| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Once the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed arbitrarily. Any losses incurred will be borne by the order holder.
Please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times during the trip. You will be responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.
People with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as pregnant women, are not allowed to participate.
This tour does not accept bookings from customers under the age of 18 traveling alone. If you wish to book, please have a guardian book with you. Seniors aged 70 and above are not allowed to travel alone and must be accompanied by a family member aged 22 or above.
This is a shared ride with fixed itinerary. Customers participating in this tour are requested to adhere to the time allotted at each attraction and follow the instructions of the driver/guide.
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.
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 be sure to arrive at the designated pick-up location at the specified time. This product is non-refundable, non-changeable, and cannot be transferred to other trips or joined midway. If you are unable to participate in this trip due to your own reasons, you will be responsible for any resulting losses. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
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 our 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 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.
Lake Toya is famous for being a beautiful caldera lake within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, renowned for its active volcanic landscape and status as one of Japan's northernmost ice-free lakes. Its fame stems from the stunning panoramic views, the popular hot spring resorts along its shores, and its unique geological context, nestled near Mount Usu and the youthful Showa Shinzan volcano. Visitors enjoy the scenic beauty and the serene atmosphere year-round.
Yes, Lake Toya is highly recommended for a winter visit. As one of Japan's northernmost ice-free lakes, its surface rarely freezes, providing beautiful reflections even amidst snowy conditions. The surrounding hot spring resorts are particularly enjoyable during colder months, offering a warm and relaxing retreat. Winter also brings unique scenic views, often featuring snow-capped mountains and crisp, clear air, creating a serene and picturesque landscape ideal for photography.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani, known as Hell Valley, is a dramatic volcanic crater recognized for its active sulfurous vents, steaming hot springs, and bubbling mud pits. Its main highlights include the otherworldly, barren landscape that strikingly resembles a scene from hell, the distinct aroma of sulfur in the air, and well-maintained walking trails. These paths allow visitors to safely observe the powerful geothermal activity up close, making it a unique natural wonder and the primary source of Noboribetsu's renowned hot spring waters.
For a comprehensive experience of Noboribetsu Jigokudani, visitors typically spend about 60 to 90 minutes. This duration allows ample time to walk along the main boardwalks, observe the various steam vents and hot springs, and capture photographs of the unique volcanic landscape. If you wish to extend your visit to include a relaxing stop at the Oyunuma Pond natural footbath, allocate an additional 30-45 minutes for that experience.
Yes, Noboribetsu Jigokudani is generally easy to walk for most visitors. The main paths consist of well-maintained wooden boardwalks and paved trails that lead through the volcanic valley. While there are some gentle inclines and steps in certain sections, the routes are not overly strenuous. It is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes, as paths can sometimes be wet or slightly slippery from the constant steam and moisture.
At Showa Shinzan Bear Farm, the brown bears are generally most active from spring through autumn, specifically from April to November. During these warmer months, they are more energetic, frequently seen roaming their enclosures, and engaging with visitors, which makes the feeding experiences particularly lively. While the farm operates year-round, bears may exhibit reduced activity or take longer naps during the colder winter months, though they remain visible for observation.
Mount Showa Shinzan boasts a remarkable geological history as a lava dome volcano that dramatically emerged from a flat wheat field between 1943 and 1945. Its formation involved a rapid succession of seismic activities and significant ground uplift over a short period, making it one of Japan's youngest mountains. It is considered a parasitic volcano of the larger Mount Usu, and its unique, swift growth process has been extensively documented and studied.
When visiting Lake Toya, must-do activities include admiring the panoramic views from the SAIRO Observatory, which offers a breathtaking perspective of the lake and its surrounding volcanoes, Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan. Enjoying a relaxing soak in one of the lakeside hot springs is also highly recommended. During summer, don't miss the nightly fireworks displays over the lake. Additionally, consider taking a scenic lake cruise to visit Nakajima Island for a closer encounter with the local nature.