Hokkaido, Japan: Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Noboribetsu Jigokudani Day Tour | Chinese and Japanese Guide
- Hokkaido Zoo itineraries can be purchased by clicking this link: [Japan] Hokkaido Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano Day Trip | Asahikawa Zoo, Shikisai-no-Oka, and Elf Terrace | Chinese and Japanese Speaking
- Conquer hot springs, delicious food, Hell Valley, and stunning lakeside scenery all at once!
- One-day bus tour with multiple options.
- Provide Chinese and Japanese correspondence, no need to worry about communication problems
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Charter car |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
The vehicle model will be adjusted according to the actual number of passengers.
Due to the intensified snow and wind conditions in Hokkaido this year, the itinerary has been adjusted. The new itinerary will be implemented from December 20th (inclusive). We appreciate your understanding.
New itinerary:
Meeting Point A: Sapporo Station North Exit Bus Parking Lot
Meeting time: 7:40 AM Departure time: 7:50 AM
Meeting Point B: Statue of Hope, Odori Park
Meeting time: 8:00 AM Departure time: 8:05 AM
09:50-10:40 Noboribetsu Jigokudani (50-minute stop)
11:40-13:20 Showa Shinzan (approximately 100 minutes stop, including lunch at your own expense)
13:35-13:55 Lake Toya (20-minute stop, extended after the snow season ends)
14:10-14:30 Seru Observatory (20-minute stop)
14:40-15:40 Snow World Toya (60-minute stop, limited to the snow season, expected from mid-December to late March of the following year)
*After the snow season ends, the stay at Snow World Toya will be changed to a stay at Lake Toya.
Arrive in Sapporo at 18:00 (will not return to Odori Park)
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The itinerary before December 20th will proceed as originally planned. However, due to snow and frequent traffic congestion, and to ensure safety and other factors, the time spent at attractions may be reduced. We appreciate your understanding.
Meeting Point A: Sapporo Station North Exit Bus Parking Lot
Meeting time: 7:50
Departure time: 7:55
Meeting Point B: Hope Statue in Odori Park
Meeting time: 8:00
Departure time: 8:05
9:50 Noboribetsu Jigokudani (approximately 60-minute stop)
11:50 Showa Shinzan (approximately 100-minute stop, including lunch at your own expense)
Choose one of the following options (A~C) from 13:40 to 15:50 (only for old itineraries before December 20, 2025).
Option A: Lake Toya day trip onsen experience (at your own expense)
-> Lake Toya, Nonokaze Onsen (approximately 90 minutes stay)
->Cerulean Observatory (15 minutes)
->Snow World Toya (stops only during the ski season; does not stop at other times)
*Reference price for a day trip to Lake Toya onsen: JPY 1200 per person, same price for adults and children.
Option B: Lake Toya steamboat (at your own expense)
-> Lake Toya boat trip (approximately 90-minute stop)
->Cerulean Observatory (15 minutes)
->Snow World Toya (stops only during the ski season; does not stop at other times)
*Steamboat reference price: Adults JPY 1,600; Primary school students JPY 800
One bus every 60 minutes in winter
Option C: Snow World Toya (Only during the ski season, optional and at your own expense)
->Lake Toya (stopover for passengers on options A/B to disembark)
->Cerulean Observatory (15 minutes)
->Snow World Toya (approximately 90-minute stop)
*Snow World Toya requires no entrance fee; snowmobile price reference:
Single person JPY 15,000; Double person JPY 20,000
*The snow season is expected to last from mid-December to late March of the following year.
Depart at 15:50 for Sapporo, and disband near Sapporo Station at 18:00 (will not return to Odori Park).
*Arrival time is for reference only; please refer to the actual arrival time for the specific time.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley is a world-class wonder that brings together eleven different types of springs. It is a sacred place where you can experience the energy of the earth and the culture of hell.
Showa Shinzan: Found in 1943 due to an earthquake, it is a rare pregnant volcano. It still emits white smoke today, serving as a living geology classroom that continues to grow.
Lake Toya: Japan's northernmost unfrozen lake, famous for its vast lake views, hot springs, and nighttime fireworks, with a magnificent backdrop including Showa Shinzan.
