At Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, you can step inside buildings made from frozen water, sip a drink at an ice bar, and even try an outdoor hot spring on a frozen lake. Later, Tomamu adds an ice slide, skating rink, cafe, chapel, concert hall, and possible ice-glass workshop.

I like the rare chance to see two winter-only villages in one day, and I like the comfort of heated transport on what can be a very cold outing. The guides, including Peta, Ochan, and Encsi on different departures, also add a friendly, personal touch. The tradeoff is a long, full day with plenty of time on the road.

Key points at a glance

• Two ice villages in one day: Visit Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan and Tomamu, each with its own winter setting and activities.
• A real lake hot spring: Bring your own towel if you plan to try the outdoor hot spring at Shikaribetsu.
• Ice bar and frozen interiors: Walk through igloos and ice buildings, then stop for a drink in a bar built from ice.
• Tomamu adds active fun: Skate on the rink or try the ice slide after exploring the village.
• Heated shared transport: The trip uses round-trip transport from Sapporo, with a maximum group size of 15.
• Family-friendly access: Strollers and infant seats are supported, and most people can take part.

Why this winter trip feels different

Many Hokkaido outings show you snow. This one lets you enter it.

The villages at Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan and Tomamu are temporary winter creations. They appear during the cold season and disappear when the weather changes. That gives the day a special sense of timing: you are not visiting a permanent attraction that looks the same all year.

At Shikaribetsu, the experience is especially striking because the ice village sits beside a frozen lake. You can walk into igloos and other ice structures, see an ice bar, and take in the sharp cold that makes the whole setting possible. The outdoor hot spring adds a funny contrast: you are surrounded by ice, yet sitting in warm water.

Tomamu feels more activity-focused. Along with ice buildings, you can find an ice cafe, ice bar, chapel, concert hall, skating rink, and ice slide. An ice-glass workshop may appeal if you would rather make something than simply take photographs.

I would choose this tour for the setting and variety, not for a relaxed pace. The day lasts about 10 hours and covers two separate sites. You get more than one winter attraction, but you also spend a significant part of the day in transit.

Leaving Sapporo for Lake Shikaribetsu

The tour starts at 11:00 am near Sapporo Station, at 3 Chome to 4 Chome Kita 6 Jonishi in Kita Ward. From there, you travel in shared, heated transport toward Lake Shikaribetsu.

That heated vehicle matters. Winter sightseeing in Hokkaido can be hard on your hands, feet, and face, especially when you are moving between outdoor sites. A warm ride gives you time to thaw out before the next stop. It also avoids the work of planning a long winter drive yourself.

The group can have up to 15 people. That is small enough for a guide to give practical help, while still being a shared outing rather than a private tour. The guide may be multilingual, which is useful when the day includes several activities and changing conditions.

The schedule is full, so use the ride well. Keep your phone charged, bring warm layers, and wear shoes with good grip. The supplied information does not list a required dress code, but the combination of frozen ground, outdoor time, and a hot spring makes sensible winter clothing important.

Entering Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan

Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan is the more unusual of the two stops. The village is made of snow and ice, with structures designed for the short winter season. You can enter igloos and see how the walls, rooms, and details are formed from frozen material rather than ordinary timber or concrete.

The ice bar is one of the simplest pleasures here. Order a drink, look around, and enjoy the strange feeling of sitting inside a room that depends on freezing temperatures. It is the sort of stop that makes a good photograph, but it is also worth putting the camera away for a moment. The cold is part of the point.

The setting beside Lake Shikaribetsu gives the visit its strongest sense of place. This is not just an ice display arranged in a city park. The frozen lake and surrounding winter conditions help explain why the village can exist at all.

A snowmobile experience is also described as an option at the site. The appeal is clear: the cold air hits your face, and the activity adds movement to a day that otherwise involves walking and looking. Because the provided details do not state that snowmobile use is included in the tour price, check the arrangements before budgeting for it.

The outdoor hot spring on a frozen lake

The hot spring is the boldest choice at Shikaribetsu.

You can sit in warm water outdoors while ice surrounds you. It is a memorable contrast and one of the few parts of the day that is not simply about viewing or photographing the village. If you enjoy unusual bathing experiences, this may be the moment you remember longest.

Bring your own towel. That small detail is easy to miss, and the tour information specifically calls it out. You should also understand that the hot spring is outdoors, so getting changed and moving between warm water and cold air will be part of the experience.

You do not have to use the hot spring to enjoy the stop. The ice village, bar, igloos, and frozen-lake setting provide plenty to see. I would treat bathing as an optional extra, not a requirement for getting value from the trip.

Lunch is another point to check. The formal details say food and drinks are not included unless specified, but a bento lunch was provided on some departures and was praised for both its appearance and taste. Do not assume a bento is guaranteed when you book. Confirm what your departure includes, and carry money for food and drinks if needed.

Tomamu Ice Village after dark or late in the day

The second stop is Tomamu Ice Village at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Shimukappu. Admission to Tomamu Ice Village is included, unlike food and drinks.

