Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru
Description
Experience the very best of Hokkaido on this full-day sightseeing adventure from Sapporo! Start your morning with convenient pickup from The Oriental Hotel or Sapporo Station, then journey to the dramatic landscapes of Noboribetsu, where you’ll explore the famous Hell Valley (Jigokudani) and witness steaming volcanic vents and bubbling hot springs. Next, enjoy a scenic Lake Toya tour, taking in the serene caldera lake and panoramic mountain views while savoring a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, visit the charming canal town of Otaru, known for its historic streets, glassware shops, and local treats—perfect for strolling and sightseeing at your own pace. The day concludes with a comfortable return to Sapporo, arriving by early evening. With its perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and scenic views, this tour offers an unforgettable Hokkaido adventure—book now to secure your spot and capture the magic of Japan’s northern island!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Address: Sapporo Oriental Hotel Departure Time: 07:30 AM Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Address: Sapporo Sta. North Exit Group Bus Stop. 3 Chome, Kita 7 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City. Departure Time: 08:00AM Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
At Noboribetsu, travelers will discover one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring destinations, renowned for its volcanic landscapes, steaming hot springs, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a dramatic volcanic crater filled with sulfurous steam vents, bubbling pools, and walking trails that showcase the area’s geothermal activity. The town also offers relaxing onsen (hot spring baths), traditional ryokan accommodations, and cultural experiences, such as trying local cuisine and visiting the Noboribetsu Date Historic Village to learn about samurai-era life. With its mix of natural wonders, therapeutic hot springs, and cultural attractions, Noboribetsu is an unforgettable destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
At Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani), travelers will be immersed in a dramatic volcanic landscape filled with steaming vents, boiling sulfur ponds, and fumaroles, showcasing the raw geothermal power of Hokkaido. Visitors can explore well-maintained walking trails that wind through rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the valley and nearby mountains. Along the paths, travelers can learn about volcanic activity, sulfur deposits, and the formation of hot springs. The area is also famous for its therapeutic onsen waters, which can be sampled at nearby foot baths or hot spring resorts. With its striking scenery, educational insights, and unique natural phenomena, Noboribetsu Hell Valley provides a thrilling and memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Explore Oyunuma, a powerful reminder of Mount Hiyori’s volcanic past. This steaming sulfur pond reaches temperatures of up to 130°C and supplies natural hot spring water to many of Noboribetsu’s famous onsen resorts. Visitors can admire the view from the observation deck or walk along the lakeside paths to feel the heat rising from the earth. Please note that access may be temporarily restricted during winter due to road conditions.
At Lake Toya, travelers will experience the serene beauty of one of Hokkaido’s most picturesque caldera lakes, surrounded by lush forests and volcanic mountains. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside promenade, enjoy panoramic views of the calm, clear waters, and admire Mount Usu and Mount Showa-Shinzan in the distance. The area offers boat cruises, scenic viewpoints, and photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset. Travelers can also explore nearby attractions such as hot spring resorts, flower gardens, and walking trails, making Lake Toya a perfect spot to relax, enjoy nature, and capture the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido.
At Showa Shinzan Kazuma Ranch, travelers can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido’s countryside while exploring a working farm set against the dramatic backdrop of Showa Shinzan, the volcanic mountain that emerged in the 1940s. Visitors can interact with friendly farm animals such as cows, sheep, and horses, and learn about dairy farming and local agricultural practices. The ranch also offers hands-on experiences, including milking cows, feeding animals, and tasting fresh dairy products like cheese, butter, and ice cream made on-site. With wide-open fields, panoramic mountain views, and family-friendly activities, Showa Shinzan Kazuma Ranch provides a fun, educational, and scenic experience for travelers of all ages.
Experience the scenic charm of Lake Toya, a nearly circular caldera lake located in southwestern Hokkaido. Spanning approximately 10 km in diameter, the lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters, surrounding volcanic mountains, and peaceful atmosphere. As Japan’s northernmost ice-free lake, it offers breathtaking views throughout the year and is an ideal spot for sightseeing and photography.
Otaru is a picturesque port city known for its beautifully preserved historic streets and romantic canal. Visitors can stroll along the famous Otaru Canal, lined with old stone warehouses that reflect the city’s trading past, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this seaside town. The area is also popular for glassware shops, music box stores, and fresh seafood, allowing guests to explore freely and enjoy dinner at their own pace before returning to Sapporo.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The Travel Time is included in the Itinerary
- Please keep your passport and valuables safe during your trip. You are responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to your own property.
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, with no size limit (please specify in "Request & Remarks" during registration)
- Infants aged 0-2 years can travel for free without occupying a seat. If you need a seat for your infant, please make sure to reserve a child ticket. Failure to do so may result in your party being denied boarding due to lack of space in the vehicle, and no refund will be issued.
- Driver guide service is available for an exquisite small group of 1–13 people or a bus group of 14–45 people, with adjustments based on the actual number on the day
Reviews(8)
Not worth a penny. Most of the time you sit in the car. When you get to the attractions you have about 10 minutes to take pictures. You do get more time in places less interesting.
Enjoy a beautiful day tour exploring Lake Toya and Otaru in Hokkaido. Most of the journey involves a scenic drive through the mountains, making it an excellent way to see many sights in just one day. Tour durations change with the season. I went in early June. The pickup was before 8 am at Sapporo station, and I was dropped off before 5:30 pm.
A lot of bus time not enough time at a couple of stops the volcanic area was spectacular the bears cute
Very good quick overview about Hokkaido for tourists needs an interests. Nature spots and an idea about historical development at least of southern part of island. Possibility to see both seas, Atlantic and Japanese sea with boards of Russia (if good weather permits).
It is a pleasant and enjoyable tour.The tour guide Rita is very friendly and very good. It's a nice getaway from Sapporo
Guide was incredible. Great narrative and history as we traveled, exceptional service and language skills.
Great tour that covered many of the places to see in Hokkaido. The guide Jay was informative and helpful at the many stops. Our group of four enjoyed the tour and recommend it. Good communication from tour operator and guide Jay before the tour.
Very well organized tour, lots of great narration along the way. The schedule of each stop on the itinerary was perfect for me, not too long but not too short. Seeing the countryside in the snow on the trip from Lake Toya to Otaru was peaceful and beautiful, I only wish there had been some places to stop along the way to take photos but maybe old buildings in the snow are a photo op only a small group of people would enjoy 😂
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