Hokkaido Noboribetsu Jigokudani & Lake Toya Snowmobile Experience Day Trip | Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch & Lake Hill Farm | Departure from Sapporo
- All four major attractions in one trip: Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, and Lake Hill Farm.
- Winter-limited experience: Snowmobile ride across the snowfield, adrenaline surge!
- Super hassle-free itinerary: Departing from Sapporo, round-trip transportation included.
- Interact face-to-face with adorable brown bears at the bear ranch
- Free handmade ice cream
- Enjoy scenery, experiences, and delicious food all in one place.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
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.
This itinerary takes you on a winter Hokkaido day trip, departing from Sapporo and filled with surprises.
First stop: Noboribetsu Jigokudani, where you'll marvel at the volcanic landscape shrouded in sulfurous steam and experience the majestic power of nature. Next, visit Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch for an up-close encounter with adorable Hokkaido brown bears, including a chance to feed them. Midway along the way, you'll visit picturesque Lake Hill Farm, renowned in Hokkaido for its handmade ice cream and fresh dairy products. Then, head to breathtaking Lake Toya, where the snowy landscape blends beautifully with the lake's reflections, creating a stunning winter photography destination. Finally, suit up and ride a snowmobile across the snowy landscape, experiencing the exhilarating combination of speed and ice, a perfect end to your journey.
Lake Toya, located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park in southwestern Hokkaido, is one of Japan's renowned freshwater lakes, renowned for its stunning scenery, hot springs, and vibrant seasonal landscapes. Formed by a volcanic eruption, Lake Toya is a vast crater lake surrounded by mountains, boasting crystal-clear waters. Due to geothermal heat, the lake remains frozen even in the coldest winters, earning it the nickname "the lake that never freezes."
Lake Toya SAIRO Observatory: The best place to take panoramic photos of Lake Toya, where you can see all the natural scenery around Lake Toya, including the lake island, Mount Yotei, Showa Shinzan, Mount Usu, etc.
Snowmobiling in Lake Toya is a popular winter activity for those who love speed and excitement and are eager to explore the charm of Hokkaido's snowy landscape. Riding a snowmobile across the snow-covered lakeside and fields not only releases winter energy, but also allows you to deeply appreciate the unique winter natural beauty of the Lake Toya region.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley is a volcanic crater relic in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, Japan. It is close to Lake Toya and was formed about 10,000 years ago. An area with a diameter of about 450 meters is still emitting white smoke, and there is no grass growing. There is a strong smell of sulfur. Noboribetsu Hell Valley got its name because it is like being in hell.
Oyunuma is the remains of a volcanic crater formed during the eruption of Mt. Hiyori. From its bottom, a sulfur spring gushes out at approximately 130 degrees Celsius, serving as the source of hot spring water for many of Noboribetsu's onsen ryokans. There's an observatory offering panoramic views of the steaming lake, or you can walk to the lake's edge for a closer look. A circuit of the lake offers not only the aroma of sulfur but also the chance to see the constantly bubbling, smoldering source of the hot springs, where the floating yellow sulfur spheres are particularly striking. The scenic area is closed in winter due to road conditions.
Showa Shinzan Bear Farm: On December 28, 1943, a powerful earthquake struck near Mount Usu, near Lake Toya. This triggered a volcanic eruption, rapidly uplifting the ground to form a high mountain. The volcano continued to erupt until September 10, 1945, with 17 episodes of significant activity. In 1957, in commemoration of this volcanic activity, the 398-meter-high new volcanic mountain was designated a Special Natural Monument and named Showa Shinzan. It continues to grow today, and white smoke can still be seen rising from its reddish-brown mountain.
Located near the Showa Shinzan Cable Car entrance, the Bear Ranch is home to over 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears. Brown bears are Hokkaido's largest wild mammals, and the ranch offers a chance to feed the bears. Upon seeing the food, the bears stand up and wave to visitors, their charming gestures endearing. The horse oil here is also said to be highly effective.
