Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: with Bear Park Option





Description
Embark on a captivating day tour, immersing yourself in the refreshing ambiance and captivating scenery of two of Hokkaido's magnificent lakes, Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu. Commence your journey at Jigokidani, an otherworldly sulfurous geothermal crater, often referred to as the Valley of Hell, where the landscape is adorned with steaming geysers and a rugged, primordial allure. Continue your exploration to the volcanic Shikotsu-Toya National Park, where you'll indulge in a delightful lunch amidst the natural splendor it unfolds. Revel in panoramic vistas of Lake Toya and the iconic Showa Shinzan Mountain. Secure your spot on this day tour, and let the breathtaking views of Hokkaido's remarkable lakes rejuvenate your senses, creating lasting memories of this enchanting journey.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Address: Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel 1F lobby map Departure Time (Summer) : 07:50 AM Departure Time (Winter) : 08:30 AM Please look for the "Easy Go" flag at the meeting point
Address: Depart from the Sapporo TV Tower Information Center Departure Time (Summer) : 08:00 AM Departure Time (Winter) : 08:40 AM Please look for the "Easy Go" flag at the meeting point
The Noboribetsu Bear Park is a wildlife facility dedicated to the conservation and care of bears. Here's what travelers can see and experience to Observe bears in spacious and naturalistic enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitat. Learn about the different bear species housed in the park and their behaviors. Participate in educational programs and talks conducted by park staff to gain insights into bear conservation. Understand the challenges faced by bears in the wild and the efforts taken for their welfare.Enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the bear park, nestled in the beautiful Hokkaido landscape. Take in the views of mountains and forests while exploring the park. Gain awareness about the park's role in wildlife conservation and the measures taken to protect and care for bears. Bear Ranch admission included depending on the package.
Cape Chikyu, located on the southern coast of Hokkaido in Muroran, offers one of Japan’s most breathtaking coastal views. Towering over 100 meters above the Pacific Ocean, this dramatic cliffside lookout provides panoramic vistas so vast that you can feel the curvature of the Earth on a clear day. At the edge of the cape stands the iconic white Cape Chikyu Lighthouse, a beloved photo spot and symbol of maritime history. Visitors can ring the “Bell of Happiness,” said to bring good luck as its chimes echo over the sea. The area also features peaceful walking trails through seasonal wildflowers, making it ideal for nature walks and birdwatching. During spring and summer, lucky visitors might even spot dolphins or whales offshore.
Lake Toya, nestled amidst volcanic peaks, offers stunning panoramic views. The surrounding mountains and lush greenery provide a picturesque backdrop. Stroll along the charming Lake Toya Onsen Street, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and traditional ryokans. The ambiance is inviting, making it an ideal place for a leisurely walk. Overall, a visit to Lake Toya promises a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and the opportunity to unwind in a tranquil setting. Travelers can expect a memorable experience with the unique offerings of this captivating destination in Hokkaido. (lunch at your own expense)
Lake Shikotsu, situated in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, Japan, offers travelers a mesmerizing experience surrounded by natural beauty. Regardless of the time of year, Lake Shikotsu is a sight to behold. In the fall, the surrounding maple trees create a tapestry of vibrant colors. Winter transforms the lake into a frozen wonderland, especially during the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (2024/1/27-2024/2/25). Lake Shikotsu, with its ever-changing landscapes and diverse offerings, promises a memorable experience for every traveler seeking a blend of nature, adventure, and cultural exploration.
Shōwa-shinzan is a volcanic lava dome located near Lake Toya in Hokkaido. Here's what travelers can see and experience the Marvel at the barren and otherworldly terrain created by past volcanic activity. Take the Mt. Usu Ropeway for panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Lake Toya and the Pacific Ocean. Discover interesting facts about the eruption that formed Shōwa-shinzan in 1943. Capture stunning photographs of the volcanic crater and its unique landscape. Enjoy the contrast of the rugged terrain against the scenic backdrop of nearby lakes. During winter tours, witness the landscape transformed by snow, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. Experience the beauty of Shōwa-shinzan covered in a blanket of pristine snow.
