1-day tour to Noboribetsu and Lake Tōya in Hokkaido: Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley + Showa-shinzan

Featured tour route

Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley - 50 min visit

Here, steam gushes and sulfur smoke swirls all day long, with 11 types of hot springs of varying mineral compositions erupting from reddish-brown rock crevices, creating a breathtaking geothermal landscape. Stroll through the misty vapors to feel the immense energy from deep within the earth, and at night, the magical pathway illuminated by ghostly lanterns resembles stepping through the gates of the underworld from mythology. It serves as both a rare global textbook of volcanic geology and a sacred site to experience Japanese hell culture and hot springs.

Showa-shinzan - visit duration: 100 minutes (including dining time, meals at your own expense)

Total stopover time: 100 min

Due to limited stay duration, please visit the following attractions on the same day as suggested by your guide (admission tickets at your own expense):

Recommended itinerary 1: Usuzan cable car

This is an aerial adventure through the pulse of a volcano. In just 5 minutes, the cable car takes you from the tranquil foothills directly to the edge of the still-smoking crater, offering panoramic views of Showa-shinzan's lava dome growth and Lake Tōya along the way.

Recommended itinerary 2: Showa-shinzan bear ranch

After taking the cable car up the mountain, travelers can observe over a hundred Hokkaido brown bears up close. These bears may beg for food with adorable gestures or play freely. On specially designed feeding platforms, travelers can purchase food like apples to safely interact with these giant creatures.

Lake Tōya lakeside - 80 min visit

Lake Tōya is the 9th largest lake in Japan and the northernmost non-freezing lake in the country. Formed by a volcanic eruption tens of thousands of years ago, this caldera lake measures approx. 11 km from east to west and approx. 9 km from north to south. The lake features islands such as Nakajima and Kannon Island, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by picturesque mountains, creating exceptionally beautiful scenery.

Hokkaido Shikotsu-Toya National Park Silo Observatory - 20-min visit

Located on the highland of Lake Tōya's western shore, the Hokkaido Shikotsu-Toya National Park Silo Observatory is one of the attractions in the Lake Tōya area that offers a close-up view of the lake.

Meeting

7:40 - Bus parking lot at Sapporo station north exit

Meeting time: 7:40. Departure time: 7:50

The meeting time is for reference only. The exact meeting time will be announced in the travel group one day prior to departure.

2. Please strictly adhere to the meeting time. You may arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes in advance. No waiting will be provided for late arrivals. The specific meeting address can be obtained by contacting customer support in advance. [No refunds or rescheduling will be allowed for late arrivals or no-shows]

Transfer

7:30 hotel transfer service available for designated areas in Sapporo

Pick-up/drop-off outside the specified zone (extra charge) is not available

Transfer package: from 2 persons. Hotel transfers are available within the designated central Sapporo area. Pick-up/drop-off sequence and timing will be arranged by the driver based on travel distance and other factors. Please cooperate and follow the driver's arrangements. ※ No waiting for late arrivals, so we recommend arriving at the meeting point 10 min before departure.

Important note: The vehicle type will be randomly assigned based on group size. Reference vehicle types: 10-seat Hiace (driver serves as guide, no guide provided), 14-seat Hiace (driver serves as guide, no guide provided), 18–22-seat medium bus, 22–49-seat bus.