Hokkaido Lake Hill Farm: A stunning spot for panoramic views of Mount Yotei and the snowy plains. Lake Hill Farm is a beautiful ranch nestled on the shores of Lake Toya in Hokkaido. Perched high on high ground, it offers breathtaking views of the pristine waters of Lake Toya and Mount Yotei in the distance, creating picturesque scenery in every season. The ranch boasts vast pastures where dairy cows graze leisurely, offering visitors a glimpse into the pristine nature of Hokkaido's pastoral landscape. On clear days, the vibrant scenery of the lake and mountains complements the farm's surroundings, creating a tranquil and picturesque scene.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Hokkaido
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Hwazak International Kanko Co., Ltd., etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
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 exemption number: Registration number Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-633
Travel Industry Association Name: Regular member of Japan Travel Industry Association
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
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 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Skiing is intense and dangerous, so it is recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance or accident insurance before departure.
This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stopover time at each attraction and follow the driver's instructions.
Please note that no refunds will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.
If you leave the group during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no refund will be given. If any personal or property safety is affected as a result, the consequences will be borne by the individual.
The arrival time of each tour may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds. If the tour is delayed or cancelled due to the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, please understand that this is not a valid reason for requesting a refund.
In case of a small group, a small car with a driver who also serves as the tour leader will be used. Please be aware that this product is a carpooling service and will be shared with other guests. Parking outside of the scenic area is not allowed.
Traffic jams and other force majeure factors may occur during weekends and national holidays. The driver and tour guide will also adjust the itinerary based on the specific situation. Please be sure to prepare your psychological expectations before placing an order.
To keep the carriage clean and comfortable, please do not eat or drink in the carriage. If you cause stains in the carriage, you will need to compensate according to local cleaning standards. Thank you for your understanding.
Please be sure to arrive at the designated pick-up location at the designated time and do not be late. Since this itinerary cannot be transferred to other flights or joined midway, if you fail to participate in the day tour due to your own reasons, you will be responsible for the corresponding losses. Thank you for your understanding
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 Jigokudani is named 'Hell Valley' due to its dramatic volcanic landscape. Steam and sulfuric gases erupt from fissures, creating hot streams and an acrid smell. The barren, rust-colored terrain with bubbling hot springs and fumaroles visually resembles a scene from hell, hence its evocative name. It’s a powerful natural spectacle.
At Noboribetsu Hell Valley, visitors can explore a network of well-maintained walking trails that lead through the geothermal landscape. Key sights include the main crater, active fumaroles, and boiling mud ponds. You can walk to Oyunuma Pond, a sulfurous lake, and follow a path to a natural footbath in the Oyunumagawa river, offering a unique onsen experience amidst nature.
For a comprehensive experience at Noboribetsu Hell Valley, visitors typically need about 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to walk the main trails, observe the geothermal features, and enjoy the views. If including the natural footbath at Oyunumagawa, allocate an additional 30-60 minutes for a relaxing soak. It is often visited as part of a day trip to Hokkaido's southern region.
The most convenient way to reach Noboribetsu Hell Valley from Sapporo is by joining an organized day tour that includes round-trip transportation. These tours typically depart directly from Sapporo, providing a hassle-free journey. Alternatively, you can take a JR train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Station, then transfer to a local bus for a short ride to the Hell Valley area.
Travelers can easily visit multiple Hokkaido attractions like Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya, and Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch without a car by joining an all-inclusive day tour. These tours provide seamless round-trip transportation from Sapporo, a well-planned itinerary covering key sights, and often include entrance fees or unique experiences, ensuring a worry-free and efficient exploration of the region.
During a winter day tour in Hokkaido, visitors can often experience snowmobiling across vast snowy plains. Many tours that visit attractions like Noboribetsu and Lake Toya include this thrilling activity at a designated location, such as a farm or ranch with expansive snow-covered grounds. It offers an adrenaline rush and a unique way to enjoy Hokkaido's winter landscape.
At Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, visitors can interact closely with adorable Hokkaido brown bears. The ranch provides opportunities to feed the bears from a safe distance, observing their playful antics and unique begging poses. It's an engaging experience, particularly for families, offering a chance to learn about these local animals while enjoying views of the volcanic Showa Shinzan nearby.
At Lake Hill Farm, situated near scenic Lake Toya, visitors can savor delightful Hokkaido-exclusive dairy products. The farm is particularly renowned for its rich, creamy milk ice cream, which is a must-try. Guests can also sample other fresh dairy treats, offering a sweet ending to their visit and a taste of Hokkaido's renowned agricultural produce.
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