3-Day Hokkaido, Japan Tour | Cape Chikyu, Noboribetsu, Furano & Biei, Yoichi, Otaru | Summer & Autumn Limited Small Group Tour | Maximum 8 people | Includes Sapporo accommodation
- Small, boutique Hokkaido tours with a maximum of 8 guests avoid the crowding feeling of large bus tours.
- Departing from and returning to Sapporo, I stayed at SHINKA HOTEL Susukino for two consecutive nights, eliminating the need to move my luggage every day.
- On the first day, we visited Cape Chikyu in Muroran to overlook the Pacific Ocean, and then continued our visit to Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) to admire the volcanic landscape.
- On the second day, we will explore Biei and Furano, visiting iconic Hokkaido landmarks such as the Blue Pond, Shirahi Falls, and Shikisai-no-oka.
- On the third day, the group of Yoichi/Ninki and Otaru went beyond just staying in Otaru city, offering a richer experience.
- The hotel is close to the Susukino shopping district, and after the tour, you are free to experience Sapporo's local cuisine and nightlife.
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Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
The itinerary includes two consecutive nights' accommodation in Sapporo city center. The hotel is located near the Susukino shopping district, allowing guests to conveniently arrange their own meals, shopping, and Sapporo nightlife experiences after each day's activities.
The daily private charter car service lasts approximately 10 hours, including all transportation, sightseeing, and lunch time for the day.
Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or looking to avoid large bus tours, you can explore Hokkaido in a more comfortable and relaxed way.
Small group of up to 8 people: Explore Hokkaido in a comfortable minivan, avoiding the frequent stops and long waits of large buses. Approximately 10 hours of private charter car service per day, including all travel and sightseeing time, is ideal for families, friends, and guests who prefer a relaxed travel experience.
Gazing at the vast Pacific Ocean: Standing on the seaside observation deck at Cape Chikyu in Muroran, one can enjoy the magnificent view where the sea and sky meet. On a clear day, the crescent-shaped horizon can be seen, a quintessential coastal landscape of southern Hokkaido.
Explore the hidden volcanic wonders of Hokkaido: Along the Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) trail, admire the sulfurous rock walls, volcanic steam, and constantly gushing hot spring water up close. When the weather and trail are open, you can also visit the Onunuma River natural foot bath to experience the natural hot springs nestled in the forest.
Stroll through the flower fields of Furano and Biei: Visit Farm Tomita and Shikisai-no-Oka to admire the changing flowers and rolling hills of Hokkaido. Summer brings vibrant colors, while spring and autumn offer different pastoral landscapes; each season has its own unique natural expression of Hokkaido.
Two consecutive nights' accommodation in a Sapporo city center hotel: The hotel is located near the Susukino shopping district, convenient for dining, shopping, and exploring Sapporo's nightlife after each day's itinerary. Rooms are generally shared by two people, but room type is subject to availability; breakfast is not included.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: 3 days 2 nights
Transportation: Alphard/Series
Bus company name: J-one Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: SHINKA HOTEL Susukino
Minimum group size: 4
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: J-one Co., Ltd.
Address: 1F, Minami 8-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
License Number: Hokkaido Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-933
Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Association Member
Reminders
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 14 day(s) before the departure date
This product is a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, including the first and second nights' accommodation in a hotel in Sapporo city, but excluding the night before the start of the itinerary.
Departure will be at 08:30 from near SHINKA HOTEL on the first day. Guests are advised to arrive in Sapporo the night before, or ensure they arrive at the meeting point on time on the first day.
Guests who have not yet checked in on the first day can leave their luggage at the hotel and check in when they return in the evening.
Before departure on the third day, check-out procedures must be completed, and all luggage must be taken onto the vehicle. After the day's itinerary, you will be taken back to Sapporo city center; no third night's accommodation will be provided.
Due to limited luggage space in the vehicle, it is recommended that each guest bring one standard-sized piece of luggage. If you are bringing large luggage, strollers, ski equipment, or multiple pieces of luggage, please inform us before booking.
The trip may include walking, slopes and nature trails, so please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.
If a guest is unable to participate in part of the tour due to lateness, we regret that we cannot extend the vehicle rental time on the same day or refund the cost of the unparticipated portion.
The daily itinerary is approximately 10 hours, including travel time from the hotel to the return trip to Sapporo, sightseeing time, and lunch time. Actual arrival times may vary depending on weather, traffic, crowds at tourist attractions, and road conditions.
