Lake Tachibana: Snowshoe to a Frozen Lake! in Japan

Overview

Escape the crowds of Noboribetsu for an intimate winter trek to Lake Tachibana, a secret “power spot” shrouded in snow where frozen waters and rime-encrusted forests create a magical, otherworldly escape. This guided snowshoe tour, departing from Karurusu Onsen, winds ~3–4km through powder-blanketed pines and gradual ridgelines, taking just over an hour to reach the lake’s icy mirror—surrounded by hoarfrost “snow monsters” from December 2025 to March 2026.

Pause for a warm tea, coffee, or hot chocolate break amid the silence, soaking in Noboribetsu’s pristine backcountry. With all gear (snowshoes, poles, gaiters) and free pickup/drop-off from your Noboribetsu hotel included, this 3–4-hour adventure (plus 1-hour transport) is perfect for beginners, couples, or photographers chasing Hokkaido’s hushed beauty—book for mid-February 2026 peak freeze (0–5°C, layers essential).

Why Choose This Experience?

• Secret Power Spot: Tachibana’s frozen lake—rarely visited, a true Noboribetsu hidden gem.
• Snow Monster Magic: Rime-frosted trees along the trail—Hokkaido’s ethereal winter art (December–March 2026).
• Guided Serenity: English-speaking guide shares local lore, ensures safe ~3–4km paths.
• Cozy Break: Hot drink pause at the lake—tea/coffee/chocolate amid icy silence.
• Beginner Bliss: Flat start, gradual ascent—gear included, no experience needed.
• Noboribetsu Ease: Free hotel pickup/drop-off—mid-February 2026 for deepest snow.

Highlights

• Frozen Lake Vista: Reach Tachibana’s icy surface—mirror of surrounding peaks and hoarfrost.
• Snowshoe Forest Trek: ~3–4km through pines—ridgeline ascent, powder descent.
• Snow Monsters: Rime-encrusted trees—surreal winter formations along the trail.
• Hot Drink Pause: Shelter-side tea/coffee/hot chocolate—warmth in the cold.
• Full Gear Kit: Snowshoes, poles (request), gaiters—safe, easy movement.
• Power Spot Serenity: Tachibana’s spiritual quiet—Hokkaido’s backcountry soul.

Pricing

From ¥14,000 per person

Includes

• A (BASIC): English guide, Snowshoes/poles/gaiters, Hot drink, Pickup/drop-off (Noboribetsu).
• B (PRIVATE): Guide, Gear, Drink, Pickup/drop-off, Custom route.
• C (FAMILY): Guide, Gear, Drink, Pickup/drop-off, Kid sizing.
• D (EXTENDED): Guide, Gear, Drink, Pickup/drop-off, 4–5km hike.

Note: Prices for 2025/26; child (4–12) 50% off, under 4 free (lap-held). Snacks (¥500) self-paid. Book mid-February 2026 for peak; season December–March.

Itinerary

Starting location:
Noboribetsu hotel (pickup confirmed)

Van (30 minutes)

Karurusu Onsen Trailhead
Guided tour, Hiking (2–3 hours)

• Snowshoe ~3–4km through forests, ridgeline to frozen lake—snow monsters, views.

Lake Tachibana Break
Rest, Hot drink (30 minutes)

• Icy mirror, tea/coffee/chocolate.

Van (30 minutes)

Finish at:
Noboribetsu hotel

Note: Total ~3–4 hours + transport; pickup 8:30 AM for 9:00 AM start. Mid-February 2026 peak; times adjust for snow.

What to Expect

Pickup at your Noboribetsu hotel (8:30 AM for 9:00 AM departure) in a comfortable van for a 30-minute ride to Karurusu Onsen trailhead. By 9:30 AM, gear up with snowshoes, poles, and gaiters for a 2–3-hour guided trek (3–4km easy-moderate)—start flat through snow-blanketed pines, ascend gradual ridgeline for Orofure/Yotei/Toya glimpses, then descend to Tachibana’s frozen lake.

Marvel at “snow monsters”—rime-frosted trees in mid-February 2026’s 1–2m drifts. Pause 30 minutes at the lake for hot drink (tea/coffee/chocolate) amid icy silence. Return 30 minutes (1:00 PM) to hotel—serene for beginners (gentle paths), couples (power spot quiet), or photographers (juhyo frames), with 0–5°C February crispness (layers, gloves).

Pre-Departure Notice

• Meeting Point: Noboribetsu hotel (8:30 AM pickup)—confirmed post-booking; lateness forfeits (100% fee).
• Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify dietary needs (drink), kid ages/sizes. Mid-February 2026 peak.
• Weather: Tours run light snow; heavy storms cancel (full refund). Lake freeze weather-dependent.
• Health: Moderate snowshoeing (~3–4km, ~200m gain); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Sturdy boots.
• Children: Ages 4+ full access (reduced rates, child gear); under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise trails.

Good to Know

• Age Rules: 4+ for snowshoeing; under 12 supervised. Kid sizing available.
• Group Size: Small (1–8); private option.
• Attire: Layers, waterproof boots, gloves (0–5°C February); camera for lake/juhyo.
• Duration: ~3–4 hours + transport; season December 2025–March 2026 (mid-February peak).
• Accessibility: Trails uneven/snowy; limited wheelchair—notify. English guide.
• Photos: Lake/snow monsters prime—guide tips for reflections.
• Sustainability: Respect backcountry—no litter; stay on paths.

Reviews

“Aidan was an excellent guide. Very friendly, smiling, knowledgeable and informative. It was a very beautiful and peaceful walk to the lake – we had the trail and woods all to ourselves. The equipment was very good and Aidan treated us with a hot drink and crackers at the lake. All perfect. We can definitely recommend Aidan as a guide!!”

“We went on the snowshoeing tour to Lake Tachibana with Aidan on 25 Feb. This was a thoroughly enjoyable off-the-beaten-track tour. We enjoyed splendid views of the lake and a nice warm hot chocolate drink. Aidan was friendly and very informative. Would 100% recommend this tour to friends and family.”

“Great experience! Aidan is a very good guide and made the whole experience very enjoyable. Thanks also to good weather, the hike with snowshoes has been fairly easy and the view spectacular. Highly recommended! Thank you Aidan :)”

FAQs

When’s Tachibana’s best freeze season?

December 2025–March 2026; mid-February for 1–2m snow, juhyo monsters.

Is gear and drink included?

Yes—snowshoes/poles/gaiters, hot drink (~¥14,000); pickup/drop-off Noboribetsu.

Suitable for kids or beginners?

Yes—ages 4+ (child gear); under 4 free (lap-held). Easy-moderate trails.

What if weather melts the ice?

Light snow fine; heavy storms full refund. Mid-February stable freeze.

How long is the full tour?

~3–4 hours hiking + 1-hour transport; 8:30 AM pickup, ~1:00 PM return.

Can I bring camera gear, photo tips?

Yes—lake/juhyo prime; guide suggests low-light monster shots.

What if I have dietary needs for break?

Notify for drink adjustments—tea/coffee/chocolate; vegan options available.

Location