Lake Toya & Noboribetsu Day Tour | Showa Shinzan, Jozankei, and Hill of the Buddha | Departing from Sapporo (Chinese/English Guide)
- A photo spot at Tadao Ando's Hill of the Buddha and the giant Moai statue group
- Stroll through Jozankei Onsen and experience the charm of the four seasons
- 180-degree panoramic view of Lake Toya's sapphire waters
- Visit Showa Shinzan, Japan's youngest active volcano, and experience the majestic power of the earth's uplift and steaming white smoke.
- Enter a magical otherworld, explore Noboribetsu Jigokudani, and view the active volcano up close.
- Bilingual (Chinese/English) guide included, easy round-trip from Sapporo
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Want to visit all the must-see star attractions in Central Hokkaido in one go?
This efficient itinerary is designed specifically for independent travelers! Departing from Sapporo, skip the hassle of planning complex transfers. Led by a professional bilingual guide (Chinese/English), you will cover architectural masterpieces, stunning lake views, and mysterious active volcanoes in a single day without backtracking, ensuring the best value for your trip!
【Ultimate Zen Hidden in the Hills】A photo spot at Tadao Ando's Hill of the Buddha and the giant Moai statue group
Visit the breathtaking space created by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando and experience the unique aesthetic of the Buddha's head hidden within the hills. The park also features 33 magnificent Moai statues, perfect for capturing mysterious and visually striking photos.
【Exploring a Quiet Backyard】Stroll through Jozankei Onsen and experience the charm of the four seasons
Step into Jozankei, the 'backyard of Sapporo' hidden in a quiet valley. Whether it is cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, maple leaves in autumn, or snow in winter, the rich atmosphere of the Japanese hot spring town and the beauty of nature will help you forget your daily worries as you stroll along.
【180-Degree Panoramic View】Enjoy the stunning sapphire views of Lake Toya
Stand at the classic Silo Observatory and take a photo with the stylish giant 'TOYA' letters! Look down over the mirror-like blue lake, the emerald Nakajima Island in the center, and the majestic Mount Yotei, also known as the 'Ezo Fuji,' standing quietly in the distance.
Step into Jozankei, the 'backyard of Sapporo' hidden in a quiet valley. Whether it is cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, maple leaves in autumn, or snow in winter, the rich atmosphere of the Japanese hot spring town and the beauty of nature will help you forget your daily worries as you stroll along.
【Witness Japan's Youngest Active Volcano】Experience the miracle of Showa Shinzan's crustal uplift on-site
Visit this reddish-brown active volcano that miraculously rose from a wheat field in just two years due to strong earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Standing at the foot of the mountain, you can clearly see the white smoke rising from the rock crevices and marvel at the majestic power of nature!
【Enter a Magical Otherworld】Stroll through Noboribetsu Jigokudani and reach the heart of the geothermal area
Follow the well-maintained winding wooden boardwalk deep into the valley and experience the desolation and magnificence left by the volcanic eruption. The rocks on both sides display fantastic colors due to rich minerals, and with the rolling white smoke everywhere, it will take you on a thrilling geothermal adventure.
Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, this colossal Buddha statue is cleverly concealed within green hills. The ingenious design allows only the Buddha's head to peek over the mountaintop from a distance, seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural environment and creating a sacred, mysterious, and utterly tranquil Zen atmosphere. (Admission fee not included)
After passing through the imposing Moai statues, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before you: rolling lavender hills swaying in the breeze. At the heart of this dreamlike purple sea of flowers, only the upper half of the majestic Buddha's head is visible, as if breathing in harmony with the earth. This "hidden yet revealed" design perfectly embodies the understated mystery and tranquility of Japanese Zen, allowing each visitor to experience a profound spiritual cleansing without even realizing it.
Jozankei Onsen: Sapporo's tranquil backyard. Nestled in a secluded valley on the outskirts of Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is a peaceful haven far removed from the hustle and bustle, earning it the nickname "Sapporo's backyard garden." It boasts abundant natural hot spring resources and is beloved by visitors for its distinct seasons and ever-changing scenery. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn foliage, or snow in winter, visitors can appreciate the captivating tapestry of nature while soaking in the hot springs.
Below the suspension bridge at Jozankei Futami Park flows the clear Toyohira River, its riverbed dotted with neatly arranged boulders. Sunlight glistens on the water's surface, while in the distance, rolling green mountains rise majestically, creating an exceptionally tranquil and soothing natural landscape of Japan.
Standing before the famous wooden landmark of the "Shikotsu-Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck," you can take in the entire tranquil surface of Lake Toya and the island in its center. On a clear day, the distant mountains appear layered like an ink painting, making it a classic photo spot that you can't miss when visiting Lake Toya!
Take a photo with the stylish "TOYA" 3D giant letter installation! With the emerald green island in the middle of the lake and the sparkling blue lake surface in the background, press the shutter and you can instantly capture an enviable Hokkaido vacation-style photo.
Leave your travel mark at the iconic wooden sign of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Before you lies a tranquil, mirror-like blue lake, and in the distance stands Mount Yotei, known as the "Ezo Fuji." A gentle breeze blows, and this is the pure breath of Hokkaido.
From above, the azure Lake Toya resembles a sapphire fallen onto the land of Hokkaido. The "Nakashima" islands scattered across the lake appear vibrant under the blue sky and white clouds, showcasing the magnificent craftsmanship of nature and offering a breathtaking view.
