* The following schedule is for reference only. Attractions, order of visits, and timings may be adjusted based on actual conditions.
8:00am – Sapporo
Start your day tour.
Meeting Point: 8:00am at Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Area, 3-7-7 Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.
Reminder: This is a shared tour. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Late arrivals will not be waited for and are considered as voluntary forfeiture of the tour.
9:30am – Noboribetsu
▼ Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) – Approx. 60 minutes
A volcanic crater in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, near Lake Toya, formed around 10,000 years ago. The 450m-wide area still emits white steam, has barren terrain, and a strong sulfur smell, giving it the name "Hell Valley."
【Oyunuma】A crater formed during Mount Hiyori's eruption, with 130°C sulfur springs at the bottom that supply local onsen hotels. An observation deck offers views of the steaming lake, and visitors can walk to the lakeside to experience it up close. Circling the lake, you'll smell the strong sulfur and see bubbling hot spring sources, with distinctive yellow floating sulfur balls on the surface. Note: The area is closed in winter due to road conditions.
【Outdoor Footbath Experience】Involves walking along a long, rustic mountain path to preserve the natural environment. The scenery is even more stunning in person than in photos. Note: The area is closed in winter due to road conditions.
11:20am – Sobetsu
▼ Showa Shinzan Bear Farm – Approx. 60 minutes (Fees not included)
On December 28, 1943, a strong earthquake near Mount Usu by Lake Toya triggered volcanic eruptions, rapidly uplifting the land to form a new mountain. Between 1943 and September 10, 1945, there were 17 active eruptions. In 1957, this 398m-high volcanic mountain was designated a Special Natural Monument and named Showa Shinzan. The mountain is still growing, and white smoke can often be seen rising from its reddish slopes.
The nearby Bear Farm houses over 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears, the largest wild mammals in Hokkaido. Visitors can feed the bears, who often stand up and wave for treats, making them irresistibly cute. The farm is also known for its horse oil products.
The Bear Farm also offers snacks for feeding the brown bears, available at your own expense if needed.
12:40pm – Lake Tōya
▼ Hokkaido Lake Hill Farm – Panoramic Views of Mt. Yotei and Snowfields (Approx. 10-minute stop; includes one ice cream scoop per person)
Lake Hill Farm is a charming ranch overlooking Lake Tōya, with stunning views of the clear lake waters and Mt. Yotei in the distance. The scenery is breathtaking year-round, from lush greens in summer to snowy landscapes in winter.
The farm features wide open pastures where cows roam freely, offering visitors a glimpse of authentic Hokkaido countryside life. On clear days, the combination of lake, mountain, and pasture creates a peaceful postcard-like panorama.
Must-Try: The farm's handmade ice cream, crafted from fresh local milk. It is rich, creamy, and available in seasonal flavors such as lavender, melon, and cheese.
Café & Light Meals: The cozy café offers dishes, desserts, and drinks made with local ingredients, allowing guests to savor delicious flavors while enjoying the serene pastoral views.
13:00pm – Lake Tōya
Optional activity: Snowmobile experience or free sightseeing at Lake Tōya Sairo Observatory. If the snowmobile program is canceled, guests will go to the observatory instead.
【Lake Tōya snowmobile】
The experience lasts about 70 minutes, plus a 10-minute stop at Lake Tōya Observatory. (Snowmobile fee is self-paid and cash only.) This is a highly popular winter activity, especially suitable for travelers who wish to explore the snowy charm of Hokkaido and love speed and excitement. Driving a snowmobile across the snowy lakeside and open fields not only releases winter energy but also allows you to fully appreciate the unique winter scenery of the Lake Tōya area.
【The Lake Tōya Sairo Observatory】 (approx. 70 minutes, visited when snowmobile activity is unavailable)
Located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, within Shikotsu-Tōya National Park. Lake Tōya is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, nearly circular in shape, with a diameter of about 10 km, surface area of 70.72 km², circumference of 50 km, maximum depth of 180 m, average depth of 117 m, and water volume of 8.19 km³. The lake surface is 84 m above sea level and is the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan.
From Sairo Observatory, you can enjoy the best panoramic view of Lake Tōya, including Nakajima Island in the center, Mt. Yotei, Showa-Shinzan, Mt. Usu, and other surrounding natural landscapes.
15:20pm – Return
Head back to Sapporo city and happily conclude today's trip!
18:00pm – Drop-off
Arrive at the designated drop-off point: Sapporo Station North Exit – Group Bus Boarding Area.
Tips
* The above itinerary and schedule are subject to adjustment due to weather, traffic, or other conditions. Thank you for your understanding.
Visiting Attractions
Noboribetsu Jigokudani
Lake Toya
Showa-Shinzan
Meal
B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded