From Sapporo: Winter Day Tour to Lake Toya, Mt. Showa-Shinzan and Noboribetsu Hell Valley, with Optional Scallop Lunch

From Sapporo to Winter Lake Toya, Mt. Showa-Shinzan and Noboribetsu

This bus tour takes in Hokkaido's lakes and volcanic landscapes, centred on Lake Toya, Mt. Showa-Shinzan and Noboribetsu Hell Valley. You can choose a plan with or without lunch, so it's easy to pair your sightseeing with a hearty scallop set meal.

The tour departs Sapporo at 7:50 and returns around 17:30, for a total of about 9 hours 40 minutes. A guide speaking Japanese, English, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese accompanies the group, and travellers of different languages share the same bus.

First Stop: Nakayama Pass

In winter, the tour starts with a stop at Nakayama Pass. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Yotei, nicknamed the "Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido" (Ezo Fuji). Take in the snow-capped peak before continuing on towards Lake Toya.

Try a Snowmobile Ride in Kimobetsu

Depending on snow conditions and whether the facility is open, the tour stops at a snowmobile centre in Kimobetsu. If you'd like, you can join a ride across snowfields and through snow-covered woods.

Snowmobiling is not included in either the lunch or no-lunch plan. You sign up and pay separately on the day. If you're thinking of joining, please bring gloves and cash in Japanese yen.

If you'd rather not ride, you can enjoy the snowy scenery or relax in the rest area, following the facility's guidance. Please note that the stop or the activity may be cancelled due to insufficient snow or facility closures.

A Spring-Water Park, Then a Lake Toya Viewpoint

The winter itinerary also includes a visit to Kyogoku Meisui Park, a spring-water park at the foot of Mt. Yotei. After seeing the clear spring water flowing through the park, you'll head to an observation point overlooking Lake Toya.

From the viewpoint, you can see Nakajima Island floating in the lake and the surrounding mountains. White snow set against the blue water is a sight unique to Lake Toya in winter. How the sky and mountains look will depend on the weather that day.

Lunch Plan: Four Scallop Dishes and Kamameshi

The lunch plan features a special scallop set meal: steamed scallops, fried scallops, scallop sashimi and grilled scallops, served with kamameshi pot rice.

The same scallop takes on a different texture and flavour depending on how it's cooked. From raw to grilled to fried, you can compare them all in a single meal. Highly recommended if you want to enjoy Hokkaido's food as much as its scenery.

A no-lunch plan is also available. If you'd like the scallop set meal, be sure to choose the lunch plan when booking.

See Mt. Showa-Shinzan and Choose How to Spend Your Free Time

In the Mt. Usu and Showa-Shinzan area, you can get a close-up view of Mt. Showa-Shinzan and its distinctive reddish-brown slopes. Born from volcanic activity, the mountain offers a glimpse into how this landscape was formed.

During free time, you can also visit the Mt. Usu Ropeway or Showa-Shinzan Bear Park for an extra fee. Ride the ropeway up the mountain for sweeping views of Lake Toya and the surrounding volcanic terrain.

The length of free time varies depending on your lunch plan and the day's schedule. Check the meeting time on site and plan accordingly. The ropeway may be suspended for maintenance or due to weather.

Finally, the Steaming Noboribetsu Hell Valley

The last stop on the winter itinerary is Noboribetsu Jigokudani, or Hell Valley. Here you'll see a volcanic landscape where white steam rises between pale and rusty-brown rock.

This rugged terrain, so different from the lakes and snowfields, is another highlight of the tour. Look out over the valley from the viewing area and explore whatever paths are open that day. In winter, accessible areas may be limited due to snow and ice.

Afterwards, the tour returns to Sapporo and ends near Exit 31 of the Odori Park subway station.

FAQ

■ Where and when do we meet? Meet near Exit 31 of the Odori Park subway station in central Sapporo at 7:40, for a 7:50 departure. On the afternoon before your tour, you'll receive an email with a Google Maps link to the meeting point, your guide's contact details and vehicle information. Please check that email for the final meeting point and time.

■ Where does the tour end, and what time do we get back? The tour generally ends at the same place as the meeting point, near Exit 31 of the Odori Park subway station. Return is scheduled for around 17:30, but may be delayed by traffic or weather.

■ Is lunch included? There are plans with and without lunch. The lunch plan includes a set meal of steamed, fried, sashimi and grilled scallops, plus kamameshi pot rice.

■ Are the snowmobile and ropeway included? No. The snowmobile ride, Mt. Usu Ropeway and Showa-Shinzan Bear Park are optional and paid for on site. Please bring cash in Japanese yen.

■ Can children join? Children aged 3 and over can join. Children aged 0 to 2 cannot participate. Paid activities such as snowmobiling may have their own requirements separate from the tour, so please check in advance.

■ What languages does the guide speak? Japanese, English, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese. This is a multilingual tour, with travellers of different languages sharing the same bus.

■ Can I bring a suitcase? Yes. Up to two pieces per person are allowed free of charge.

■ What should I wear in winter? Please dress warmly, with a heavy coat or down jacket. Non-slip shoes are also recommended, as you'll be walking on snowy paths. If you'd like to try snowmobiling, please bring gloves.

■ Could the itinerary or snow activities change? Yes. The order of stops and time spent at each may change due to snow, road conditions or weather. Snow activities may also be unavailable depending on snow conditions and facility operations. Safety always comes first.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Lunch or no-lunch plan, and the latest prices
• The itinerary and expected return time for your date
• The meeting-point email sent the afternoon before
• The minimum age of 3, and requirements for paid activities
• Extra fees and payment methods for snowmobiling and other options
• Warm clothing, gloves and non-slip shoes
• Luggage, mobility restrictions and cancellation policy

Prices, itineraries and plan details are subject to change, so please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

Gaze out over snow-framed Lake Toya, look up at the rugged slopes of Mt. Showa-Shinzan, and watch steam billow from Noboribetsu Hell Valley. In just one day trip from Sapporo, you can experience the remarkable variety of Hokkaido's natural landscapes.

If food is part of your travel plans, go for the scallop lunch plan. And if you've always wanted to race across a snowfield, the optional snowmobile ride is worth considering. Scenery, food and snowy fun – pick what excites you most and set off for winter Hokkaido.

Book here: From Sapporo: Lake Toya & Noboribetsu Day Tour (with Scallop Lunch).