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 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.
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
Options
Hokkaido: Lake Toya, Bear Ranch and Sapporo Otaru Full Day Tour
Reviews
50 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The tour guide, Rita, is...
HONGLIN L,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide, Rita, is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. She controls the trip very smoothly and punctured. Also the driver is very professional to keep the ride very smooth.
Terrible operator
951goranj,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Worst operator ever , waited for an hour at pick up point , no bus , no guide no pickup , no return message or phone calls , request refund Never use this company Absolutely zero experience Wasted my whole day
Great one day tour.
Matt W,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to see the parts of Hokkaido outside Sapporo on one day. Jay did a great job describing interesting points along the way. A fair bit of driving but worth it to see the countryside and the 3 interesting points along the way.
All the must visit places in one day
Patana T,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized trip perfect timing. We have a chance to see 4 different must visit locations in Hokkaido in one day; Hell Valley , Bear Ranch, Lake Toya, and Otaru city. They are all impressive thank you Jay for his great service and keep everyone entertained and giving us a good time.
I recommend it
Vivian H,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jay is knowledgeable and caring. This tour is excellent and we highly recommend it. You get to see many beautiful places.
Great tour
Gabrielle K,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on this trip! Our guide Sophia was so informative and kept us on the perfect schedule to see everything we needed to see in the day. I recommend this tour.
Happy holidayers
Inspiration646653,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun time,tour guide and driver both excellant.
Hokkaido
Cathy P,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00It was a great way to get out of the city. We saw beautiful scenery but it was a lot of driving. The van was not comfortable. The tour guide was knowledgeable. I would recommend if you don’t mind being in a car most of the day.
Hard pass
Ashley T,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00whole day felt rushed. schedule not followed, we arrived home very early. tour guide caught lying about the schedule. when getting in the bus at otaru, i asked why we were leaving so early when the schedule has us arriving here at 4:30, not leaving at that time.. she said her schedule was different to ours and to take it up with tour company. after the tour i asked her for a copy of hers. it was the same as ours, just written in chinese. the times were l the same, she had lied about them being different. when confronted with the evidence refused to take any accountability just saying she gave us another 7 minutes in otaru than she should have. one couple caught had even caught the train back from otaru because they didn’t want to be rushed by having to leave on the bus at 4:30. it was an english and chinese tour, so guide would say one sentence/paragraph in english and then in chinese, alternating between languages, making it extremely difficult to follow along. Felt like i spent 90% of the time on an old bus, 10% looking at scenery. Would not recommend. do smaller tours. with a different company.
Happy holidayers
Inspiration646653,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day tour.DRiver and guide very good at what they do.
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Operated by Hotel Takitei