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.

Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)

This course coincides with the “Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival,” a festival of ice held on the shores of Lake Shikotsu each winter. The objects of ice are made from Lake Shikotsu’s clear water, and illuminated with a myriad of colored lights creating a fantastic and mystical atmosphere!
 
*Admission to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is not included in this course. Each passenger must pay for the entry fee. (Adults: 1,000 yen; 11 years old and younger: free)

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.)