Jigokudani, often referred to as "Hell Valley," is a captivating natural attraction located in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. Jigokudani is known for its striking geothermal activity, with steam vents, sulfurous streams, and hot rivers emerging from the rocky terrain. Visiting Jigokudani offers a unique opportunity to witness the Earth's geothermal forces in action, creating an unforgettable and surreal natural spectacle.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive at designated location 10 mins prior to departure, as tour will depart on time
- The itinerary is subject to change due to changes in hours or admission policy, please consider before booking
- The tour may be delayed due to weather or traffic
- The bus will leave on time, please be sure to observe the boarding time. Passengers who arrive after the bus departs will not be held responsible, please note.
- Sometimes buses are delayed due to traffic jams or bad weather. If you want to continue to take other means of transportation, please allow enough time to take the next means of transportation.
- Sometimes the itinerary must be canceled due to natural disasters or abnormal weather. In this case, please contact us to confirm the departure status.
- The time to visit each scenic spot is determined according to the traffic conditions on the road or the number of participants on the day.
- Please note that the itinerary time is for reference, and the exact timetable of the day may be changed due to traffic conditions or the number of participants.
- When a car or minibus is in operation, the driver will provide you with an introduction to the tour, not a tour guide.
- Free admission for children aged under 3, children must be traveling with an adult and must not occupy a seat. Each adult can only bring one child for free; if your child needs a seat, please book a child ticket
Reviews(5)
This all-day trip into the southern areas of Hokkaido from Sapporo (out from New Chitose Airport) we would rate as somewhere between average and good. It was a really long journey which ended at around 7pm: our last stop before heading homeward was in the dark, with a nice museum that was closing on our arrival, maybe because it was cold & late. It seemed to us that we were constantly on the move and the timing advertised for stops like Lake Toya for 2 hours didn’t happen. Also at Hell Valley we were there for about 45 minutes compared to the advertised duration of 2.2 hours. It felt more like a shopping trip, rather than discovering the natural beauty of this great southern Hokkaido area. Lunch was around 45 minutes and relied on us individually heading off all over the local town: we found a nice little coffee shop. It was an early start: meeting at one of two prearranged pickup sites: it was a full sized bus full of fellow tourists: our host advised they had 3 buses doing this route that day. Very touristy trip. Was it worth the $$$ paid: this is a rare case where we believe, No: this is not a cheap tour, which did not leave us with a sense that we had a great time and saw great things. Other tours we did in Sapporo were far superior. Would we do it again: No: too touristy, far too much shopping, timings way off what was advertised and needing better time management. As seasoned travellers, over 65, married, fit & loving new destinations, we always appreciate independent honest reviews. This review did take more than just a few words, because an explanation is required when rating less than a high score. We hope this review is useful to you. Thanks, ALGreynomads
The guide's English was close to nonexistent. He consistently apologized that it was only his second year learning. When I asked him something, he often didn't understand the question. The lunch on Main Street was one of the worst; I actually got sick afterwards from it. I ate in the guide's recommended place the food he recommended. Not impressed by the location. Overall, I wanted to see the nature I had set out to see, but the tour guide and some locations didn't provide any value. Also, the competitor offered to go up the ropeway at the same spot where the bears are. Why not also allow this on our tour? The competitor tour is also half the price. I felt a bit ripped off
The route carried out did not have much to do with the described route (places and times). Instead of the Noboribetsu Bear Park, which is why I decided to go on this trip, I visited a Bear Ranch with bears in concrete trenches. In the end, a 2h stay in a shopping center was attached. The tour guide was good though and had a lot of interesting information.
I was really disappointed with this tour. The tour guide Lisa did her best herding the cats and was friendly but the itinerary was very disappointing as they gave more time & emphasis on shopping than sight-seeing. If you love shopping in the outlet mall or gift shops, YES, this is the right tour for you.
Lisa, our tour guide, was excellent. She was enthusiastic and always eager to please. We appreciated being reminded to use the restrooms before boarding the bus for a couple of long stretches. I wish we had more time to relax and enjoy the last stop on the tour and would recommend eliminating one of the minor stops and put that time into the last stop where the lake was so beautiful to see.


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