Sapporo day trip: Volcanoes, lakes and Hell Valley

Walk through volcanic craters and ride to mountain summits in one day

A nine-hour private tour from Sapporo explores Shikotsu-Toya National Park, combining Lake Toya's panoramic views, Mt. Usu's ropeway ascent, the geothermal landscape of Noboribetsu Hell Valley, and the peaceful shores of Lake Shikotsu. A nationally licensed guide adjusts the pace and stops to your group's interests and fitness level. Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Sapporo are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Hokkaido Volcanoes and Lakes

• Meet guide at Sapporo hotel lobby
• Depart for Shikotsu-Toya National Park
• Rest stop at Nakayama Pass, try Age-imo
• Visit Sairo Observatory at Lake Toya
• Ride Mt. Usu Ropeway to summit
• View Showa Shinzan volcanic mountain
• Visit Oyunuma volcanic pond
• Walk through Noboribetsu Hell Valley
• Walk along Lake Shikotsu lakeshore
• Return to hotel in Sapporo

The experience

Nine hours lets you move through four distinct landscapes without rushing. The day starts with a hotel pickup in central Sapporo, then heads south into Shikotsu-Toya National Park. A stop at Nakayama Pass gives you the clearest view of Mt. Yotei across the valley. The local snack here is age-imo, deep-fried potato skewers sold at the viewpoint. From there the route splits the park's two major lakes and volcanic features into a single arc.

Lake Toya sits in a volcanic caldera ringed by mountains and four small islands. You visit the Sairo Observatory, the highest vantage point for the lake's full panorama. The Mt. Usu Ropeway carries you 7 minutes up to the summit, where the observation deck opens onto Showa Shinzan below (a mountain that rose from farmland in 1943 when volcanic uplift buckled the earth), and Lake Toya's water stretching toward the Pacific. On clear days Mt. Yotei appears in the distance. After the ropeway descent, you walk through Oyunuma, a geothermal pond where steam rises from mineral-rich water surrounded by forest, then move into Noboribetsu Hell Valley. The boardwalks and paths wind through a volcanic crater filled with steam vents, sulfurous rock and hot spring streams. Your guide explains how this geothermal activity feeds the hot spring water used throughout Noboribetsu Onsen. The day ends at Lake Shikotsu, where you walk the lakeshore and photograph the clear water ringed by mountains and forest. The Visitor Center, when open, has exhibits on the lake's volcanic origins and wildlife.

Private transportation means your guide can shift the itinerary based on weather, your group's pace and what holds your attention. The tour involves several short walks and light hiking on established paths and boardwalks, not long-distance trekking. Comfortable walking shoes and layers are essential. Bring water and sun protection. A nationally licensed guide who speaks English leads the entire day and adjusts stops and timing to your physical condition and interests.

What’s included

• Private vehicle transportation throughout the day.
• Mt. Usu Ropeway ticket.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in central Sapporo.
• nationally licensed guide who speaks English and adjusts the pace to your group's interests and fitness level.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by MY Travel Consulting

Is this one for you?The tour involves several short walks and light hiking on established paths and boardwalks, so comfortable walking shoes and a moderate level of physical fitness are needed. The private vehicle and flexible guide mean you set the rhythm at each stop rather than moving with a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

What is Noboribetsu Hell Valley like when you walk through it?

Noboribetsu Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is a volcanic crater filled with steam vents, hot spring streams and sulfurous rock formations. You follow boardwalks and walking paths through the rugged landscape, and your guide explains how the geothermal activity supplies the natural hot spring water used throughout Noboribetsu Onsen. There is time to walk, photograph and take in the otherworldly scenery.

How long does the Mt. Usu ropeway ride take and what can you see from the top?

The ropeway ride lasts 7 minutes to the summit. From the observation deck you see Showa Shinzan, the youngest mountain in Japan, formed in 1943 by volcanic uplift; Lake Toya's sparkling water; and on clear days, Mount Yotei and the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon.

Does the tour include time to walk at Lake Shikotsu?

Yes. The tour finishes at Lake Shikotsu with a peaceful walk along the lakeshore where you can photograph the clear water surrounded by mountains and forest. When the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center is open, you may also visit its exhibits about the lake's volcanic origins and wildlife.

Is hotel pickup in Sapporo included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Sapporo are included. Your nationally licensed guide meets you in your hotel lobby, briefs you on the day's itinerary, and returns you to the same location after the tour ends.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes private vehicle transportation, the Mt. Usu Ropeway ticket, hotel pickup and drop-off in Sapporo, and a nationally licensed English-speaking guide for the full nine hours. Other languages can be arranged on request.