
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo worth booking?
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo is a 9-hour experience in Sapporo, Japan, from $110 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (30)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $110 per person
Discover the natural wonders and cultural charm of Hokkaido on this unforgettable full-day tour from Sapporo. Begin your adventure at the dramatic geothermal landscape of Noboribetsu Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley. Here, steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and volcanic terrain create a fascinating natural spectacle. Nearby, visit the tranquil Oyunuma Pond, a sulfurous hot spring lake surrounded by lush forests. Continue to the scenic Lake Toya, a beautiful caldera lake located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Enjoy free time to stroll along the lakeshore and admire the peaceful views. Nearby stands the fascinating Showa Shinzan, an active volcanic lava dome formed during an eruption in the 1940s. You’ll also visit Noboribetsu Bear Park, where you can observe Hokkaido brown bears in a unique mountain setting. Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Toya from a scenic observatory before heading to the charming port city of Otaru.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the natural wonders and cultural charm of Hokkaido on this unforgettable full-day tour from Sapporo. Begin your adventure at the dramatic geothermal landscape of Noboribetsu Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley. Here, steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and volcanic terrain create a fascinating natural spectacle. Nearby, visit the tranquil Oyunuma Pond, a sulfurous hot spring lake surrounded by lush forests. Continue to the scenic Lake Toya, a beautiful caldera lake located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Enjoy free time to stroll along the lakeshore and admire the peaceful views. Nearby stands the fascinating Showa Shinzan, an active volcanic lava dome formed during an eruption in the 1940s. You’ll also visit Noboribetsu Bear Park, where you can observe Hokkaido brown bears in a unique mountain setting. Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Toya from a scenic observatory before heading to the charming port city of Otaru.
What's included
Included
- Round-trip transfers
Not included
- Admission to Showa Shinzan and Bear Ranch. (Around 5$)
- Other personal expenses
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Jigokudani
Explore the dramatic landscape of **Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)**, one of Hokkaido's most famous geothermal attractions. Walk along wooden boardwalks surrounded by steaming vents, bubbling sulfur pools, and rugged volcanic terrain while learning about the powerful geothermal activity that feeds the region's renowned hot springs.
80 minutes here
Oyunuma
Visit the peaceful **Oyunuma Pond**, a steaming sulfur lake formed within a volcanic crater. Surrounded by lush forests, this geothermal pond offers a fascinating contrast of tranquil scenery and volcanic activity, making it a favorite stop for nature lovers and photographers.
30 minutes here
Lake Toya
Relax beside the crystal-clear waters of **Lake Toya**, one of Japan's most beautiful caldera lakes located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Stroll along the lakeshore, admire panoramic mountain views, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this spectacular natural destination.
120 minutes here
Stop at the **Lake Toya Observatory** for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake, Nakajima Island, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. This scenic viewpoint offers one of Hokkaido's finest photo opportunities and a memorable perspective of the region's natural beauty.
20 minutes here
Visit **Showa Shinzan**, a remarkable volcanic lava dome created during eruptions in the 1940s, and explore the nearby **Bear Ranch** (admission not included). Observe Hokkaido's native brown bears in a mountain setting while learning about the area's volcanic history and unique wildlife.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sapporo
Meet up at Sapporo Station North Exit Group BUS Terminal, address: Kitashichijo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City. Please arrive at the location 10 minutes before the departure time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet up at Sapporo Station North Exit Group BUS Terminal, address: Kitashichijo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City. Please arrive at the location 10 minutes before the departure time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en, zh-CN
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TREVOPEDIA
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
- Total Tour duration includes transportation.
- Free for children aged 0-2 as long as they will not occupy separate seats
- The itinerary is subject to change on the day of the tour due to weather conditions, traffic, operational requirements, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Sometimes, due to public holidays or limited visiting hours of some facilities, certain attractions may be skipped or the tour may end early. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
- The actual arrival time of the bus may be delayed due to traffic congestion or bad weather. If you need to transfer after the trip, please allow enough time for the next bus.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A comprehensive day out....
