Hokkaido Tour from Sapporo: Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Otaru
Hokkaido Tour from Sapporo: Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Otaru
Tour with 8:00 AM Pickup from Sapporo Station
Begin your adventure from Sapporo Station and explore volcanic wonders, serene lakes, and Otaru’s historic charm on this immersive day tour. Great for those arriving via public transit.
From
Tour with 7:30 AM Pickup from Oriental Hotel Sapporo
Start your Hokkaido day tour with an early pickup from Oriental Hotel and enjoy a full-day journey through Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and scenic Otaru. Ideal for travellers staying near Odori Park or Susukino.
From
Highlights
Embark on a full-day Hokkaido adventure from Sapporo, weaving through the volcanic wonders of Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and the historic charm of Otaru. Begin at Noboribetsu’s Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, a 10,000-year-old crater where boiling sulfuric springs and steaming vents create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. Stroll to Oyunuma Pond, a volcanic crater lake with blue-green waters and floating yellow sulfur spheres, and feel the earth’s pulse along a sulfur-scented river trail (foot bath closed in winter).
Continue to Lake Toya, a caldera lake framed by Mount Usu and Mount Yotei, for free time to savour local seafood or ramen and explore lakeside trails. Visit Showa Shinzan, a still-active volcano born in 1943, its reddish slopes puffing white smoke. Nearby, the Hokkaido Bear Park offers a chance to feed over 100 playful brown bears, Hokkaido’s largest wild mammals.
From Lake Toyako Observatory, soak in panoramic views of the lake, Nakajima Island, and surrounding peaks. End in Otaru, a nostalgic port town, wandering its Meiji-era canal and red-brick warehouses. Marvel at Kitaichi Glass workshop’s delicate crafts and browse thousands of music boxes at Otaru Music Box Museum. In early February, the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival illuminates the city with glowing snow statues and lantern-lit shops. Book now for an unforgettable blend of nature, wildlife, and Hokkaido’s timeless charm.
- Foot Onsen by the Sulfur River: Unwind in natural foot baths along a warm, mineral-rich sulfur stream—perfect for soothing relaxation.
- Explore Oyunuma Crater Lake: Visit the steamy, sulfuric remains of a volcanic crater formed by a dramatic eruption.
- Hell Valley (Jigokudani): Experience the power of nature at this active volcanic site with steaming vents, boiling springs, and striking landscapes.
- Lake Toya Serenity: Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Lake Toya, a caldera lake surrounded by lush forests and scenic walking paths.
- View Showa Shinzan Volcano: Marvel at one of Japan’s youngest volcanoes, formed in the 20th century and still quietly steaming.
Itinerary
Duration: Approx. 12 hours
Option 1: Meet at Oriental Hotel Sapporo (7:30 AM)
10 minsAdmission Ticket FreeBegin your journey by meeting your guide at the Oriental Hotel. Look for a yellow Gogoday flag. Prepare for a day of natural wonders and cultural highlights in Hokkaido.Option 2: Meet at Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop (8:00 AM)
10 minsAdmission Ticket FreeBegin your journey by meeting your guide at the Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop (札幌駅北口団体BUS乗り場). Look for a yellow Gogoday flag. Prepare for a day of natural wonders and cultural highlights in Hokkaido.Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeWitness the dramatic landscape of Hell Valley, formed over 10,000 years ago by volcanic activity. See steam vents, bubbling sulfur pools, and boiling springs in this eerie, otherworldly terrain.Oyunuma Pond
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeVisit the steaming volcanic crater lake, Oyunuma. Take in its blue-green sulfuric waters and watch as steam and mineral-rich bubbles rise to the surface. Enjoy a walk around the pond, weather permitting.Lake Toya Area (Free Time for Lunch)
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeExplore the scenic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Use your 2-hour break for lunch, lakeside walks, or local sightseeing. Optional foot baths and souvenir shopping available.Showa Shinzan Volcano
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeObserve one of Japan’s youngest volcanoes, still actively emitting smoke and sulfur. Though access to the summit is restricted, the base offers excellent views of this natural phenomenon.Showa Shinzan Bear Park (Optional)