Tomamu offers a wider mix of things to do. You can look inside the ice bar and cafe, visit an ice chapel and concert hall, and spend time among the frozen structures. The design here is not only about surviving the cold. It is also about creating small rooms and gathering spaces that feel playful and temporary.

If you want action, head for the ice slide or skating rink. These options help break up the sightseeing, especially for children and anyone who gets restless during long photo stops. Skating equipment details are not provided, so check locally if you need to know what is supplied.

The ice-glass workshop is another possible highlight. It gives you a hands-on activity and a chance to make something connected to the setting. Availability and any extra fee are not stated in the supplied information, so ask the guide or site staff before counting on it.

A white cocoa drink is worth looking for at Tomamu. It was singled out as a must-try by someone who had visited the village, and the pale drink fits the snowy surroundings. Since drinks are not generally included, plan to buy it separately.

What the $164 price really covers

At $164, this is not a cheap short excursion. The value comes from combining two distant winter sites in one day and taking care of the transport between them.

The price includes a driver and guide, round-trip shared transfer, local taxes, and Tomamu Ice Village admission. For you, that means less planning around winter roads, no need to arrange separate tickets for Tomamu, and a guide on hand throughout the day.

The price does not include private expenses, food, or drinks unless they are specifically stated for your departure. Shikaribetsu admission is listed as free, while Tomamu admission is included. Activities such as a snowmobile ride or ice-glass workshop may need separate confirmation.

I see the strongest value if you are staying in Sapporo without a car and want to see both sites. Renting a vehicle for a long winter drive would add its own cost, effort, and weather risk. If you only want one small ice display, this tour is more than you need. If you want a full winter day with several different experiences, the price is easier to justify.

The long day and the main drawbacks

The biggest drawback is simple: distance.

You leave Sapporo at 11:00 am and return to the same meeting point after a day of touring. The total duration is about 10 hours, so you should expect a substantial amount of driving. This is not a quick afternoon activity with plenty of free time between stops.

The packed schedule also means you may need to choose what matters most. At Shikaribetsu, you might prioritize the ice bar and hot spring. At Tomamu, you might prefer skating, the slide, or the workshop. Trying to do everything could make the day feel rushed.

Cold weather is another consideration. Heated transport helps, but both villages are outdoor attractions with icy surfaces and exposed walking areas. Warm clothes, gloves, and sturdy footwear will improve the day. The hot spring is appealing, but it also requires more preparation because you need your own towel.

The tour is not ideal if you dislike fixed schedules or long drives. It is a better fit if you see the transport time as part of the cost of reaching unusual places that are difficult to combine on your own.

Who should book this experience

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time Hokkaido visitors who want one strong winter day outside Sapporo.

Families get several ways to enjoy the villages. Children can explore igloos, try the slide, and possibly skate, while adults can focus on the ice bar, cafe, chapel, and unusual frozen architecture. Strollers and infant seats are supported, though icy ground may still make moving around less simple than in a city attraction.

It also suits photographers and anyone who likes seasonal events. The villages only exist in winter, and the combination of ice rooms, frozen lake, hot spring, and snow activities gives you more variety than a single snow park.

You may want another plan if you need a slow pace, have limited tolerance for cold, or want a food-centered day. Meals and drinks are not generally included, and the schedule leaves less room for spontaneous stops.

The small group limit of 15 is helpful. You get shared transport and a planned route, but the group should not feel as unwieldy as a large coach tour. Guides such as Peta, Ochan, and Encsi have been described as friendly and helpful, with a personal atmosphere that can make the long day easier.

Practical details before you go

Confirmation is provided when you book. The activity begins at the Sapporo Station meeting point and ends back there, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. Stroller access and infant seats are listed, which makes it more workable for families than many outdoor winter activities.

Bring a towel for the hot spring and money for food, drinks, and any activity not clearly included. If a bento lunch matters to you, ask about your specific departure because some outings have included one, but food is not part of the standard inclusions.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts near Sapporo Station at 3 Chome to 4 Chome Kita 6 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0806.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 11:00 am.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours.

Does the tour return to Sapporo?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Which ice villages does the tour visit?

It visits Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan and Tomamu Ice Village.

Is Tomamu Ice Village admission included?

Yes. The entrance fee for Tomamu Ice Village is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated. A bento lunch has been provided on some departures, so confirm this when booking.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Bring your own towel if you plan to use the outdoor ice hot spring at Lake Shikaribetsu.

Is the tour suitable for families with young children?

The tour is stroller accessible and infant seats are available. Most people can participate.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Should you book the Ice Village Tour?

Book it if you want a full winter adventure rather than a quick attraction. The combination of two temporary ice villages, heated transport, the Shikaribetsu hot spring, Tomamu’s rink and slide, and the chance to enjoy ice-built rooms makes this a rare Hokkaido outing.

Skip it if long driving, cold outdoor conditions, or a fixed schedule would spoil your day. Before paying, confirm lunch arrangements and the cost of optional activities. For families, first-time visitors, and anyone fascinated by winter architecture, this is one of the more unusual ways to leave Sapporo for a day.