Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru
Traveler rating
3.6/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru worth booking?
Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru is a 8-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $105 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.6/5 rating across 10 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 3.6/5 (10)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $105 per person
Experience the very best of Hokkaido on this full-day sightseeing adventure from Sapporo! Start your morning with convenient pickup from The Oriental Hotel or Sapporo Station, then journey to the dramatic landscapes of Noboribetsu, where you’ll explore the famous Hell Valley (Jigokudani) and witness steaming volcanic vents and bubbling hot springs. Next, enjoy a scenic Lake Toya tour, taking in the serene caldera lake and panoramic mountain views while savoring a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, visit the charming canal town of Otaru, known for its historic streets, glassware shops, and local treats—perfect for strolling and sightseeing at your own pace. The day concludes with a comfortable return to Sapporo, arriving by early evening. With its perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and scenic views, this tour offers an unforgettable Hokkaido adventure—book now to secure your spot and capture the magic of Japan’s northern island!
What you get
About this experience
Experience the very best of Hokkaido on this full-day sightseeing adventure from Sapporo! Start your morning with convenient pickup from The Oriental Hotel or Sapporo Station, then journey to the dramatic landscapes of Noboribetsu, where you’ll explore the famous Hell Valley (Jigokudani) and witness steaming volcanic vents and bubbling hot springs. Next, enjoy a scenic Lake Toya tour, taking in the serene caldera lake and panoramic mountain views while savoring a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, visit the charming canal town of Otaru, known for its historic streets, glassware shops, and local treats—perfect for strolling and sightseeing at your own pace. The day concludes with a comfortable return to Sapporo, arriving by early evening. With its perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and scenic views, this tour offers an unforgettable Hokkaido adventure—book now to secure your spot and capture the magic of Japan’s northern island!
What's included
Included
- Transportation
Not included
- Personal expanse
- Admission to Showa Shinzan Kazuma Ranch
What you'll see and do
Address: Sapporo Oriental Hotel Departure Time: 07:30 AM Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Pass by without stopping
Address: Sapporo Sta. North Exit Group Bus Stop. 3 Chome, Kita 7 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City. Departure Time: 08:00AM Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Pass by without stopping
Noboribetsu
At Noboribetsu, travelers will discover one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring destinations, renowned for its volcanic landscapes, steaming hot springs, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a dramatic volcanic crater filled with sulfurous steam vents, bubbling pools, and walking trails that showcase the area’s geothermal activity. The town also offers relaxing onsen (hot spring baths), traditional ryokan accommodations, and cultural experiences, such as trying local cuisine and visiting the Noboribetsu Date Historic Village to learn about samurai-era life. With its mix of natural wonders, therapeutic hot springs, and cultural attractions, Noboribetsu is an unforgettable destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
120 minutes here
At Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani), travelers will be immersed in a dramatic volcanic landscape filled with steaming vents, boiling sulfur ponds, and fumaroles, showcasing the raw geothermal power of Hokkaido. Visitors can explore well-maintained walking trails that wind through rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the valley and nearby mountains. Along the paths, travelers can learn about volcanic activity, sulfur deposits, and the formation of hot springs. The area is also famous for its therapeutic onsen waters, which can be sampled at nearby foot baths or hot spring resorts. With its striking scenery, educational insights, and unique natural phenomena, Noboribetsu Hell Valley provides a thrilling and memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
40 minutes here
Oyunuma
Explore Oyunuma, a powerful reminder of Mount Hiyori’s volcanic past. This steaming sulfur pond reaches temperatures of up to 130°C and supplies natural hot spring water to many of Noboribetsu’s famous onsen resorts. Visitors can admire the view from the observation deck or walk along the lakeside paths to feel the heat rising from the earth. Please note that access may be temporarily restricted during winter due to road conditions.
20 minutes here
At Lake Toya, travelers will experience the serene beauty of one of Hokkaido’s most picturesque caldera lakes, surrounded by lush forests and volcanic mountains. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside promenade, enjoy panoramic views of the calm, clear waters, and admire Mount Usu and Mount Showa-Shinzan in the distance. The area offers boat cruises, scenic viewpoints, and photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset. Travelers can also explore nearby attractions such as hot spring resorts, flower gardens, and walking trails, making Lake Toya a perfect spot to relax, enjoy nature, and capture the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido.
