Hokkaido Day Tour: Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya, and Romantic Otaru Canal (Depart from Sapporo)
Explore Hokkaido's wonders in a day! Capture Hell Valley's beauty, gaze upon Lake Toya, wander Otaru's Canal City, and meet waving bears at Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch. Embrace Hokkaido's winter enchantment and unforgettable sights, all in one trip!
- Uncover Hokkaido's classic attractions in just one day with our curated tour
- Immerse yourself in the local culture with a professional driver, ensuring a journey enriched with insights into customs and traditions
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point, Hotel transfer |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
- Travel Origin and Destination: Hokkaido
- Tour Duration: Day Tour
- Transportation: Chartered Bus
- Bus Company Name: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd.
- Meal Availability: None
- Accommodation Facilities: None
- Minimum Group Size: 4
- Team Leader: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
- Operating company name: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
- Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- License Number: Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency, No. 2-633
- Travel Agency Association: Regular Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
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 3 day(s) before the departure date
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
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please keep your passport and valuables safe during your trip. You are responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to your own property.
Seniors, patients with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure or heart disease, and women with pregnancy, are recommended to be accompanied by relatives.
Due to the fixed schedule, passengers must abide by stopping time at each attraction and follow the driver's instructions.
Please note that there will be no refunds for guests who arrive late or are unable to participate for personal reasons.
If leaving during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no charge will be refunded. And if this results in loss of personal safety and property, the consequences must be borne by yourself.
Depending on the day of traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds, the arrival time of the trip may change, such as the aforementioned or other force majeure factors trip is delayed or canceled, this can not be a reason to request a refund.
Please wear light, travel-friendly clothing and shoes for this tour.
Please make sure to abide by Japanese laws and regulations, and do not carry items that are prohibited, to avoid violating the law and affecting your rights.
During free time activities, pay attention to your personal items. If you fail to listen to advice and an accident occurs or causes losses, you will be responsible for your own consequences.
Each person can carry one piece of luggage for free. If the luggage exceeds JP¥2,000 per piece, please put in "Requests & Remarks" when placing an order.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 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
Noboribetsu's geothermal area is called Hell Valley (Jigokudani) due to its dramatic landscape of steaming hot springs, sulfurous vents, and bubbling mud pits. This appearance, resembling a scene from hell, is a result of the eruption of Mount Kuttara. It is the main source of the area's hot spring waters, creating a unique and active volcanic spectacle.
Visitors to Noboribetsu Hell Valley can experience unique natural sights such as the vivid orange and brown volcanic rock formations, active steam vents, and boiling sulfurous streams. Key photography spots include Tessen Pond, a hot spring that periodically erupts with hot water, and the walking trails offering panoramic views of the steaming landscape and Oyunuma Pond, a sulfuric pond with a surface temperature of about 50 degrees Celsius.
Lake Toya is a significant caldera lake, famous for being largely ice-free year-round and offering stunning views of Mount Usu, an active volcano, and Showa Shinzan. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises to Nakajima Island, hike or stroll along the lake's shores, and explore the nearby volcanic geological sites. The lake provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and photography amidst Hokkaido's natural beauty.
The Otaru Canal is considered a romantic destination due to its historic charm, well-preserved gas lamps, and brick warehouses that line the waterway, especially enchanting in the evening. Visitors can take a leisurely canal cruise, explore the artisan shops selling glassware and music boxes, or enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants housed in the beautifully restored warehouses. The atmosphere transports you to a bygone era.
At Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, visitors can observe Hokkaido's native brown bears, known as Ezo Higuma. The visitor experience is interactive, allowing guests to purchase food to feed the bears from a safe distance. The bears often display amusing behaviors, such as waving or begging for treats, providing memorable photo opportunities. The ranch is located near the active volcano Showa Shinzan, adding to the unique natural setting.
To efficiently visit multiple attractions like Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Lake Toya in a single day, joining a guided day tour or arranging a private transfer is often the most convenient option. These services handle the logistics of travel between sites, allowing travelers to maximize their sightseeing time without the complexities of public transportation schedules or navigating unfamiliar routes. A professional driver ensures a seamless journey.
The most recommended transportation method to reach Otaru Canal from Sapporo for a day trip is by taking the JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. The journey typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, offering scenic coastal views. From Otaru Station, the canal area is easily accessible by a short walk or a local bus ride, making it a convenient and popular route for visitors.
The Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch is open year-round, allowing visitors to see the bears in various seasons. However, the most suitable time to visit for active viewing is typically during feeding times when the bears are most engaged and lively. Mornings and early afternoons often provide good opportunities to observe their playful and interactive behaviors in their natural surroundings.
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