
Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon worth booking?
Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon is a 7-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $267 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $267 per person
Driving 90 minutes from Sapporo, part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake surrounded by picturesque volcanoes, located in south of the city of Sapporo, known for its crystal clear water and beautiful view of the mountains, and popular for fishing, boating, canoeing, diving, bird watching, cycling, remains unfrozen even throughout Hokkaido's harsh winter. Located 3 kilometers away from lake shore, Moss Canyon is one of the popular sightseeing spots around Lake Shikotsu. The 5 meters high, 200 meters long canyon was formed by the lave erupted from Mt. Tarumae and eroded over tens of thousands years. The canyon is covered with beautiful mosses look like a genuine carpet. A nice hiking course for both beginners and intermediates.
What you get
About this experience
Driving 90 minutes from Sapporo, part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake surrounded by picturesque volcanoes, located in south of the city of Sapporo, known for its crystal clear water and beautiful view of the mountains, and popular for fishing, boating, canoeing, diving, bird watching, cycling, remains unfrozen even throughout Hokkaido's harsh winter. Located 3 kilometers away from lake shore, Moss Canyon is one of the popular sightseeing spots around Lake Shikotsu. The 5 meters high, 200 meters long canyon was formed by the lave erupted from Mt. Tarumae and eroded over tens of thousands years. The canyon is covered with beautiful mosses look like a genuine carpet. A nice hiking course for both beginners and intermediates.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- National Park fees
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Lunch
- Food and drink
What you'll see and do
Enjoy a nice walk at the shore of Lake Shikotsu. The lake is surrounded by the active volcanoes and
30 minutes here
Shikotsuko Visitor Center
Learn about the area
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hokkaido Private Adventure
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Easy Walk through beautiful Moss canyon
Tour guides Sumi and Taki shared their knowledge and love of Moss Canyon., a special place. Their English was excellent and we learned that there were 30 kinds of mosses. We enjoyed a lunch that included fish caught in Lake Shikotsu. The weather was variable and ranged from a blessing of light rain to blue skies to fog. We recommend this easy walk though beautiful scenery.
Response from the operator: Dear Robert_G Thank you so much for wonderful feedback! We truly appreciate you taking a time to share your experience with us. We hope to serve you again in the future! Warm regards, Sumi
via Viator
Moss canyon tour
We had great views of the Moss Canyon and Shikotsu lake in the fall. Yumi-san is an amazing guide who speaks perfect English. The scenic drive was about 1 hr long from Sapporo and well worth the visit.
Response from the operator: Dear Giao, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We're glad you enjoyed exploring the Moss Canyon. We hope to serve you again in the future. Warm regards, Sumi
via Tripadvisor
Nature hike
Sumi & Sato were excellent guides. We travel to the lake for a view and quick break then off to moss canyon. They pointed out various types of mushrooms, ferns, insects, sails, plants, and so much more. Be prepared to climb over rocks and under trees. After the hike, we were treated with coffee/tea and a light snack. Next stop a delicious and hearty lunch before heading back to Sapporo.
Response from the operator: Dear Kathi, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We appreciate you taking time to share your experience with us. Hope to see you in Hokkaido again one day. Kind regards, Sumi
via Viator
Best Tour Experience for Lake Shikotsu
Amazing experience! Our guides Sumi and Taki picked my wife and I up from our hotel in Sapporo promptly at 9 AM and took us to an air conditioned vehicle with water for each of us. During the hour long car ride to Lake Shikotsu, both Sumi and Taki entertained us by asking us where we were from and telling us about their life and about different sights in Hokkaido. Time flew by pretty quickly and we soon arrived to the moss canyon location. The hike to the canyon itself was about 10 minutes and was very easy with no inclines at all. It was also very beautiful on the way to the canyon. The day before the hike it had rained, so a lot of the plants and moss were very green. In addition to the scenery there were many birds and wildlife out. The 4 meter tall canyon itself was spectacular. It had many different kinds of moss growing on both sides and a bunch of other flowers and mushrooms growing on the dead trees surrounding the area. The hike in the canyon was slightly more difficult (minor incline/some climbing). I recommend bringing bug spray as there are a ton of mosquitos. Luckily my wife and I wore long sleeves so we weren’t bit too much. After the canyon hike, Sumi took us to a small onsen town along Lake Shikotsu where we enjoyed lunch at a ramen place that served home made ramen and savory / buttery Hokkaido potatoes. Both dishes were very tasty and affordable! End to end the journey was 6 hours long including the driving, but we left feeling extremely grateful to our guides and wish we could spend more time with them to learn about Lake Shikotsu and the area around it! Thank you so much, Sumi and Taki
Response from the operator: Dear rresma, Thank you very much for a great review! I'm happy that you enjoyed the day trip with us. Please come back Hokkaido again to explore more natural beauty! Best regards, Sumi & Taki
via Tripadvisor
Lovely day exploring Moss Canyon
We had a lovely time exploring Moss Canyon and lakeside at Lake Shikotsu. Sumi and Taki pointed out the various types of moss, trees, mushrooms and other vegetation so it was educational as well. Would definitely recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Hi Boon, Thanks so much for the great review! It was a pleasure to guide you at Moss Canyon and Lake Shikotsu. We hope to have another opportunity to guide your next visit! Thank you again and please keep in touch. Best regards, Sumi
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $267 to $41,000
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hokkaido Private Adventure, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.2.
See everything Hokkaido Private Adventure runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon cost?
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Prices start at $267 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 Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Sapporo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon?
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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 Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon?
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Around 4 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon 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 Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Local guide; National Park fees; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Not included: Lunch; and Food and drink. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 194 listed pickup locations in and around Sapporo. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese 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 Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon?
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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 Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Day Trip of Lake Shikotsu and Moss Canyon?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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