This is the best course to experience and fully enjoy the harsh winter of Hokkaido and enjoy ice fishing from January to February.
Shinshinotsu Village, about an hour from Sapporo, sits in the heart of the Ishikari Plain. With strong winds and heavy snowfall, this area lets visitors experience Hokkaido’s true winter.
The main event, smelt fishing, takes place at Shinotsu Lake, a dam lake on the Ishikari River. Inside a tent set up on the ice, get ready for a full-on battle with the smelt.
It is extremely cold outside (freezing), but inside the tent is a different world. There is a kerosene heater, and plywood boards are laid underfoot so fishers don’t have to kept their feet in the snow. No matter how cold it is outside, the tent stays toasty warm and comfortable.
The fishing site is a one-minute walk from Shinshinotsu Hot Spring. After fishing, please enjoy a nice soak in the springs or relax in the rest area.
What’s more, if you wish, the smelt you catch can be cooked at the restaurant for your to enjoy (¥500 per cook).
・The tour bus will come back to Sapporo at 17:00 (around 17:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays), and this is a perfect deal for those who want to spend a satisfying day-trip in Hokkaido.
Category Archives: 運行中のコース
Takino Snow World, Moai Statues, and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● Takino Snow World
Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, Takino Snow World is a leisure area where visitors can fully enjoy Hokkaido’s winter. The expansive grounds, covered in pure white snow, offer a wide range of activities, including snow tubing, walking skis, and snowshoeing, suitable for beginners and advanced visitors alike. One of the most popular attractions is the long tubing course, where both children and adults slide down at full speed with excitement. Beyond snow play, winter nature walks are also appealing, allowing winter enthusiasts to enjoy Hokkaido’s magnificent scenery in crisp, clear air.
● Snow-Covered Moai Statues and the Hill of the Buddha at Takino Cemetery
Takino Cemetery becomes a magical sightseeing spot in winter. The giant Moai statues lined across the grounds take on an even more mysterious presence when covered in snow, creating an atmosphere like stepping into another world. The Hill of the Buddha, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, is another must-see. (Separate admission fee required) The concrete architecture harmonizing with the snowy landscape is stunning, and the tranquil presence of the Great Buddha leaves a deep impression on visitors. It is a unique place where culture and art blend together, offering solemn winter scenery found only in Hokkaido.
● Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Located close to central Sapporo, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a popular spot offering panoramic views of Hokkaido’s vast snowy fields. In the clear winter air, the endless stretch of white landscape creates a quintessential Hokkaido view. The statue of Dr. William S. Clark, known for the phrase “Boys, be ambitious!”, stands on the hill and is a classic photo spot. The pastoral scene of sheep grazing calmly, combined with panoramic views of Sapporo, offers visitors both relaxation and inspiration. It is a place where visitors can experience the quiet beauty unique to winter.
ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN, Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town (Paid areas are optional and individually paid.)
・This facility adjoins the factory of Royce’, Hokkaido’s representative chocolate brand. Exhibits and hands-on experiences let visitors learn about cacao cultivation, cacao history, and production processes.
・Factory observation: Take a look at the chocolate production line through glass (1st-floor free area).
・Chocolate bar-making workshop: Create your own original chocolate (additional fee required).
・Factory shop: A spacious shop offering exclusive products and sweets available only here (1st-floor free area).
● Free-Time Lunch at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market
・Fresh seafood bowls: The Outer Market has many eateries serving seafood bowls and sushi made with seasonal fish.
・A treasure trove of Hokkaido cuisine: Enjoy ikura, uni, crab, and other local specialties on the spot.
・Free-choice style: Participants can choose any restaurant they like, allowing for a personalized lunch experience.
・Market exploration: You can also shop for souvenirs such as dried goods and local delicacies.
● Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
・Panoramic views of Sapporo: From Mt. Moiwa at 531 m elevation, look out to see the cityscape and the Ishikari Plains. Both daytime and night views are spectacular.
・Ropeway + mini cable car: Ride the ropeway to the mid-station, then take the “Morris Car” cable car to the summit.
・Observation deck: The summit has an observation deck where you can take in the views at your leisure.
【Sapporo Afternoon Tour】The Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
This bus is compatible with multilingual audio system in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean, will take you to some of Sapporo’s famous highlights in a short amount of time.
