Lake Shikotsu & Toya Bus Tour / TV Tower Ticket

Overview

Unleash the serene beauty of Hokkaido’s volcanic landscapes on this immersive one-day bus tour from Sapporo, showcasing two crown-jewel lakes: the crystal-clear Lake Shikotsu—Japan’s northernmost ice-free body of water and holder of the “cleanest lake” title by the Ministry of the Environment—and the ancient caldera of Lake Toya, formed 100,000 years ago amid Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Ascend the Mt.

Usu Ropeway (ticket included) for panoramic vistas of active craters and Showa Shinzan, a “new mountain” born from 1940s eruptions, with an optional detour to the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch for playful Ezo brown bear encounters (admission ~¥1,000, discount with bus stub). Savor a self-funded lunch at Mushroom Kingdom Otaki or Toya Kohan-tei (~¥1,200–¥3,000, 10% off at Memere with stub), and cap with a 20-minute break at the Silo Observation Deck overlooking Toya’s shimmering expanse.

Winter perks include the Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Ice Festival (January 31–February 23, 2026; ~¥1,000 entry, 60-minute extension) and Sapporo TV Tower ticket (Winter Plans) for 360° city views from Odori Park. With multilingual audio guides (English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean) and comfortable coach transfers, this ~9.5-hour escape is ideal for nature lovers, families, or first-timers craving Hokkaido’s pristine waters and geopark wonders—book for mid-winter 2026 ice magic or spring’s thawing blues.

Why Choose This Experience?

• Twin Lake Treasures: Lake Shikotsu’s un-freezing purity (deepest non-glacial lake in Japan) + Lake Toya’s UNESCO Geopark caldera—two national park icons in one seamless day.
• Volcanic Vistas: Mt. Usu Ropeway’s 710m ascent reveals Showa Shinzan’s dramatic birth; optional bear ranch adds wildlife whimsy (stub discount ¥100–¥200).
• Winter Exclusives: Hyoto Ice Festival (Jan 31–Feb 23, 2026) with illuminated sculptures; TV Tower ticket (Winter Plans) for Sapporo skyline panoramas—multilingual audio enhances immersion.
• Culinary Comfort: Lakeside lunch at Toya Kohan-tei (Hokkaido beef, seafood ~¥1,200–¥3,000) or Mushroom Kingdom Otaki—10% Memere discount sweetens souvenirs.
• Hassle-Free Exploration: Audio-guided narration in 4 languages; optional festival extension (60 minutes)—perfect for solos, couples, or families (kids under 12 free at festival).
• Geopark Gateway: Shikotsu-Toya’s volcanic heritage (first Japanese Global Geopark) unfolds via ropeway and observatory—sustainable, educational fun.

Highlights

• Lake Shikotsu: 40–60 minutes at Japan’s clearest non-freezing lake (266m deep)—stroll shores, optional Hyoto Ice Festival (Jan 31–Feb 23, 2026; ice sculptures, skating ~¥1,000 adults, free kids).
• Mushroom Kingdom Otaki: 25-minute break at this whimsical fungi-themed spot—photo ops amid giant mushroom sculptures, light snacks (~¥500).
• Lake Toya & Toya Kohan-tei: 50 minutes at the 100,000-year-old caldera—lakeside lunch with Funka Bay seafood, Hida beef (~¥1,200–¥3,000), panoramic views of Nakajima Island.
• Mt. Usu Ropeway & Showa Shinzan: 1 hour 15 minutes ascending 710m (ticket included ~¥1,800)—crater overlooks, active volcano trails; optional Bear Ranch (~¥1,000, discount to ¥900 adults/¥400 kids) for Ezo bears.
• Silo Observation Deck: 20-minute finale at Nakayama Pass—360° vistas of Toya Caldera, autumn foliage (mid-October 2025), or winter whites.
• Sapporo TV Tower (Winter Plans): 90m observation deck ticket (~¥1,000 value)—sunset cityscapes from Odori Park, multilingual audio.

