See the enchanting Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and thrilling ice sledding adventures. Explore the geothermal wonders of Jigokudani in Noboribetsu on this excursion departing from Sapporo.
| Ski activity type | Play in the snow・sledding, Snow park, Snow toboggan |
| Activity season | Winter |
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Instruction language | Mandarin |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Charter car, Bus tour |
— Important Notice —
Group or individual package tours are subject to the Standard Form Contract for Domestic Travel issued by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China. By completing your reservation, you agree to and accept the terms outlined in the Standard Form Contract for Overseas Travel
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Some packages offer guaranteed departure for solo travelers; however, under normal circumstances, the minimum number of participants is 20. If the number of participants does not meet the required minimum, the tour will be canceled, and a cancellation notice will be sent via e-mail 7 days prior to departure.
Please confirm the on-site tour group number and meet at the group bus stop at the North Exit of JR Sapporo Station
Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure time. In order to avoid delaying other passengers, the bus will depart on time, and no refunds or rescheduling will be provided to late-arriving participants
The snow season in Hokkaido is very cold, so please wear winter clothing, jackets, and non-slip shoes
During the winter season, it's possible that at each tourist attraction, depending on the weather conditions, you may not be able to enjoy snowy scenery
The scheduled travel route may be changed or canceled due to traffic conditions and congestion on the day
In cases where inclement weather or poor road conditions, among other factors, make it unsafe or impossible to visit certain attractions, the tour leader has the authority to modify or cancel parts of the itinerary in the interest of safety. Please note that due to these circumstances, refunds or reduced fees cannot be requested
Due to road conditions and other factors on the day of the itinerary, the stay time at attractions may be adjusted or some attractions may be canceled. The return arrival time may also be significantly delayed. We recommend to avoid arranging activities that night
Leaving the group during the trip is considered voluntary forfeiture with no refunds. Travelers are responsible for any resulting personal or property losses
When engaging in tour activities, please pay attention to personal and property safety. If an accident occurs or losses occur without heeding the advice, travelers are deemed fully liable for losses incurred
Vehicle Type: The vehicle type will be based on the group size. For small groups, the driver will also serve as service staff. There won't be an extra tour leader. You can explore attractions at your own pace
This itinerary does not include lunch. Based on the traffic conditions on the day of the tour, the staff will assist in recommending suitable dining locations between visiting attractions
This itinerary includes long-distance travel and involves walking along rugged coastlines. Participants with health conditions, like pregnant individuals or older adults, should assess their health before joining. If a sudden health issue arises during the trip requiring immediate medical attention, the participant is responsible for managing it
Due to limited luggage storage space, if you have extra large luggage, please inform us in the remarks column
The number of rubber snow tubes and snowshoes at Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park is limited, and reservations cannot be made in advance. Please line up on-site to use them in order. If there is insufficient snow, the itinerary will be adjusted to visit Asiribetsu Falls for safety reasons
Plan B: The schedule of the Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival is subject to official announcements. If there are any temporary closures due to weather conditions or official announcements, the visit will be canceled and refunds will be processed. You will automatically be transferred to Plan A
If the trip is terminated due to force majeure factors like weather or natural disasters, unfulfilled itinerary expenses will be refunded based on actual costs. Passengers are responsible for refunding return transportation, local accommodation, and additional expenses
Travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a traveler over the age of 18, or they will not be allowed to participate
During the tour, bus and restaurant seating may be shared with fellow travelers from the same group. Seating arrangements will depend on the tour guide and the facility's setup on the day of the tour
Bus seating will be arranged on-site and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding
Plan A does not include any rest stops. Please feel free to purchase lunch at any of the attractions.
Jigokudani, or 'Hell Valley,' earned its name from the dramatic landscape of volcanic steam vents, sulfurous streams, and bubbling hot springs. The barren, rocky terrain, resembling a desolate and infernal land, contributes to this powerful imagery. It is the primary source of Noboribetsu Onsen's rich thermal waters, making it a pivotal natural attraction in the region.
Noboribetsu is renowned as a premier onsen town, offering a diverse range of therapeutic hot springs. Beyond Jigokudani, visitors can explore attractions like Oyunuma Pond, a sulfuric hot spring pond, and the Noboribetsu Bear Park. The town also features traditional onsen streets with souvenir shops, local eateries, and footbaths, providing a rich cultural experience amidst its natural beauty.
Visitors can explore Noboribetsu Jigokudani via well-maintained walking trails and boardwalks. These paths lead through the valley, offering close-up views of active steam vents, sulfurous streams, and hot spring sources. Key spots include the main caldera lookout and the pathway to Oyunuma Pond, allowing a comprehensive experience of its unique volcanic landscape.
Noboribetsu Onsen is unique for its nine different types of hot spring water, each with distinct mineral compositions and therapeutic properties. These include sulfur springs, iron springs, and alum springs, known for their skin-beautifying, healing, and relaxing effects. The rich variety makes Noboribetsu a highly regarded and sought-after onsen destination in Japan.
Lake Toya is a striking caldera lake located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Its unique characteristics include remaining completely ice-free year-round, even in winter, due to its deep waters and geothermal activity. The lake also features Nakajima Island at its center, formed by volcanic eruptions, and offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Usu and Mount Showa-Shinzan.
The last significant volcanic eruption near Lake Toya occurred in the year 2000. This eruption primarily affected Mount Usu, which is situated directly adjacent to Lake Toya. The activity led to the formation of new craters and created a dramatic landscape, showcasing the area's ongoing geological dynamism and natural power.
Visitors to Lake Toya can expect a serene and picturesque experience, immersed in nature. The area offers opportunities for enjoying breathtaking scenic views, particularly of the caldera lake and surrounding volcanic peaks. It provides a peaceful retreat with natural beauty, ideal for photography, leisurely strolls, and appreciating Hokkaido's volcanic landscape.
Around Lake Toya, visitors can enjoy various activities. Popular options include scenic boat cruises across the lake, offering close-up views of Nakajima Island and the surrounding mountains. There are also walking paths along the shore, observation decks for panoramic vistas, and opportunities to visit local shops or cafes, enhancing the overall experience of this beautiful region.