Lake Shikotsu is the star here, and it earns the attention. The lake is known for exceptionally clear water, broad mountain views, and a quiet setting that feels far removed from central Sapporo. This private trip also adds a fishing stop and a soak at Marukoma Onsen, giving you more than a quick roadside photo.

I like the private high-end vehicle, especially for a short trip outside Sapporo. I also like the mix of activities: one hour of fishing, a hot spring visit, and time around the lake itself. Guide Tomo receives especially strong praise for his friendly manner, careful driving, English, and ability to adjust the day around your interests.

The main consideration is the fixed price of $175.91 per person and the strict cancellation rule. Lunch and dinner are not included, and poor weather can affect the schedule. The tour is also built around Lake Shikotsu, so anyone expecting a full Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya day may find the actual program more focused than the name suggests.

Key points to know before booking

• Lake Shikotsu is the main attraction: You get about two hours to enjoy the lake, viewpoints, and clear water.
• Fishing is included: A rental rod and a one-hour fishing session are part of the package.
• Marukoma Onsen adds a classic Hokkaido touch: Your admission is covered, with lake views from the hot spring setting.
• Tomo is the guide to request: He is praised for English, driving, local knowledge, and flexible planning.
• Private transport keeps the day easy: Only your group takes part, with pickup and return at COCONO SUSUKINO.
• Budget for food: Lunch, dinner, and any lake-area treats are extra. Try the local Hime Masu if it is available, and leave room for the well-liked ice cream at the lake.

Lake Shikotsu, the clear-water centerpiece

Lake Shikotsu is a volcanic lake in Hokkaido’s national park area, and the water is the reason to come. The tour presents it as Japan’s clearest lake, with wide views from the shore and roadside stopping areas. You are not simply passing through on a long drive. The first stop gives you about two hours to look around and take in the setting.

That time matters. A short photo stop can show you the color of the water, but it rarely gives you enough time to appreciate the scale of the lake. Here, you can pause for views, walk around the lake area, and enjoy the quiet pace before moving on to fishing.

The scenery changes with weather and season, so keep your expectations sensible. A clear day should give you the best views, but the experience depends heavily on conditions. The operator requires good weather and offers a new date or full refund if poor weather cancels the tour.

You might also spot deer in the area. That possibility is not guaranteed, but it is one of the small pleasures of traveling through Hokkaido’s natural areas. Keep your camera ready, but do not treat wildlife as part of the schedule.

A private drive from Susukino to the national park

The day begins at 9:00 am outside COCONO SUSUKINO, at 4-chōme-1-1 Minami 4 Jōnishi in Sapporo’s Chuo Ward. After the tour, you return to the same meeting point. The full experience lasts about four to six hours, with the listed stops adding up to roughly four hours and forty minutes before small timing changes.

For a private outing, this setup is unusually simple. You do not need to navigate a bus connection, rent a car, or work out how to reach the lake and hot spring on your own. Transportation is provided in a high-end vehicle, and only your group participates.

That private format is valuable if your group has different interests. One person can focus on photographs, another can fish, and someone else can simply enjoy the drive and the hot spring. The guide can also shape the day around your needs, based on the strong feedback about Tomo’s flexible approach.

The vehicle is also useful because this is not a city walking tour. The attractions are spread out, and the tour works best when you can sit back between stops. The tradeoff is that a private car usually costs more than joining a large group bus, so the value improves when two or more people share the booking.

Fishing at Shikotsukokanko Center

The second stop lasts about one hour and twenty minutes at the Shikotsukokanko Center. The program includes a one-hour fishing experience and rental fishing rod, so you do not need to arrange basic fishing equipment separately.

This is a good change of pace after viewing the lake. Instead of only looking at the water, you get a simple activity beside it. You do not need to be an experienced angler to understand the appeal. The session is short, approachable, and built into the tour rather than treated as an optional extra.

The information provided does not promise a catch, a particular fish, or a full meal from what you catch. Think of it as a calm one-hour activity, not a serious fishing expedition. That distinction is important if fishing is the main reason you want to book.

The center also gives you another chance to enjoy the lake from a different angle. If you are traveling with children or with someone who tires of scenic stops, the fishing hour helps keep the day varied. If nobody in your group has interest in fishing, ask yourself if the included activity will justify the price.

Marukoma Onsen with a lake view

The final listed stop is Hot Spring Hotel Marukoma, where you have about one hour and twenty minutes. Onsen admission is included, and the attraction is the chance to soak in hot spring water while looking toward the lake and surrounding scenery.

For many people, this will be the most distinctly Japanese part of the day. A hot spring visit gives the trip a slower finish and a chance to warm up after time outdoors. It also fits Hokkaido well, where natural scenery and bathing culture often belong in the same afternoon.

You should remember that an onsen is not a swimming pool. The experience is centered on bathing, quiet, and relaxation. The provided information does not specify private bathing facilities, bathing suit rules, towel arrangements, or whether the baths are indoor or outdoor, so check directly with the provider if any of those details affect your decision.