The price does not include: three meals a day, entrance tickets to attractions, fruit picking, cable car rides, boat trips, hot spring bathing, personal shopping, and other personal expenses.
FAQ
1. What are the key geological characteristics of Noboribetsu Hell Valley?
Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani) is a dramatic volcanic crater, approximately 450 meters in diameter, serving as the primary source of Noboribetsu Onsen's renowned hot spring waters. This area features numerous vents and fumeroles that emit volcanic gas and hot spring water, creating a landscape often likened to hell due to its barren, steaming appearance. Visitors can observe bubbling hot springs, sulfurous steam vents, and distinctive rock formations, all showcasing active volcanic geology. A prominent sulfurous aroma is also a defining characteristic of the valley.
2. What unique sights and natural phenomena can visitors experience at Noboribetsu Hell Valley?
At Noboribetsu Hell Valley, visitors can witness the raw power of nature through its active volcanic landscape. You can walk along well-maintained boardwalks to get an up-close view of the steam vents and bubbling hot springs, such as the famous Tessen Pond. Downstream, the "Oyunuma River Natural Footbath" offers a unique opportunity to soak your feet in a naturally heated spring within the forest. The area's vivid colors, ranging from sulfuric yellows to iron reds, provide a dramatic and memorable visual experience.
3. Can visitors experience natural hot springs near Noboribetsu Hell Valley, and what are the options?
Yes, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan's most celebrated hot spring resorts, located right next to Hell Valley. Visitors can choose from various types of therapeutic baths, including sulfur, iron, and radium springs, each believed to offer distinct health benefits. While a tour typically focuses on sightseeing the valley, many hotels and ryokans in the Noboribetsu Onsen area offer day-use onsen facilities for a fee, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate in the therapeutic waters after exploring the geothermal landscape.
4. What makes Cape Chikyu a significant viewpoint on a Hokkaido tour?
Cape Chikyu (Cape Earth) in Muroran is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Its name is derived from the sensation visitors get when looking out at the horizon, where the curvature of the Earth appears evident, emphasizing the planet's roundness. The cape is home to a distinctive white lighthouse and features cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea, making it an exceptional spot for photography and experiencing the grandeur of Hokkaido's coastline and the vast ocean.
5. What are the recommended activities at Furano Biei, including the Blue Pond and Shikisai-no-Oka?
In Furano Biei, you can explore several stunning natural attractions. The Blue Pond (Aoiike) is famous for its ethereal blue waters, which change hues depending on the light and season, with unique petrified trees standing within the pond. Shikisai-no-Oka is a vast panoramic flower park featuring vibrant, colorful flower fields arranged in picturesque stripes, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. Visitors can walk through the fields or take a tractor bus to explore the extensive grounds.
6. What cultural experiences and sights can be found in Otaru?
Otaru is celebrated for its charming canal, historic warehouses, and renowned glassworks. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Otaru Canal, which is particularly enchanting at dusk when gas lamps illuminate the area. The city also offers numerous glass craft shops where you can observe artisans at work or even participate in glassblowing workshops. The Otaru Music Box Museum is another popular stop, showcasing a vast collection of intricate music boxes. This blend of historical architecture and artistic crafts gives Otaru a unique charm.
7. When is the ideal season to visit Hokkaido's attractions like Noboribetsu and Furano Biei to see their best features?
The period from summer to autumn is generally considered ideal for visiting Hokkaido's diverse attractions. Summer (June-August) offers vibrant flower fields in Furano Biei and pleasant temperatures for outdoor exploration at sites like Noboribetsu Hell Valley. Autumn (September-October) transforms many areas with stunning fall foliage, adding another layer of beauty to the natural landscapes and making it a picturesque time to visit both volcanic sites and scenic parks across Hokkaido.
8. How does a small group tour enhance the travel experience to Hokkaido's diverse locations such as Noboribetsu and Otaru?
A small group tour, typically limited to 8 guests, offers a significantly more personalized and comfortable travel experience compared to larger bus tours. This intimate setting allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in navigating between Hokkaido's diverse locations, from the dramatic landscapes of Noboribetsu Hell Valley to the charming canals of Otaru. Travelers benefit from more direct interaction with the guide, reduced waiting times, and a more relaxed atmosphere, making the exploration of Hokkaido's varied attractions more enjoyable and intimate.
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