Shikotsu–Toya 6 Day Winter Hiking Tour

We meet in the early afternoon at either New Chitose Airport or JR Chitose Station. From here, we head to Lake Shikotsu, stopping at Lake Utonai's sanctuary to spot winter migratory birds including the magnificent Whooper Swans.

Our evening is spent relaxing in lakeside onsen (hot springs) and enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner at our accommodation. Keep an eye out for the Japanese Deer that roam freely in the area!

We start our adventure by getting accustomed to snowshoes as we trek up Mt. Monbetsu on a popular, well-maintained route. Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views of Lake Shikotsu and the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Fuppushi, Mt. Tarumae and, on clear days, Mt. Eniwa - an active volcano. After descending, we have lunch in the village.

Visitors in late January can experience the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, featuring stunning ice sculptures. We end our day with a delicious dinner at our ryokan and a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

NOTE: In cases of severe winter weather, we'll explore alternative snowshoe trails at lower altitudes near the lake.

We journey south from Lake Shikotsu to Shiraoi, stopping at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum by Lake Poroto.

As Japan's first national museum dedicated to Ainu culture, we explore its fascinating exhibits at our own pace. After lunch, we visit Noboribetsu Onsen's dramatic Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where we observe steaming volcanic vents from a safe boardwalk. The valley is particularly stunning dressed in winter snow.

A unique highlight is Oyunuma, a sulphurous pond heated to 50°C. While too hot to enter directly, we can enjoy an optional ashiyu (foot bath) in the cooler downstream waters - perfect for warming up on a cold day.

Our day ends with a Japanese dinner and relaxing soak in our ryokan's onsen.

We explore Mt. Usu, an active volcano offering spectacular views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan. Our hike takes us through snow-covered forests to the crater rim, where we enjoy panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Usu's steaming crater. After visiting the crater observatory and descending, we stop to photograph Showa-Shinzan - a volcanic dome formed in the 1940s.

Our journey continues to Jozankei Onsen, located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park (despite being part of Sapporo City). We end our day with dinner at our accommodation, where we can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

We drive to Mt. Kokimobetsu via Nakayama Pass, connecting Sapporo with Niseko ski resort.

Starting our snowshoe hike from the car park, we soon catch sight of Mt. Yotei (nicknamed Ezo-Fuji for its resemblance to Mt. Fuji). Our path to the summit at 970 m is relatively gentle and stays below the tree line. This area receives some of Hokkaido's heaviest snowfall, making it particularly popular with winter sports enthusiasts.

After descending, we warm up at Roadside Station Nakayama Pass with hot drinks and a chance to browse local specialities. Returning to Jozankei Onsen, we celebrate our final evening with a group dinner.

NOTE: In severe weather conditions, we may stay in Jozankei Onsen village for a leisurely exploration on foot.

Otsukaresama desu! (Good job!) After breakfast, our winter adventure comes to an end.

For those heading to Sapporo, the convenient Kappa Liner highway bus runs every couple of hours from Jozankei to Sapporo Station, Odori or Susukino. The journey takes 1 hour and costs 1,400 yen - book online by 5 pm the day before.

Alternatively, take the No. 7 or 8 local express bus to Sapporo Station. This 70-80 minute journey costs 790 yen, paid when you get off. No booking needed, though space for luggage may be limited.

Have a safe onward journey! Itterasshai!