1-day tour to Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley + Lake Tōya + Lake Shikotsu or Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima in Hokkaido, Japan Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Walk the boardwalks of Jigokudani Valley to witness the dramatic steaming vents and volcanic craters up close.

• Take in the panoramic views of Lake Tōya and the active Showa Shinzan volcano from the Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck.

• Customize your afternoon by either soaking in the natural beauty of Lake Shikotsu or hunting for bargains at Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima.

Hidden Gems

• Look out for the Oyunuma Brook, a natural hot spring river near Jigokudani where you can enjoy a free, secluded foot bath surrounded by nature.

• Spot the wild Ezo red foxes and Hokkaido deer that frequently roam the forested edges around Lake Tōya and Showa Shinzan.

• Visit the small but fascinating Showa Shinzan International Lava Dome Museum to see incredible archival footage of the volcano's sudden formation in the 1940s.

What Makes it Special

• This private tour offers a highly flexible, super-concentrated itinerary tailored to maximize your winter sightseeing without the hassle of public transport.

• Your bilingual guide provides deep cultural insights and handles all navigation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Hokkaido's local customs and history.

• The inclusion of the Silo Observation Deck ticket guarantees premium, unobstructed vantage points of the caldera lake and surrounding national park.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

This tour is exceptionally rewarding during the winter months from December to March when the steaming vents of Jigokudani contrast beautifully with the crisp, snow-covered landscapes. Morning departures are ideal to beat the midday tour buses at the valley boardwalks and to capture the best natural lighting over Lake Tōya.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the dramatic contrast of white steam rising against the dark volcanic rock and blue winter skies at Jigokudani Valley during the early morning hours.

• Use the Silo Observation Deck's elevated vantage point to shoot sweeping, panoramic landscape photos of Lake Tōya and the smoking peak of Mount Usu.

• Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to reduce glare on the frozen or glassy surfaces of Lake Shikotsu and Lake Tōya.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the hot spring areas, it is customary to rinse your feet thoroughly before stepping into the communal foot baths, and you should avoid splashing water on others. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, but expressing gratitude with a polite arigatou gozaimasu to your guide and drivers is highly appreciated. Please stay strictly on the marked boardwalks in Jigokudani to respect the fragile volcanic environment and local safety regulations.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Lake Tōya Fireworks Festival runs from late April to October, featuring moving fireworks boats that illuminate the night sky over the caldera lake.

• The Noboribetsu Hell Festival in late August features vibrant parades with locals dressed as demons dancing through the hot spring resort streets.

• Winter illuminations at Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima transform the shopping complex into a dazzling wonderland of lights from November through December.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Never step off the designated wooden boardwalks in Jigokudani Valley, as the ground is extremely thin, unstable, and hides boiling hot mud and water just beneath the surface.

• Be cautious of black ice on shaded pathways and stairs around the observation decks and lake shores, especially during the winter months.

• Keep a safe distance from wild animals like the Ezo red foxes, as feeding them is strictly prohibited and can lead to unpredictable behavior.