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Category Archives: Winter fun in Hokkaido courses
Takino Snow World & Moai Statues in the Snow Tour
Surrounded by mountains at the southern edge of Sapporo, the Takino area can be difficult to reach once the snow falls. Our Regular Sightseeing Bus makes it easy to visit two of its most popular attractions!
● Takino Snow World
On the outskirts of Sapporo, Takino Snow World is the perfect place to enjoy Hokkaido’s winter to the fullest. Its expansive, snow-covered grounds offer activities for everyone from beginners to experienced winter sports enthusiasts, including snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The long tubing run is a particular favorite, drawing delighted cheers from children and adults as they glide down the slope. Beyond playing in the snow, winter nature walks offer a chance to breathe the crisp air and take in Hokkaido’s magnificent scenery.
● Moai Statues in the Snow and the Hill of the Buddha at Makomanai Takino Cemetery
Makomanai Takino Cemetery takes on an especially enchanting atmosphere in winter. Draped in snow, its rows of towering Moai statues seem even more mysterious, creating the sensation of stepping into another world. The Hill of the Buddha, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, is another must-see (a separate admission fee applies)! Its striking concrete architecture blends beautifully with the snowy landscape, while the great Buddha sitting in silence leaves a lasting impression. Here, culture and art come together in a setting of solemn beauty found only in Hokkaido in winter.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Illumination Tour
This limited-season tour runs during the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.
Each winter, ice sculptures of all shapes and sizes appear along the shores of Lake Shikotsu. Made from the lake’s exceptionally clear water, they are works of art shaped by nature. Arrive in the early evening to experience the magic of Hokkaido in winter with all your senses, from the fantastical sculptures illuminated in vibrant colors to the crystal-clear air in the subzero cold.
*Admission to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is not included in the tour price and must be paid separately (adults: ¥1,000 on weekdays and ¥3,000 on weekends and public holidays; elementary school students and younger: free).
Lake Shikotsu & Lake Toya Winter Tour (Multilingual Audio Guide Available)
An audio guide in English, Chinese, and Korean is available on your smartphone! Set off through the crisp winter air to discover two lakes of mysterious beauty!
Our first stop, Lake Shikotsu, has some of the clearest water in Japan. Gaze across its pristine surface and watch the reflected light shimmer. At the nearby Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center, you can learn about the volcanic forces that shaped the lake, the plants and animals that live around it, and much more.
After taking in Lake Shikotsu, we continue toward Lake Toya, stopping along the way at Kinoko Okoku’s Otaki Main Store for a break and some shopping. Choose from more than 2,000 souvenirs, including the mushroom specialties that give this shop its name, which means “Mushroom Kingdom”!
Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption around 100,000 years ago. Lunch is served at Toya Kohantei on the lakeshore.* Enjoy Hokkaido’s rich culinary bounty in a set meal featuring plenty of locally sourced seafood, vegetables, pork, and more.
*On certain dates, lunch is at your own expense, with approximately 60 minutes at Kinoko Okoku for dining and a break.
After lunch, we head to Mt. Usu, part of one of Japan’s first Global Geoparks, areas recognized for their geological heritage. Ride the Usuzan Ropeway through the air, then admire the spectacular scenery from the terrace at the top. You can also choose to visit Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch at an additional charge. Watch the brown bears playing and relaxing, or try feeding them!
This tour offers a chance to experience the rugged, magnificent beauty of Hokkaido’s winter landscape. Set out across this vast island in a comfortable bus, with the driving in expert hands!