Package Options

1. [Winter Plan] with Lunch & Sapporo TV Ticket

Full-day tour with Toya Kohan-tei lunch (Hokkaido specialties ~¥1,200–¥3,000) and TV Tower entry (Winter: Nov 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026). Price: ¥13,200 per person (fixed; select date for availability).

2. Bus Tour with Lunch

Standard tour with lakeside lunch at Toya Kohan-tei or Mushroom Kingdom Otaki (~¥1,200–¥3,000). Price: ¥13,000 per person (fixed; select date for availability).

3. [Winter Plan] Lunch-Free & Sapporo TV Ticket

Core tour without meal (self-fund ~¥1,200–¥3,000) + TV Tower ticket (Winter: Nov 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026). Price: ¥9,360 per person (fixed; select date for availability).

Note: Prices for 2025/26; child rates (4–12) ~50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Includes ropeway ticket (~¥1,800); festival entry (~¥1,000) and bear ranch (~¥1,000) extra. Book mid-winter for ice festival (Jan 31–Feb 23, 2026).

Itinerary

Standard Winter Day Tour (e.g., February 2026 with Ice Festival)

08:00 – Departure from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (air-conditioned coach; multilingual audio available).

10:08 – Lake Shikotsu (40–60 minutes, self-guided): Explore Japan’s clearest non-freezing lake—stroll shores, optional Hyoto Ice Festival (Jan 31–Feb 23, 2026; 60 minutes, ice sculptures ~¥1,000 adults/free kids).

11:08 – Mushroom Kingdom Otaki (25 minutes, self-guided): Whimsical break at fungi-themed roadside—giant mushroom photos, light snacks (~¥500).

11:33 – Zekkei No Yuyado Toya Kohan-tei (50 minutes, self-guided): Lakeside respite at this onsen hotel—views of Nakajima Island, optional foot baths.

12:23 – Lunch (1 hour 15 minutes, self-funded): Dine at Toya Kohan-tei (Hida beef, seafood ~¥1,200–¥3,000) or Otaki (~¥1,000–¥2,000)—10% Memere discount with stub.

13:38 – Mt. Usu Ropeway / Showa Shinzan Bear Farm (1 hour 15 minutes, self-guided): Ascend 710m ropeway (ticket included ~¥1,800)—crater trails, Showa Shinzan views; optional Bear Ranch (~¥1,000, discount to ¥900/¥400).

14:53 – Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck (20 minutes, self-guided): Panoramic Toya Caldera overlook at Nakayama Pass—foliage or winter whites.

17:25 – Return to Sapporo (Sapporo TV Tower optional stop for Winter Plans).

Note: Total ~9.5 hours; times adjust for traffic/weather. Ice festival extension 60 minutes (Feb 1–21, 2026); ropeway closes strong winds (swap to bear farm, token provided).

What to Expect

Board your coach at Sapporo Station Bus Terminal for a scenic southward drive into Shikotsu-Toya National Park, arriving Lake Shikotsu by mid-morning for 40–60 minutes of pristine exploration: Japan’s clearest non-freezing lake (266m deep) shimmers amid virgin forests—stroll shores, optional Hyoto Ice Festival (Jan 31–Feb 23, 2026; illuminated sculptures, skating ~¥1,000 adults/free kids, 60-minute extension).

Quick 25-minute whimsy at Mushroom Kingdom Otaki’s giant fungi sculptures (~¥500 snacks), then 50 minutes at Toya Kohan-tei for lakeside views of the 100,000-year-old caldera. Refuel with 1 hour 15 minutes lunch: Hida beef or seafood at Kohan-tei (~¥1,200–¥3,000, 10% Memere discount with stub) or Otaki (~¥1,000). Ascend Mt. Usu Ropeway (1 hour 15 minutes, ticket included ~¥1,800) for 710m crater panoramas and Showa Shinzan’s lava-domed birth—optional Bear Ranch (~¥1,000, discount to ¥900/¥400) for Ezo bear antics.

