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Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Day Tour Discover Hokkaido's Natural Wonders

Highlights

Discover the caldera lake of Lake Toya, surrounded by rich biodiversity
Visit Usuzan, Japan's first UNESCO Global Geopark, via a scenic ropeway
Experience a multilingual audio guide in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean
Capture breathtaking views of Hokkaido's landscapes

What to expect

This day trip bus tour visits Hokkaido's iconic Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, with stops at Mount Usu, Showa Shinzan, and shopping at Kinoko Kingdom. Perfect for all ages!

What's included

Varies by package — see each package below.

Packages (4)

Plan with lunch includedDailyfrom USD 37.05

What's included

Usuzan Ropeway
Tour guide or staff available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean
Bus fare
Lunch

Starting at: 08:30

Schedule

—
Exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter
—
◆About Pre-boarding Procedures◆
Please exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter behind the JR Sapporo Station North Exit at least 15 minutes before departure. After exchanging, wait on the same floor. An attendant will guide you to the boarding area 5 minutes before departure.
08:30
Departure
—
Via National Route 453
09:58
Lake Shikotsu Free Exploration ・Optional Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing Boat
Explore the serene beauty of Lake Shikotsu at your own pace. If you choose the sightseeing boat tour, you can enjoy stunning views of the crystal-clear waters and surrounding landscapes.
*For those opting for the Lake Shikotsu sightseeing boat, the departure is at 10:30.
11:55
Kinoko Kingdom Otaki Store
This popular tourist and leisure spot allows you to enjoy Hokkaido's renowned mushrooms, as well as vegetables and sweets to your heart's content. Fresh vegetables and fruits delivered directly from farms are also recommended, but the kingdom's specialty mushroom soup is a must-try.
13:05
Lunch, Break, Free Stroll
Please enjoy a meal made with seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido at Lake Toya Kohantei.
*Please note that some menu items may change with the seasons.
*Water and a pitcher will be placed on the table.
*Any orders outside of the meal will be at your own expense.
14:15
Usuzan Ropeway & Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch Free Exploration
The Usuzan Ropeway provides a spectacular aerial journey to the summit of Mount Usu, offering panoramic views of Lake Toya, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.After enjoying the Usuzan Ropeway, visiting the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch is also recommended.
16:10
Silo Observatory Break
The Silo Observatory offers panoramic views of Lake Toya and its surroundings. In addition to enjoying the scenery, there is a gift shop with local specialties and a restaurant.
17:25
Nakayama Pass Break
Nakayama Pass is an excellent viewpoint for the majestic Mount Yotei. Why not try the popular specialty foods available only at Nakayama Pass, such as the famous fried potatoes and 'an donuts'?
—
Arrival at Each Drop-Off Location
18:00 Jozankei Onsen
18:20 APA Hotel & Resort (Kawazoe 5-jo 2-chome Stop)
18:35 Sapporo Park Hotel (Hotel Lifort) → 18:37 Hotel Mystays Premier Sapporo Park
18:38 Jasmac Plaza Hotel
18:40 Susukino
18:45 In Front of Sapporo Clock Tower
18:53 Sapporo Station
—
Tour Ends

Location and Directions

Check-in
Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter
Hokkaido Chuo Bus Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter, Kita 6-jo Nishi 4-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Please refer to the attached document for the Regular Sightseeing Bus Boarding Area guide.
Check-out
Sapporo Station

[Winter Plan] Lunch at Toya Kohantei (Nov 5 - Mar 31, select dates excluded)Dailyfrom USD 37.05

What's included

Usuzan Ropeway
Tour guide or staff available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean
Bus fare
Lunch

Starting at: 08:20

Schedule

—
Exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter
—
◆About Pre-boarding Procedures◆
Please exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter behind the JR Sapporo Station North Exit at least 15 minutes before departure. After exchanging, wait on the same floor. An attendant will guide you to the boarding area 5 minutes before departure.
08:20
Departure
—
Sapporo-Minami IC / Chitose IC
10:08
Lake Shikotsu (Free Exploration)
Lake Shikotsu, Japan’s second deepest, is famous for its clear "Shikotsu Blue" waters.

