Hokkaido Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley + Lake Tōya + Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch + Lake Shikotsu | Ice Wave Festival Limited Edition Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Wander through the otherworldly, steaming vents and sulfurous craters of Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley.

• Observe the adorable Ezo brown bears and learn about their conservation at the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch.

• Marvel at the massive illuminated ice sculptures and frozen wave formations at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Wave Festival.

• Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Japan's third-largest caldera lake, Lake Tōya, and its central island.

Hidden Gems

• Look out for the Oyunuma Brook, a natural hot spring river just a short walk from Jigokudani where you can enjoy a free, rustic foot bath surrounded by snow.

• At the Bear Ranch, try purchasing the specialized bear biscuits from the vending machines to safely feed the bears and watch them perform for treats.

• Lake Shikotsu is famous for remaining unfrozen even in the dead of winter due to its immense depth, offering stunning reflections of the ice festival lights on the dark water.

What Makes it Special

• This limited-edition winter tour uniquely combines Hokkaido's most famous geothermal wonders with the exclusive, seasonal magic of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Wave Festival.

• The hassle-free round-trip transportation from Sapporo eliminates the stress of navigating snowy, icy rural roads on your own.

• It offers a perfect contrast of experiences, blending the fiery volcanic heat of Noboribetsu with the dazzling, sub-zero ice art of Shikotsu in a single day.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

This specific tour operates during the winter months, with the Lake Shikotsu Ice Wave Festival typically running from late January to mid-February. The best experience is in the late afternoon and evening when the ice sculptures are illuminated against the dark winter sky, though you should prepare for sub-zero temperatures.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the dramatic contrast of white steam against the snowy landscape at Jigokudani Valley during the late morning light.

• For the Lake Shikotsu Ice Wave Festival, use a tripod or stabilize your camera to capture the vibrant, colorful LED lights illuminating the ice sculptures in the dark.

• Keep your camera batteries warm in an inner pocket, as the freezing Hokkaido temperatures will drain them much faster than usual.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the hot spring areas, it is customary to rinse your feet thoroughly at the provided washing stations before and after using the natural foot baths. Please respect the wildlife at the Bear Ranch by only feeding them the approved food from the designated vending machines and never throwing foreign objects into their enclosures.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Lake Shikotsu Ice Wave Festival is the star of this winter tour, featuring massive ice sculptures, light shows, and fireworks on select weekends.

• Noboribetsu occasionally hosts the Hell Valley Demon's Torch Parade during the summer, though this winter tour focuses on the serene, snow-covered geothermal landscapes.

• Showa Shinzan hosts traditional Ainu cultural performances and bear-related educational talks during peak tourist seasons.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay strictly on the designated wooden boardwalks and marked trails in Jigokudani Valley, as the ground near the hot springs is fragile, extremely hot, and highly acidic.

• Beware of black ice on paved pathways and stairs, especially during the evening at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, and walk with short, careful steps.

• Keep a safe distance from the steam vents to avoid accidental burns from the sudden bursts of boiling water and sulfurous gas.