Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo

9 h 30 min Free cancellation

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and Buddha Hill from Sapporo, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover three different sides of Hokkaido’s winter on a limited-time day tour from Sapporo, available only from January 30 to February 23.

Begin at the Hill of the Buddha, where a monumental Buddha statue appears through an opening in the hill. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this striking setting blends architecture, art, nature, and peaceful winter scenery.

Next, head to Takino Snow World and enjoy free time surrounded by powder-white landscapes. Try winter activities, take fun photos, or simply enjoy the snowy scenery at your own pace. A sled is included, making it easy to add some playful fun to your visit.

End your day at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, where crystal-clear lake water is transformed into spectacular ice sculptures. Explore the enchanting frozen displays and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this seasonal winter event. (Festival admission is not included.)

After enjoying the festival, relax on the bus and travel comfortably back to Sapporo.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Seasonal Carnival

At a glance

Duration: 9 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 49 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Korean, Chinese, English
Operated by: TOURSTORY

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: English & Korean & Chinese Speaking Guide
Included: Sled at Takino Snow World
Included: Round-Trip Transportation

Not included

Not included: Meals
Not included: Travel Insurance
Not included: Other Personal Expenses
Not included: Admission fee to Hill of Buddha
Not included: Admission fee to Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Weekday: 1,000yen / Weekend: 3,000yen)

Itinerary

Hill of The Buddha

one hour Admission not included

Discover the striking Hill of the Buddha, where a monumental Buddha statue appears through an opening in the surrounding hill.

Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the site creates a distinctive blend of architecture, art, nature, and peaceful winter scenery.
Stop 2

2 h 30 min Admission included

Spend plenty of free time at Takino Snow World, a snowy outdoor playground surrounded by Hokkaido’s beautiful winter landscape.

Enjoy snow activities at your own pace, capture fun photos, or simply take in the powder-white scenery. A sled is included for added winter fun.
Lake Shikotsu

2 hours Admission not included

Step into a magical frozen world at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, a seasonal event featuring spectacular ice sculptures created from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu.

Wander among the impressive frozen displays and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of this unique winter festival.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

- Location: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet
- Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time.
- Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival.
- Location: Odori Station Exit no.31 (next to Kanamoto hall)
- Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time.
- Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival.

End point

- Location: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet
- Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time.
- Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival.
- Location: Odori Station Exit no.31 (next to Kanamoto hall)
- Please arrive at the location at least 10 mins before the start time.
- Please find a guide with the company name's flag upon arrival.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
One day before departure, the tour operator will send you a reminder email between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. This email will contain a link to a group chat where you'll be able to communicate directly with our tour staff. If you cannot find the email, please check your spam or junk mail section.
In compliance with Japanese law, vehicles cannot operate for more than 10 hours. The tour guide may adjust the itinerary based on real-time conditions.
The duration of stay and the order of visits at each spot may change flexibly depending on the season and local conditions (weather, traffic) on the day of the tour.
As this is a group tour, the bus will depart on time without waiting for latecomers to respect the schedule of other guests. Please be punctual, as no refunds will be given for missed departures.
Please note: As this is a group tour, there may be guests who speak other languages traveling with you. We appreciate your understanding.
Many places in Japan still accept cash only, so please make sure to carry enough cash with you.
In case of sudden road closures during the tour, alternative routes may be used, which could result in delays or skipping some sightseeing spots.
Please watch your step and move carefully, as the ground may be icy and slippery.

Options

Depart from Sapporo Station

Pick-Up Point: Sapporo Station North Exit Public Toilet. Please check your booking voucher for pickup point details.

Starting point:

Public Toilet (Sapporo station North Exit), 3-chōme-12-2 Kita 7 Jōnishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807, Japan
Depart from Odori Station

Pick-Up Point: Odori Station Exit 31 (near by Kanamoto hall). Please check your booking voucher for pickup point details.

Starting point:

Ōdōri Station, Japan, 060-0042 北海道札幌市Chuo Ward, Ōdōrinishi, ２−２