Hokkaido Noboribetsu Toya-ko Otaru Full-Day Tour Sapporo Eastern Hotel

Immerse in the mystical Jigokudani Hell Valley, cruise the serene Lake Toya, meet the bears at the Bear Ranch. End your day with the charm of Otaru's historic canals. Unforgettable experiences await!
Start your day in Sapporo and head to Noboribetsu, home to the mystical Jigokudani Hell Valley, a volcanic crater remnant near Lake Toya, formed around 10,000 years ago. This area is known for its white smoke and strong sulfur smell, creating a dramatic landscape with an otherworldly feel.
Access Ōnunuma crater outside of winter (roads are closed in winter). It's a remnant from Mount Io's eruption, with sulfur springs at 130°C feeding Noboribetsu's onsen hotels. An observation deck overlooks the steaming lake, and you can get close to the water. Walking around reveals sulfur smells and bubbling hot springs, with yellow sulfur balls floating on the lake. The wild footbath requires a long hike on a natural trail, but the scenery is worth it, more beautiful than any photo.

Next, explore the Lake Toya area, including a visit to Showa Shinzan, a "new mountain" that emerged from a volcanic eruption in 1943 and continues to grow. Nearby, the Bear Ranch offers close encounters with over 100 Hokkaido brown bears, the largest land mammals in the region.

Stop briefly at the Lake Toya Eight Views to glimpse the natural beauty of the lake, then proceed to the Lake Toya Observatory for a panoramic view of this caldera lake, one of Japan's northernmost non-freezing lakes. Lake Toya Observatory (10 minutes): A freshwater lake in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan, near the Inobori Bay. Part of the Shikotsu Toya National Park. It is a caldera lake, approximately 10 kilometers in diameter, nearly circular, covering an area of 70.72 square kilometers, with a circumference of 50 kilometers, a maximum depth of 180.0 meters, an average depth of 117.0 meters, and a water volume of 8.19 cubic kilometers. The lake's surface is at an elevation of 84 meters, marking the northern limit of non-freezing lakes in Japan.

Finally, wander through Otaru, a city with a unique European ambiance, lined with historic warehouses and canals. Discover the Kitaichi Glass Workshop, famous for its glass art, and the Otaru Music Box Hall, which houses a vast collection of music boxes. Savor local specialty cuisine.
In winter, Otaru's canals are adorned with glass floats lit by candles, creating a romantic and picturesque scene.

After a day filled with natural and cultural experiences, return to Sapporo to conclude your Hokkaido adventure.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.