You will view Odori Park from the bus as it travels through downtown toward the west and south. Side stops include Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, which allows you to visit two popular spots within a short time. From the bus you can enjoy viewing the Hokkaido Governor’s Official Residence tucked in a forest, Toyohira River which runs through central Sapporo and which is known for its fireworks display in summer, the sleek silver shape of Sapporo Dome and much more. Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, located in Miyanomori, Sapporo, is owned by the city of Sapporo, and sits on the east slope of Mt. Okura 307 meters high. The Bakken record at the stadium is held at 145.0 and is a must see. At Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill where the bus stops for sightseeing, is the monument of famous professor “Clark.” In summer the city of Sapporo laid out beyond the green grassy fields is beautiful. The Clark monument is also rather large up close, and makes for a great photo opportunity. Take this opportunity to visit two of the most famous sightseeing spots most visitors go to, the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill and Mt. Okura, on our Regular Sightseeing Bus.
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Winter Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
As you drive through the endless old growth forests, the road opens up to the beautiful blue “”Lake Shikotsu”" surrounded by lush nature. The ice-free (does not freeze during the winter) Lake Shikotsu is Japan’s northernmost lake of its kind. It has also been recognized by the Ministry of Environment as one of the most cleanest and clearest lakes in the nation. Nearby is Lake Toya, a large caldera lake created during a violent eruption over 100 thousand years ago. It is also surrounded by rich flora and is the habitat for a wide variety of fauna.
We will have lunch at Toya Kohantei that sits on the shores of Lake Toya.
After we leave Lake Toya the bus will head to Mt Usu, the first in Japan to be inducted as a Global Geopark in August, 2009. A Global Geopark is a natural park where visitors can explore and enjoy the Earth through nature trails, interpretive signs, and guided tours. The Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark, recognized alongside Itoigawa and the Shimabara Peninsula, is part of the Global Geoparks Network supported by UNESCO, and was among the 59th to 61st sites in the world to receive this designation. At Mt. Usu, visitors can take the ropeway to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
This course takes visitors to two of Hokkaido’s most popular lakes in just one day.
During the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (February 1st to February 23th), you can take an optional tour of the Ice Festival. (The tour fee is at your own expense.)
*Meals are not included on some dates. You will have free reign to eat. (There will be a 50-minute meal time at Mushroom Kingdom.)
【Sapporo Morning Tour】Shiroi Koibito Park, the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Central Wholesale Market Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
This course is operated with a multilingual audio system that provides explanations in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. All of the sights will be introduced within a short time. First we will visit “Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium.”
The bus will head for Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium. The ski jump stadium here is said to be the prince of all sports. It is said that the Baron Okura Kishichro heard the voice of the late Chichibu Prince, and commissioned the architectural design of the ski jump to Major General Olaf Helset of Norway. Numerous competitions have been held here and have contributed to the nurturing of many athletes. However, the ski jump was renovated in 1970 in preparation for the Winter Olympics which were to be held two years later, and became the stage for the 11th Sapporo Winter Olympics 90-meter ski jump venue. From the observation deck located at an elevation of 307 meters, the approach to the jump (runway), and the entire city of Sapporo and Ishikari Plains can be seen.
(Please note that during ski jumping competitions, the Okurayama Observatory Lift will be unavailable on competition days and practice days. Additionally, passengers using the regular sightseeing bus will be granted complimentary access to the ski jumping viewing area.)
line at CHOCOTOPIA Factory and the “tudor houses” of medieval Great Britain, along with the grand mechanical clock tower Grand Meister. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sapporo. Next door is the “Miyanosawa Shiroi Koibito Soccer Field,” home field of the Sapporo Consadole Soccer Team where visitors can sneak take a sneek peak of their practice.
After our visit at Shiroi Koibito Park, we will go to the Central Sapporo Wholesale Market.
The Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is the kitchen of Sapporo, where fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, crabs, and other fresh seafood can be purchased. There are also a number of restaurants to choose from that offer gourmet seafood bowls, fresh grilled fish combos, and much more, so this is where you will have free time to enjoy lunch. After you have filled your stomachs with great food and bought some souvenirs, we will stop by the Sapporo Clock Tower, an iconic tourist attraction of Sapporo. You can even get off here and sightsee downtown. This is a fulfilling course that takes you to a number of great attractions within a short amount of time.
