Sapporo to Noboribetsu & Otaru: Full-day volcanic & canal tour

Hell Valley's sulfurous vents and the Otaru Canal's preserved warehouses in one day

A full-day sightseeing tour from Sapporo to Noboribetsu and Otaru combines volcanic landscapes, geothermal hot springs, and a historic port town in a single itinerary. The tour departs Sapporo Station at 8:00 AM, includes round-trip transfers and an English-speaking guide, and covers ten to eleven hours of travel and stops. Minimum four participants required. Children aged 0–2 ride free if not occupying a seat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sapporo to Noboribetsu and Otaru tour

• Depart from Sapporo Station
• Explore Hell Valley volcanic landscapes
• Walk around Ōyu-numa hot spring pond
• Relax at Lake Toya area
• Visit Eight Views of Lake Toya
• Walk along historic Otaru Canal
• Visit Beiichi Whistle Glass Museum
• Explore Otaru Music Box Museum

The experience

The day starts at Sapporo Station's north exit at 8:00 AM, where your guide will be holding a GOGODAY flag. From there, the route heads south to Noboribetsu, where the volcanic landscape dominates: Hell Valley is the centerpiece, a geothermal area with steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and sulfurous streams formed by volcanic activity. Walking paths and observation points let you move through the terrain safely and photograph the raw, otherworldly scenery. The guide explains the region's geothermal history as you move through.

After Hell Valley, you visit Ōyu-numa, a sulfurous hot spring pond ringed by forested trails where the milky blue water and rising steam create a calmer, more reflective atmosphere. Then comes Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake surrounded by lush forest and mountains where you can spend time at the lakeside, take photos, and optionally grab local snacks or lunch. The Eight Views of Lake Toya observation deck offers panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding peaks: a natural stopping point for the landscape photography that defines the morning half of the tour.

The afternoon shifts to Otaru, a historic port town on the coast. The Otaru Canal walk is the main event here: a stone-paved waterfront lined with beautifully preserved warehouses that reflect the city's trading past. Your guide walks you through, pointing out the architecture and history while you photograph the charming atmosphere. Two smaller stops follow: the Beiichi Whistle Glass Museum, where local artisans display handcrafted glass whistles and glassware, and the Otaru Music Box Museum, filled with traditional and modern music boxes in a decorated interior. Both are browsing stops where you can pick up souvenirs before the return journey to Sapporo.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfers from and to Sapporo Station.
• a live English-speaking guide (Chinese and Japanese also available).
• access to Hell Valley, Ōyu-numa, Lake Toya, and the Eight Views observation deck.
• a guided walk along the Otaru Canal.
• visits to the Beiichi Whistle Glass Museum and Otaru Music Box Museum.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by FawSha Travels

Is this one for you?This tour suits first-time visitors and families who want to see both Hokkaido's volcanic interior and its historic coastal charm without arranging separate transport or navigating between sites. The fixed route and guide handle the logistics of reaching each stop in sequence across a full day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What time does the tour leave Sapporo and when does it return?

Departure is 8:00 AM from Sapporo Station North Exit. The full tour runs ten to eleven hours, so return to Sapporo is typically in the early evening. Exact return time will be confirmed in the email sent one day before the tour.

What is Hell Valley like, and how much walking is involved there?

Hell Valley is Noboribetsu's most famous geothermal area, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes with steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and sulfurous streams. The site has walking paths and observation points designed for safe viewing and photography. The guide leads you through at a pace suitable for all fitness levels.

Does the tour include entry fees to museums or attractions?

The tour includes the guided visits to the Beiichi Whistle Glass Museum and the Otaru Music Box Museum, as well as access to all scenic stops like Hell Valley, Lake Toya, and the Otaru Canal. Admission to Showa Shinzan and Bear Ranch, if you choose to visit those separately, is not included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible as well. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants under 3 years old ride free if they do not occupy a separate seat.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour includes a live guide who speaks English, Chinese, and Japanese, so you can choose the language that suits you when you book.

What happens if fewer than four people book the tour?

The tour requires a minimum of four participants to run. If that minimum is not met, the operator will offer you a rescheduled date or a full refund.