Private Day Tour to Hokkaido Noboribetsu and Lake Toya by Car

Exploring the natural wonders of Hokkaido has never been easier. This private day tour to Noboribetsu and Lake Toya offers a hassle-free way to experience the region’s breathtaking landscapes. With convenient transportation and comprehensive inclusions, travelers can enjoy the volcanic beauty of Noboribetsu and the serene charm of Lake Toya. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of Hokkaido’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• This private day tour from Sapporo covers the volcanic landscapes of Noboribetsu and the scenic Lake Toya area, with round-trip ropeway tickets included.
• The tour is up to 10 hours long and priced from $545.15 for up to 4 people, including private air-conditioned transportation, fuel, and toll fees.
• Pickup options include Sapporo Station or hotel locations, with an English or Mandarin-speaking driver.
• The tour is not wheelchair-accessible but is stroller-friendly, and a moderate fitness level is required.
• Highlights include Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Oyunuma (sulfur pond), Usuzan Ropeway, and the opportunity to explore Toya Lake Onsen Street.

Tour Overview

The private day tour to Hokkaido Noboribetsu and Lake Toya offers visitors a chance to explore the natural wonders of the region from Sapporo.

The tour lasts up to 10 hours and costs from $545.15 per group of up to 4 people. Transportation is provided in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, with fuel, parking, and toll fees included.

The tour includes a round-trip ticket for the Usuzan Ropeway, but meals aren’t provided. Guests will meet at Sapporo Station and have the option for hotel pickup.

The tour requires a moderate fitness level and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Inclusions and Transportation

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided for the tour, with the fuel surcharge, parking fees, and highway toll fees all included.

Infant seats are available, and the driver is either English-speaking or Mandarin-speaking.

The Usuzan Ropeway round-trip ticket, which costs approximately ¥1,800 per person, is also included.

Meals, however, aren’t provided, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at Toya Lake Onsen Street during the tour.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants gather at the red statue located at the south exit of JR Sapporo Station to meet their driver.

The tour offers several pickup options, so travelers can choose the most convenient location, such as their hotel.

Once gathered, the driver will escort the group to the air-conditioned private vehicle for the day’s adventure.

The meeting process is straightforward:

1. Locate the red statue at the Sapporo Station south exit.
2. Provide hotel location for pickup, if needed.
3. Meet the English or Mandarin-speaking driver.
4. Board the comfortable, private transportation for the journey.

Expectations and Accessibility

Travelers can expect to receive confirmation of their booking either immediately or within 48 hours for last-minute reservations.

This private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly. Service animals are welcome, and the tour is located near public transportation.

A moderate fitness level is required, and guests with serious medical conditions should exercise caution.

The tour is suitable for visitors seeking to see multiple Hokkaido attractions in a single day, with comfortable transportation and beautiful scenery.

However, the strict timeline may limit flexibility, as noted in mixed reviews.

Highlights of Noboribetsu

As the tour arrives in Noboribetsu, visitors will be captivated by the volcanic landscapes and natural wonders that define this region.

The tour highlights include:

1. Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley," a surreal geothermal area with boiling sulfuric springs, fumaroles, and steaming volcanic vents.
2. Oyunuma, a natural sulfur pond with a temperature reaching 50°C (122°F), perfect for relaxing in the healing waters.
3. Oku-no-Yu, a historic hot spring resort with traditional Japanese bathhouses, offering a chance to soak in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters.
4. Usuzan Ropeway, a cable car that ascends to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the stunning volcanic caldera and Lake Toya.

Exploring Lake Toya

After exploring the volcanic wonders of Noboribetsu, the tour moves on to the tranquil Lake Toya, a scenic caldera lake surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks.

Visitors can take in the panoramic views from the Usuzan Ropeway, which offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the lake and its picturesque surroundings.

The tour also includes time to stroll along the charming Toya Lake Onsen Street, where guests can sample local cuisine and browse specialty shops.

With its serene ambiance and stunning natural beauty, Lake Toya provides a peaceful contrast to the dramatic landscapes of Noboribetsu.

Feedback and Recommendations

The reviews for this private day tour to Hokkaido’s Noboribetsu and Lake Toya provide valuable insights for potential travelers.

While some noted language barriers and strict timelines, others praised the driver’s enthusiasm, communication, and well-planned itinerary.

The tour is considered ideal for those seeking to see multiple locations in a day, with beautiful sites and comfortable transportation.

To maximize the experience, the following recommendations are suggested:

1. Communicate any special needs or preferences in advance.
2. Expect a moderate pace and be prepared for light walking.
3. Bring snacks and water to stay energized.
4. Be flexible and open-minded to make the most of the tour.

The Sum Up

This private day tour to Hokkaido’s Noboribetsu and Lake Toya offers a seamless and immersive experience. Travelers can expect comfortable transportation, stunning volcanic landscapes, serene lake views, and opportunities to savor local cuisine. With all fees covered, this tour provides a hassle-free way to explore the region’s natural wonders. Whether seeking breathtaking scenery or a chance to unwind, this tour delivers an unforgettable Hokkaido adventure.