120 minutes here
At Showa Shinzan Kazuma Ranch, travelers can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido’s countryside while exploring a working farm set against the dramatic backdrop of Showa Shinzan, the volcanic mountain that emerged in the 1940s. Visitors can interact with friendly farm animals such as cows, sheep, and horses, and learn about dairy farming and local agricultural practices. The ranch also offers hands-on experiences, including milking cows, feeding animals, and tasting fresh dairy products like cheese, butter, and ice cream made on-site. With wide-open fields, panoramic mountain views, and family-friendly activities, Showa Shinzan Kazuma Ranch provides a fun, educational, and scenic experience for travelers of all ages.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Experience the scenic charm of Lake Toya, a nearly circular caldera lake located in southwestern Hokkaido. Spanning approximately 10 km in diameter, the lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters, surrounding volcanic mountains, and peaceful atmosphere. As Japan’s northernmost ice-free lake, it offers breathtaking views throughout the year and is an ideal spot for sightseeing and photography.
60 minutes here
Otaru is a picturesque port city known for its beautifully preserved historic streets and romantic canal. Visitors can stroll along the famous Otaru Canal, lined with old stone warehouses that reflect the city’s trading past, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this seaside town. The area is also popular for glassware shops, music box stores, and fresh seafood, allowing guests to explore freely and enjoy dinner at their own pace before returning to Sapporo.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
Address: Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop Departure Time: 08:00 AM Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Address: Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop Departure Time: 08:00 AM Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- ja, en, zh-CN
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Trevopedia Wonders
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The Travel Time is included in the Itinerary
- Please keep your passport and valuables safe during your trip. You are responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to your own property.
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, with no size limit (please specify in "Request & Remarks" during registration)
- Infants aged 0-2 years can travel for free without occupying a seat. If you need a seat for your infant, please make sure to reserve a child ticket. Failure to do so may result in your party being denied boarding due to lack of space in the vehicle, and no refund will be issued.
- Driver guide service is available for an exquisite small group of 1–13 people or a bus group of 14–45 people, with adjustments based on the actual number on the day
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
MATERIALLY Misrepresented -- a terrible tour with a terrible company
This tour is MATERIALLY misrepresented on Viator. You do not receive two hours plus 40 minutes at the first stop, you get 35 minutes including your walk from an upper parking lot. There is no "delicious lunch" served at the lake as promised in the overview -- in fact, the only stop with lunch available is an overpriced spot where we had to pay an additional 4,000 yen out of our own pocket. Moreover, the 2 hours that is promised at the lake, including all the lovely sounding opportunities for activities at the lake? That was reduced to a 10 minute stop where the guide told us to get out of the van and "take a few photos." Ten minutes instead of a two-hour highlight! Lastly, the promised two hours in the last town was also not received, as it was dwindled down to only 1.5 hours including time that we were still driving toward the parking spot. That difference is considerable -- our plan was to grab a nice meal and walk along the canals. With the limited time, we were reduced to choosing between the two. This was horribly misrepresnted. The tour guide also was not very pleasant: When asked by one of our fellow travelers about the history of the island (Hokkaido), he said, "look at Google Maps. It's big." That was his response! He also shared that he gets a lot of complaints from people who booked on Viator expecting a much different experience. My attempts to ask him for a refund from his company went unanswered, and my attempt to receive a refund from Viator, even after providing this evidence, was rejected without thought. Terrible company. Terrible tour.
via Viator
Waist of time. Theft
I do not recommend, the description is misleading. It says we have 2 hrs. Around lake toya when in fact we had 10 min since it did not said it includes the travel. 70% of time in car. It costs 9000 yen and you charged me 110$. I want my money back" . This is a violation of your advertisment.
via Viator
Waste of time
Not worth a penny. Most of the time you sit in the car. When you get to the attractions you have about 10 minutes to take pictures. You do get more time in places less interesting.
via Viator
Beautiful Day Exploring Hokkaido
Enjoy a beautiful day tour exploring Lake Toya and Otaru in Hokkaido. Most of the journey involves a scenic drive through the mountains, making it an excellent way to see many sights in just one day. Tour durations change with the season. I went in early June. The pickup was before 8 am at Sapporo station, and I was dropped off before 5:30 pm.
via Viator
A lot of bus time not...
A lot of bus time not enough time at a couple of stops the volcanic area was spectacular the bears cute
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Trevopedia Wonders, who run 127 experiences we rank across 14 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.6.
See everything Trevopedia Wonders runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru cost?
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Prices start at $105 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sapporo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sapporo is not rushed.
Is Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.6/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Sapporo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sapporo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sapporo and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sapporo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sapporo?
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On Outty we rank every Sapporo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour, Wagashi traditional japanese sweets class, Mondo's most popular No.1!Private experienceThe king of buckwheat noodles making and Japanese food in Sapporo!A plan to enjoy tempura!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sapporo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru?
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Included: Transportation. Not included: Personal expanse; and Admission to Showa Shinzan Kazuma Ranch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru?
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Address: Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Stop Departure Time: 08:00 AM Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese, English and Chinese. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Hokkaido Scenic Day Tour Hell Valley Lake Toya and Otaru?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 3.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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