Bamboo Ice Cave Snowshoeing Tour
Tour Overview
Marvel at the natural phenomenon of the bamboo ice!
Every winter for about 10 weeks the natural formation of bamboo ice happens in an abandoned mine cave near Noboribetsu. This ice cave is one of only 3 caves in Hokkaido where you can see bamboo ice! The ice is formed by water dripping from the ceiling of the cave and freezing at night time. This repeats forming stalactite and stalagmite formations of up to 4m high!
This snowshoe tour takes you on an amazing adventure through beautiful winter forests where snow covers the trees. There are several small streams which we cross via ‘snow bridges’, which are formed from compacted snow. Once arriving at the cave we will have lunch and then go and explore the magical bamboo ice! You will be amazed at the beauty of the countryside and the fascinating ice formations! We will then snowshoe back the same way and drive back to Noboribetsu.
Details
- Availability: December 25th-February
- Duration: 6 hours. 9AM start – early or late start available for private tours depending on availability.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Max participants: 4 people
- Equipment: Snowshoes, poles and gaiters are included.
- Clothing: Winter weather can be cold and dangerous so appropriate clothing is important. Layers that can be added or removed when you get hot or cold are needed.
- Top:
- Base layer: Long-sleeved synthetic top (no cotton) that wicks away moisture.
- Mid-layer: Thin fleece or down jacket that gives you some warmth.
- Outer layer: Windproof jacket that shields you from the wind.
- Bottom:
- Trousers: Leggings will keep your legs warm and hiking trousers that are windproof for the shell layer (no jeans or skirts).
- Socks: Thick wool socks that are higher than your boots.
- Footwear: Hiking boots or snow boots will keep your feet dry.
- Head and hands:
- Wool hat that covers your ears.
- Warm gloves or mittens.
- Additional items:
- Sunglasses and Suncream
- Backpack
- Watch this video to see what you should wear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2unwPfykJns
- Top:
- Rental (available sizes):
- Shell jackets: M (1), L (2), XL(1) – ¥500
- Waterproof gloves with inners: S (1), M (1), L (2) – ¥500
- Food and drinks: Please bring water. A sandwich and drink is included.
- Pick-up: Free pick-up and drop-off is available in Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen.
- Payment: Cash only
Tour Schedule
9:00-9:30: Pick-up (pick-up from Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen)
9:30-10:00: Drive to trailhead
10:00-12:00: Snowshoe through the forests until reaching the cave
12:00-12:30: Have lunch, a hot drink and then explore the bamboo ice!
12:30-14:00: Snowshoe back to the start point
14:00-14:30: Drive back and say goodbye!
Know before you go
- This is a physical activity and participants should be able to walk up and down over uneven terrain over a distance of 7km.
- Please prepare for bad weather even if it is sunny, mountain weather can change quickly. Temperatures can be as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
- Tour will be either be canceled or postponed (if possible) if bad weather occurs.
- If there is an injury or the guide deems it unsafe to carry on, the tour will finish.
- As with any outdoor activity, it is advised to have insurance. Nobo Tours does not provide insurance for it’s customers.