Step into a breathtaking winter wonderland where the horizon blurs between frozen sea and sky, a uniquely Hokkaido experience that's sure to be the highlight of your travels.
Options
Todowara Ice horizon Walk (About 2 hours / Walk about 3 km (1.8 Miles)/Japanese-speaking Guide)
Todowara Ice horizon Walk for 1 person (About 2 hours / Walk about 3 km (1.8 Miles)/Japanese-speaking Guide)
Mini-walk (About 1 hours/ English-speaking Guide)
Mini-walk for 1 person (About 1 hours / English-speaking Guide)
The Highlight
Unique Ice Horizon: Witness a rare natural wonder found only in Hokkaido.
Guided Winter Adventure: Explore the frozen landscape with expert guides.
Stunning Photo Ops: Capture breathtaking icy panoramas.
The Experience
Discover the "Hyōheisen" (氷平線), a mesmerizing natural phenomenon unique to the Notsuke Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido. Imagine a vast, frozen expanse stretching out like an icy horizon, where the boundary between the frozen sea and the sky blurs into a seamless panorama of white and blue. This is the Hyōheisen – a winter wonderland that will leave you breathless.
What makes it special: Uniqueness: The Hyōheisen is formed by the freezing of the Notsuke Bay during the harsh winter months (January to mid-March). This creates a flat, expansive ice plain, a sight rarely seen elsewhere. Dramatic Scenery: The Notsuke Peninsula, a long, narrow sand spit, offers unobstructed views of the sky, enhancing the sense of vastness and creating a truly photogenic landscape. Guided Tours: To ensure your safety and enrich your experience, join a guided tour offered by the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center. Knowledgeable guides will lead you across the ice, sharing insights into the formation of the Hyōheisen, the local wildlife, and the unique ecosystem of the peninsula. Photo Opportunities: Capture stunning panoramic shots of the icy landscape. Guides can even help you with "trick photography," creating fun and memorable images to share on social media.
Activities: Mini Ice Horizon Walk: Walk across the frozen sea and experience the Hyōheisen up close. Todowara Ice Horizon Course: Visit the Todowara, a forest of dead Sakhalin fir trees, accessible only in winter.
Practical Information: Access: Fly into Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB), the closest airport to the Notsuke Peninsula. From there, take a taxi or rent a car. Accommodation: Stay in nearby towns like Odaitō Onsen, Shibetsu, or Nakashibetsu, offering a range of hotels and traditional inns. What to wear: Dress warmly! Hokkaido winters are harsh. Pack a heavy down jacket, thermal layers, waterproof pants, winter boots, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Call to action:
Book your Hyōheisen adventure today and witness a natural wonder that will stay with you forever! Limited tours available, so reserve your spot now.
Our restaurant's February hours are 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with last orders at 2:30 PM. We anticipate having irregular closings during this month.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Japanese
- English
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Important Notes for Your Ice Horizon Tour: Extreme Cold: Betsukai, where the Ice Horizon extends, experiences particularly harsh winter conditions even within Hokkaido. Due to its location on the sea, severe and icy winds (blizzards) can occur during bad weather. Adequate and comprehensive cold-weather gear is strongly recommended. Recommended Clothing: Outerwear: Heavy down jacket (layer with sweaters or hoodies), thick fleece-lined pants (water-resistant recommended). Innerwear: Thermal base layers (e.g., Heattech shirts and tights). Footwear: Winter boots and thick socks. Accessories: Knit hat or earmuffs, scarf, gloves, hand warmers (for both personal warmth and electronic device protection), items for trick photography. Safety First: Guided Tours Only. Do not attempt to walk on the Ice Horizon independently. Although it may appear stable, the ice formed on the sea varies in thickness. Especially in January (early formation) and March (rising temperatures), there are numerous dangerous areas. For your safety, please participate in a guided tour that leads to safe locations. Dining and Facilities: Dining facilities are available, but may have closures. The Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center houses a restaurant (winter operations began in 2018). Hours are 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with Tuesday closures. Drinks and other items can be purchased at the shop and vending machines. Transportation: There are no regular bus routes. The bus to Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center operates only during the summer season. For winter, please use the "Higashi Hokkaido Express Bus," which requires prior reservation.
Important Booking Information
What to Bring: Warm, Windproof Clothing: (Rental not available) Ensure clothing prevents wind penetration. Head, Hand, and Neck Protection: Hats, gloves, scarves, etc., to minimize exposed skin. Footwear: High-top snow boots or hiking gaiters are recommended. Personal Camera/Smartphone: Used for capturing trick photography. Todowara Ice Horizon Walk Note: This walk covers a 3km distance. Please consider this when bringing children.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 2 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 0 ~ 1 day(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)