The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Meeting time (until April 1st to October 31st) -
Meeting point ① 7:40
Meeting point ② 7:50
Meeting point ③ 9:35
-Meeting Point-
Meeting point ① Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel (Meet 10 minutes before departure)
Meeting point ②: Meet in front of the visitor service center on the first floor of Sapporo TV Tower to board the bus (meet 10 minutes before departure).
Meet at point ③ Noboribetsu Park Service Center in Jigokudani (please arrive 10 minutes before departure time).
- Itinerary (from April 1st to October 31st) -
7:50 Depart from meeting point ①
8:00 Departure from meeting point ②
9:35 Jigokudani (35-minute free study tour)
10:50 Cape Chikyu (25 minutes of free time for sightseeing)
12:05 Lake Toya Observatory (30-minute break)
You can choose one of the two itineraries.
12:50 Itinerary A: Lake Toya Onsen Street (70 minutes of free time for lunch)
13:50 Itinerary A: Hokkaido Toya Lake Samit Memorial Hall (15-minute free time for observation)
14:10 Itinerary A: Showa Shinzan, Bear Ranch (40-minute rest)
The Usuyama package is set to Itinerary B by default.
12:50 Itinerary B: Hokkaido Toya Lake Samit Memorial Hall (15-minute free time for observation)
13:10 Itinerary B: Usuyama, Showa Shinzan (Free time + 100 minutes for lunch)
16:10 Lake Shikotsu (35 minutes rest)
- Return trip (from April 1st to October 31st) -
17:45 Get off in front of Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel
17:55 Get off in front of the visitor center on the first floor of Sapporo TV Tower.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley
Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a volcanic crater remnant, a strange valley formed by lava after a volcanic eruption. One of the must-see attractions in Jigokudani, even without a Noboribetsu coin, is the source of Noboribetsu's hot springs. There are over ten types of hot springs here, each with its own unique characteristics; due to the rich variety of hot springs, it's often called a "department store of hot springs." The surrounding air is filled with a strong sulfurous smell, truly a scene from hell. Despite its barren landscape, the springs flowing from it are hot springs with special healing properties, with a flow rate of up to 3000 liters per minute, making it the largest hot spring source in Noboribetsu. Depending on the location, the water quality varies, reaching as many as 11 different types. People have been extracting water from Jigokudani for over a hundred years. The geysers of Jigokudani constantly emit billowing steam like roaring flames, making one feel as if they are in a fiery hell. Other small, unnamed vents trickle out water like weeping cries from the depths of the earth, truly living up to its name, "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley).
【Earth Cape】
Cape Chikyu originates from the Ainu word for "cliff" in Hokkaido. The lighthouse atop the cliff stands 131 meters tall, its light reaching 25 nautical miles. First lit in 1920, the light's reach extends up to 44 kilometers, and it was fully automated by Heisei 3 (1906). This area is also a breeding ground for falcons, a type of bird that lives along migratory bird routes. Cape Chikyu also won first place in a Hokkaido nature poll conducted by the Asahi Shimbun, instantly becoming a nationally renowned tourist destination. With its approximately 100-meter-high cliffs, Cape Chikyu offers a clear view of the Pacific Ocean horizon from its observation deck, where a slight curve can be seen, making it one of the places on Earth where the Earth's roundness is clearly visible.
Lake Toya Observatory
The Silo Observatory is located on the west shore of Lake Toya. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya, the largest island in the center, Nakajima, Mt. Usu, and Showa Shinzan. Besides admiring the scenery, you can also sample authentic Hokkaido cuisine, including cream and yogurt made with the freshest milk, balloon milk pudding (a Hokkaido specialty), and souvenirs. Other outdoor activities are also available outside the observatory!
【Lake Toya Lakeside Hot Spring Street】
Enjoy a free lunch at the Lake Toya Onsen (hot spring) area. Free foot baths and hand baths are available around Lake Toya. Those interested are advised to bring their own towels, as they are perfect for relaxing and warming up in winter. On clear days, you can also see Hokkaido's Ezo Fuji: Mt. Yotei. Various man-made art installations are also located around the lake, allowing you to take photos while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Toya.
The G8 Summit Memorial Hall in Lake Toya, Hokkaido, features the G8 meeting logo and historical markers on its exterior, making it a unique photo spot during your trip to Lake Toya.
【Showa Shinzan】
Formed by volcanic activity in 1943, Showa Shinzan is one of the newest volcanoes of the 20th century, with records documenting its entire eruption process. Active from 1943 to 1945, the volcano still emits smoke and is a designated Natural Monument of Japan at an elevation of 398 meters. The Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch houses approximately 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears. Visitors can purchase apples, biscuits, and other food, and experience the fun of feeding the bears. The bears will stand and wave when they see you with an apple, or even bow and act cute. Some will lie down and perform comical actions to attract your attention. There's also a special observation room where you can feel the bears' presence through a small window, experiencing their power and even sensing their breathing. The bear ranch features Hokkaido brown bears, American black bears, and small bowl bears. Visitors can interact with the bears, feed them, and take photos. In spring, you can also see adorable bear cubs. ※Bear Ranch Ticket Price: Adults (high school students and above) ¥900, children (6 years and above) ¥500. Please refer to official information for details.
【Lake Shikotsu】
Lake Shikotsu is located in the western part of Chitose City in southwestern Hokkaido, and is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. With an average depth of 265 meters, its maximum depth reaches the same height as Tokyo Tower. Lake Shikotsu is the largest lake in Hokkaido. Originally a crater mountain 30,000 years ago, it filled with water over the years, becoming the second deepest lake in Japan and the northernmost unfrozen lake. In summer, it serves as a habitat for migratory birds, attracting numerous birdwatchers. In October, the lake is ablaze with autumn leaves, creating a magnificent spectacle, and the sunsets over Shikotsu are breathtaking – a must-see for photography enthusiasts. The winter ice festival at Lake Shikotsu is another must-see in Hokkaido besides Sapporo. The lake's water has high transparency, with underwater visibility reaching 20 meters. The ice festival uses the pure water of Lake Shikotsu to create ice castles, ice slides, and other attractions, varying from year to year. In addition to the Sapporo Snow Festival, don't miss the Shikotsu Ice Festival in winter.