30 minsAdmission Ticket Not IncludedMeet over 100 native brown bears, Hokkaido’s largest wild mammals. Feed the bears and watch their entertaining behaviors like waving and standing upright. (Admission not included.)Lake Toya Observatory
20 minsAdmission Ticket FreeStop for sweeping panoramic views of Lake Toya and surrounding peaks including Mt. Usu and Mt. Yotei. Spot the iconic Nakajima Island in the center of the lake.Otaru Canal
45 minsAdmission Ticket FreeArrive in the romantic port city of Otaru. Stroll along its picturesque Meiji-era canal, flanked by historic warehouses and twinkling lights during the Snow Light Path festival (Feb only).Kitaichi Glass Workshop
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeVisit Otaru’s famed glassmaking studio. Browse exquisite handcrafted glassware, jewelry, and souvenirs in an atmospheric setting.Otaru Music Box Museum
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeExplore Japan’s largest music box collection. Admire thousands of ornate music boxes from around the world and shop for a melodic keepsake.Return to Sapporo
2 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter a full day of sightseeing and experiences, relax as you return to Sapporo by bus. Arrival expected in the evening, depending on traffic and weather.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Customer reviews
Additional information
Meeting Point:
- 7:30 AM Pickup from Oriental Hotel Sapporo
- 8:00 AM Pickup from Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop (札幌駅北口団体BUS乗り場)
- Tour guide will be holding a yellow flag with the 'Gogoday' logo.
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
End Point:
- The tour ends back at your selected meeting point.
- This tour includes scenic stops at Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Oyunuma Pond, Showa Shinzan, Lake Toya, and Otaru Canal.
- The Bear Ranch entry (¥850 adults, ¥500 children) is not included and paid on-site.
- In case of fewer than 13 participants, the guide may also act as the driver.
- Weekend/holiday traffic may delay return past 9 PM. Please avoid scheduling activities afterward.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
- Minimum of 4 participants required. Tour may be rescheduled or cancelled if not met.
- Participants should be reachable via mobile/email the day before departure.
- Children aged 0–2 join for free without a reserved seat.
- Children aged 3 and above must hold a child ticket.
- Infant car seats are not provided. Please bring your own if needed.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera
- Cash for entrance fees and personal purchases
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Some walking and stair-climbing involved at certain sites.
- Participants must be able to board and alight from a bus independently.
- Your booking will be confirmed by the provider within 24 hours.
- Please ensure mobile and email contact details are accurate and reachable before departure.
- Details such as bus number and guide contact will be sent the night before the tour.
- A full refund will be processed if cancelled at least 24 hours before date of selection.
- No refund will be processed if cancelled less than 24 hours before the date of selection.
Please book at least 24 hours prior to your date of selection to guarantee your booking.
- Present your mobile or printed e-voucher to the tour guide at the meeting point.
- Look for the yellow flag with the Gogoday logo.
Upon booking confirmation, this ticket is valid on the date of selection only.
Location
Frequently asked questions
SGD 106.69
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It was a bit too much traveling in the van. The journey was quite bumpy due to the road structure. It would have been smoother in a big limousine bus. We only got to spend 39-40 minutes at each place, except for Otaru, where we got to do free-n-easy for more than an hour. The guide (JT) was really friendly and proficient in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. I am sure he speaks Japanese too. He tried his best to accommodate the predominantly Chinese-speaking group and a few English speakers. He explained a little about each place we were visiting and welcomed questions. I understood that it was supposed to be a 3-day tour compressed into one day. For those of us who just wish to see as many sights as possible in a short time, this tour would be ideal. Overall, I’d say both the Chinese driver and guide did well. My thanks to them.