Situated in the heart of Japan’s natural wonders, the Noboribetsu: Jigokudani & Toya 1 Day Tour from Sapporo offers an immersive experience for adventurous travelers. Departing from the Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo, this full-day excursion promises to captivate with its exploration of the otherworldly Jigokudani "Hell Valley" and the serene Lake Toya Onsen. But the journey doesn’t stop there – visitors can also witness the scenic Showa Shinzan, an intriguing volcanic landscape that holds the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of Japan’s dynamic geological history.
Key Points
- The 1-day Noboribetsu tour from Sapporo covers highlights like Jigokudani, Lake Toya Onsen, Showa Shinzan, and Silo Observation Deck, priced at $67.81 per person.
- Departure is from Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo, with tour options available in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
- The tour includes 2 hours of bus journey, 30 minutes at Jigokudani, 1.5 hours at Lake Toya Onsen, and 110 minutes at Showa Shinzan.
- Optional activities like bear feeding and scenic ropeway rides are available at extra cost, enhancing the tour experience.
- Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, and children aged 0-3 can travel for free without a separate seat.
Tour Overview
The Noboribetsu: Jigokudani & Toya 1 Day Tour from Sapporo offers a full-day excursion to explore the volcanic landscapes and natural wonders of the Noboribetsu region.
Priced at $67.81 per person, the tour lasts one day and departs from the Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo hotel. Available in English, Chinese, and Japanese, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include the steaming Jigokudani "Hell Valley," the relaxing Lake Toya Onsen, and the options to visit Showa Shinzan and the Silo Observation Deck.
While lunch isn’t included, there are opportunities for additional activities like bear feeding and scenic ropeway rides, subject to extra fees.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with a bus journey from Sapporo, lasting approximately 2 hours, to the volcanic region of Jigokudani, also known as "Hell Valley".
Visitors will have 30 minutes to explore the unique geothermal landscape, with its steaming vents and sulfurous streams.
Next, the tour heads to Lake Toya Onsen, where you will have 1.5 hours of free time to relax in the hot springs and take in the scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The final stop is Showa Shinzan, with 110 minutes to explore the area, including options for additional activities like bear feeding and panoramic sightseeing from the Silo Observation Deck.
Highlights of the Tour
Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley," enchants visitors with its volcanic landscape, where steaming vents and sulfurous streams captivate the senses.
The soothing hot springs of Lake Toya Onsen offer a relaxing respite, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
At Showa Shinzan, travelers can choose to feed bears or take in the stunning scenic vistas.
The Silo Observation Deck provides panoramic views of Lake Toya and a popular souvenir shop, rounding out the day’s highlights.
From the otherworldly Jigokudani to the serene Lake Toya, this tour showcases Noboribetsu’s diverse natural wonders.
Pricing and Cancellation
The tour package is priced from $67.81 per person, making it an accessible option for travelers.
Flexibility is built into the booking, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Additional conveniences include:
- Tour available in English, Chinese, and Japanese to accommodate diverse language needs.
- Children aged 0-3 can join the tour for free if not occupying a separate seat.
- While lunch isn’t included, participants have the freedom to bring their own meals.
With a range of pricing options and cancellation policies, this Noboribetsu tour from Sapporo provides an affordable and adaptable travel experience.
Languages and Starting Location
This Noboribetsu tour from Sapporo conveniently offers tour options in English, Chinese, and Japanese, catering to the diverse language needs of travelers. The tour departs from the centrally located Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo, an IHG Hotel, making it easily accessible for participants.
| Language Options | ||
|---|---|---|
| English | Chinese | Japanese |
| Suitable for international guests | Caters to Chinese-speaking travelers | For local Japanese participants |
| Comprehensive tour explanations | Tour content in Mandarin Chinese | Native language support |
The combination of multilingual offerings and a convenient starting point ensures a seamless and inclusive Noboribetsu tour experience.
Additional Optional Activities
Visiting the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch and taking the Usuzan Ropeway are two optional activities that participants can add to their Noboribetsu tour from Sapporo.
Tickets for these attractions can be purchased in advance.
The Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch offers the chance to see bears up close, including opportunities for feeding.
The Usuzan Ropeway, on the other hand, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Toya and the Showa Shinzan volcanic peak.
These optional activities provide an opportunity to enhance the Noboribetsu tour experience, giving visitors the chance to create lasting memories.
- Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
- Usuzan Ropeway
- Advance ticket purchase available
Child Policy and Inclusions
According to the information provided, children aged 0-3 travel for free on the Noboribetsu tour from Sapporo, as long as they do not occupy a separate seat. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so participants should bring their own. Plus, there are optional activities available for advance purchase, such as tickets to the Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch and the Usuzan Ropeway.
| Inclusions | Additional Fees |
|---|---|
| Tour transportation | Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch tickets |
| Jigokudani sightseeing | Usuzan Ropeway tickets |
| Lake Toya Onsen visit | N/A |
| Showa Shinzan sightseeing | N/A |
| Silo Observation Deck | N/A |
Important Tour Guidelines
Before embarking on the tour, participants should be aware of a few important guidelines.
The itinerary may be subject to changes due to weather and road conditions, so flexibility is key. While suitcases are allowed, large items may be refused on the bus.
Plus, the tour has strict policies – no alcohol consumption or loud talking is permitted, and there are no toilets on the bus.
It’s worth noting that a minimum number of participants (15) is required for the tour to proceed, and refunds will be offered if the tour is canceled due to lack of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?
While the tour does not include lunch, participants are responsible for bringing their own water, snacks, and any other desired food items to enjoy throughout the day’s activities.
Is There a Restroom Available on the Bus?
Unfortunately, there is no toilet available on the bus for this tour. The tour overview states that participants should plan accordingly, as the bus does not have any onboard restroom facilities.
Can I Use My Phone During the Bus Ride?
Passengers are generally allowed to use their phones during the bus ride, but loud talking is discouraged. The tour guidelines specify no alcohol consumption and no loud talking on the bus, so travelers should be mindful of their phone usage to avoid disrupting others.
What Should I Wear for the Tour Activities?
Travelers should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Layering is recommended as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities in varied environments. Bringing a hat, sunscreen, and an umbrella is also advisable.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Optional Activities?
The tour does not specify any age restrictions for the optional activities like the Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch and Usuzan Ropeway. However, young children may need to be accompanied by an adult for safety and supervision.
Recap
The Noboribetsu: Jigokudani & Toya 1 Day Tour from Sapporo offers an affordable and immersive exploration of Japan’s natural wonders. Travelers can discover the captivating Jigokudani "Hell Valley," relax at Lake Toya Onsen, and visit the scenic Showa Shinzan, all while enjoying flexible cancellation policies and optional activities like bear feeding and a ropeway ride. This tour provides a memorable adventure for diverse travelers with multilingual support.
