One-day tour to Lake Toya and Otaru in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan | Noboribetsu Jigokudani & Showa Shinzan Bear Farm & Lake Toya Observatory & Otaru Canal | Chinese and English service
Experience the magnificence of Noboribetsu Hell Valley; interact with cute bears at the Bear Farm; and stroll through romantic Otaru!
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Stroller-friendly |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, regardless of size. If you bring luggage, you must indicate this when placing your order. If you bring luggage without permission and the vehicle cannot fit it, you will be refused boarding and the fee will not be refunded.
Bring your own lunch:
Meals are not provided during the tour, nor are they provided at the attractions visited, so you will need to bring your own lunch on the day of the tour.
Service format:
※Small car: Driver/guide (English and Chinese); Large vehicle: Driver + Guide (English and Chinese). Free time within the scenic area; driver/guide will not accompany you into the scenic area.
※Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard or equivalent; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hitch or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of participants on the day.
Audience description:
※ Seniors aged 70 and above must ensure they are in good health and suitable for travel, and must be accompanied by a family member or friend aged 22 or above throughout the trip.
*Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult passenger throughout the trip.
*Pregnant women, people with heart conditions, and those with a fear of heights are not suitable to participate in this tour and may be refused participation.
Description of attractions that may be changed/cancelled on the day of the trip:
*Due to the unpredictability of factors such as traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowds on the day of your trip, arrival times for each itinerary may vary. According to Japanese law, the maximum working time for a driver is 10 hours; therefore, the itinerary may be adjusted based on actual circumstances, including reducing sightseeing time at attractions, changing the order of attractions visited, or canceling certain attractions. Refunds will not be provided for such adjustments. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
※ Your return trip may be delayed. To avoid any losses, please do not schedule any subsequent travel, such as restaurant reservations, flight or train bookings. Please be aware of this!
Reminders
This tour requires a minimum of 4 participants. If the minimum number is not reached, you will be notified no later than three days prior to departure and will be offered alternative dates or a full refund. Once the order is confirmed, dates cannot be changed arbitrarily; any resulting losses will be your sole responsibility.
Please wear comfortable, suitable clothing and shoes for this trip. Please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times during the trip and take good care of them. You will be solely responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.
This is a fixed-route shared tour. Participants are requested to adhere to the designated time limits at each attraction and follow the driver/guide's instructions. Please arrive at the designated pick-up location at the specified time. This product is non-refundable, non-changeable, and cannot be transferred to other tours or joined midway. If you are unable to participate in this tour due to your own reasons, you will be responsible for any resulting losses. Thank you for your understanding.
Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, and crowds on the day. We apologize for any delays or cancellations caused by the aforementioned factors or other unforeseen circumstances, and no refunds will be provided on such grounds.
Please note that no refunds will be given for absences or cancellations due to personal reasons, lateness, or other reasons. If you leave the group midway through the trip, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refunds will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this.
Meals are not included in this tour price; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense. Please note that some restaurants do not allow outside food to be brought in or used for seating without ordering food.
Please keep your mobile phone accessible during your trip so that relevant staff can contact you.
If you have a history of motion sickness or seasickness, it is recommended that you take precautions to prevent motion sickness or seasickness, so as not to affect your pleasant journey.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the activity, and prepare sunscreen, insect repellent, a windproof jacket, camera, etc. Please dress warmly in winter.
Please keep your personal belongings safe and try not to carry valuables. If they are lost or damaged during the trip, you will be responsible for the loss.
During peak tourist seasons or other special circumstances, departure times may be earlier or slightly later (the exact departure time will be confirmed by your tour guide). Please prepare accordingly.
During free time, you should pay attention to your personal safety and property security. If you do not heed the advice and an accident or loss occurs, you will be responsible for the consequences.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 7 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 5 to 6 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–4 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 the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Lake Toya is renowned for its beautiful caldera lake, formed by volcanic activity. Key highlights include the volcanic island of Nakajima in the center of the lake, the surrounding Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and the panoramic views from various observation decks. It's also famous for its annual long-running fireworks festival during summer evenings and its geothermal activity.
At Lake Toya, visitors can enjoy boat cruises to Nakajima Island, scenic drives around the lake, and walking trails that offer stunning views. There are also hot spring resorts along the shore for relaxation. Other popular activities include visiting the Usuzan Ropeway for volcanic landscapes and exploring the local craft shops and eateries.
Lake Toya is a caldera lake, formed from the collapse of a volcano after a massive eruption approximately 110,000 years ago. Its geological history is dominated by volcanic activity from Mount Usu, which lies adjacent to the lake. The last major eruption of Mount Usu occurred in 2000, significantly shaping the surrounding landscape and creating new domes and craters that are still visible today.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley," is a dramatic volcanic crater that serves as the main source of Noboribetsu's hot spring waters. Visitors can observe spectacular hot steam vents, sulfurous streams, and bubbling hot springs. The valley's barren, rocky landscape, stained with vibrant mineral colors, creates an otherworldly atmosphere, with well-maintained walking trails providing safe access to its unique features.
At the Showa Shinzan Bear Farm, visitors can observe over 100 Ezo brown bears in a natural setting. The farm provides a unique opportunity to feed the bears from a designated safe distance, often through chutes, watching them react to treats. There are also viewing platforms to safely appreciate their behavior and learn about this Hokkaido native species.
The Otaru Canal area is known for its picturesque walking paths along the canal, historic stone warehouses, and gas lamps. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, take a canal cruise, or explore the preserved merchant buildings which now house museums, shops, and restaurants. The nearby Sakaimachi Street is famous for its glasswork studios, music box museums, and local confectionery shops, offering unique souvenir shopping and cultural experiences.
Reaching attractions like Lake Toya and Noboribetsu in Hokkaido typically involves a combination of trains and local buses, or self-driving. However, a popular and convenient option is joining a guided tour, which provides seamless transportation with professional drivers. This eliminates the need to navigate public transport schedules or plan routes, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the scenery between destinations.
A one-day tour covering Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, and Otaru offers a highly condensed and efficient way to experience Hokkaido's diverse attractions. It handles all transportation logistics, ensuring timely visits to each site without the hassle of planning routes or transfers. With expert guidance, travelers can fully immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and cultural highlights, maximizing their sightseeing experience within a limited timeframe.
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