Day trip

Hokkaido: Noboribetsu Hell Valley，Lake Toya & Otaru Day Tour

Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Media collage
Day trip
Hokkaido: Noboribetsu Hell Valley，Lake Toya & Otaru Day Tour
4.1
16 reviews
Likely to sell out

Discover the unique landscapes of Noboribetsu Hell Valley, enjoy the beauty of Lake Toya, and stroll through the charming streets of Otaru. This tour offers a perfect mix of nature and culture.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 11 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
Chinese, English, Japanese

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

S
SANISH – India

Our guide was Jay and a day prior to the trip I received a WhatsApp msg informing me to be ready for the trip and be on time. I already knew that this was going to be a well organised trip. On the day. Trip Jay was very patient and clear in explaining about the location twitch some history thrown in. This is a good trip as. Enough time was allocated for jiokudani park, Toya lake area, Tarun as well as some other areas. The time on the bus is close to 5 hrs but the bus seats were comfortable and the scenery outside was pleasing as it was winter. I would highly recommend this tour.

T
Tony – Australia

Our preferred date was not available, so we stayed an extra night to do this trip and it was worth the effort. Our guide, J (Jay) was great. It is very demanding translating between three languages, Japanese, Chinese and Australiano. Jay did a wonderful job keeping the group together and informed with respect, good humour and knowledge. It was good to spend the day in the company of J.

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    3 Chome

  • Bus/coach

    (1.5 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Noboribetsu

    Visit (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Oyunuma Pond

    Visit, Sightseeing

  • Timeline stop icon

    Lake Tōya

    Guided tour, Sightseeing (2 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Shōwa-shinzan

    Visit, Sightseeing

    Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch

    Wildlife viewing

    Optional, Extra fee

  • Timeline stop icon

    Otaru

    Visit (1.5 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Kitaichi Glass Otaru

    Visit

  • Timeline stop icon

    Otaru Music Box Museum

    Visit

  • Arrive back at:

    3 Chome

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Witness the volcanic activity and sulfurous steam of Noboribetsu Hell Valley.
  • Take in stunning views of Lake Toya from various observation points.
  • Feed and watch Hokkaido brown bears at the Bear Ranch
  • Walk along Otaru Canal and enjoy the historic brick warehouses and scenic views
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya from observation points.

Full description

9:30 AM - Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Approx. 60 minutes) Begin your journey with a visit to Noboribetsu Hell Valley, a volcanic caldera near Lake Toya. Formed around 10,000 years ago, this eerie landscape emits white steam and carries a strong sulfuric smell, giving it the appearance of "hell." Note: This site may be inaccessible in winter due to road conditions. 10:30 AM - Oyunuma Crater Lake (Approx. 30 minutes) 9:30 AM - Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Approx. 60 minutes) Begin your day with a visit to Noboribetsu Hell Valley, a volcanic crater formed around 10,000 years ago. This 450-meter-wide caldera still emits steam, creating a barren, sulfur-scented landscape that resembles a scene from "hell." This eerie atmosphere is what gives the valley its name. This tour operates in winter. 12:00 PM - Lake Toya Sightseeing (Approx. 120 minutes, including free time for lunch) Explore the scenic Lake Toya area, including: Showa Shinzan (60 minutes): A volcanic mountain that emerged between 1943 and 1945, still showing signs of volcanic activity with steam rising from its reddish-brown slopes. Bear Ranch (Optional, extra fee): Near the Showa Shinzan cable car entrance, this ranch is home to over 100 Hokkaido brown bears. You can feed the bears and observe them in their natural habitat. Entrance fees: 850 yen for adults, 500 yen for children (6 years and older). Lake Toya Viewpoints (10 minutes): Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya and its surroundings from various viewpoints. Winter Restrictions: Oyunuma Crater Lake and Outdoor Footbath Experience: These activities are unavailable in winter due to road closures. 16:30 PM - Otaru (Approx. 90 minutes, free time for dinner) End your day in the charming town of Otaru, known for its historic canal lined with brick warehouses. Visit the Kitaichi Glass Museum and the Music Box Museum. In winter, enjoy the enchanting Otaru Snow Light Path, where candle-lit glass floats illuminate the canal and streets, creating a magical winter scene.

Includes

  • Multilingual guide, If participants less 13, the driver will also serve as tour guide
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Pickup and drop-off from designated areas
  • Food and drinks
  • Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch tickets

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Pick-up time and location: 8:00 am Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop 札幌駅北口団体BUS乗り場, Address： 3 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807 Japan, Meet your guide at Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop. They will be holding a yellow flag.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • The itinerary schedule may be adjusted according to weather, road conditions, and other factors. It is not recommended to schedule other activities after the tour to avoid potential issues
  • This tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to run. If this number is not reached, an alternate travel date will be suggested or you can cancel your booking
  • Please refer to the official website for the specific schedule of the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival: http://yukiakarinomichi.org/
  • Oyunuma Crater Lake and outdoor foot bath are closed in winter.
  • Visit the Bear Ranch near Showa Shinzan, home to over 100 Hokkaido brown bears. Entrance fees: 850 yen (adults), 500 yen (children).

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 16 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    3.7/5
  • Transportation
    2.8/5
  • Value for money
    3.7/5
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
Recommended
S
SANISH – India20 February 2025 – Verified booking
Our guide was Jay and a day prior to the trip I received a WhatsApp msg informing me to be ready for the trip and be on time. I already knew that this was going to be a well organised trip. On the day. Trip Jay was very patient and clear in explaining about the location twitch some history thrown in. This is a good trip as. Enough time was allocated for jiokudani park, Toya lake area, Tarun as well as some other areas. The time on the bus is close to 5 hrs but the bus seats were comfortable and the scenery outside was pleasing as it was winter. I would highly recommend this tour.
T
Tony – Australia16 January 2025 – Verified booking
Our preferred date was not available, so we stayed an extra night to do this trip and it was worth the effort. Our guide, J (Jay) was great. It is very demanding translating between three languages, Japanese, Chinese and Australiano. Jay did a wonderful job keeping the group together and informed with respect, good humour and knowledge. It was good to spend the day in the company of J.
L
Lai Yee – Malaysia17 March 2025 – Verified booking
Ms Sophia, our guide is very good & helpful. She always look out for our comfort, safety and our well being. Her explanation of the places and her instructions are clear. She even recommend on the foods & restaurants to go before leaving Hokkaido. Thank you very much, Ms Sophia. Hope to see you again.

Product ID: 792349

Activity provider:Shuzenji Takitei

Top Attractions in Sobetsu

Tours in Japan

Things to do in Japan

Top destinations

Popular on GetYourGuide

Popular Attractions