Hokkaido Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Day Tour: Hell Valley & Showa Shinzan & Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Winter Only) & Snowmobile Experience | Depart from Sapporo · Chinese/English Guide
- Easily explore classic Hokkaido attractions on a classic volcanic lake day trip.
- Choose a private transfer from Sapporo to avoid transfers and travel more comfortably with a well-planned, efficient itinerary.
- Visit Noboribetsu Jigokudani to witness volcanic steam rising from the cliffs, explore 11 types of natural hot spring geological features, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring power of the earth.
- Stroll along the shores of Lake Toya, Japan's northernmost ice-free lake, and ascend to Sairo Observatory to enjoy the vast views of mountains surrounding the lake.
- Book online with KKday for peace of mind and convenience, and start your romantic Hokkaido journey with a limited-time offer.
Package Options
Product Info
Meeting time: 7:40, Sapporo Station North Exit Bus Parking Lot
Meeting time: 7:40
Departure time: 7:50
1. The meeting time is for reference only. The specific meeting time will be announced in the travel group one day before departure.
2. Please strictly adhere to the meeting time. You may arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early. We will not wait for late arrivals. You may consult customer service in advance for the specific meeting address.
【No refunds or rescheduling for those who arrive late or do not arrive】 Pick-up service: 7:30, pick-up service is available for hotels within the designated area of the ticket. Pick-up service is not provided for passengers outside the range, and 'additional fees' apply.
【Express Package: Minimum of 2 people】 The transfers, sequence, and timing for hotels within the designated area of Sapporo Central District will be arranged by the driver/guide based on factors such as distance. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following the driver/guide's arrangements.
※ We will not wait for late arrivals. It is recommended to arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure to ensure a perfect journey.
- Noboribetsu Bus Tour / Small Group Itinerary:
Starts at 08:00
Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) — Approx. 50 minutes for sightseeing
Showa Shinzan, Mt. Usu, Bear Park — Approx. 100 minutes for sightseeing (including meal time)
Lake Toya Onsen Town — Late March to early December: 80 minutes for sightseeing / Snow season: approx. 20 minutes for sightseeing
Silo Observatory — Approx. 20 minutes for sightseeing
Snow World Toya — Approx. 60 minutes for sightseeing (visited from December 10 to mid-March of the following year)
- Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Limited Itinerary (Jan 30 - Feb 23):
Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) — 40 minutes for sightseeing
Lake Toya Lakeside — 20 minutes for sightseeing
Lake Toya Observatory — 20 minutes for sightseeing
Snow World Toya — 70 minutes for sightseeing
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival — 60 minutes for sightseeing
18:00｜Drop-off at JR Sapporo Station North Exit Bus Parking Lot / Drop-off at hotel (Return time is for reference only. In case of traffic congestion, the arrival time at drop-off points on the return trip may be delayed. It is not recommended to book major transportation or other important activities on the same day.)
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Steam and sulfurous smoke billow here all day long, with 11 different types of hot spring water gushing from reddish-brown rock crevices, creating a spectacular geothermal landscape. Strolling through the swirling mist, you can feel the majestic energy from deep within the earth. At night, the magical path lit by 'ghost fire' lamps feels like walking into the gates of the underworld from mythology. It is both a world-rare textbook of volcanic geology and a sacred place to experience Japanese hell culture and hot springs.
Showa Shinzan - 100 minutes (including meal time) Total stay: 100 minutes Due to limited time, please follow the guide's recommendations on the day (admission fees are at your own expense): Recommended Activity 1: Usuzan Ropeway. An aerial adventure over the pulse of a volcano. In just 5 minutes, the ropeway takes you from the tranquil foothills to the edge of the still-smoking crater, offering panoramic views of the Showa Shinzan lava dome's growth and the entire Lake Toya landscape. Recommended Activity 2: Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch. After taking the ropeway up, you can observe hundreds of Hokkaido brown bears up close. Whether they are begging for food with cute gestures or playing freely, visitors can purchase food like apples to interact safely with these giant beasts at the designated feeding platforms. Note: This attraction is not included in the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival limited itinerary.
Lake Toya Shore - Approx. 80 minutes (late March to early December) / Approx. 20 minutes (winter season) Lake Toya is the ninth-largest lake in Japan and the northernmost ice-free lake in the country. Formed by a volcanic eruption tens of thousands of years ago, this caldera lake spans approximately 11 kilometers from east to west and 9 kilometers from north to south. It features islands such as Nakajima and Kannon Island, and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery surrounded by mountains.
Silo Observatory — 20-minute visit. Located on the highlands of the west bank of Lake Toya, the 'Silo Observatory' is one of the best photo spots in the Lake Toya area for a close-up view of the lake.
Snow World Toya — 70-minute visit (Available from Dec 10 to mid-March of the following year) A popular snowmobile experience base located in Toyako-cho, Hokkaido, Japan, rated by many tourists as one of the 'Hokkaido winter experiences'. It features routes that weave through the forest and up to the summit, allowing you to not only experience thrilling snow racing but also overlook Lake Toya and the distant Mount Yotei from the summit, offering breathtaking scenery.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Sapporo/Hokkaido
Duration: Same-day return departure
Chartered: Yes
Bus Company Name: Motoyoshi Co., Ltd.
Meals Included: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Group Size: 4 people
Tour Leader: 0
Tour Guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: Tohyama International Tourism Co., Ltd.