The 80-minute stop gives you more than a rushed dip. You have time to change, bathe, and enjoy the setting without immediately watching the clock. Since admission is already included, this stop adds genuine value to the package.

Food, Hime Masu, and the famous lake ice cream

Lunch and dinner are not included, so plan your food budget separately. The tour description highlights Hime Masu cuisine, a local specialty associated with the lake area, but it does not state that a meal is included or guaranteed.

That means you should treat Hime Masu as a possible food stop rather than part of the paid package. If you want to try it, ask Tomo about availability and timing at the start of the day. Your schedule is fairly compact, so do not assume you can add a long restaurant meal without changing the plan.

The same applies to the recommended lake ice cream. It is presented as a must-try treat, but you pay for it yourself. This is a small expense, yet it can be a pleasant finishing touch during your time around the lake.

Because there is no included lunch, eat breakfast before the 9:00 am departure. You will have a more comfortable day if you do not count on finding a full meal exactly when you want one.

Why Tomo matters to the experience

The guide can make or break a private day, and Tomo is the name connected with this experience. He is praised for speaking English well, driving confidently, explaining local stories, and taking guests to popular spots around Shikotsu.

More important, he appears to offer a personal style rather than simply following a rigid script. The feedback describes him adjusting the outing around interests and needs. That can be useful when weather, energy levels, or curiosity change during the day.

You should still communicate clearly before departure. Tell the provider if you care most about photographs, fishing, the hot spring, food, or simply spending longer beside the lake. A private tour gives you room to ask, but it does not mean every possible activity is automatically included.

There is also a friendly, informal tone to the service. One returning customer used Tomo for another Sapporo tour, which suggests the guide may be a good fit if you value conversation and local suggestions over a formal, scripted presentation.

Is $175.91 per person a fair price?

At $175.91 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Lake Shikotsu. The price makes more sense when you add up what is covered: private transportation, a high-end vehicle, fishing rod rental, the fishing session, and onsen admission.

You are also paying for time saved. Reaching the lake independently requires transport planning, and combining the lake, fishing, and Marukoma Onsen in one short day can be awkward without a car. A private driver removes much of that friction.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed private outing. It is less compelling for solo visitors on a tight budget, especially since meals are extra and the tour lasts only four to six hours.

The booking pattern, with reservations made about 49 days ahead on average, suggests that you should not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed. That is practical advice, not a guarantee of availability.

What the tour does well, and where it is limited

The best feature is the combination of scenery and comfort. You see one of Hokkaido’s most famous lakes, try a simple outdoor activity, and finish with an onsen, all without changing hotels or arranging separate transport.

The private format is another major strength. You are not sharing the day with a busload of strangers, and Tomo can respond to your group. The strong rating of 4.7 from seven ratings reflects consistent praise for the guide, especially his English, driving, friendliness, and willingness to personalize the experience.

Still, this is not a wilderness expedition or a long national park hike. The listed program centers on viewpoints, fishing, and bathing. If you want extensive walking, a detailed naturalist program, or a full-day visit to both Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, this may feel too short.

The non-refundable policy also deserves attention. Once booked, you cannot change or cancel for a refund for personal reasons. Only a weather-related cancellation offers a different date or full refund, so book once your plans are firm.

Who should book this Lake Shikotsu trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want to get outside Sapporo without renting a car. It is also a good match if you like a day with several gentle activities rather than one long hike or one museum-heavy schedule.

Families may appreciate the private vehicle and fishing stop. Couples can enjoy the scenic drive and onsen without having to manage public transport. First-time visitors to Hokkaido may also find the format easy because the day combines scenery, local food possibilities, and a traditional hot spring visit.

You should think twice if you need a flexible cancellation policy, want meals included, or are looking for a large amount of time at both Shikotsu and Toya. The tour title suggests a wider national park experience, but the listed stops focus on Lake Shikotsu and Marukoma Onsen.

If the lake is your priority, the trip offers a well-balanced half-day. If fishing and bathing do not interest you, you may get better value from a simpler private sightseeing transfer or a longer nature excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at COCONO SUSUKINO, 4-chōme-1-1 Minami 4 Jōnishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804, Japan.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Sapporo.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four to six hours.

Is transportation private?

Yes. This is a private activity for your group only, with transportation in a high-end vehicle.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Rental fishing rod fees are included, along with a one-hour fishing experience.

Is the onsen admission included?

Yes. The onsen fee at Hot Spring Hotel Marukoma is included.

Are meals included?

No. Lunch and dinner are not included. Hime Masu cuisine and lake ice cream are mentioned as food options, but they are not included in the stated package.

Can I cancel for a refund?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a comfortable, private way to see Lake Shikotsu, with fishing and Marukoma Onsen added to the day. The package works especially well for small groups that value a skilled English-speaking guide and do not want to organize a car, fishing gear, or hot spring admission themselves.

Skip it if you need low-cost travel, included meals, or a generous cancellation window. For the right group, though, the combination of clear lake views, a calm fishing hour, a traditional hot spring, and Tomo’s flexible guiding makes this a practical half-day escape from Sapporo.