Conclude with 20-minute Silo Deck vistas at Nakayama Pass, returning by 17:25 (TV Tower stop for Winter Plans). Audio guides narrate in English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean—suits families (kid-friendly bears) or nature buffs (geopark wonders), with winter’s ice magic (0–5°C, layers essential).

What’s Included

• Round-trip transfers from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (air-conditioned coach)
• Mt. Usu Ropeway ticket (~¥1,800 value)
• Multilingual audio guide (English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean)
• Lunch at Toya Kohan-tei or equivalent (Packages 1 & 2)
• Sapporo TV Tower ticket (Winter Plans: Nov 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026; ~¥1,000 value)
• Toll fees, parking fees, fuel fees
• Operator-provided insurance

Note: Festival entry (~¥1,000), bear ranch (~¥1,000), lunch (Packages 3 self-paid ~¥1,200–¥3,000), and souvenirs extra. 10% Memere discount with stub. Under 4 free (lap-held).

Pre-Departure Notice

• Meeting Point: Sapporo Station Bus Terminal (07:45 arrival for 08:00 departure); North Exit recommended. Lateness: Full fee, no wait.
• Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify dietary needs/allergies at reservation. Festival extension auto for February dates.
• Weather: Tours proceed in light snow/rain (ponchos provided); ropeway closes strong winds (bear farm swap, no refund). Festival weather-dependent.
• Health: Light walking (~1–2km total); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Cold exposure at lake/ropeway—layers/gloves.
• Children: Ages 4+ full access (free at festival); under 4 lap-held. Supervise near edges.

Good to Know

• Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised at ropeway/bears. Festival free under 12.
• Group Size: Up to 40 (coach); shared tour—solo OK.
• Attire: Comfortable shoes, layers (0–5°C winter, 10–15°C spring); hat/sunscreen for lake glare.
• Duration: ~9.5 hours; winter ice festival Jan 31–Feb 23, 2026 (60-minute extension Feb 1–21).
• Accessibility: Mostly flat; ropeway accessible—notify for mobility aids.
• Photos: Lake/dam vistas prime—audio enhances; no drones.
• Sustainability: Geopark—pack out waste, follow trails.

Reviews

“I was the only foreigner in the group, but the tour guide and other group members took good care of me. The headphones had explanations in various languages. Lunch was eaten at a very beautiful hot spring hotel. It is not very convenient to go to Lake Toya from Sapporo, but this one-day tour is still worry-free.”

“Although we have multilingual headsets which provide us with narration and description of attractions coming up, when there’s no narration and the lady guide will start to say some things about whatever she’s relating to, it’s only in Japanese, so there are occasions that we have no idea what every Japanese tourist is laughing or clapping about. I feel like I could have done this through a VR headset at home instead.”

“Everything was great~ Even though I can’t speak Japanese, they provided earphones so I could listen to the guide’s voice in Korean. The background was so pretty. The guide and bus driver were all friendly.”

FAQs

Q: When is the Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Ice Festival in 2026?

A: January 31–February 23, 2026 (10:00 AM–8:00 PM; illumination 4:30–8:00 PM; ~¥1,000 adults/free kids)—60-minute extension in February.

Q: Is the Mt. Usu Ropeway ticket included?

A: Yes (~¥1,800 value); closes in strong winds—swap to Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch (optional ~¥1,000, stub discount).

Q: What about lunch in the Lunch-Free Plan?

A: Self-paid at Toya Kohan-tei or Otaki (~¥1,200–¥3,000; 10% Memere discount with stub)—Hida beef, seafood options.

Q: Suitable for kids/families?

A: Yes—easy walks, bear ranch fun (free under 12 at festival). Supervise near lakes/edges; under 4 lap-held.

Q: What if the weather closes the ropeway?

A: Visit Bear Ranch instead (token provided); no separate refund—tour adapts.

Q: How to get the audio guide?

A: Provided on coach in English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean—headphones for narration at sites.

Q: Cancellation policy?

A: Full refund 7+ days prior; 50% 2–6 days; 100% within 1 day. Weather cancellations prorated.

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