HOKKAIDO, JAPAN: LAKE SHIKOTSU, "An Awesome Day Tour from Sapporo!"

On this day trip from Sapporo, we enjoyed Shitkosu Ice Festival, sunset at Shitkosu Lake and walking along Yamasan Railway Bridge.

Located in Chitose, Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu is just an hour away from Sapporo or around 45 minutes away by bus if you're coming from New Chitose Airport. It is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and offers spectacular views and sights where one can truly enjoy nature. Lake Shikotsu is considered as the second deepest lake in Japan, after Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture. It is also the 8th largest lake by surface area in Japan and the second largest of Japan's caldera lakes.

The clear waters of the lake are just incredible! It is surrounded by beautiful jagged mountains such as Mount Eniwa (Eniwadake), Mount Fuppushidake, and Mount Tarumae (Tarumaezan). Visiting it during sunset also gives it a magical feel.

The sparkling icy cold lake and the very cold winds coming from the lake makes it really hard to enjoy the place. But the breathtaking views of Lake Shikotsu, the surrounding mountains, tall trees, and the lovely sunset made it truly a worthy destination even during winter. The views are so beautiful, it’s not overly crowded and the place gives serene, quiet, and charming ambiance.

During the hours that we were there, we enjoyed every minute by taking photos and appreciating the beautiful scenery despite the unbearable cold. Just don't forget to prepare your warm clothes to fully enjoy your trip to Hokkaido during winter.

Whether during winter, spring, summer, or autumn, a visit to Lake Shikotsu will not disappoint. But the best thing about visiting Lake Shikotsu during winter is also to enjoy their Ice Festival. And I'm so happy that it is part of our Sapporo Hokkaido itinerary. This is my first time to witness an ice festival and I am just so excited to see what's in store for us.

If you are looking for some colorful ice on your winter wonderland adventure in Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu is the perfect day tour destination for you! Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival showcases different buildings and structures made from the water of the Shikotsu Lake. This explains why the ice sculptures are blueish in color.

There are castles, pagodas, tori gates, and ice slides that the kids and "kids at heart" will surely enjoy. As someone from the tropics, seeing huge ice sculptures made me really excited and enjoyed the place especially at night time when the ice structures started to lit up. Don't miss the night illumination because it’s so beautiful and feels truly magical! You will definitely feel yourself in a winter wonderland at Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival!

Given the chance, I would love to visit Lake Shikotsu again, but on a different season. I want to go boating on the lake and see how clear the water is. Next time, it won't be just a day tour. I will need to stay here for two or more days and slowly admire the beauty of this amazing place.

HOW TO GET TO LAKE SHIKOTSU?

From New Chitose Airport, it takes about 40-50 minutes to Lake Shikotsu and bus fare is around 1,000 JPY. You can also take a taxi from the airport for about 7,000 JPY, with travel time of less than an hour. Please note that there are only 4-6 buses that travels from the airport to Lake Shikotsu per day. Take this into consideration in planning your itinerary. Also, remember to take the public bus "Lake Shikotsuko" that you can find at stand 23 or 3 at New Chitose Airport. Daily bus schedules are: 08:40 am, 11:40 am, 02:40 pm and 04:40 pm. Additional buses are available every Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays at 09:40 am and 12:40 pm. This is the cheapest way to get there.

From Sapporo, you may take the train to New Chitose Airport then take the public shuttle bus to Lake Shikotsu by following the information above. For ease and convenience, you may also opt to get a car rental service for as low as ₱ 2,753 per day inclusive of 1 day car rental, free portable WiFi device, and basic insurance provided by the operator. Choose from a number of options to suit your needs: 5, or 8 seater vehicles are available. This is ideal for groups or families traveling with children and senior citizens. With a private car rental you can explore and discover many tourist spots and attractions in Sapporo and Hokkaido at your own time, pace, and convenience.

A much cheaper option is Hokkaido JS Car RENTAL for as low as ₱ 2,060 per day. This car rental service is ideal for groups of 5 or less. The car rental package includes one-day rental service, child seat, insurance provided by the operator, and free 3GB WiFi device.

Another option from Sapporo is to take the Rapid Airport Train from Sapporo Station to Chitose Station for about 30 minutes travel time. From Chitose Station, you may take a taxi or the public bus to Lake Shikotsu. Buses can be found at Stand 3 at JR Chitose Station Bus Terminal. For more information on how to get to Lake Shikotsu, you may visit this website.

If you want to join a group tour, you may also book Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Winter Seasonal Day Trip From Sapporo from Klook. This is a convenient way to visit and enjoy Lake Shikotsu and ideal for solo travelers to save on travel expenses.

ALSO READ: Sapporo Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary for First-timers in Hokkaido

How to get to Sapporo from Manila Philippines?

Add Sapporo on your travel bucket list! Jetstar Asia Airways flies from Manila and Clark to Sapporo via Narita (Tokyo). Check out Jetstar Airways' low airfares, seat sale, and promos at their website www.jetstar.com!

ALSO READ: How to get to Sapporo in Hokkaido Japan from Manila Philippines?

Top things to do in Sapporo?

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