Hokkaido: Lake Toya, Bear Ranch and Sapporo Otaru Full Day Tour
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the charm of Hokkaido with this carefully curated tour, perfect for families, friends, or cultural enthusiasts seeking a blend of natural beauty and local experiences. Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Noboribetsu Hell Valley, marvel at the steaming Oyunuma Pond, and visit Lake Toya’s iconic observatories for breathtaking views.
Dive into Japanese history with a visit to Showa Shinzan, an ever-growing volcanic wonder, and experience the playful antics of Hokkaido’s native brown bears at the Bear Ranch. End your journey in the romantic town of Otaru, strolling its historic canals and indulging in local delicacies. This tour offers a seamless combination of nature, history, and cultural discovery, making it an unforgettable adventure. Book now for an authentic Hokkaido experience!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
1.The departure time from the meeting point is 8:00 AM, and the drop-off time is around 6:00 PM, making the total duration of the trip approximately 10 hours
2.Look for the tour guide holding a yellow Gogoday flag at the meeting point. Tell the guide the name you booked under to join.Please come 15 minutes ahead of time. Refunds will not be given for late or missed arrivals.
3.Weekend and holiday traffic in Japan may delay the return time past 9 p.m.Our company covers overtime fees for the guide and driver.To avoid issues, please don't schedule activities or transport afterward.Attraction times may also be shortened, adjusted, or canceled. Thankyou for your understanding.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Multilingual guide- English, Japanese, Chinese
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
All Fees and Taxes
Pickup and drop-off from designated areas
Food and drinks
Ticket for bear Ranch
What To Expect
Noboribetsu
8:00 AM: Gather at Sapporo Station and board an air-conditioned bus with a professional guide to begin today’s journey through Hokkaido. 9:30 AM: Arrive at the first stop, Noboribetsu (approximately 60 minutes). Jigokudani (Hell Valley): A volcanic crater formed around 10,000 years ago, located near Lake Toya. The area spans 450 meters in diameter, with constant white smoke, barren land, and a strong sulfur smell, earning its nickname as a “hell-like” valley. This natural wonder offers a glimpse into Hokkaido's volcanic activity. (Accessible during winter) Oyunuma Pond: Formed by an eruption of Mt. Hiyoriyama, this steaming crater lake features 130°C sulfur springs, providing hot spring water to local inns. A viewing platform offers panoramic views, or visitors can take a closer look by walking to the lakeside. However, trails and the outdoor footbath area are closed during winter for safety reasons.
Lake Toya
12:00 PM: Visit the Lake Toya area Showa Shinzan and Bear Ranch Showa Shinzan: A volcanic mountain formed after a strong earthquake in 1943. Standing at 398 meters, it remains active, with white smoke emanating from its reddish-brown surface. Declared a national monument in 1957, it continues to grow as a “new mountain.” Bear Ranch: Located near the ropeway entrance, the ranch houses over 100 Hokkaido brown bears, the largest wild mammals in the region. Visitors can feed the bears and observe their playful antics. Lake Toya Scenic Spots Lake Toya Overview: A crater lake with a diameter of 10 kilometers, covering 70.72 square kilometers, and a depth of 180 meters. The lake is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and remains unfrozen year-round. Toya Lake Observatory: Offers stunning views of the lake, Nakajima Island, Mt. Yotei, Showa Shinzan, and Mt. Usu. It’s the perfect spot for panoramic photos.
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Hokkaido: Lake Toya, Bear Ranch and Sapporo Otaru Full Day Tour
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The itinerary was good,...
Choon Y,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The itinerary was good, but most important of all the tour guide was excellent. She was fluent in 3 languages, been very helpful and professional, and had good knowledge of Hokkaido. It was a joy listening to her.
The Hokkaido Experience
douglas e,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour- you get a great overall look at Hokkaido. Shirley was a great guide. Would recommend this tour highly!
Poor buses and average guide
Suha D,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Sites were very nice worth visiting. Provided buses were very poor quality seats broken, cup holders broken with sharp edges torn my coat. Tour guide was average and at some points perhaps not interested.
It gives a broad view of...
Judith L,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It gives a broad view of the countryside and also charming Otaru. Our guide XiXi gave excellent commentary in English and Chinese and kept us to a tight schedule which was appreciated.
Great sights but terrible driver and bus accommodations
Anthony A,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The sights are definitely worth seeing but the company chose the most uncomfortable bus to put 28 people in and also gave us a driver that had us sliding from side to side and did not drive safe at all. It turned what we expected to be long scenic drives into and uncomfortably long agonizing experience. We chose to end in the last stop and take the train back to Sapporo because we did not feel safe or comfortable.
Great choice for tour around Hokkaido
Hayden G,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, well timed destinations, and tour guide was brilliant. Bus was a little crammed so don't bring a ton of stuff.
Great experience
rubyduck88,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Arafat was a terrific guide and we had an excellent driver. We were able to see a lot of lovely sites on Hokkaido in one day.
Relaxing Road Trip
Road09064867630,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First, I have to say thank you to Arafat, our tour guide. The day before the tour, Arafat sent us a very detailed info on where and how to get to the tour meeting point via Whatsapp which was so helpful! Throughout the almost 12 hours trip, he was polite, patient, thoughtful, and enthusiastic. He deserves the rating of 5+ points!!! About the trip, the mountains were beautiful and the scenery of Lake Toya was peaceful! The valcanic crater of Noboribetsu was not as magnificent as expected especially if you have been to Yellow Stone National Park. The seafood at Otaru was not that great and very pricy for the quality.
Great day with beautiful autumn leaves and nice people
593lachlang,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time with a friendly guide (Jay) and good group of people. The autumn leaves were absolutely beautiful. I would do this tour again.
Unique view of Hokkaido
Happiness13541445059,
Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very enjoyable trip with a very nice and professional guide. It was a very hot day but the views were perfect and clear everywhere we went. I enjoyed seeing the bears and raccoons.
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