Noboribetsu and Toya Full Day Tour

The Noboribetsu and Toya Full Day Tour provides travelers with a chance to enjoy Japan’s stunning volcanic landscapes and serene lakes. Departing from Sapporo, the tour showcases the captivating Jigokudani, the Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch, and the breathtaking views from the Mt. Usu Ropeway. As the day winds down, guests can explore the picturesque Lake Toya, home to a unique island-bound Buddhist temple. With a hassle-free itinerary and included lunch, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure – but what lies beyond the highlights?

Key Points

• A full-day tour exploring the volcanic landscapes and serene lakes of Noboribetsu and Lake Toya, departing from Sapporo.
• Highlights include Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch, and the Mt. Usu ropeway for panoramic views.
• Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle, with lunch included during the tour.
• Not wheelchair accessible, but public transportation is available nearby for additional accessibility.
• Potential weather impacts, such as reduced daylight and snow accumulation, may affect the tour schedule and access to certain areas.

Tour Overview

The Noboribetsu and Toya Full Day Tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore two of Hokkaido’s renowned natural wonders in a single day.

Starting from Sapporo, the tour takes travelers to the volcanic landscape of Noboribetsu and the serene Lake Toya.

Highlights include a visit to the Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch and a ride on the Mt. Usu Ropeway.

With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour offers an intimate experience guided by knowledgeable local experts.

Lunch is included, and the tour returns to the starting point in the afternoon, making it an efficient and convenient way to discover the natural beauty of this region.

Itinerary Highlights

Travelers on the Noboribetsu and Toya Full Day Tour begin their journey by visiting the volcanic Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu.

They’ll witness the powerful steam vents, hot springs, and sulfurous hues that earned the valley its fiery nickname.

Next, they’ll explore the Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch, home to Asiatic black bears.

After lunch, the tour ascends Mount Usu by ropeway, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

The final stop is Lake Toya, a scenic caldera lake with an island-bound Buddhist temple.

Throughout the day, an attentive guide provides insights into the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Transportation and Logistics

Participants begin the day by meeting at the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo, the designated starting point for the tour. From there, they’ll board an air-conditioned vehicle and embark on their day’s journey. The tour’s accessibility is notable – it’s not wheelchair-accessible, but it’s near public transportation, and infants can join by sitting on laps.

Transportation	Meeting Point	Start Time	End Point
Air-conditioned vehicle	ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo	8:30 AM	Returns to the meeting point

During the winter, shorter daylight and snowy conditions may impact the duration of stays at various sites, ensuring a seamless and adaptable experience for all participants.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes several key features to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers will enjoy an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort and convenience. The Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch entrance fee and Mt. Usu Ropeway fee are included for the "Tour with Ticket Plan" option, providing access to these attractions.

Lunch is also provided, ensuring visitors are fueled for the day’s activities. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Weather Considerations

In winter, shorter daylight and snow may reduce walkable areas, possibly adjusting stay durations at various sites. The tour itinerary may need to adapt to these weather conditions.

For example, less daylight could limit time spent outdoors exploring the natural landscapes. Similarly, snow accumulation might restrict access to certain areas or trails.

The tour operator give you the best experience possible, so they may need to modify the schedule to ensure visitors’ safety and comfort.

Ultimately, the weather can impact the tour, but the operator will work to deliver an enjoyable and memorable experience regardless of the conditions.

Tour Operator and Reviews

H.I.S. Co., Ltd. operates the Noboribetsu and Toya Full Day Tour. The tour has received an average rating of 4.5 stars from a total of 2 reviews.

Positive feedback includes:

1. The guide, Akiko, was helpful and informative.
2. The driver, Hashimoto, was skilled in navigating winter conditions.
3. The tour provided a good opportunity to see various sites.

However, some negative feedback criticized the poor animal husbandry conditions at the Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch.

Plus, there were contrasting views on the natural scenery.

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

According to the tour information, the Noboribetsu and Toya Full Day Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. The tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers.

While the duration of the tour is a full day, the specific start and end times are 8:30 am to the original meeting point.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Inclement winter weather may impact the duration of stay at various sites along the tour route.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers can easily book the Noboribetsu and Toya Full Day Tour through the operator H.I.S. The booking process is straightforward, with confirmation received at the time of booking.

For those needing flexibility, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour’s reasonable pricing, from $70.91 per person, makes it an accessible option.

Additionally:

1. Customers can select the "Tour with Ticket Plan" for a more comprehensive experience.
2. The tour departs from a convenient meeting point in central Sapporo.
3. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
4. Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour generally does not allow bringing your own food. The tour package includes lunch, so participants are expected to have the provided meal. Personal snacks or beverages may be permitted, but bringing a full meal is typically not allowed.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. The full-day tour has a fixed schedule and itinerary, so customers can’t request to extend the experience beyond the listed start and end times.

Are Photographs Allowed at the Bear Ranch?

Photographs are generally allowed at the Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch, though visitors should be respectful and follow any guidelines provided by the staff. Taking photos responsibly allows guests to capture memories of their visit.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch Option?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal lunch option when booking the tour. The tour operator, H.I.S. Co., Ltd., provides these meal alternatives upon request to accommodate dietary needs.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for children or seniors. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator directly, as they may offer reduced pricing for certain age groups.

The Sum Up

The Noboribetsu and Toya Full Day Tour offers an immersive exploration of Japan’s volcanic landscapes and serene lakes. Visitors can witness the captivating Jigokudani, observe Asiatic black bears, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Mt. Usu Ropeway before concluding the day at the picturesque Lake Toya. With included transportation and lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure in Japan’s stunning natural settings.