Noboribetsu Lake Toya and Sapporo Otaru Full Day Tour
Discover the charm of Hokkaido with this carefully curated tour, perfect for families, friends, or cultural enthusiasts seeking a blend of natural beauty and local experiences. Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Noboribetsu Hell Valley, marvel at the steaming Oyunuma Pond, and visit Lake Toya’s iconic observatories for breathtaking views.
Dive into Japanese history with a visit to Showa Shinzan, an ever-growing volcanic wonder, and experience the playful antics of Hokkaido’s native brown bears at the Bear Ranch. End your journey in the romantic town of Otaru, strolling its historic canals and indulging in local delicacies. This tour offers a seamless combination of nature, history, and cultural discovery, making it an unforgettable adventure. Book now for an authentic Hokkaido experience!
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Noboribetsu Lake Toya and Sapporo Otaru Full Day Tour
What's included in Noboribetsu Lake Toya and Sapporo Otaru Full Day Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Noboribetsu
8:00 AM: Gather at Sapporo Station and board an air-conditioned bus with a professional guide to begin today’s journey through Hokkaido. 9:30 AM: Arrive at the first stop, Noboribetsu (approximately 60 minutes). Jigokudani (Hell Valley): A volcanic crater formed around 10,000 years ago, located near Lake Toya. The area spans 450 meters in diameter, with constant white smoke, barren land, and a strong sulfur smell, earning its nickname as a “hell-like” valley. This natural wonder offers a glimpse into Hokkaido's volcanic activity. (Accessible during winter) Oyunuma Pond: Formed by an eruption of Mt. Hiyoriyama, this steaming crater lake features 130°C sulfur springs, providing hot spring water to local inns. A viewing platform offers panoramic views, or visitors can take a closer look by walking to the lakeside. However, trails and the outdoor footbath area are closed during winter for safety reasons.
Lake Toya
12:00 PM: Visit the Lake Toya area Showa Shinzan and Bear Ranch Showa Shinzan: A volcanic mountain formed after a strong earthquake in 1943. Standing at 398 meters, it remains active, with white smoke emanating from its reddish-brown surface. Declared a national monument in 1957, it continues to grow as a “new mountain.” Bear Ranch: Located near the ropeway entrance, the ranch houses over 100 Hokkaido brown bears, the largest wild mammals in the region. Visitors can feed the bears and observe their playful antics. Lake Toya Scenic Spots Lake Toya Overview: A crater lake with a diameter of 10 kilometers, covering 70.72 square kilometers, and a depth of 180 meters. The lake is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and remains unfrozen year-round. Toya Lake Observatory: Offers stunning views of the lake, Nakajima Island, Mt. Yotei, Showa Shinzan, and Mt. Usu. It’s the perfect spot for panoramic photos.
Otaru
4:30 PM: Arrive in Otaru (approximately 90 minutes, with free time for dinner). Explore Otaru’s charming canals lined with red-brick warehouses from the Meiji era. Stroll the streets with a European ambiance, and visit unique attractions: Kitaichi Glass Shop: Famous for its exquisite glasswork and craftsmanship. Music Box Museum: Showcasing over a thousand types of music boxes from around the world, filling the air with enchanting melodies. Enjoy local delicacies like the famous LeTAO cheesecake and other Hokkaido specialties. Otaru Snow Light Path (early February): During this festival, candles illuminate the canal and surrounding snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. (Event details can be found at official website). 6:00 PM: Return to Sapporo city, ending the day’s delightful journey!
Inclusions
- Multilingual guide- English, Japanese, Chinese
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- All Fees and Taxes
- Pickup and drop-off from designated areas
- Food and drinks
- Ticket for bear Ranch(around 6USD)
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 1.The departure time from the meeting point is 8:00 AM, and the drop-off time is around 6:00 PM, making the total duration of the trip approximately 10 hours
- 2.Look for the tour guide holding a yellow Gogoday flag at the meeting point. Tell the guide the name you booked under to join.Please come 15 minutes ahead of time. Refunds will not be given for late or missed arrivals.
- 3.Weekend and holiday traffic in Japan may delay the return time past 9 p.m.Our company covers overtime fees for the guide and driver.To avoid issues, please don't schedule activities or transport afterward.Attraction times may also be shortened, adjusted, or canceled. Thankyou for your understanding.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Pick-up time and location: 8:00 AM Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop,札幌駅北口団体BUS乗り場. Address： 3 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807 Japan. The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo
