Sapporo Departure: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Half-Day Tour

Set out on a winter wonderland adventure with the Sapporo Departure: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Half-Day Tour. This enchanting 5-hour excursion whisks visitors away from Sapporo to witness the captivating ice sculptures adorning the pristine Lake Shikotsu. Gaze in awe at the crystal-clear creations illuminated under the night sky, capturing breathtaking memories. With convenient transportation and accessibility options, this tour promises a magical experience for all. But the real question is, what wonders await those who venture forth?

Key Points

• This half-day tour departs from Sapporo’s ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel at 3:50 pm and includes round-trip transportation to the Chitose Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival.
• Visitors will have 2 hours of free time to explore the festival’s stunning ice sculptures, which are illuminated by colorful lights.
• The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is priced from $44.67 per person, making it an affordable way to experience one of Hokkaido’s top winter events.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and follows a luggage policy of one suitcase per passenger, with a maximum weight of 30 kg and dimensions not exceeding 155 cm.
• Prohibited items on the tour include alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and weapons, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all passengers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Half-Day Tour is priced from $44.67 per person and lasts approximately 5 hours.

Participants will be met at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo and depart at 3:50 pm, arriving at the festival around 4:50 pm.

The tour includes round-trip transportation by bus and 2 hours of free time to explore the festival.

Japanese-speaking staff are available, and translation services can be provided for other languages.

Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and luggage restrictions apply.

Itinerary

The tour begins with participants meeting at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo‘s 1st Floor Lobby at 3:40 pm, where they’ll depart at 3:50 pm.

The 1-hour bus ride to Lake Shikotsu offers scenic views.

Upon arrival, guests have 2 hours of free time to explore the Chitose Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival. The festival features stunning ice sculptures made from the lake’s crystal-clear water, illuminated by colorful lights at night.

Afterwards, the bus departs at 8:00 pm, arriving at the JR Sapporo Station North Exit around 9:30 pm, concluding the 5-hour experience.

Festival Highlights

One of Hokkaido’s top three winter events, the Chitose Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival showcases stunning ice sculptures carved from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Shikotsu. The sculptures are illuminated by colorful lights at night, creating a magical atmosphere. Approximately 10 artists collaborate for two months to craft the main sculpture, which is a sight to behold.

Feature	Description
Ice Sculptures	Crafted from Lake Shikotsu’s pure water
Lighting	Sculptures illuminated by vibrant lights at night
Main Sculpture	Created by around 10 artists over 2 months
Photography	Ideal location for memorable social media posts

The festival is an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts, offering a unique and enchanting winter wonderland.

Accessibility and Luggage Policy

Wheelchair users can easily access the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival tour, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

The tour provider accommodates one suitcase per passenger, with a maximum weight of 30 kg and dimensions not exceeding 155 cm. This policy ensures ample space for personal belongings. However, valuables shouldn’t be stored in the luggage compartment to avoid any potential issues.

For infants aged 0-2 years, the tour offers free admission without a seat. A child fare applies if a seat is needed.

These considerations demonstrate the tour’s commitment to catering to diverse traveler needs.

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Child Policy

How does the child policy work for this Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival tour?

Infants aged 0-2 years can join the tour for free without a seat. For children who need a seat, the child fare applies.

This ensures the tour is accessible for families. The tour operator’s policy considers the needs of all travelers, making it easy for parents to enjoy the winter wonderland of the ice festival alongside their little ones.

With this flexible child policy, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival tour caters to a wide range of guests, providing an inclusive experience for all.

Dining Options

Although meals aren’t included in the tour, participants can arrange dining independently during the free time at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

The area offers several dining options:

1. Local food stalls and vendors selling hot meals, snacks, and warm beverages to enjoy while admiring the ice sculptures.

2. Cafes and restaurants near the festival grounds, serving traditional Japanese cuisine, seafood dishes, and warming comfort foods.

3. Convenience stores and shops within walking distance, providing packaged meals, bento boxes, and other grab-and-go options.

Participants can explore the various culinary delights to fuel their exploration of the enchanting ice festival.

Traffic Considerations

Traffic congestion is common on weekends and holidays in the area, which may affect the tour’s schedule.

The duration of stops may be adjusted based on traffic conditions. Tour participants should be aware that delays are possible, and the itinerary may need to be modified to accommodate the traffic situation.

The tour operator give you the best experience possible, but unforeseen circumstances beyond their control, such as heavy traffic, may impact the timing of the tour.

Participants are advised to be flexible and understand that the schedule may vary due to these external factors.

Prohibited Items

Participants should be aware that alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the bus during the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Tour. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers.

Some key prohibited items include:

1. Alcoholic beverages
2. Illegal drugs
3. Weapons or other dangerous items

Failure to comply with these rules may result in removal from the tour without refund.

Passengers are expected to respect the tour guidelines and conduct themselves appropriately throughout the duration of the excursion.

The tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to anyone in violation of these policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Ice Festival?

The tour information does not specify a dress code for the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. However, dressing warmly in layers and bringing winter accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves is recommended to stay comfortable in the chilly outdoor festival environment.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Festival Site?

Visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival site. The festival features a variety of local artisanal crafts and goods for sale, providing an opportunity to take home unique mementos from the winter wonderland.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. Infants 0-2 years old can join for free without a seat, while child fare applies if a seat is needed. All other ages are welcome on this tour.

Is There a Tour Guide Who Can Provide Commentary in English?

The tour provides Japanese-speaking staff, but translation services are available for other languages. English commentary is not mentioned, so guests should inquire about English-language support if needed.

Are There Any Nearby Attractions I Can Visit Before or After the Tour?

There are several nearby attractions visitors can explore before or after the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival tour. These include the Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, Chitose Salmon Park, and the Shikotsu Volcano Observatory, all within a short distance from the festival site.

The Sum Up

The Sapporo Departure: Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Half-Day Tour offers a captivating winter experience. Travelers can marvel at breathtaking ice sculptures, capture stunning photographs, and enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation. With accessibility options and a focus on safety, this tour caters to visitors seeking a magical and memorable exploration of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

You can check if your dates are available here: