the festival, relax on the bus and travel comfortably back to Sapporo.
What's included
Included
- English & Korean & Chinese Speaking Guide
- Sled at Takino Snow World
- Admission fee to the Hill of Buddha
- Admission fee to Takino Snow World
- Round-Trip Transportation
- Admission fee to Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Not included
- Meals
- Travel Insurance
- Other Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Hill of The Buddha
Discover the striking Hill of the Buddha, where a monumental Buddha statue appears through an opening in the surrounding hill. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the site creates a distinctive blend of architecture, art, nature, and peaceful winter scenery.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Spend plenty of free time at Takino Snow World, a snowy outdoor playground surrounded by Hokkaido’s beautiful winter landscape. Enjoy snow activities at your own pace, capture fun photos, or simply take in the powder-white scenery. A sled is included for added winter fun.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Shikotsu
Step into a magical frozen world at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, a seasonal event featuring spectacular ice sculptures created from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu. Wander among the impressive frozen displays and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this unique winter festival.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
- Location: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet - Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time. - Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival.
Meeting point
Sapporo
- Location: Odori Station Exit no.31 (next to Kanamoto hall) - Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time. - Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
- Location: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet - Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time. - Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival.
Ends at
- Location: Odori Station Exit no.31 (next to Kanamoto hall) - Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time. - Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival.
Options you can book
Admission Included, fr Sapporo
Starting point: Public Toilet (Sapporo station North Exit), 3-chōme-12-2 Kita 7 Jōnishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807, Japan
Depart from Odori Station
Pick-Up Point: Odori Station Exit 31 (near by Kanamoto hall). Please check your booking voucher for pickup point details. Starting point: Ōdōri Station, Japan, 060-0042 北海道札幌市Chuo Ward, Ōdōrinishi, 2−2
Depart from Sapporo Station
Pick-Up Point: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet. Please check your booking voucher for pickup point details. Starting point: Public Toilet (Sapporo station North Exit), 3-chōme-12-2 Kita 7 Jōnishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807, Japan
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ko, cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TOURSTORY
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- One day before departure, the tour operator will send you a reminder email between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. This email will contain a link to a group chat where you'll be able to communicate directly with our tour staff. If you cannot find the email, please check your spam or junk mail section.
- In compliance with Japanese law, vehicles cannot operate for more than 10 hours. The tour guide may adjust the itinerary based on real-time conditions.
- The duration of stay and the order of visits at each spot may change flexibly depending on the season and local conditions (weather, traffic) on the day of the tour.
- As this is a group tour, the bus will depart on time without waiting for latecomers to respect the schedule of other guests. Please be punctual, as no refunds will be given for missed departures.
- Please note: As this is a group tour, there may be guests who speak other languages traveling with you. We appreciate your understanding.
- Many places in Japan still accept cash only, so please make sure to carry enough cash with you.
- In case of sudden road closures during the tour, alternative routes may be used, which could result in delays or skipping some sightseeing spots.
- Please watch your step and move carefully, as the ground may be icy and slippery.
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 9.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by TOURSTORY, who run 89 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.9 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything TOURSTORY runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo cost?
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Prices start at $68 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sapporo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo take?
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Plan for about 9.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sapporo is not rushed.
Is Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sapporo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sapporo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sapporo and add a light layer if any part of the 9.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sapporo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sapporo?
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On Outty we rank every Sapporo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour, Wagashi traditional japanese sweets class, Mondo's most popular No.1!Private experienceThe king of buckwheat noodles making and Japanese food in Sapporo!A plan to enjoy tempura!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sapporo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo?
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Included: English & Korean & Chinese Speaking Guide; Sled at Takino Snow World; Admission fee to the Hill of Buddha; Admission fee to Takino Snow World; and Round-Trip Transportation. Not included: Meals; Travel Insurance; and Other Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo?
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- Location: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet - Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time. - Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo offered in?
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It is offered in Korean, Chinese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Sapporo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What booking options are available for Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Admission Included, fr Sapporo, Depart from Odori Station, Depart from Sapporo Station. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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