A comprehensive day out. Scenery, crater, bears, lake, shopping. Excellent local food along the way.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re glad you enjoyed such a comprehensive day exploring the highlights of Hokkaido from the dramatic scenery and crater views to the lake, wildlife, and shopping stops. It’s great to hear you also appreciated the local food along the way. We truly value your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another memorable tour!
via Viator
Scenic views ...
Scenic views Different experience than being in the city Nice mix of scenic adventures Timing of stops was comfortable
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re glad you enjoyed the scenic views and the refreshing change from the city atmosphere. It’s great to hear that the mix of destinations and comfortable timing of stops made your experience even more enjoyable. We hope to welcome you again on another memorable tour!
via Viator
Very organised wonderful day
This was a busy day that covered south Hokkaido. Jay was organised, informative and gave clear instructions. We saw beautiful scenery and the day went smoothly. The best of the many day trips I have taken in Hokkaido. Thank you
via Viator
Hell valley in snow
It was great. Unexpected heavy snow fall made many issues, everything got delayed, but we miss nothing. Snow made the trip more adventurous, maybe snow added an extra value. The guide did a good job. We appreciate the hard job done by the driver of the bus, driving under heavy snow fall.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review! We’re glad to hear that despite the heavy snowfall, you still enjoyed the full experience and found the snow added an extra sense of adventure. We truly appreciate your kind words for our guide and driver—driving in such conditions is no easy task. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable journey in Hokkaido!
via Viator
Reckless driving
This was my first time traveling to Sapporo and wanted to explore the northern part of Japan. At first glance I thought this tour looked great. However, it was a huge disappointment. The one positive was the guide contacted us the night before to confirm our reservation and review the meeting point. The bus was jammed full almost 50 people. Mostly Chinese and our guide addressed them all in Chinese. Please don’t advertise English when it’s Chinese mostly spoken. The tour was too long. It could have been shortened and too much time at sulfer stop. The weather November 19th was extremely cold. The stop where the bears were was confusing. No one really said the bears are here and made a huge to do around the lavender. Captive audience. Our guide was more focused on promoting and upselling lavender. As if it was his own product. Obviously, the guides are incentivized to promote product. It was offensive and too much! The soup Curry was good but again a captive audience. Where else would we eat? It would have been nice to have enough time to go on the Rope (gondola) but not quite enough time. The lake was lovely but again we had extreme cold weather. The photos posted of the excursion are all from the summer. In the future during good weather encourage the guests the carry the small crampons that fit over shoes. Available at the Donkey store. One huge major red flag was the bus driver. He was going way too fast for the conditions. My partner and I were on pins and needles. The driver was reckless and on the last stop (a quaint little town) I inquired with our guide if we would be taking the same route back? If so, I was going to train back to Sapporo than to get on the terrifying bus with a reckless and chaotic driver. So many close calls and abrupt lane changes put a dark cloud on my experience. We both were frightened and relieved once the tour was over. Not a good experience and catered to Chinese tourists. Think about redesigning the tour in smaller groups, less stops, and stop the false advertising for English speaking. Final comment, the audio speaker was horrible too.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we’re truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience. We will urgently review your concerns regarding language, pacing, and especially the driver’s safety to ensure this does not happen again.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- 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
- 11
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by TREVOPEDIA, who run 193 experiences we rank across 44 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.
See everything TREVOPEDIA runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sapporo.
How much does Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo cost?
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Prices start at $110 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 Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sapporo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo?
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Around 11 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo 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 Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo?
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Included: Round-trip transfers. Not included: Admission to Showa Shinzan and Bear Ranch. (Around 5$); Other personal expenses; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo?
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Meet up at Sapporo Station North Exit Group BUS Terminal, address: Kitashichijo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City. Please arrive at the location 10 minutes before the departure time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo 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 Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo?
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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 Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo 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 Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo 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 Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Nature Day Tour from Sapporo?
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Across 30 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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