Showa Shinzan, adjacent to Mt. Usu, is one of Japan's youngest active volcanoes. What makes it special is that this mountain was originally a flat wheat field, but due to a powerful earthquake and volcanic eruption, it miraculously rose within just two years, forming a reddish-brown volcanic peak hundreds of meters high. As it is still an active volcano, you can clearly see wisps of white smoke rising from the cracks in the rocks, inspiring awe at the wonders and immense power of nature! (Optional activities include visiting the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch and riding the Mt. Usu Ropeway at your own expense.)
Arrive at the iconic wooden landmark of "Noboribetsu Jigokudani" in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and leave a stunning opening moment! Standing on the observation deck with a wide view, you will see the unique reddish-brown rocks that are barren of vegetation, and white volcanic smoke will rise continuously from the bottom of the valley. You can also hear the gurgling sound of hot springs gushing out, instantly taking you into the mysterious and magical world of nature.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company names: Zhalan Bus and other Hokkaido bus companies
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Name of the operating company: ワンダースタイルズ Co., Ltd.
Address: 10-4 Odori Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Odori Building 7th Floor
License Number: Hokkaido Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-862
Travel Association Name: None
【Entrusted sales】
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Tourism Authority of Singapore Registration No. 2045
Affiliated Group: Japan Travel Agents Association (JATA)
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
A confirmation email will be sent to you after 3:00 PM the day before your trip. The email will include the meeting time, your tour guide's contact information, and the vehicle's license plate number. Please check your inbox (it may end up in your spam folder).
We will not be responsible for any taxi or accommodation expenses incurred due to delays in the return trip.
This itinerary does not include admission to the Touda Buddha Hall. Thank you for your understanding.
The "Usuyama Ropeway" and "Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch" are optional visits within the itinerary. The tour fee does not include entrance tickets/ropeway tickets for the above two attractions. Passengers who wish to visit or ride these attractions should purchase tickets on-site.
Depending on weather or traffic conditions, visit times at some attractions may be shortened or cancelled. Additionally, parking schedules may vary depending on the vehicle's registration number.
If you are prone to motion sickness or seasickness, please take precautions in advance to avoid affecting your pleasant journey.
Lunch is not included in this itinerary. We recommend that you have lunch at Lake Toya on your own.
Infants aged 0–2 years who do not occupy a seat are free, but must be notified in advance.
If some attractions are closed on specific dates, we will arrange alternative attractions for you. We appreciate your understanding that we may not be able to notify you of each attraction in advance.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQs
1. Where is Showa Shinzan located, and how can one typically reach it from Sapporo?
Showa Shinzan is located in Hokkaido, Japan, adjacent to Lake Toya. It is known as Japan's youngest active volcano. From Sapporo, visitors typically reach Showa Shinzan by organized tour bus, which provides convenient round-trip transportation, eliminating the need for self-driving or complex public transport transfers.
2. What is the geological history and formation process of Showa Shinzan?
Showa Shinzan is a unique lava dome volcano that emerged between 1943 and 1945. It dramatically rose from what was originally a flat barley field due to intense seismic activity and the uplift of magma beneath the surface. This rapid formation makes it Japan's youngest active volcano, still displaying fumarolic activity and visible signs of its ongoing geological processes.
3. What are the unique natural characteristics and features of Showa Shinzan?
Showa Shinzan is characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown peak, a result of the lava dome's surface. A key feature is the constant emission of white smoke and steam from its vents, signifying its ongoing geothermal activity. Visitors can observe the direct evidence of earth's powerful forces, experiencing the raw, dynamic nature of a newly formed volcano up close.
4. What unique natural phenomena can visitors experience at Noboribetsu Hell Valley?
At Noboribetsu Hell Valley, visitors can experience a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic activity. Key phenomena include numerous steam vents, sulfurous streams, and bubbling hot springs, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The valley's barren, rocky terrain, coupled with the strong smell of sulfur and constant plumes of white smoke, offers a powerful, close-up encounter with an active volcanic caldera.
5. What is the architectural significance of the Head of Buddha and its surrounding environment?
The Head of Buddha at Makomanai Takino Cemetery is an architectural marvel designed by Tadao Ando. Its significance stems from the unique approach where the massive Buddha statue is partially hidden within a surrounding hill, with only its head visible from a distance. Visitors walk through a serene approach, eventually revealing the full statue. This creates a powerful, contemplative experience, complemented by 33 giant Moai statues in the surrounding environment.
6. What kind of experiences can visitors enjoy while strolling through Jozankei Onsen Village?
Strolling through Jozankei Onsen Village offers a blend of natural beauty and traditional Japanese hot spring culture. Visitors can enjoy the serene mountain scenery, especially vibrant during autumn and lush in summer, which showcases the area's seasonal charm. Key experiences include relaxing in public footbaths, exploring charming local shops, and admiring the Kappa statues spread throughout the village, known for its folklore.
7. What scenic views and landmarks can be observed from the Lake Toya Silo Observatory?
From the Lake Toya Silo Observatory, visitors can enjoy panoramic 180-degree views of Lake Toya, often described as a sapphire blue jewel. The observation deck offers stunning vistas of the lake's islands, including Nakajima, and the majestic Mt. Yotei in the distance. This vantage point provides an expansive perspective of the caldera lake and its surrounding volcanic landscape.
8. How can travelers easily visit multiple Hokkaido attractions such as Showa Shinzan and Noboribetsu Hell Valley from Sapporo without self-driving?
Travelers can easily visit multiple Hokkaido attractions like Showa Shinzan and Noboribetsu Hell Valley from Sapporo by joining a guided day tour. These tours typically offer comfortable round-trip bus transportation from Sapporo, eliminating the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or coordinating public transport connections. Additionally, services often include a bilingual guide who provides commentary and assistance throughout the journey, ensuring a smooth and informative experience without the need for a private car.