*10% discount at “memere” in Shikotsu-ko Onsen (some exclusions; irregular hours).
*Sightseeing boats are currently unavailable.
11:25
Kinoko Kingdom Otaki (Break)
12:35
Toya Kohantei (Lunch, Break, Free Time at Lake Toya)
Please enjoy a meal made with seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido at Lake Toya Kohantei.
*Please note that some menu items may change with the seasons.
*Water and a pitcher will be placed on the table.
*Any orders outside of the meal will be at your own expense.
13:30
Usuzan Ropeway & Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch Free Exploration
The Usuzan Ropeway provides a spectacular aerial journey to the summit of Mount Usu, offering panoramic views of Lake Toya, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.After enjoying the Usuzan Ropeway, visiting the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch is also recommended.
15:25
Silo Observatory Break
We'll stop at a scenic viewpoint offering a panoramic view of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island, Mount Usu, and Showa Shinzan.
*In December, arrival may be after sunset if there are delays, limiting visibility.
16:45
Nakayama Pass Break
17:25
Jozankei Onsen
The drop-off location will be the Jozankei bus stop on the main road, next to Hotel Milione.
17:45
APA Hotel & Resort Sapporo (Kawazoe 5-jo 2-chome bus stop)
18:00
Sapporo Park Hotel (Hotel Lifort Sapporo)
18:02
Hotel MyStays Premier Sapporo Park
18:03
Jasmac Plaza Hotel
18:05
Susukino
18:10
Sapporo Clock Tower Front
18:18
Sapporo Station
—
Tour Ends

Location and Directions

Check-in / Check-out
JR Sapporo Station West Concourse, Regular Sightseeing Bus Stop (Adjacent to the North Exit Taxi Stand)
Map of location
Please complete check-in at the counter first, then proceed to the boarding area.

[Winter Ice Festival Plan] Lake Shikotsu & Lake Toya Tour (February 1 - 24)Dailyfrom USD 37.05

What's included

Usuzan Ropeway
Tour guide or staff available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean
Bus fare
Lunch

Starting at: 08:20

Schedule

—
Exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter
—
◆About Pre-boarding Procedures◆
Please exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter behind the JR Sapporo Station North Exit at least 15 minutes before departure. After exchanging, wait on the same floor. An attendant will guide you to the boarding area 5 minutes before departure.
08:20
Departure
—
Sapporo-Minami IC / Chitose IC
10:08
Lake Shikotsu (Free Exploration)
Lake Shikotsu, Japan’s second deepest, is famous for its clear "Shikotsu Blue" waters.

*10% discount at “memere” in Shikotsu-ko Onsen (some exclusions; irregular hours).
*Sightseeing boats are currently unavailable.
11:40
Kinoko Kingdom Otaki (Break)
12:45
Toya Kohantei (Lunch, Break, Free Time at Lake Toya)
Please enjoy a meal made with seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido at Lake Toya Kohantei.
*Please note that some menu items may change with the seasons.
*Water and a pitcher will be placed on the table.
*Any orders outside of the meal will be at your own expense.
13:40
Usuzan Ropeway & Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch Free Exploration
The Usuzan Ropeway provides a spectacular aerial journey to the summit of Mount Usu, offering panoramic views of Lake Toya, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding volcanic landscape.After enjoying the Usuzan Ropeway, visiting the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch is also recommended.
15:30
Silo Observatory Break
We'll stop at a scenic viewpoint offering a panoramic view of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island, Mount Usu, and Showa Shinzan.
*In December, arrival may be after sunset if there are delays, limiting visibility.
16:45
Nakayama Pass Break
17:25
Jozankei Onsen
The drop-off location will be the Jozankei bus stop on the main road, next to Hotel Milione.
17:45
APA Hotel & Resort Sapporo (Kawazoe 5-jo 2-chome bus stop)
18:00
Sapporo Park Hotel (Hotel Lifort Sapporo)
18:02
Hotel MyStays Premier Sapporo Park
18:03
Jasmac Plaza Hotel
18:05
Susukino
18:10
Sapporo Clock Tower Front
18:18
Sapporo Station
—
現地解散

Location and Directions

Check-in / Check-out
JR Sapporo Station West Concourse, Regular Sightseeing Bus Stop (Adjacent to the North Exit Taxi Stand)
Please complete check-in at the counter first, then proceed to the boarding area.

[Winter Plan] Free-Time Lunch Option (March 6 & March 7 only)Dailyfrom USD 21.35

What's included

Usuzan Ropeway
Tour guide or staff available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean
Bus fare

Starting at: 08:20

Schedule

—
Exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter
—
◆About Pre-boarding Procedures◆
Please exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter behind the JR Sapporo Station North Exit at least 15 minutes before departure. After exchanging, wait on the same floor. An attendant will guide you to the boarding area 5 minutes before departure.
08:20
Departure
—
Sapporo-Minami IC / Chitose IC
10:08
Lake Shikotsu (Free Exploration)
Lake Shikotsu, Japan’s second deepest, is famous for its clear "Shikotsu Blue" waters.

