Hokkaido│Noboribetsu & Lake Toya Tour with Ropeway Ticket

Jigokudani’s steaming ravine and the volcanic views around Showa Shinzan give you a strong taste of Hokkaido’s wild side without renting a car. I like the way this tour joins several major sights in one day, and I like the simple hotel pickup from central Sapporo.

The Usuzan Ropeway adds a fine high viewpoint for a modest extra cost, especially on a clear day. The main caution is time: Lake Toya gets 90 minutes, while some ropeway and bear ranch visits can feel rushed, and winter weather may cancel or limit the best views.

Key points at a glance

• Steaming Jigokudani: See volcanic vents, hot spring activity, and a dramatic ravine close to Noboribetsu.
• Two lake stops: Lake Shikotsu offers 40 minutes of free time, while Lake Toya gets a longer stop in Toyako Onsen.
• Optional Mount Usu views: The ticketed plan includes the Usuzan Ropeway and Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch.
• Full-day transport from Sapporo: Meet at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel at 8:10 a.m. and return around 6:30 p.m.
• Short, focused visits: You see a lot, but most stops are designed for quick sightseeing rather than a slow stay.
• Important ethical choice: The bear ranch is included in the ticketed plan, but its animal conditions may trouble you.

Why this Hokkaido day trip works

At $61 per person, this is a transport-first tour. That matters in Hokkaido, where the sights are spread across wide distances and a rental car is not always convenient. You get a full day of driving, an English or Japanese guide, and admission to Jigokudani and the Silo Observatory.

I would not book this mainly for luxury or long meals. I would book it to cover a broad slice of southwestern Hokkaido in one day: two lakes, Noboribetsu’s volcanic valley, Toyako Onsen, an active volcano, and a high viewpoint near Mount Usu.

The route also gives you useful variety. Lake Shikotsu is open and scenic. Jigokudani feels hot, sulfurous, and geologically active. Toyako Onsen adds a small town and foot-bath atmosphere. Showa Shinzan provides the most dramatic volcanic setting, while the Silo Observatory gives you the classic broad view over Lake Toya.

The tradeoff is straightforward. You spend roughly four hours on the bus in total, and every stop has a clock attached to it. If you want a quiet soak, a long lakeside walk, or a careful visit to every viewpoint, take a slower independent trip instead.

The early start at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel

Your day begins inside the lobby of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo. Be there before the 8:10 a.m. meeting time, since the guide checks names before boarding. Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.

The vehicle may be a large coach, a smaller bus, a minibus, or a van, depending on the day. That flexibility helps the operator run the tour, but it means you should not expect the same vehicle size each time. There is no toilet on board, so use the facilities before leaving and during scheduled stops.

The bus ride is part of the bargain. You may spend about two hours reaching the first lake, followed by more road time between the main stops. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect every scenic section to become a photo stop.

The guides speak English and Japanese. Guides named Helen and Andy have been noted for kind, organized service, and handling a group in several languages requires patience. Keep your expectations practical: the guide has to watch the schedule, explain each stop, and help people return to the bus on time.

Lake Shikotsu: a calm first look at Hokkaido

Lake Shikotsu is your first proper stop, with about 40 minutes to explore on your own. The lake is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and this short visit works well as a first break after the long ride from Sapporo.

You can use the time for photographs, a quick walk, or a look around the nearby facilities. It is not long enough for a major lakeside outing, so think of it as a scenic reset rather than a full visit.

Weather matters here. Hokkaido’s skies can change quickly, and the same conditions that soften the lake view may later affect Mount Usu or the Silo Observatory. In winter, snow and road conditions can also change the order or length of stops.

Jigokudani, where the ground seems to breathe

Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is one of the tour’s strongest stops. Steam rises from the volcanic ravine, hot spring gases drift through the area, and the ground feels active rather than simply scenic.

The scheduled visit is short, around 20 to 30 minutes depending on how the day is running. You get time to look around, take pictures, and browse nearby shopping areas, but not enough for a long walk through every path.

Wear shoes with a good grip, especially in winter. The attraction is not a polished viewpoint alone. Its appeal comes from the exposed volcanic activity, the smell of sulfur, and the sense that hot water and gas are moving below your feet.

I like this stop because it gives the day a clear purpose. You are not just riding between pretty lakes. You are seeing the forces that shaped the hot springs and volcanic sites across this part of Hokkaido.

Toyako Onsen gives you the longest pause

From Jigokudani, the bus continues to Toyako Onsen, the hot spring town beside Lake Toya. You get about 90 minutes here, the longest free period on the route.

This is where you can slow down a little. You may find a foot bath using local hot spring water, browse shops, and look for lunch. Lunch is not included, so plan to pay for your own food and do not assume the guide will organize a group meal.

The foot bath is a pleasant detail, but it should not be confused with a full hot spring bathing experience. The tour does not include a hotel bath or a long soak. Your time is also shared between food, walking, shopping, and the lake, so choose what matters most before you leave the bus.

Some people may find 90 minutes too generous compared with the later volcanic stops. I understand that criticism, since Toyako Onsen can feel quiet if you are not interested in lunch, shops, or the foot bath. I still think the pause has value. A day of bus travel needs a proper break, and this is your best chance to stretch, eat, and reset.

You may also get a chance to taste local pudding and use a shopping discount coupon. These extras are small, but they can make the stop more useful if you want a regional snack or a quick souvenir.

Showa Shinzan and the Mount Usu choice

Showa Shinzan is an unusual sight: a young volcanic peak that rose from farmland in the 1940s. The red-brown slopes and rough volcanic form make it one of the most memorable views of the day.

The tour gives you free time here, but the exact use of that time depends on your booking option and the day’s schedule. The standard plan lets you explore Showa Shinzan independently. The ticketed plan includes admission to the Usuzan Ropeway and the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch.

Here is the point to understand before you book. The ropeway and bear ranch may be handled as an either-or choice in practice because both compete for the same block of time. On some departures, you can technically do both, but you may have to ride up and down the ropeway quickly before moving on to the ranch.

If the sky is clear, I would give priority to the ropeway. The ride provides broad views toward Lake Toya and the surrounding volcanic area, and the upper station gives you the best chance for a high scenic outlook. The ride and sightseeing time are listed at about 40 minutes, so you need to move promptly.

The ropeway is not guaranteed to deliver the full view in winter. Clouds, snow, wind, or other road and facility conditions can change the plan. Even so, it is the ticketed option I find easier to recommend because it connects directly to the area’s volcanic geography.

A careful note about Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch

The Bear Ranch is an optional ticketed stop, and this is the part of the tour that deserves the most thought. The attraction sells small bags of wafer cookies or apples that you can feed to bears in enclosed areas.

That activity is not for everyone. Some people find the bears’ behavior and enclosures uncomfortable, particularly when the animals beg for food or appear crowded and inactive. If animal welfare is important to you, skip the ranch if the schedule allows and spend more time with the volcanic scenery instead.

The practical problem is that you may not get a fully free choice once the bus arrives. The guide may direct the group according to timing, and the ropeway and ranch can compete for the same window. Ask clearly at the start of the day how the ticketed plan will work.

I would not buy the ticketed plan solely for the bear ranch. Buy it for the ropeway, then decide how you feel about entering the ranch when you know the day’s timing and conditions. The ranch admission is included in that option, but you are not required to treat the animal feeding as the highlight.

Silo Observatory and the last lake view

The Silo Observatory is a brief final scenic stop, with about 20 minutes for photographs, a break, and shopping. It overlooks Lake Toya from above and helps you see the lake’s broad shape after spending much of the day near its shore.

This is a quick stop, so you will want to head straight to the viewpoint before browsing. Winter weather can affect the view or even change the stop. On a clear day, it is a strong closing picture. In poor weather, you may get little more than mist and a cold platform.

Afterward, the bus stops at the Bōyō-Nakayama roadside rest area for about 10 minutes. It is a useful short break before the final drive back to Sapporo. Arrival at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel is scheduled for around 6:30 p.m., though traffic and weather can make the return later. One departure returned about an hour late in poor weather, so do not schedule a tight evening reservation.

The real value of the $61 price

The price is good if you value convenience and variety. Paying $61 for a full day of transport between Sapporo and several distant sights is reasonable, especially if you do not want to drive on unfamiliar roads or deal with winter conditions.

The included attractions are limited to Jigokudani and the Silo Observatory. The Mount Usu Ropeway and Bear Ranch come only with the ticketed plan, while food, personal purchases, and other expenses are extra.

The value drops if you want long visits. You pay with time as much as money. A rental car or overnight stay in Noboribetsu or Toyako could let you set your own pace, but it would require more planning and may cost more once fuel, parking, and transport are counted.

For a first visit to Hokkaido, I think the tour works best as a sampler. It shows you enough of the region to decide where you want to return for a slower stay.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to you if you are staying in Sapporo, have only one free day, and want nature rather than city sightseeing. It suits first-time visitors who prefer an organized route and do not want to rent a car.

It also works for people who enjoy geology, hot springs, and broad lake views. The English and Japanese guidance, hotel meeting point, and straightforward transport reduce the work of planning.

I would hesitate if you dislike long bus rides, need flexible meal times, or want to spend a full day at one attraction. Families with infants should note that children aged 0 to 3 ride free only when they do not use a separate seat. If a child needs a seat, book the child option.

Bring water, comfortable shoes, and clothing suited to changing weather. Suitcases may be allowed, but very large items can be refused, and the operator does not accept responsibility for lost luggage. Keep voices low on the bus, and do not bring alcohol for the ride.

The tour requires at least 15 participants. If that number is not reached three days before departure, the date may be cancelled and you will be offered another date or a refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your Hokkaido plans are still shifting.

My verdict

Book this tour if your goal is to see the main volcanic and lake sights around Sapporo in one efficient day. The best parts are Jigokudani, the volcanic setting at Showa Shinzan, and the Usuzan Ropeway when the weather is clear.

Treat the Bear Ranch as optional in spirit, even if it comes with the ticketed plan. Ask how much time you will have for the ropeway and ranch, then choose the experience that fits your interests and comfort level. For $61, this is a useful introduction to southwestern Hokkaido, but it is a sampler, not a slow travel day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet inside the lobby of the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Sapporo. The guide checks participant names before you board.

What time does the tour leave?

The meeting time is 8:10 a.m., with departure scheduled for 8:30 a.m.

When does the tour return to Sapporo?

The planned arrival back at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel is around 6:30 p.m. Weather and road conditions can cause delays.

What languages are available?

The tour provides live guidance in English and Japanese.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you need to pay for your own food during the stop at Toyako Onsen.

Is the Usuzan Ropeway included?

The ropeway is included only with the plan that includes tickets. The standard plan allows free exploration around Showa Shinzan.

Is the Bear Ranch included?

Admission to the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch is included only with the ticketed plan.

Can I visit both the ropeway and Bear Ranch?

The guide organizes the ticketed activities according to the available time. It may be possible to do both, but you may need to ride the ropeway up and down quickly. Confirm the timing with the guide before leaving the bus.

Is there a toilet on the bus?

No. There is no toilet on the bus, but the route includes stops where you can use facilities.

Can children ride free?

Children aged 0 to 3 can ride free if they do not occupy a separate seat. If they need their own seat, book them as a child.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The tour may also be cancelled if the minimum group size of 15 participants is not reached three days before departure.