Please be sure to arrive at the designated location 10 minutes before. To avoid delaying your subsequent journey, no latecomers will be accommodated.
This itinerary is a fixed itinerary for carpooling. Customers who are also participating in this itinerary must abide by the stay time at each attraction and follow the driver's arrangements.
The natural scenery is affected by the weather of the day, which is a force majeure factor. If you do not enjoy the scenery as expected, there will be no refunds, please know!
If you leave the group on your own during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no fees will be refunded. And if this results in personal or property safety, you must bear the consequences yourself.
In the event of force majeure or unforeseen factors such as weather or emergencies that prevent the group from being organized, all fees will be refunded and liquidated damages will not be compensated.
Lake Toya is renowned for its volcanic lake views that remain unfrozen year-round. The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains, including Mount Yotei. Four small islands, such as Nakajima and Kannon Island, are scattered in the center of the lake, adding depth. Additionally, the hot spring area along the lake allows visitors to enjoy the scenery while soaking in the baths, showcasing Hokkaido's unique natural charm and offering an ideal spot to experience the lakeside wonders.
A typical day trip itinerary allows for a few hours around Lake Toya, which is sufficient for admiring the lake views, strolling through the lakeside park, or trying a foot bath. For a more in-depth exploration, such as a boat cruise or visiting the Lake Toya Volcano Science Museum, we recommend allocating half a day to a full day. This day trip is designed with optimal sightseeing time in mind, allowing you to easily experience the main highlights.
In the vicinity of Lake Toya, we recommend trying the local 'Lake Toya Onsen Manju' (steamed buns) or specialty desserts made with Hokkaido's fresh milk. Nearby Toyoura Town is famous for its scallops, so you can try fresh scallop dishes. Some onsen ryokans also offer kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meals using the rich local ingredients, allowing you to savor local flavors while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
In addition to Lake Toya, this day trip will take you to Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) to experience the unique sulfur spring landscape after volcanic activity, and to admire the volcanic terrain of Showa Shinzan, witnessing firsthand the growth history of this young active volcano. The itinerary is carefully planned to allow you to enjoy Hokkaido's classic hot springs, hell valley, and stunning lakeside views all at once.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani is a volcanic eruption site, featuring unique landscapes where boiling hot steam and sulfurous gases erupt from the ground, filling the entire valley with a strong sulfurous smell. Along the walking paths, you can see reddish-brown rock surfaces and intermittent hot springs, creating a fantastical scene that resembles hell and is an excellent place to feel the earth's vitality.
Showa Shinzan is a very young active volcano that emerged from a barley field during the Showa era, hence its name. Its terrain is characterized by white smoke still rising from the summit, with reddish-brown exposed mountain slopes largely devoid of vegetation, showcasing the raw face of volcanic activity. It serves as an excellent natural classroom for observing volcanic growth.
For this Hokkaido day trip, the driver will provide services in both Mandarin Chinese and Japanese throughout the tour. This means you won't have to worry about language barriers while visiting major attractions like Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Noboribetsu Jigokudani. You can more easily understand local culture, historical backgrounds, and attraction information, enjoying a barrier-free travel experience.
Lake Toya offers different beauty in each season. In spring, cherry blossoms complement the lake views. Summer features lakeside fireworks festivals. In autumn, the surrounding forests are ablaze with vibrant fall colors. Although winter is cold, the snow-covered lakeside and distant mountains display a serene and magnificent winter landscape. Each season is worth exploring.