💌 파스너스 활동으로 링크를 통한 구매 시 수수료를 지급받습니다.
This post is all about a fantastic day tour to some of Hokkaido's most iconic spots: Noboribetsu and Lake Toya.
If you're planning a trip to Sapporo, this adventure offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and unique experiences.
I hope this guide helps you create lasting memories on your journey.
Travel Planning?
Planning a trip to Hokkaido can feel overwhelming, especially if you want to see the best spots like Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Lake Toya in a single day.
Trust me, trying to do this via public transportation takes a lot of time and coordination.
If you're staying in Sapporo, these destinations are far apart, making a day tour the most efficient and stress-free way to explore.
This tour allows you to cover multiple major attractions comfortably in one day, maximizing your valuable vacation time without worrying about train schedules or bus transfers.
Plus, having a knowledgeable guide really makes a difference, explaining the history and culture of these amazing places.
Click here to compare different tours on MyRealTrip.
Why This Tour?
This specific tour (often called A Bowl of Travel or similar) stands out because of its carefully planned itinerary and convenience.
First, it covers all the major highlights of the region—Noboribetsu, Showa Shinzan, and Lake Toya—in a single, well-paced trip.
Second, the tour is specifically designed for a smooth experience. The meeting point at Sapporo Station North Exit is easy to find, and the comfortable bus ride lets you relax between attractions.
Third, this tour offers a unique and thoughtful drop-off option at Susukino, a major entertainment and dining district in Sapporo, on the return journey.
This means you can easily transition from a day of scenic exploration straight into an evening of delicious food and drinks without extra travel time back to the main station.
It’s perfect for maximizing your time and enjoying Sapporo nightlife.
Detailed Itinerary
Our journey began bright and early, meeting the guide at Sapporo Station North Exit at around 7:40 AM.
The guide, easily recognizable by the Travel a Bowl flag, quickly got us organized and onto the comfortable bus.
The first main stop was Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani). We spent a good amount of time exploring the volcanic craters and smelling the sulfur—it truly felt like we were on another planet!
After soaking in the geothermal views at Oyunuma, we also visited the Noboribetsu Onsen Village and had the option to visit the Bear Ranch, a popular spot to watch playful bears.
Next up was Showa Shinzan, a truly unique mountain that literally emerged from the ground in the 1940s due to volcanic activity. The red-hued mountain with rising steam was incredible to see.
From there, we headed to Lake Toya's Sairo 전망대 (Observatory) to enjoy the panoramic view of the lake, Mt. Usu, and Showa Shinzan.
Before heading back to Sapporo, we made a quick stop in Niseko to try some of the famous natural spring water.
The return trip was smooth, with a convenient drop-off option at Susukino before arriving back at Sapporo Station around 6:50 PM.
Location Guide
Let's talk about the key spots we visited.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley: This is the highlight of Noboribetsu Onsen. The dramatic landscape is formed by a volcanic explosion crater, with hot springs and steam vents creating a surreal atmosphere. The Onsen village itself is renowned for having nine different types of hot spring water.
Showa Shinzan: This is an active volcano that formed remarkably recently. Seeing an active volcano up close is a rare experience, and the red color of the soil combined with the rising steam makes for stunning photos.
Lake Toya: A caldera lake that never freezes, even in winter. The view from the Sairo 전망대 offers a spectacular panoramic vista, encompassing the lake, Mt. Usu, and Showa Shinzan. It's a truly breathtaking natural landscape.
Niseko: While primarily famous for skiing, Niseko is also known for its pristine natural spring water, filtered through the volcanic rock of Mt. Yotei (Hokkaido's Mt. Fuji). A quick stop here to taste the fresh water is a refreshing experience.
Travel Tips & Essentials
To make your Hokkaido day trip as enjoyable as possible, here are a few tips I learned along the way.
First, wear layers. Hokkaido weather, especially around Noboribetsu and Lake Toya, can change quickly. Even if it's sunny when you leave Sapporo, the temperature at the mountains or near the lake can be much cooler.
Second, comfortable walking shoes are essential. You'll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven ground, especially in Hell Valley.
Third, bring a camera with extra batteries or memory. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and you'll want to take pictures every five minutes.
Fourth, a small snack or drink is a good idea for the bus ride. While there are plenty of places to eat at the destinations, a little something to tide you over between stops is helpful.
Finally, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your guide! They are extremely knowledgeable about the region.
Recommended Tour
If you want to experience the best of Noboribetsu and Lake Toya without the hassle of planning transportation, this tour is exactly what you need.
The seamless organization and expert guidance make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Hokkaido or anyone looking for a stress-free day trip.
The tour perfectly balances natural wonders and cultural experiences, from volcanic landscapes to hot springs and panoramic lake views.
I highly recommend it as a way to see a different side of Hokkaido beyond the city of Sapporo.
Conclusion
My day trip to Noboribetsu and Lake Toya was truly unforgettable.
Hokkaido's natural beauty exceeded all my expectations, and seeing the steam rise from Hell Valley and the vast expanse of Lake Toya left me completely awestruck.
This tour made it possible to see so much in one day.
The guide was informative and friendly, sharing local insights that I never would have discovered on my own.
If you're looking for an adventure that combines stunning scenery with convenience, this is the one to book.
Review
I recently went on this day tour from Sapporo, and it was absolutely perfect. The guide was wonderful, very kind and helpful throughout the day. The bus ride was comfortable, and I appreciated how organized everything was. The itinerary covered all the major spots efficiently. Noboribetsu Hell Valley was breathtaking, and the views from Lake Toya's Sairo 전망대 were stunning. We had enough time at each location to explore without feeling rushed. A big plus was the Susukino drop-off; it saved me a lot of time as my hotel was in that area. It was definitely the highlight of my Hokkaido trip, and I highly recommend it!
