A winter 1-day tour covering Lake Toya, Jigokudani, snowmobiling experiences, and the Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Ice Festival offers a perfect mix of scenery and adventure in southern Hokkaido. From the serene caldera views of Lake Toya and the steaming volcanic landscapes of Hell’s Valley to thrilling rides across snowy fields, the journey blends relaxation with excitement. The day concludes at Lake Shikotsu’s illuminated ice festival, where glowing sculptures and frozen displays create a magical winter finale. The road was relatively clear on the way and we could see snow-clearing machine cleaning the road.

First Destination: Snowmobile Ride

Snow World Snowmobile offers one of Hokkaido’s most exciting winter adventure experiences, where visitors can ride powerful snowmobiles across vast snowy fields surrounded by mountain scenery. With safety instruction, equipment rental, and breathtaking winter views, it’s a popular stop for travelers seeking high-energy outdoor fun during Hokkaido’s snow season.

We arrived just in time for our booked time, and there were some other foreign tourists lining up to enjoy the snowmobile ride.

We needed to wait for our turn, there was a break room that customers can also use to keep themselves warm. There were also some coffees and teas that are available for sale.

Finally it was our turn, and our clients went straight to the changing room to get some helmets. After getting the helmets with the right size, we went straight to our instructors who were giving some quick instruction on how to operate the snowmobile safely. The instructors we got could not speak English, but Ms. Cho could translate for them. The ride lasted around 50 minutes and our clients came back safely.

Second Destination: Lake Toya Silo Observation Deck

Silo Observatory (Silo Tenbōdai) is one of the best viewpoints overlooking Lake Toya, offering panoramic views of the caldera lake, Nakajima Island, and the surrounding mountains. Located along the lakeside drive route, the observatory features an open viewing deck, souvenir shops, and local dairy snacks such as Hokkaido milk ice cream. It’s a popular photo stop on Lake Toya tours, especially beautiful during sunset or when the lake is framed by winter snow.

After enjoying the snowmobile ride, we proceeded straight to Lake Toya Silo Observation Deck. The trip itself was worth mentioning, since we could see a lot of amazing winter scenery on the way. Our clients kept shouting, “OMG FAKE MOUNT FUJI!”. To be honest, it does look like Mount Fuji.

Upon arrival, we could see other groups of tourists. This place is also famous among foreign tourists.

There was also snowmobile ride offered in here, but it was a little bit more expensive than one we took in Snow World.

After taking enough pictures outside, we proceeded inside to buy some souvenirs in the shop. We also took some pictures in the observation deck in the parking lot.

Third Destination: Lake Hill Farm Gelato

Lake Hill Farm is a popular dessert stop near Lake Toya, known for its rich, handmade gelato made from fresh Hokkaido milk. Set on a scenic hillside overlooking the lake, the farm offers a relaxing countryside atmosphere where visitors can enjoy creamy ice cream, yogurt, and dairy sweets while taking in panoramic views.

In the summer, this place would be filled with colorful flowers, but in the winter it was all snow, but you could still take amazing winter scenery pictures around this shop.

After buying a milk gelato, we immediately took a window side seat to enjoy the delicious gelato while viewing an amazing winter scenery, too bad there was a truck blocking our view. We also enjoyed watching the workers trying to load a heavy fridge into the truck.

Fourth Destination: Toyako Onsen 100th Anniversary Monument

Toyako Onsen 100th Anniversary Monument is a commemorative landmark located along the lakeside promenade of Lake Toya, celebrating a century of the Toyako Onsen hot spring resort’s history. The monument stands as a symbolic photo spot for visitors exploring the onsen town, set against scenic views of the caldera lake and surrounding mountains.

We stopped by here just to take picture on the famous photo spot of Lake Toya 100th Anniversary Monument.

Fifth Destination: Hell’s Valley Jigokudani

Jigokudani, commonly known as Hell’s Valley, is a dramatic volcanic landscape in Noboribetsu famous for its steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and sulfuric streams. Formed by past volcanic activity, the valley serves as the main source of Noboribetsu’s renowned onsen waters. Visitors can walk along designated trails and observation decks to experience the geothermal scenery up close, with the rugged terrain and rising steam creating an otherworldly, almost infernal atmosphere — especially striking during colder months.

The moment we got out from the car, we could smell the sulfur odor emanating from the valley. It does smell like flatulence (fart).

There was a small shrine in which people can put some offerings down the valley. Also, make sure not to cross the fence because area outside the fence is dangerous.

We did not spend too much time here, and because of time constraint and strong smell of sulfur, we proceeded straight to Hyoto Ice Festival in Lake Shikotsu after taking enough pictures here.

Sixth Destination: Hyoto Ice Festival in Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Ice Festival is one of Hokkaido’s most spectacular winter events, held annually on the frozen shores of Lake Shikotsu. Massive ice sculptures are created by spraying lake water and allowing it to freeze into towering formations, tunnels, and domes. Illuminated in vibrant colors after sunset, the festival transforms the lakeside into a glowing ice world. Visitors can walk through the frozen structures, and experience one of Japan’s most magical seasonal night illuminations.

After arriving in Lake Shikotsu, we proceeded first to nearby toilet just in case there was no toilet inside the venue. There were some food stalls in the parking lot area as well, but we were not starving yet so we went straight to buy ticket after visiting the toilet.

Of course we took pictures in the entrance area after we bought tickets.

Finally we were able to see this ice festival directly instead of just watching them in Youtube video.

There was also a cafe inside one of the ice structure. I was not in the mood to drink anything so I was just taking pictures inside. There was also a bonfire place right outside the cafe area where people can warm up and toast some marshmallows.

Church made of ice also looked really magical!

There was also an ice structure filled with frozen trees. I thought it was plastic at first, but actually it was real trees that was being frozen; covered with real layer of ice! There were also plushie of “Shimaenaga” birds attached to some of the trees, making the scenery looks even more magical.

Here are some other pictures from Hyoto Ice Festival.