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Special Activities in the Suburbs of Sapporo

Winter Day Trip to the Sapporo Suburbs, recommended by Hu Chih-Ling: Taiwanese influencer

Ice Fishing for Smelt, Hokkaido’s Unique Winter Activity

Ice Fishing Tour, Lake Shinotsu, Shinshinotsu Village
( : about 120 minutes)

Useful Info
  • The fishing season is from early January to mid March. The schedule depends on ice thickness/condition of the lake. Please confirm opening days in advance.
  • About 60 minutes by car from central Sapporo.
  • Rental equipment is available at the front desk of Tappunoyu Onsen (public hot springs bath) adjacent to Lake Shinotsu. Enjoy fishing while staying inside a warm hut.
  • The tour schedule varies among weekdays and weekends. Please check details on the website.
  • Tour rate with rental equipment is 3,000 yen per adult  (including junior high school students), no charge for infants under 2 years old.  The package includes parking and Tappunoyu Onsen Bathing ticket.

Fishing for smelt on a frozen lake is a unique winter activity in Hokkaido. Ice fishing for smelt has been one of popular winter activities loved by locals for a long time.
This unique ice fishing experience will make you feel closer to Japanese winter life and culture. Enjoy a special time on the ice while viewing beautiful snowscapes.
Lake Shinotsu is only 60 minutes away by car from Sapporo, so you can go easily on a day trip from your Sapporo hotel.
Rental equipment is conveniently available on spot.
At the restaurant located in Tappunoyu Onsen, a special service is available for guests during lunch time. They deep fry freshly caught (by you) smelt to Tempura without additional charge.
The tour includes deep-frying smelt and useful fishing instructions. We recommend you book your tour during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

Details for Ice Fishing Tour, Lake Shinotsu, Shinshinotsu Village
https://tappunoyuonsen.com/activity/

For more active seekers,

Enjoy Snow Cycling by Fat bike in Hokkaido!
( : about 90 minutes)

Useful Info
  • Enjoy cycling through the vast snowfields of Ishikari Plain with bicycles  specially equipped with snow tires!
  • Meet at Tappunoyu Onsen (same as ice fishing rental) adjacent to Lake Shinotsu. About 60 minutes by car from central Sapporo.
  • You have to be 130cm tall or taller.
  • The tour includes a Fat bike and a hard hat (both rentals). Please bring your own gloves and wear your own snow outfit.
  • Reservations are required for Fat bike Tour. Please refer to the attached website for more details.

Ride a Snow-Ready “FAT BIKE” and explore the vast snowfields of the Ishikari Plain!
FAT BIKE, a unique winter activity, exclusive to Hokkaido, offers an unforgettable cycling experience. Glide across expansive snowfields and enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape, stretching all the way to the distant mountains.
The FAT BIKE is equipped with wide, studded tires that provide excellent traction on snowy surfaces, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. The activity is held in Shinshinotsu, famous for its flat, slope-free roads, making it accessible and enjoyable for riders of all experience levels.
Additionally, guided private tours led by professional instructors allow you to ride at your own pace and fully savor the experience. Capture stunning photos against Hokkaido’s snowy backdrop to create cherished memories for your social media.

Details for FAT BIKE
https://tappunoyuonsen.com/activity/

A newly popular or trending facility

ROYCE‘ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN
( : about 90 minutes)

Useful Info
  • Enjoy this popular attraction newly opened in 2023
  • Approx. 25 minutes drive to Royce‘ Cacao & Chocolate Town from Lake Shinotsu. About 40 minutes by car from central Sapporo.
  • Opening Hours: 10:00~17:00 (last call at 15:00)
  • Reservations are required for the factory tour. Please book online.
  • The entrance area and store on the first floor are free to enter.
  • Entry Fee: 1,200 yen per adult (including high school students), 500 yen per child (4 years and older, including junior high school students), free for children 3 years and under.
  • Parking is free.

Attached to a working chocolate factory, Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town is a fun hands-on amusement facility by Royce, one of Hokkaido’s flagship confectioners. It’s a great place for learning while experiencing an actual chocolate manufacturing process. During the factory tour (entry fee required), you’ll observe how cacao transforms into delicious final products. Various activities are available, as well as a special floor for kids to play. Workshops are offered to tour participants at an additional fee.
Enjoy decorating your own designs and creating your own original chocolates! The manufacturing process is recreated in a small laboratory, making quite the sophisticated display. Original gift boxes are available for the chocolate you create. The fee for the workshop is 1,500 yen per person (for both adults and children); tours are on a first-come-first-served basis (no reservations are taken.)
The gift shop and a cafe offer original products and menus for both adults and children to enjoy.

Details for ROYCE‘ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN
https://www.royce.com/cct/english/

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