1-day tour to Sapporo Lake Tōya + Fukidashi park + Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley + lakeside farm Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Witness the dramatic sulfurous steam vents and rugged volcanic landscape of Noboribetsu Jigokudani Hell Valley.

• Feed the playful brown bears at Showa Shinzan and snap memorable photos of their entertaining antics.

• Indulge in ultra-creamy, fresh milk ice cream at the picturesque Lake Hill Farm overlooking the water.

• Ride a thrilling snowmobile across the frozen, silvery expanse of Lake Tōya during the winter months.

Hidden Gems

• Take a quiet stroll around Fukidashi Park to see the crystal-clear spring water that locals use for brewing exceptional coffee and tea.

• Look out for the lesser-known footbaths near the Hell Valley trails, perfect for soothing your feet with natural geothermal warmth after a walk.

• Visit the Lake Hill Farm gift shop for exclusive dairy souvenirs like soft-serve flavored cheese and milk puddings that you cannot find in Sapporo city.

What Makes it Special

• Seamlessly combines Hokkaido's most iconic geological wonders, wildlife encounters, and agricultural delights into one convenient, fully guided day trip.

• Offers seasonal exclusivity with winter snowmobiling on Lake Tōya, transforming a peaceful lakeside visit into an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

• Provides hassle-free round-trip transportation and an expert guide, eliminating the stress of navigating rural Hokkaido's complex public transit system.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

This tour is spectacular year-round, but winter from December to March offers the unique thrill of snowmobiling on a frozen Lake Tōya and stunning snow-capped volcanic landscapes. For lush greenery and comfortable hiking around Hell Valley, late spring to early autumn is ideal, though expect larger crowds during the vibrant autumn foliage season in October.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the dramatic contrast of white steam against dark volcanic rock at Jigokudani Valley during the early morning hours when the light is soft and the steam is most visible.

• Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action of the brown bears at Showa Shinzan, especially when they are catching tossed food or standing on their hind legs.

• Frame your shots of Lake Tōya with the surrounding mountains in the background, utilizing the reflective surface of the water on calm, windless days for perfect mirror-like images.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the natural parks and farms, it is important to respect the environment by staying on marked trails and not feeding wildlife outside of designated areas like the bear park. Tipping is not customary in Japan, so simply offer a polite bow and a warm thank you to your guide and bus driver to show your appreciation.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Lake Tōya Long Run Fireworks Festival runs nightly from late April to October, where fireworks are launched from a moving boat across the lake.

• The Noboribetsu Hell Valley Demon Path Night Walk illuminates the volcanic trails with eerie, beautiful lanterns during select autumn and winter evenings.

• Winter brings the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, making this day tour a perfect daytime excursion to complement the city's famous evening snow and ice sculptures.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay strictly on the designated wooden boardwalks at Noboribetsu Jigokudani, as the ground near the steam vents is extremely hot, unstable, and highly acidic.

• Keep a safe distance from the brown bears at Showa Shinzan and only feed them using the approved dispensing machines to prevent accidental injuries.

• If participating in the winter snowmobile activity on Lake Tōya, always wear the provided safety gear and follow the instructor's speed and route guidelines closely.