Plan Introduction(Snow Trekking in Nanajo Otaki)
This package allows visitors to join a snow trekking tour to Nanajo Otaki waterfalls, a famous waterfall in Hokkaido.
Late December is the season when Hokkaido turns into a world of pure white snow.
At Nanajo Waterfalls, located near Lake Shikotsu, a national park, the 16-meter drop of the famous waterfall is transformed into a spectacular winter scene.
The headwaters of the Yufutsu River, which also supplies water for local residents, flows down to Nanajo Falls in a clear stream.
The waterfall has a semicircle shape around it, and water trickles down from the cracks in the rocks, freezing over with the cold of winter nights and transforming into a huge icefall.
When it is cold, more than 30 centimeters of ice can grow overnight, creating a spectacular and powerful sight that attracts many visitors.
The Nanajo Falls is located in a hidden spot with restricted car access during some parts of the year.
The limited access of visitors throughout the year means those who do visit can be sure to experience what true natural Hokkaido beauty offers!
Participants will be trekking to the falls.
Children as young as 10 years old can participate in this tour; it is a great way to enjoy winter activities in Hokkaido as a family!
Animals tracks can be observed on a lucky day.
Tour guides will share their knowledge about the history of the area, as well as fun ways to play with snow so participants of all ages will enjoy the entire hike.
Frequent rest stops will be planned throughout the trek, so even visitors who don’t exercise regularly can feel confident in enjoying this tour.
Guides will also provide warm tea and cookies during the break to add to the relaxation.
The Nanajo falls itself is often called the “ice palace” for having long ice pillars measuring up to 10 meters in height.
The layered ice pillars also give off a curtain-like impression.
As it’s only an hour drive from Sapporo, please consider participating in this tour during your next trip to Hokkaido in the wintertime!
Tour details
Estimated timetable
| Time | Details |
| 9:30 am | Meetup, check in |
| 9:40 am | Change, begin trekking tour |
| 11:30 am | Change clothes and end tour |
* Schedules may change depending on the weather.
Where you’ll be
| Meeting Place | Guest House Shikotsu Kamui / Ocean Days Shikotsukoonsen, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0281 Open with Google Map |
| How it looks |
There is a “Ocean Days” sign board. |
| Other info |
*Parking lot available: April-November/500 yen “Lake Shikotsuko Visitor Center” (Near the meeting spot) will be a good destination with Google Map if you drive. [Access via car] |
Each person (more than 2) : 7,000 yen / person
Single participant: 10,000 yen
*Free rental service available (cap, neck warmer and gloves)
Ski/snowboard wear (top and bottom)
Please be sure to bring warm inner fleece to be worn underneath the outer layers.
It is recommended to wear gloves, hats, long rubber boots (rental is available for free) .
*You can get a pocket warmer for 50 yen at our shop.
*Valuables can be stored inside a free locker onsite.
9:30 am – 11:30 am, 13:00 pm – 3:00 pm
10+
*Under age 15 be accompanied by a guardian
*Participants who are pregnant or have a long-term sickness cannot participate in ice walking
This document must be signed by a guardian if a minor is participating without an adult.
Please submit to the event staff upon arrival.
*Please let us know for a group larger than 10
Please read FAQ & Cancellation policy before booking
-If you’re visiting by car
70 min drive from Sapporo,
40 min drive from New Chitose Airport,
30 min drive from Tomakomai.
Please set your navigation destination to “Shikotsu Onsen”
and head towards the shotengai parking lot to arrive at “Guest House Shikotsu Kamui”
– If you’re visiting by bus
Please get off at the “Shikotsu Onsen” bus stop.
You should see a shotengai (market st)on the left.
Look for the sign near the center area of the parking lot.
Approx. 1 min walk from the bus stop.
– If you’re visiting by taxi (all costs are estimates)
From Chitose: 3,000-5,000 yen
From Sapporo: 7,000 yen
*Upon reservations, please let us know the participants’ age.
* In the case of inclement weather, we will notify you about the cancellation via phone as soon as possible.
(Tour will still be held in case of light rain/snow)
* The tour guide has the right to end the tour midway in the due to weather conditions.
* Please note the following if you’re using public transport:
– Express trains between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport is about 40 min
– Bus terminal #1 at New Chitose Airport
| 8:40 am | ★9:40 am | 11:40 am | ★12:40 pm | 2:35 pm | 4:30 pm |
Chitose Station (JR line) Bus terminal: West Exit #3
| 8:51 am | ★9:51 am | 11:51 am | ★12:51 pm | 2:46 pm | 4:43 pm |
From Lake Shikotsu To Chitose station / New Chitose Airport
| 9:50 am | ★10:50 am | 12:50 pm | 3:45 pm | 5:45 pm |
★ Available only on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays
If you’re coming by bus, you can participate in the morning or afternoon tour
