1-Day Tour from Sapporo: Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Lake Toya & Lake Shikotsu – Experience the Stunning Blend of Lake Scenery and Volcanic Wonders, Double Natural Marvels of Hokkaido

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Day 1 One-Day Tour from Sapporo, Hokkaido: Noboribetsu, Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu

• Meet Point

  10 minutes prior to departure (please refer to the boarding point for details) Address: Lobby of Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel, in front of the Information Center on the 1st floor of Sapporo TV Tower

• Attractions

  Sapporo

  Noboribetsu Jigokudani

  Toyako Onsen Town

  Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum

  Toyako Sairo Observatory

  Showa Shinzan

  Lake Shikotsu

  Cape Earth

  Mount Usu

  Lake Toya Toyako
• Meal

  Not included

• Description

  9:35am-10:10am Jigokudani (35-minute visit) → 10:50am-11:15am Cape Chikyu (25-minute stopover sightseeing) → 12:05pm-12:35pm Toya Lake SAIRO Observation Deck (30-minute visit) → 12:50pm-13:05pm Course B: Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit Memorial Museum (15-minute visit) → 13:10pm-14:50pm Course B: Mount Usu & Showa Shinzan (100-minute visit, cable car ticket not included) → 16:10pm-16:45pm Lake Shikotsu (35-minute stopover sightseeing) → Return to Sapporo and conclude the pleasant day tour!
  
  Attraction Introduction
  9:35am-10:10am Jigokudani (35-minute visit)
  Noboribetsu Jigokudani is a volcanic crater ruin, a bizarre valley formed by lava after volcanic eruptions. As one of the most representative scenic spots in Noboribetsu, it is also the source of Noboribetsu hot springs. There are more than ten types of hot springs here with unique features, earning it the reputation of "department store of hot springs" for its rich variety. The air is filled with a strong sulfur odor, presenting a scene just like hell. Though barren of grass, the spring water flowing out is therapeutic hot spring water, with a flow rate of up to 3,000 liters per minute, making it the largest hot spring source in Noboribetsu. The water quality varies by location, with as many as 11 different types. People have known to exploit the spring water in Jigokudani for over a hundred years.
  
  10:50am-11:15am Cape Chikyu (25-minute stopover sightseeing)
  Cape Chikyu is a cliff protruding into the sea, standing about 130 meters above sea level. On clear days, visitors can even perceive the curvature of the Earth from the observation deck at Cape Chikyu.
  
  12:05pm-12:35pm Toya Lake SAIRO Observation Deck (30-minute visit)
  Located on the west bank of Lake Toya, the silo-style observation deck offers a panoramic view of Lake Toya, the largest central island, Mount Usu, Showa Shinzan and other stunning landscapes. While enjoying the scenery of Lake Toya, visitors can taste authentic Hokkaido delicacies, including cream and yogurt made from fresh local milk, balloon milk pudding exclusive to Hokkaido, as well as souvenirs sold in the venue. Various outdoor activities are also available outside the observation deck.
  
  12:50pm-13:05pm Course B: Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit Memorial Museum (15-minute visit)
  Nestled on the scenic lakeside of Lake Toya, Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit Memorial Museum is an exhibition facility built to commemorate the G8 Summit held here in 2008. The museum elaborates on the background, topics and achievements of the summit, allowing visitors to closely experience the scene and atmosphere of discussions among world leaders at Lake Toya through photos, video materials and physical exhibits.
  
  It also displays precious collections such as souvenirs presented by various countries, facility models used during the conference, as well as security arrangements and media reports from that time. Boasting both historical and educational value, a stroll through the museum lets visitors reflect on international efforts for environmental protection and peace, and witness the pivotal moment when the Toya Lake region stepped onto the global stage.
  
  After the visit, you can take a leisurely walk along the lakeside to admire the serene scenery of Lake Toya, slowing down the pace of your journey gently.
  
  13:10pm-14:50pm Course B: Mount Usu & Showa Shinzan (100-minute visit, cable car ticket not included)
  Showa Shinzan
  Formed by volcanic eruptions in the 18th year of the Showa era, Showa Shinzan has complete records of its entire eruption process. Still an active volcano, it ranks among the youngest volcanoes of the 20th century. The volcano remained active from 1943 to 1945, and smoke can still be seen emitting from it today. Standing at 398 meters above sea level, it is designated as a Natural Monument of Japan.
  
  Mount Usu
  Lunch at your own expense
  Located on the lakeside of Lake Toya in Hokkaido, Japan, Mount Usu is an active volcano and an important part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. With an altitude of about 733 meters, it is famous for frequent volcanic activities and diverse geological features despite its unremarkable height.
  
  Mount Usu has erupted multiple times since the 17th century, with the latest eruption occurring in 2000, leaving distinct volcanic relics and making it a natural classroom for volcanic landform research.
  
  16:10pm-16:45pm Lake Shikotsu (35-minute stopover sightseeing)
  Lake Shikotsu is situated on the west side of Chitose City in southwestern Hokkaido, serving as a key part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The lake has an average depth of about 265 meters, with its deepest point equivalent to the height of the Tokyo Tower. Formed as a volcanic crater some 30,000 years ago and gradually filled with water, it is the second deepest lake in Japan and one of the northernmost unfrozen lakes in the country.
  
  The lake boasts charming scenery all year round. In summer, it becomes a habitat for migratory birds, attracting numerous birdwatchers. Every October, the mountains are dyed with gorgeous red maple leaves, presenting spectacular views. The sunset over Lake Shikotsu is breathtaking and a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts. The annual "Ice Wave Festival" held in winter is hailed as one of the top winter events in Hokkaido. The lake features extremely high transparency with an underwater visibility of about 20 meters, clear and sparkling like a crystal gem.
  
  Return to Sapporo and conclude the pleasant day tour! The return time is for reference only, and the return trip may be advanced due to smooth itinerary and favorable road conditions on the day.

• Return

  17:45 Sapporo TV Tower 17:55 Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel

• Things to Know
  • This itinerary lasts approximately 10 hours
  • Please gather 10 minutes before the bus departure time. No refund will be given if you fail to join the tour due to personal reasons such as being late, inability to participate, or quitting midway. Please take note.
  • In accordance with Japanese regulations, the daily operating hours of the bus shall not exceed 10 hours. The itinerary may be adjusted or cancelled due to traffic conditions, weather, or other force majeure circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.
  • Each passenger may carry one 28-inch suitcase free of charge.
  • Anyone who leaves the tour group without permission during the trip shall be deemed to have voluntarily withdrawn from the tour. No fees will be refunded, and all arising risks and liabilities shall be borne by the individual.
  • Due to differences in seasons and routes, boarding points outside Sapporo may not cover all scenic spots. Please double-check the itinerary order and boarding time before making your selection.
  • When the large taxi or minibus is in operation, the tour driver will provide commentary for you instead of a professional tour guide.
  • Buses may occasionally be delayed due to traffic congestion or bad weather. If you need to take other connecting transportation, please reserve ample time for your next ride.