Hokkaido Highlights: Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Otaru

Discover Hokkaido’s wonders in one day: Hell Valley, Lake Toya, and Otaru. Join our guided tour for an unforgettable adventure from Sapporo.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Jigokudani - Jigokudani, often called “Hell Valley,” is a geothermal region in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, renowned for its striking volcanic scenery. It features steaming vents, boiling sulfuric ponds, and hot water streams, creating an eerie, almost otherworldly look. The name “Jigokudani” means “Hell Valley,” reflecting the bubbling, sulfuric activity prevalent in the area.

Visitors can stroll along well-maintained paths to observe the geothermal activity up close, with trails leading to spots like Oyunuma Pond and the hot springs river, where you can enjoy a natural footbath. Jigokudani is a starting point for those visiting Noboribetsu’s hot spring resorts and is a major tourist attraction in Hokkaido.

  • Oyunuma - Oyunuma Pond is a volcanic pond in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, known for its hot sulfur springs. Formed from the remnants of a volcanic eruption, it is rich in sulfur and iron. The surface temperature of the water is about 50°C (122°F), and the muddy gray water results from chemical reactions caused by volcanic activity. The pond emits steam and has a slightly sulfuric smell, giving it an otherworldly atmosphere.

Oyunuma is a popular stop for visitors to Noboribetsu’s Jigokudani (Hell Valley), offering a unique natural spectacle amidst the lush, surrounding forests. Nearby, there’s also a hot river where you can dip your feet.

  • Lake Toya - Lake Toya is a captivating caldera lake in Hokkaido, Japan. It’s famous for its stunning beauty, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and often shrouded in mist, adding to its mystical allure. The lake is within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, offering visitors a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and hot springs. The nearby Mount Usu enhances the scenic charm, and the area is known for its fireworks displays, especially during the summer Toya Lake Long-Run Fireworks Festival. Additionally, there are various resorts and accommodations around the lake, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

  • Lake Tōya - Freshwater lake in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan. Near Uchiura Bay. Part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Caldera Lake. It is about 10 kilometers in diameter, nearly circular, and covers an area of 70.72 square kilometers. Circumference 50 kilometers. The deepest point is 180.0 meters. The average water depth is 117.0 meters. The water storage capacity is 8.19 cubic kilometers. The lake is 84 meters above sea level. The northernmost limit of Japan’s ice-free lake.
    Lake Toya Silo Observation Deck is the best place to take panoramic shots of Lake Toya. From here you can see all the natural landscapes around Lake Toya such as Lake Island, Mount Yotei, Showa Shinzan, and Mount Usu.

  • Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch - The bear ranch near the entrance of the Showa Shinzan Ropeway is home to more than 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears. Brown bears are the largest wild mammals in Hokkaido. You can feed brown bears in the bear ranch. When they see the food, the brown bears stand up and wave to tourists in a cute manner. They are naive and very cute. It is said that the horse oil here is very useful. Adults (junior high school students and above) 850 yen, children (6 years and above) 500 yen, please pay for yourself.

  • Otaru - Visit Japan’s only European-style place, where you can stroll along the ancient canal streets with your family and friends. Surrounded by warehouses built with red bricks and gray tiles since the Meiji Era, the tranquility of the canals drifts with a leisurely atmosphere. [Beiyi Shaozi Glass Museum] is famous for its glass workshop, where you can visit exquisite and diverse glass art crafts; [Music Box Hall] displays more than a thousand kinds of music boxes from all over the world, allowing you to be surrounded by beautiful rhythms and taste them. Hokkaido’s famous cheesecake LETAO and other local specialties.
    Every winter around February, Otaru in the North welcomes the season of snow falling thousands of miles away. Glass floats (floating balls) that used to be tied to fishing nets will float on the Otaru canal. Charming candlelight shines on the mirror-like canal water, and the snowy scenery creates the most beautiful and romantic scene in Otaru in winter.

What's Included
  • Round-trip transfers
What's Not Included
  • Admission to Showa Shinzan and Bear Ranch. (Around 5$)
  • Other personal expenses
Additional Information

Experience the best of Hokkaido in just one day with our panoramic tour departing from Sapporo. Marvel at the geothermal wonders of Noboribetsu’s Hell Valley, relax by the tranquil shores of Lake Toya and wander through the charming streets of Otaru with its historic canal and artisanal workshops. This comprehensive tour includes transportation, expert guides, and opportunities to immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it the perfect way to explore the highlights of the region in a single day.

  • Total Tour duration includes transportation.
  • Free for children aged 0-2 as long as they will not occupy separate seats
Location
Sapporo Station North Square
Meet up at Sapporo Station North Exit Group BUS Terminal, address: Kitashichijo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City. Please arrive at the location 10 minutes before the departure time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.3
(3 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
645jani
Aug 10, 2024
Great way to dpend day in Hokkaido - Excellent way to quickly travel around Hokkaido. Great tour guide. Minor issue is that this is lot of driving - 400 km - for one day snd bus is sized for Japanese sized passengers. For Eu/US sized person the space is annoyingly dmall for long time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today