| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Charter car |
【Travel Conditions】
Departure and Destination: Hokkaido Trip Duration: Day Trip Transportation: Bus/Sea Lion Bus Company: Hualou International Tourism Co., Ltd. Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0 Accommodation: None Minimum Group Size: 4 people Tour Leader: 1
【Travel Planning & Execution】
Operating Company Name: Yamatotravel Co., Ltd. Address: 2F, 3-9-24 Maejima, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
License Number: Okinawa Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-344
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 5 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
When making a reservation, please be sure to provide your contact information (mobile phone number with international roaming enabled / Line / Whatsapp / WeChat). Customer service will confirm your itinerary with you no later than 21:00 (local time) one day before departure. Please keep an eye out for this message. If you have not been contacted by then, please contact customer service.
This is a fixed itinerary. Customers participating in this tour are requested to adhere to the time allotted at each attraction and follow the instructions of the driver/guide.
Due to limited space inside the vehicle, each passenger is only allowed one piece of checked baggage (28 inches or smaller) free of charge. Please indicate this in the remarks when booking. If you need to bring more than one piece of checked baggage, an additional fee of JPY 2,000 per piece will be charged (JPY 6,000 per piece during the winter peak season; please consult customer service for specific times). Large luggage will be charged as two pieces, and the fee will be paid to the driver on-site.
Natural scenery is subject to the influence of the weather on the day of your visit, which is an unavoidable factor. If you do not enjoy the scenery as expected, no refund will be given. Please be aware of this.
If you leave the group midway through the trip, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this.
If the tour cannot proceed due to weather conditions, unforeseen events, or other force majeure or unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be issued without any penalty for breach of contract.
Elderly people, those with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease, and pregnant women are not allowed to participate in this trip.
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds. We apologize for any delays or cancellations caused by the aforementioned factors or other unforeseen circumstances, and no refunds will be provided on such grounds.
Please be sure to comply with local Japanese laws and regulations, and do not bring any items prohibited by Japanese law, so as to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights.
During your free time, please be mindful of your personal safety and belongings. You will be solely responsible for any accidents or losses incurred due to disregard for these warnings. Purchasing personal travel insurance is recommended.
Due to frequent snow and wind in Hokkaido during winter, unforeseen circumstances such as snow accumulation and icy roads may lead to traffic accidents or adjustments to itinerary stays. Changes to the itinerary due to uncontrollable factors cannot be used as grounds for negative feedback or refunds. Please consider this carefully before ordering.
Lake Toya is renowned for its stunning caldera lake, formed by volcanic activity, offering breathtaking panoramic views. It's famous for its clear waters, the volcanic island of Nakajima at its center, and the surrounding active volcanoes like Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan. The area is also well-known for its hot spring resorts and the nightly firework displays during summer, contributing to its appeal as a natural wonder.
Visitors can enjoy various activities around Lake Toya. Popular options include boat cruises to Nakajima Island, scenic drives along the lakeside, and exploring the numerous walking trails that offer spectacular views. In winter, some areas may offer snow activities. The region also features hot spring resorts and a vibrant local culinary scene to experience.
Lake Toya is a caldera lake, a result of massive volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. It is surrounded by active volcanoes, notably Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan. Showa Shinzan impressively rose from a flat field between 1943 and 1945, making it a relatively new geological formation. The area's dynamic volcanic history shapes its unique landscape and geothermal activity.
During a day trip to Noboribetsu Jigokudani, visitors can explore the dramatic "Hell Valley," a volcanic crater from which steam and sulfuric gases continuously erupt, creating an otherworldly landscape. Key attractions include walking along the designated boardwalks to viewpoints, witnessing the boiling hot springs and mud pits, and experiencing the unique smell of sulfur. Nearby, visitors can also find footbaths and hot spring resorts.
Swimming in Lake Toya is generally not recommended due to water temperature and environmental considerations. However, visitors can enjoy various other water-based activities. These include taking sightseeing cruises across the lake, renting paddle boats or kayaks, and participating in fishing excursions. The lake's calm waters and scenic surroundings provide a peaceful setting for these activities.
Mount Yotei, often called "Ezo Fuji" due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji, can be admired from several viewpoints around Lake Toya. Excellent spots include the Silo Observation Deck, which offers expansive views of Lake Toya with Mount Yotei in the background, and certain points along the lakeside drive. Clear weather conditions provide the best chances for a spectacular view of the cone-shaped peak.
To reach these destinations from Sapporo, a popular and convenient option is to join a guided bus tour. These tours typically depart from Sapporo and provide transportation to Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Noboribetsu Jigokudani, handling all logistics. Alternatively, individual travelers can use JR trains to stations like Toya or Noboribetsu, followed by local buses or taxis to reach the specific attractions.
At Showa Shinzan, visitors can marvel at a relatively new active volcano that visibly grew out of a flat field. Its unique features include reddish-brown, rugged slopes and the continuous emission of smoke, providing a stark reminder of its volcanic activity. Visitors can also explore the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch nearby for an interactive experience with bears, making it a distinctive natural and wildlife attraction.