Hokkaido, Japan | Sapporo Departure! Noboribetsu Jigokudani & Showa Shinzan & Lake Toya & Lake Shikotsu Day Tour (Guaranteed Departure for Solo Traveler! Daily Departures!)

− Meeting Time (Valid from 4/1 to 10/31) −
Meeting Point ① 7:40
Meeting Point ② 7:50
Meeting Point ③ 9:35
− Meeting Location −
Meeting Point ①: Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel (Please arrive 10 minutes before departure)
Meeting Point ②: In front of the Tourist Information Center on the 1st floor of Sapporo TV Tower (Please arrive 10 minutes before departure)
Meeting Point ③: Noboribetsu Jigokudani Park Service Center (Please arrive 10 minutes before departure)

− Itinerary (Valid from 4/1 to 10/31) −
7:50 Departure from Meeting Point ①
8:00 Departure from Meeting Point ②
9:35 Jigokudani (35 minutes of free time)
10:50 Cape Earth (25 minutes of free time)
12:05 Lake Toya Observatory (30 minutes of rest)
Choose one of two itineraries
12:50 Itinerary A: Lake Toya Onsen Town (70 minutes for lunch on your own)
13:50 Itinerary A: Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum (15 minutes of free time)
14:10 Itinerary A: Showa Shinzan, Bear Ranch (40 minutes of rest)
Mt. Usu Course defaults to Itinerary B
12:50 Itinerary B: Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum (15 minutes of free time)
13:10 Itinerary B: Mt. Usu, Showa Shinzan (100 minutes for free exploration + lunch)
The Mt. Usu Ropeway will be temporarily suspended from June 22 to June 24. The itinerary will be adjusted to visit Lake Toya Onsen Town only.
16:10 Lake Shikotsu (35 minutes of rest)

− Return Trip (Valid from 4/1 to 10/31) −
17:45 Drop-off in front of Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel
17:55 Drop-off in front of the Tourist Information Center on the 1st floor of Sapporo TV Tower

【Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)】
Noboribetsu Jigokudani is a crater ruin formed by volcanic activity, creating a surreal valley of lava. Jigokudani is not only a must-visit spot in Noboribetsu but also the source of the famous Noboribetsu Onsen. With over a dozen types of hot springs, it is often called a 'department store of hot springs.' The air is filled with the strong scent of sulfur, creating a truly hellish landscape. Despite the barren appearance, the water flowing from here has unique healing 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. Mining of these springs began over a century ago. The vents in Jigokudani emit steaming smoke like a roaring beast, making you feel as if you are in a fiery hell, while smaller, nameless vents trickle with sounds like weeping, truly living up to the name 'Hell Valley.'

【Cape Earth (Chikyu Misaki)】
The name Cape Earth comes from the Ainu word for cliff. The lighthouse on the cliff stands 131 meters tall, with a light reaching 25 nautical miles. First lit in 1920, its beam could reach up to 44 kilometers, and it became fully automated in 1991. The area is on a migratory bird route and serves as a breeding ground for peregrine falcons. Cape Earth was voted No. 1 in a natural scenery poll conducted by the Asahi Shimbun in Hokkaido, quickly becoming a highly popular tourist destination. With cliffs about 100 meters high, on clear days, you can look out from the observatory at the horizon of the Pacific Ocean and see a slight curve, making it one of the few places on Earth where you can visually perceive the Earth is round.

【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. Beyond enjoying the beautiful scenery, you can taste authentic Hokkaido delicacies, such as butter and yogurt made from the freshest local milk, the famous balloon milk pudding only available in Hokkaido, and various souvenirs. You can also experience outdoor activities outside the observatory!

【Lake Toya Onsen Town】
Enjoy lunch on your own in the Lake Toya Onsen town. There are free foot baths and hand baths around the lake for you to use. We recommend bringing your own towel if you wish to experience them; it is a great place to sit, relax, and warm up during winter. On clear days, you can see Hokkaido's 'Ezo Fuji,' Mt. Yotei. The lakeside is also decorated with various art installations, perfect for taking photos while enjoying the scenery of Lake Toya.

Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit Memorial Museum
The exterior of the museum features the G8 Summit logo and historical markers, making it a unique photo spot on the Lake Toya itinerary.

【Showa Shinzan】
Formed by volcanic activity in 1943, Showa Shinzan records the entire process from eruption to cessation and remains one of the newest volcanoes of the 20th century. Still active today, you can see smoke rising from the 398-meter-high mountain, which is designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan. There are about 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears at the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch. You can buy apples or cookies to feed the bears. The brown bears may stand up and wave, bow, or lie on the ground to attract 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 ranch, you can see Hokkaido brown bears, American black bears, and raccoons. You can interact with them, feed them, and take photos. In spring, you can even see cute bear cubs. *Bear Ranch admission: Adults (junior high school and above) ¥900, Children (6 years and above) ¥500. Please refer to official information for details.

【Lake Shikotsu】
Located in the western part of Chitose City in southwestern Hokkaido, Lake Shikotsu is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. With an average depth of 265m and a maximum depth equal to the height of the Tokyo Tower, it is the largest lake in Hokkaido. Formed in a volcanic crater 30,000 years ago, it is the second deepest lake in Japan and the northernmost ice-free lake. In summer, it is a habitat for migratory birds, attracting many birdwatchers. The autumn foliage in October is magnificent, and the sunset at Lake Shikotsu is also stunning—a must-see for photography enthusiasts. The winter Ice Waterfall Festival is another essential attraction in Hokkaido besides the Sapporo Snow Festival. Lake Shikotsu has high water transparency, with underwater visibility reaching up to 20 meters. During the winter festival, pure lake water is used to create ice fortresses and slides, which vary every year. Don't miss the Lake Shikotsu Ice Waterfall Festival when visiting Hokkaido in winter.