Hokkaido Noboribetsu, Lake Toya & Otaru Panoramic 2-Day Tour

The following itinerary is for reference only. Actual sightseeing spots, order, and timing may be adjusted according to weather, traffic, and on-site conditions.

Day 1 | Sapporo – Noboribetsu

08:00 | Sapporo – Tour Departure
Begin your beautiful journey today.

Meeting Point:
08:00 Sapporo Station North Exit – Group Bus Parking Area
Address: Kita 7-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Pick-up order and timing will be arranged by the driver-guide based on distance and traffic conditions. Please cooperate and follow the guide’s instructions.
Important notice: This is a shared group tour. Please arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be waited for and will be regarded as voluntary cancellation. We recommend arriving at the meeting point at least 10 minutes early.

09:30 | Noboribetsu – Noboribetsu Hell Valley (approx. 90 min, free exploration)
Noboribetsu Hell Valley is a volcanic crater formed about 10,000 years ago, with a diameter of around 450 meters. White steam still rises from the ground, vegetation does not grow, and a strong sulfur smell fills the air—hence the name “Hell Valley.”
Open in winter, though some routes may be closed due to seasonal road conditions.

Oyunuma Pond (seasonal)
A remnant explosion crater formed during the eruption of Mt. Hiyori. Sulfurous hot spring water of about 130°C bubbles up from the bottom and serves as the source of Noboribetsu’s hot springs. A viewing platform offers spectacular steaming views.
Closed in winter due to road conditions.

Outdoor Foot Bath Experience (seasonal)
Requires a longer hike on natural mountain trails, preserved in their original state. The scenery is far more beautiful than photos suggest.
Closed in winter.

11:10 | Noboribetsu – Noboribetsu Bear Park (approx. 90 min, optional visit)
Ropeway and admission fees are at your own expense.

The park is home to Ezo brown bears, the largest bear species in Hokkaido, revered by the Ainu people as gods. Established in 1958, the park focuses on observation, breeding, and research. From the initial eight bears, the population has grown to over sixty.

• First & Second Enclosures: Adult bears; visitors can purchase feed and try tossing it to the bears.

• Human Cage: A tunnel with glass windows where visitors can observe bears up close.

• Cub Enclosure: Highly active and playful bear cubs—one of the highlights of the park.

Reference admission fees:
Adult: ¥3,000 | Child (4–12): ¥1,500 | 0–3 years: Free

12:50 | Noboribetsu – Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe (approx. 180 min)
Lunch and admission fees are at your own expense.

Designed after Denmark’s real Egeskov Castle, the park features around 400 species and 20,000 marine animals. Highlights include an 8-meter-high Crystal Tower tank, an underwater tunnel with sharks and rays, jellyfish exhibits, touch pools, and a theme park area.

Penguin Parade:
Showtimes: 11:00 / 14:15 (approx. 15 min)

Penguin Feeding (weekends & holidays only):
Around 14:35 (approx. 10 min)

Showtimes may change or be canceled due to weather or animal health.

Reference admission fees:
Adult (Junior high & above): ¥3,000 | Child (4–12): ¥1,500 | 0–3 years: Free

16:00 | Hotel Check-in

• Nov 1 – Apr 27: Noboribetsu Sekisuitei Onsen Hotel or similar (1 night, 2 meals)
  Evening stroll to Noboribetsu Onsen Street and Enma-do Hall (Demon Face-changing Show at 20:00 / 21:00, weather permitting).

• Apr 28 – Oct 31: Lake Toya Tourist Hotel or similar (1 night, 2 meals)
  Enjoy Lake Toya’s seasonal fireworks during this period.

Day 2 | Noboribetsu / Lake Toya – Otaru – Sapporo

Departure:
08:30 from Noboribetsu Hotel
09:20 from Lake Toya Hotel

09:30 | Lake Toya – “Spirited Away” Lakeside Railway Photo Spot (approx. 20 min)
A popular Instagram photo spot resembling scenes from the movie Spirited Away. The railway extends from the lakeshore into the water and was originally used to pull sightseeing boats ashore.

10:10 | Lake Toya – Sairo Observation Deck (approx. 30 min)
One of the best panoramic viewpoints of Lake Toya, offering views of Nakajima Island, Mt. Yotei, Showa-Shinzan, and Mt. Usu. Lake Toya is Japan’s northernmost ice-free lake.

12:40 | Otaru – Free Exploration & Lunch (approx. 120 min)
Stroll along Otaru Canal, lined with Meiji-era brick warehouses. Visit Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, and enjoy local specialties such as LeTAO cheesecake.

