Hokkaido, Japan | Depart from Sapporo! Hokkaido Noboribetsu Jigokudani & Showa Shinzan & Lake Toya or Mt. Usu Day Tour

− Meeting Time (Valid from 11/1 to 3/31) −
Meeting Point 8:30
− Meeting Location −
Meeting Point: In front of the Information Center on the 1st floor of Sapporo TV Tower (Please arrive 10 minutes before departure)

− Itinerary (Valid from 11/1 to 3/31) −
8:40 Depart from Meeting Point
9:50 Nakayama Pass (15 minutes of free time)
10:55 Lake Toya Observatory (30 minutes of free time)
11:40 Plan A: Lake Toya Onsen Town (70 minutes of free time) *Lunch at your own expense
13:00 Plan A: Showa-shinzan & Bear Ranch (40 minutes of free time) *Choose either Plan A or Plan B
11:50 Plan B: Mt. Usu Ropeway & Showa-shinzan (110 minutes of free time) *Choose either Plan A or Plan B
14:25 Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) (35 minutes of free time)
16:10 Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (90 minutes of free time)
(During the Ice Festival period from 1/30 to 2/23, the itinerary will be changed to Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, and Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima will not be visited during this period)
16:10 Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (60 minutes of free time)
(Only visit Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival venue during the Ice Festival period from 1/30 to 2/23)

− Return Trip (Valid from 11/1 to 3/31) −
18:20 Drop-off at Sapporo TV Tower

【Nakayama Pass】
Located on National Route 230 between Sapporo and Lake Toya, Nakayama Pass is a famous mountain pass spanning Kimobetsu Town and Jozankei. At an altitude of approximately 835 meters, it is not only a vital transportation route from Sapporo to the southern Hokkaido region but also an excellent photo spot for viewing Mt. Yotei, known as the 'Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido,' in all its majestic glory.

【Lake Toya Observatory】
Located on the west bank of Lake Toya, the Silo Observatory offers panoramic views of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island in the center, Mt. Usu, and Showa-shinzan. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Toya while tasting authentic Hokkaido delicacies, such as butter and yogurt made from the freshest local milk, balloon milk pudding exclusive to Hokkaido, and various souvenirs available in the shop. You can also experience other outdoor activities outside the observatory!

【Lake Toya Onsen Town】
Enjoy free time for lunch in the Lake Toya Onsen town. There are free foot baths and hand baths around the lake for visitors to use. If you wish to experience them, we recommend bringing your own towel; they are perfect for relaxing and warming up during the winter. On clear days, you can see Mt. Yotei, Hokkaido's Ezo Fuji. The lakeside area is also filled with various art installations, making it a great photo spot while you admire the scenery of Lake Toya.

【Showa-shinzan】
Formed by volcanic activity in 1943, Showa-shinzan is one of the newest volcanoes of the 20th century, with records documenting its entire eruption process. It remains active today, and you can still see smoke rising from the 398-meter-high mountain, which is designated as a National Special Natural Monument of Japan. At the Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch, there are about 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears. You can purchase apples or cookies to feed them. The brown bears may stand up and wave, bow, or lie on the ground to get your attention. There is also a special observation room separated by a small window where you can feel the power of the brown bears and even hear their breathing. At this bear ranch, you can see Hokkaido brown bears, American black bears, and raccoons. You can interact with the bears, feed them, and take photos. In the spring, you can even see cute bear cubs. *Bear Ranch admission fee: 1,000 JPY for adults (junior high school students and above), 500 JPY for children (6 years and above). Please refer to official information for details.

【Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)】
Noboribetsu Jigokudani is a volcanic crater remnant, a strange valley formed by lava after a volcanic eruption. When people talk about Jigokudani, it is not only one of the must-visit photo spots in Noboribetsu but also the symbol of the source of Noboribetsu Onsen. There are over a dozen types of hot springs here, each with its own unique characteristics; due to the variety of hot springs, it is known as a 'department store of hot springs.' The surrounding air is filled with a strong smell of sulfur, creating a scene that truly resembles hell. Despite the lack of vegetation, the spring water flowing out has special therapeutic properties, with a volume of up to 3,000 liters per minute, making it the largest source in Noboribetsu. Depending on the location, the water quality varies, with as many as 11 different types. People have known how to extract spring water from Jigokudani for over a hundred years. The steam vents in Jigokudani emit hot, roaring smoke all year round, making you feel as if you are in a fiery hell, while some smaller, nameless vents emit trickling streams that sound like weeping from deep underground, living up to the name 'Hell Valley'.

【Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima】
*Please note that during the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival period (2027/1/30–2027/2/23), we will not visit Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima and will instead head to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival venue.
Located in the suburbs of Sapporo, Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima gathers numerous well-known domestic and international brands, offering rich discounts all year round. In addition to fashion boutiques and luxury stores, the first floor features a special Hokkaido souvenir shop where travelers can purchase gifts and limited-edition items. Beyond shopping, you can also sample authentic Hokkaido flavors, making it an ideal spot for a break and shopping during your trip.
Due to the operating hours of the Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima facility, hours may be shortened during the year-end and New Year holidays, and the facility is scheduled to be closed for maintenance for 2 days at the end of January. During these periods, the tour will not visit the outlet, and the time spent at other attractions will be extended accordingly.

【Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Hyoto Festival)】
Please note that we will only visit the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival during the period of 2027/1/30–2027/2/23, and will not visit the Mitsui Outlet Park during this time.
The tour does not include admission tickets to the Ice Festival; please pay at your own expense.
Adults (junior high school students and above): 1,000 JPY/person; Children (elementary school students and below): Free
3,000 JPY/person on Saturdays, Sundays, and Japanese public holidays
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Hyoto Festival) uses the clear, transparent water of Lake Shikotsu to create fantastical ice sculptures and ice structures in the freezing cold.
Giant ice pillars, ice tunnels, and ice slides sparkle with dreamy colors under the lights. At night, there are light-ups and fireworks displays, creating a unique and charming winter fantasy atmosphere.