Hokkaido Lake Shikotsu – Noboribetsu Penguin Parade – Mt. Moiwa Night View 2-Day Tour

The following itinerary is for reference only. Actual sightseeing spots, order, and timing may be adjusted according to weather, traffic, and on-site conditions.

Day 1 | Sapporo – Lake Shikotsu – Noboribetsu – Lake Toya – Otaru

08:00 | Sapporo – Tour Departure
Meet at Sapporo Station North Exit – Group Bus Parking Area
Address: Kita 7-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Pick-up order and timing will be arranged by the driver-guide based on distance and traffic conditions. This is a shared group tour. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes early. Late arrivals will be considered voluntary cancellation.

09:20 | Lake Shikotsu – Japan’s Northernmost Ice-Free Lake (approx. 120 min, free exploration)
Located in Chitose City, Lake Shikotsu is famous for its crystal-clear water and surrounding mountains. Each season offers unique scenery, from spring blossoms and summer greenery to autumn foliage and winter ice formations.

Optional Activities (at own expense):

• Glass-bottom sightseeing boat: Departs every 30 minutes, allowing you to view the clear lakebed and, if lucky, the local cherry salmon (Chippu).

• Pedal boats: Including standard and swan-shaped boats for a leisurely ride.

• Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center: Operated by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, featuring educational exhibits suitable for all ages.

Yamasen Railway Bridge Photo Stop
A historic red iron bridge built in 1908 to transport timber. Today, it is a symbolic landmark and popular photo spot at Lake Shikotsu.

12:20 | Noboribetsu – Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe (approx. 120 min)
Lunch and admission fees are at your own expense.

Modeled after Denmark’s Egeskov Castle, this large-scale aquarium features around 400 species and 20,000 marine animals. Highlights include an 8-meter-high Crystal Tower tank, an underwater tunnel with sharks and rays, jellyfish exhibits, touch pools, and an amusement area.

Penguin Parade:
Showtimes: 11:00 / 14:15 (approx. 15 minutes)

Penguin Feeding (weekends & holidays only):
Around 14:35 (approx. 10 minutes)

Showtimes may be adjusted or canceled due to weather or animal health conditions.

15:10 | Lake Toya – “Spirited Away” Lakeside Railway Photo Spot (approx. 20 min)
A popular social media photo spot resembling scenes from the movie Spirited Away. The railway extends from the lakeshore into the water and was originally used to pull sightseeing boats ashore.

15:50 | Lake Toya – Sairo Observation Deck (approx. 30 min)
Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya, including Nakajima Island, Mt. Yotei, Mt. Usu, and Showa-Shinzan. Lake Toya is Japan’s northernmost lake that never freezes.

16:20 | Transfer to Otaru
End of sightseeing for the day and travel to Otaru.

18:20 | Otaru – Hotel Check-in
Stay at OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts or a similar hotel
(1 night accommodation with breakfast)

Day 2 | Otaru – Mt. Tengu – Mt. Moiwa – Sapporo

09:30 | Mt. Tengu, Otaru (approx. 90 min, free exploration)
Mt. Tengu (532.4 m) is Otaru’s most iconic mountain. The summit observation deck, awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, offers sweeping views of Otaru City and the Sea of Japan. It is also a famous filming location from the movie Love Letter.

11:40 | Otaru – Free Exploration & Lunch (approx. 180 min)
Stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal, lined with Meiji-era brick warehouses. Visit Kitaichi Glass, the Otaru Music Box Museum, and sample local specialties such as LeTAO cheesecake.

Special Local Treats:

• Kitakaro Otaru Main Store: Complimentary cream puff (one per guest)

• Ginga-no-Kane Café: Complimentary souvenir coffee cup

16:00 | Mt. Moiwa – One of Japan’s New Top Three Night Views (approx. 180 min)
Dinner and ropeway fees are at your own expense.

Mt. Moiwa, located close to central Sapporo, offers a 360-degree panoramic night view over the city, Ishikari Bay, and surrounding plains. In 2015, it was selected as one of Japan’s “New Top Three Night Views.” Access to the summit requires two types of transport, providing scenic views along the way.

Reference ropeway fare (round trip):
Adult ¥2,100 | Child ¥1,050
Closed on Dec 31 and from Mar 26 to Apr 24, 2025.

19:00 | Return to Sapporo – Tour Ends
19:30 Arrival at Sapporo Station North Exit – Group Bus Parking Area

Schedule may vary depending on traffic, weather, or other unforeseen conditions.

Inclusions

• Vehicle service as listed

• Fuel, tolls, and highway fees

• Driver-guide service (small group or bus tour, subject to group size)

• One piece of luggage per person

Exclusions

• Accommodation

• Attraction admission fees

• Meals

• Optional activities and personal expenses

Cancellation Policy

• 8 days or more before departure: Free cancellation

• 7 days before departure: 30% charge

• 4–7 days before departure: 50% charge

• 1–3 days before departure: 100% charge

Travel Information & Important Notes

1. Pick-up / Meeting Point
Please be sure to arrive at the designated pick-up location at the specified time. Late arrivals will not be accommodated. This product is non-refundable, non-changeable, and does not allow joining the tour midway. Any losses caused by personal reasons will be borne by the participant. Thank you for your understanding.

2. During the Tour

1. Participants are not allowed to leave the group early or join/leave the tour midway. If you choose to leave the tour early, any unused portion will be considered forfeited and no refund will be provided. Any accidents or losses occurring after leaving the group are the participant’s own responsibility.

2. During peak seasons or special circumstances, the departure time may be advanced or slightly delayed (the final time will be confirmed by the guide). Please be prepared accordingly.

3. Transportation, sightseeing, and stop durations are subject to actual conditions on the day. In case of special situations (e.g. traffic congestion or weather conditions), the guide may reasonably adjust the visiting order of attractions, without reducing the number of attractions, and with the consent of participants.

4. Meals are not included in this tour. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense. Please note that some restaurants do not allow outside food or occupying seats without ordering.

3. Local Customs & Regulations
Please respect local customs and cultural practices during the trip.

4. Weather

1. The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions. For your safety, staff reserve the right to suspend outdoor activities and make alternative arrangements after communicating with participants.

2. In case of severe weather or other force majeure, attractions may delay, change, or cancel facility operations or performances without prior notice.

3. Flower viewing conditions depend largely on weather. If the flowers are not at their peak, the tour will still depart as scheduled. Guests who are concerned about this are advised to book with caution.

5. Meals

1. This tour does not include meals. Please arrange meals at your own expense.

6. Shopping

1. Some scenic areas, restaurants, or rest stops may have shops. These are not designated shopping stops arranged by the travel agency. Please shop rationally based on your own needs and request receipts. Any disputes arising from purchases are the participant’s own responsibility.

2. Privately operated entertainment or commercial venues may exist at the destination. Such venues may lack proper licenses and pose potential risks. For your safety and well-being, please consider carefully before participating.

Warm Reminders

1. Please keep your mobile phone switched on during the tour so staff can contact you if necessary.

2. If you are prone to motion sickness or seasickness, please prepare appropriate medication in advance to ensure a comfortable journey.

3. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a windproof jacket, and a camera as needed.

4. Take good care of your personal belongings. Avoid carrying valuables. Any loss or damage during the tour will be at your own responsibility.

Safety Notice
Activities such as swimming, rafting, diving, skiing, ice skating, and playing in the snow involve certain risks. Please assess your own physical condition carefully and follow advice and announcements from local authorities and professional organizations before participating.

Thank you for choosing this tour. We wish you a safe and memorable journey in Hokkaido!