15:10 | Otaru – Mt. Tengu (approx. 90 min)
At 532.4 meters above sea level, Mt. Tengu offers sweeping views of Otaru City and the Sea of Japan. Recognized with one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, it is one of Hokkaido’s top scenic viewpoints and famous for its romantic atmosphere featured in film Love Letter.

16:40 | Return to Sapporo
17:40 | Arrival & Tour Ends
Sapporo Station North Exit – Group Bus Parking Area

Schedule may vary depending on weather and traffic conditions.

Inclusions

1. Vehicle service and accommodation as listed

2. Fuel, tolls, and highway fees

3. Vehicle service within 10 hours per day (in accordance with Japanese law)

4. Driver-guide service (small group 1–13 pax / bus tour 14–45 pax)

5. Reference vehicle types: Alphard (5–8 seats), Hiace (9–14 seats), mini bus, or large bus (subject to adjustment)

6. Children aged 0–3 travel free if no seat, bed, or meals are required (advance notice required)

7. One piece of luggage per person (no size limit, please note when booking)

Exclusions

1. Items not listed under inclusions

2. Attraction admission fees and optional activities

3. Personal expenses

Important Notes & Policies

• No date changes after booking confirmation

• Complete booking information required (name, number of guests, contact details, pick-up point)

• Please carry passports and valuables at all times

• Not suitable for pregnant travelers or guests with serious medical conditions

• Shared fixed itinerary; please follow the guide’s schedule

• No refunds for late arrival, early departure, or leaving the group

Cancellation Policy

• 8 days or more before departure: Free cancellation

• 7 days before: 30% charge

• 4–7 days before: 50% charge

• 1–3 days before: 100% charge

Travel Information

1. Pick-up / Meeting

Please arrive at the designated pick-up or meeting point on time. Late arrivals will not be waited for.
This product cannot be refunded, changed, transferred to another departure, or joined mid-way.
If you fail to participate due to personal reasons, any resulting loss shall be borne by yourself. Thank you for your understanding.

2. During the Tour

1. Guests are not allowed to leave the group early or depart mid-tour. If you choose to leave the group, any uncompleted portions will be considered voluntarily abandoned and no refund will be provided. Any accidents or incidents occurring after leaving the group are the guest’s sole responsibility.

2. During peak seasons or special circumstances, the departure time may be advanced or slightly delayed. The final time will be announced by the guide on the day of travel.

3. Transportation, sightseeing, and stop durations are subject to actual conditions on the day. In cases of traffic congestion or weather issues, and without reducing the number of attractions, the guide may reasonably adjust the visiting order with guests’ consent.

4. This tour does not include meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense. Please note that some restaurants do not allow outside food or seat-only occupancy without ordering.

3. Local Customs & Regulations

Please respect local customs, traditions, and laws during your trip.

4. Weather Conditions

1. The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or other factors. For safety reasons, staff reserve the right to suspend outdoor activities and make alternative arrangements after communicating with guests. Final arrangements are subject to actual conditions on the day.

2. In cases of severe weather or other force majeure events, attractions may adjust or cancel facility operations or performances without prior notice.

3. Flower-viewing conditions depend heavily on weather. If flowers are not at peak bloom, the tour will still operate as scheduled. Guests who are sensitive to this are advised to book with caution.

5. Meals

1. Meals are not included in this tour. Please arrange your own dining.

6. Shopping

1. Some attractions, restaurants, and rest areas may contain shops. These are not designated shopping stops arranged by the travel agency. Please consume rationally according to your needs and request receipts. Any disputes arising from purchases shall be handled by the guest. Thank you for your understanding.

2. There may be privately operated entertainment or consumption venues at the destination. Many of these may lack legal certification and involve potential risks. For your safety and health, please consider carefully before participating.

Friendly Reminders

1. Please keep your mobile phone reachable during the trip so staff can contact you if necessary.

2. Guests with a history of motion sickness are advised to prepare appropriate medication in advance.

3. Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear, and prepare items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, windproof jackets, and cameras.

4. Please take good care of your personal belongings and avoid carrying valuables. Any loss or damage shall be borne by the guest.

Safety Notice

Activities such as swimming, rafting, diving, skiing, ice skating, and playing in snow involve inherent risks. Please assess your physical condition carefully and follow announcements and safety advice issued by local authorities and professional organizations before participating.

Thank you for choosing this tour. We wish you a safe and memorable journey in Hokkaido!