Option A: Lake Toya day trip onsen experience (not available during the snow season)
Option B: Lake Toya by motorboat (unavailable during the snow season)
Plan C: Snow World Toya, available only during the winter ski season
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Hokkaido Travel duration: Day trip Transportation method: Bus Bus company: Hualou International Tourism Co., Ltd. Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times Accommodation facilities: None Minimum number of people in a group: 4 people Tour leader: 1
【Travel Planning and Execution】
Operating company name: Yamato Trabel Co., Ltd. Address: 2F, 3-9-24 Maejima, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture
License Number: Okinawa Prefecture Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-344
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 4 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 5 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
When making a reservation, please be sure to provide your contact information (mobile phone number with international roaming / LINE / WhatsApp / WeChat). Customer service will confirm the itinerary with you at 9:00 pm (local time) 1 day before departure at the latest, so please pay attention. If no contact is made after the provided time, please contact customer service immediately
This is a fixed itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stay time at each attraction and follow the arrangements of the driver and guide.
Due to limited space on board, each passenger is allowed one piece of checked luggage 28 inches or smaller free of charge. Please indicate this in the "Remarks" section when booking. If you require more than one piece of checked luggage, a space fee of JPY 2,000 per piece will be charged (JPY 6,000 per piece during peak winter travel season; please contact customer service for specific times). Large luggage will be counted as two pieces, and this space fee is payable to the driver on-site.
The natural scenery is affected by the weather of the day, which is a force majeure factor. Refunds will not be accepted if the reason is that the scenery has not met your expectations
If you leave and don't rejoin the group during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no fees will be refunded. If this results in personal or property safety, you must bear the responsibility 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
Elderly people, people with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart disease, and pregnant women are not allowed to participate in this tour.
The arrival time of each tour may change due to traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds on the day. If the tour is delayed or cancelled due to the above or other force majeure factors, please understand that this is not a reason for requesting a refund.
Please be sure to abide by local laws and regulations in Japan and do not bring items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights and interests.
During free time, please ensure the safety of your personal belongings and property. If you fail to heed these instructions and any accidents or losses occur, you will be solely responsible. We recommend purchasing personal travel insurance.
Due to frequent snow and wind in Hokkaido during winter, unforeseen circumstances such as snow accumulation and icy roads may lead to traffic accidents or adjustments to itinerary stays. Changes to the itinerary due to uncontrollable factors cannot be used as grounds for negative feedback or refunds. Please consider this carefully before ordering.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 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 stunning caldera lake, formed by volcanic activity, offering breathtaking panoramic views. It's famous for its clear waters, the volcanic island of Nakajima at its center, and the surrounding active volcanoes like Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan. The area is also well-known for its hot spring resorts and the nightly firework displays during summer, contributing to its appeal as a natural wonder.
Visitors can enjoy various activities around Lake Toya. Popular options include boat cruises to Nakajima Island, scenic drives along the lakeside, and exploring the numerous walking trails that offer spectacular views. In winter, some areas may offer snow activities. The region also features hot spring resorts and a vibrant local culinary scene to experience.
Lake Toya is a caldera lake, a result of massive volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. It is surrounded by active volcanoes, notably Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan. Showa Shinzan impressively rose from a flat field between 1943 and 1945, making it a relatively new geological formation. The area's dynamic volcanic history shapes its unique landscape and geothermal activity.
During a day trip to Noboribetsu Jigokudani, visitors can explore the dramatic "Hell Valley," a volcanic crater from which steam and sulfuric gases continuously erupt, creating an otherworldly landscape. Key attractions include walking along the designated boardwalks to viewpoints, witnessing the boiling hot springs and mud pits, and experiencing the unique smell of sulfur. Nearby, visitors can also find footbaths and hot spring resorts.
Swimming in Lake Toya is generally not recommended due to water temperature and environmental considerations. However, visitors can enjoy various other water-based activities. These include taking sightseeing cruises across the lake, renting paddle boats or kayaks, and participating in fishing excursions. The lake's calm waters and scenic surroundings provide a peaceful setting for these activities.
Mount Yotei, often called "Ezo Fuji" due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji, can be admired from several viewpoints around Lake Toya. Excellent spots include the Silo Observation Deck, which offers expansive views of Lake Toya with Mount Yotei in the background, and certain points along the lakeside drive. Clear weather conditions provide the best chances for a spectacular view of the cone-shaped peak.
To reach these destinations from Sapporo, a popular and convenient option is to join a guided bus tour. These tours typically depart from Sapporo and provide transportation to Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Noboribetsu Jigokudani, handling all logistics. Alternatively, individual travelers can use JR trains to stations like Toya or Noboribetsu, followed by local buses or taxis to reach the specific attractions.
At Showa Shinzan, visitors can marvel at a relatively new active volcano that visibly grew out of a flat field. Its unique features include reddish-brown, rugged slopes and the continuous emission of smoke, providing a stark reminder of its volcanic activity. Visitors can also explore the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch nearby for an interactive experience with bears, making it a distinctive natural and wildlife attraction.
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