Address: 18-13, 4-chome, 2-jo, Tomioka, Teine-ku, Sapporo
Registration: Hokkaido Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-623
Travel Agency Association: ANTA
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
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Pregnant women, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Arrival times for each location may change due to traffic, weather, holidays, or crowd levels on the day of the tour. Please understand that we are not responsible for delays or cancellations caused by the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, and refunds will not be provided for these reasons.
This is a fixed group tour. Seat selection is not available. Please strictly follow the stay duration at each attraction and follow the driver's arrangements.
When booking, please be sure to provide your contact information (mobile number with international roaming enabled / Line / WhatsApp / WeChat). Customer service will confirm the itinerary with you by 21:00 (local time) at the latest on the day before departure. Please stay tuned. If you are not contacted after this time, please contact customer service.
Infants under 3 years old who do not occupy a seat do not need a ticket; children aged 3-12 are not provided with safety seats and will be charged at the child rate. Please note the date of birth of infants and children when placing your order for confirmation.
Space in the vehicle is limited. Each passenger is allowed to carry only one piece of carry-on luggage. If you need to store a suitcase, please note it when booking. The luggage size must not exceed 28 inches.
This tour does not accept solo bookings for travelers under 18. If you wish to book, please have your guardian join the tour with you.
The actual bus type will be adjusted according to the number of passengers on the day.
Please be sure to comply with local Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid legal issues that may affect your rights.
During free time, please pay attention to your personal safety and belongings. You are responsible for any accidents or losses caused by failing to heed warnings.
FAQ
1. How long is the recommended time to spend at Noboribetsu Hell Valley to fully experience its features?
Noboribetsu Hell Valley is a landscape formed by volcanic eruptions, known for its sulfurous smell and steaming hot spring gases. It is recommended to allocate at least 1 to 1.5 hours to stroll along the well-maintained paths and get up close to the geothermal landscape. This duration is sufficient to visit main attractions like the Iron Spring Pond and the Oyunnuma River Natural Footbath, and to admire the magnificent reddish-brown cliffs surrounding the area.
2. Why is Noboribetsu Hell Valley called 'Hell Valley,' and what are its main characteristics?
Noboribetsu Hell Valley gets its name from the unique terrain formed after volcanic eruptions. Here, hot springs, volcanic gases, and steam continuously erupt from the greyish-white and brownish rocks, creating a landscape reminiscent of hell, hence the name. Its main features include up to 11 types of natural hot spring geological formations, mineral-rich hot spring water colors, and the sulfurous scent that permeates the air, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the immense power of the earth.
3. What are the main differences in scenery and experience between Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Hell Valley?
Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Hell Valley each have their unique landscapes and experiences. Noboribetsu Hell Valley primarily showcases the raw and dramatic aspects of volcanic activity, representing geothermal landscapes where you can experience sulfurous steam and hot springs up close. Lake Toya, on the other hand, is renowned for the vastness and tranquility of its caldera lake. It is an ice-free lake, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and mountains from the Soru no Observatory, experiencing the expansive beauty of the surrounding mountains and the serene atmosphere by the lake.
4. What are the most convenient ways to travel from Sapporo city to Noboribetsu and Lake Toya?
The most convenient ways to travel from Sapporo city to Noboribetsu and Lake Toya are by private car service or by joining a day tour. This eliminates the need to plan complex transfer routes and transportation schedules, especially in winter, when a private car offers a more comfortable and direct journey to the attractions. If you opt for public transportation, you would need to take a JR train to Noboribetsu Station or Toya Station, and then transfer to a local bus to reach the attractions.
5. What unique hot spring geological landscapes can be experienced when visiting Noboribetsu Hell Valley?
When visiting Noboribetsu Hell Valley, you can experience a variety of unique hot spring geological landscapes. You can walk along the boardwalk to observe the boiling hot springs and volcanic steam continuously gushing from the reddish-brown cliffs, and feel the sulfurous smell filling the air. Key highlights include the intermittent geyser at 'Tetsusen Pond' (Iron Spring Pond) and the steaming sulfurous hot spring at 'Oyunnuma,' both showcasing the immense geothermal energy from within the earth.
6. Besides admiring the volcanic landscape at Showa Shinzan, what other recommended activities are there?
At Showa Shinzan, in addition to getting a close-up view of this unique volcanic landscape formed by recent volcanic activity, we also recommend experiencing the Usuzan Ropeway. The ropeway will take you to a higher elevation, offering panoramic views of Showa Shinzan, the Usuzan crater, and Lake Toya from different angles, providing an extremely expansive vista. Additionally, there are paid facilities nearby, such as a bear ranch, where you can interact with adorable brown bears.
7. As a winter-limited event, when is the Shikotsu-Toya Ice Festival typically held?
The Shikotsu-Toya Ice Festival is a limited-time winter event in Hokkaido, usually held from late January to late February each year. During this period, the shores of Lake Shikotsu are transformed into a magical world of ice and snow, with water sprayed onto various ice sculptures and illuminated with colorful lights at night. As it is a winter-only event, it is advisable to confirm the specific dates for the year before your visit.
8. What does a snowmobile experience typically include, and what should participants pay attention to before participating?
A snowmobile experience typically includes professional instructor guidance, safety equipment usage, and riding a snowmobile on designated snow paths. Before participating, you should wear warm, snow-proof clothing, such as waterproof gloves, a hat, and snow boots, and follow the instructor's directions, maintaining a safe distance. Some activities may have age or height restrictions, so it's recommended to check in advance.