*10% discount at “memere” in Shikotsu-ko Onsen (some exclusions; irregular hours).
*Sightseeing boats are currently unavailable.
11:25
Kinoko Kingdom Otaki (Break)
*This plan includes free-time lunch. We recommend dining in the eat-in area at Kinoko Kingdom or having your meal on the bus.
13:05
Usuzan Ropeway & Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch Free Exploration
Board the spacious new Swiss gondola (96 seats, 2020 upgrade) for a 360° panoramic view.

*Optional Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch visit (extra fee on-site).
*Wear comfortable shoes for summit paths; snow may limit access.
*If the ropeway is closed, enjoy the Bear Ranch with a free treat.
15:15
Silo Observatory Break
We'll stop at a scenic viewpoint offering a panoramic view of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island, Mount Usu, and Showa Shinzan.
*In December, arrival may be after sunset if there are delays, limiting visibility.
16:35
Nakayama Pass Break
17:15
Jozankei Onsen
The drop-off location will be the Jozankei bus stop on the main road, next to Hotel Milione.
17:40
APA Hotel & Resort Sapporo (Kawazoe 5-jo 2-chome bus stop)
17:50
Sapporo Park Hotel (Hotel Lifort Sapporo)
17:52
Hotel MyStays Premier Sapporo Park
17:53
Jasmac Plaza Hotel
17:55
Susukino
18:00
Sapporo Clock Tower Front
18:08
Sapporo Station
—
Tour Ends

Location and Directions

Check-in / Check-out
JR Sapporo Station West Concourse, Regular Sightseeing Bus Stop (Adjacent to the North Exit Taxi Stand)
Please complete check-in at the counter first, then proceed to the boarding area.

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Restrictions

Child fares apply to those in elementary school up to junior high school. Children below elementary school age are free if they do not require a seat, but if a seat is needed, the child fare applies.
If participating in a wheelchair, please be accompanied by an escort.

What to bring

Please wear comfortable walking attire.

Other requirements

As a general rule, please exchange your ticket at the Regular Sightseeing Bus Counter behind the JR Sapporo Station North Exit at least 15 minutes before departure.
After exchanging your ticket, please wait on the same floor until departure. An attendant will guide you to the boarding area 5 minutes before departure.
Please take your trash with you.

Additional notes

This course is conducted in multiple languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean). A tour guide or staff member will accompany the trip, but no sightseeing commentary will be provided.
Due to traffic congestion or bad weather, bus arrival times may be delayed (or advanced). Please allow ample time for connections to other transportation.
Service may be suspended in the event of a disaster or similar circumstances. Please inquire about the operation status during severe weather or unusual conditions.
For groups with an odd number of participants, you may be seated with members of another group.
In the event of ropeway suspension due to strong winds, only a commemorative gift and a tour of the Bear Ranch will be offered.

*A discount voucher for Bear Ranch admission will be provided (Adults: 900 yen → 800 yen, Children: 500 yen → 400 yen).
Show your sightseeing bus ticket stub to receive a 100-yen discount on select soft serve ice cream at the Mount Usu Ropeway Summit Terrace (open until November).
The stay duration at each site may vary depending on traffic conditions and the number of guests on the day.
Luggage, such as suitcases (excluding valuables), can be stored in the bus trunk.
The menu is subject to change without notice.
All seats are reserved, and seat selection or specific requests are not accepted.
[Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing Boat Operation Status]
The sightseeing boat will not operate if any of the following conditions are met:
- Wind speed exceeds 15 meters per second
- Wave height exceeds 1 meter
- Visibility is less than 500 meters ^[A]
[About Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing]
- Enjoy a 10% discount on food and souvenirs at the lakeside restaurant's gift shop, Memere. (Some items are excluded from the discount. Memere operates on irregular holidays.) ^[A]
[About Lake Shikotsu Sightseeing]
- The sightseeing boat does not operate in winter.
- A 10% discount on food and souvenirs is available at the lakeside restaurant’s gift shop, Memere (some exclusions apply; Memere has irregular holidays). ^[B]
During the Ice Festival period (Feb 1 - Feb 24), optional viewing is available, but with only 47 minutes on-site, please strictly adhere to the meeting time.

For those attending, the entrance fee (1,000 yen for adults, free for children under elementary school age) is payable on-site. ^[C]