
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Tour with Ice Art and Illumination
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Quick answer
Is Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Tour with Ice Art and Illumination worth booking?
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Tour with Ice Art and Illumination is a 4.5-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $6000 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
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $6000 per person
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival showcases stunning ice sculptures crafted from the lake's crystal-clear waters, creating a captivating winter wonderland. This tour provides an opportunity to enjoy the festival both during
What you get
- Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
- Round-trip bus transportation
About this experience
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival showcases stunning ice sculptures crafted from the lake's crystal-clear waters, creating a captivating winter wonderland. This tour provides an opportunity to enjoy the festival both during the day, when the ice exhibits beautiful shades of blue, and under the enchanting evening illumination. With approximately 2 hours to explore, you can immerse yourself in the unique artistry of the ice and witness the transformation as colorful lights bring the sculptures to life. Enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from Sapporo, making this a perfect winter outing. - Experience Hokkaido's iconic winter festival at Lake Shikotsu - Admire spectacular ice sculptures made from crystal-clear water - Enjoy both stunning daytime views and magical evening lights - Convenient round-trip transport from Sapporo with ample exploration time
What's included
Included
- Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
- Round-trip bus transportation
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)
- National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
What you'll see and do
Chitose Shikotsu Lake Hyoto Matsuri
After meeting your tour conductor, travel approximately 80 minutes to Lake Shikotsu. You will spend approximately 120 minutes at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, one of Hokkaido's most iconic winter events. The ice sculptures are created using water from Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan's clearest lakes, resulting in striking formations that display beautiful natural shades of blue during the day. As the afternoon progresses, the atmosphere gradually changes with the start of the evening illumination. Colorful lights transform the ice structures into a dreamlike winter landscape, offering a completely different experience from the daytime views. This tour allows you to enjoy both the natural beauty of the ice and the magical effects of the nighttime lighting during a single visit. After enjoying the festival and illumination, begin the return journey to Sapporo. The tour concludes at the Sapporo Station at approximately 7:00 PM.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
Meet at the North Exit Group Bus Stop at Sapporo Station, near the eastern side of the North Exit. NOT from the western side of North Exit! Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at the North Exit Group Bus Stop at Sapporo Station, near the eastern side of the North Exit. NOT from the western side of North Exit! Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Club Tourism International Inc.
Know before you go
- 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 is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Temperatures can be extremely cold. Please dress warmly. We recommend bringing cold-weather gear such as a scarf, hat, earmuffs, and hand warmers, and wearing non-slip footwear such as winter boots.
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed.
- Delays or omissions made to the itinerary due to circumstances beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund
- Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
- Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement.
- Traffic congestion may occur, which could result in a later return time than scheduled.
- [Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival] Event Period: Scheduled from January 30 (Sat) to February 23 (Tue, Public Holiday), 2027. Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Illuminations: 4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.) Venue: Lake Shikotsu Onsen, Chitose, Hokkaido
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $6000 to $8990
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Club Tourism International Inc., who run 40 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.
See everything Club Tourism International Inc. runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Tour with Ice Art and Illumination: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Tour with Ice Art and Illumination cost?
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Prices start at $6000 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 Tour with Ice Art and Illumination take?
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Plan for about 4.5 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 Tour with Ice Art and Illumination 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 Tour with Ice Art and Illumination?
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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 Tour with Ice Art and Illumination suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Tour with Ice Art and Illumination?
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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 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Tour with Ice Art and Illumination 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, Sapporo Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems. 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.
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