Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a volcanic crater in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, near Lake Toya, created roughly 10,000 years ago. The crater spans approximately 450 meters across and remains distinctive for its continuous white steam, barren terrain, and pungent sulfur odor. The landscape's resemblance to depictions of the underworld inspired its name—a fitting description of this dramatic and otherworldly natural setting. Showa Shinzan stands as a testament to volcanic force. On December 28, 1943, a major earthquake near Mount Usu on Lake Toya's shore triggered a volcanic event that rapidly thrust new strata upward. Between then and September 10, 1945, the volcano entered 17 distinct active phases. The resulting 398-meter peak was recognized as a Special Natural Monument in 1957 and christened Showa Shinzan, meaning Showa New Mountain. Lake Hill Farm occupies a highland position with commanding vistas across Lake Toya and extends to Mount Yotei in the distance. The property offers enchanting views during every season, making it a scenic destination year-round. Lake Toya Snowmobile Experience (approximately 70 minutes) & Observation Deck Visit (10 minutes) provides winter adventure seekers an exhilarating way to traverse frozen lakeshores and surrounding fields. This activity combines speed and exploration, delivering an authentic immersion into Hokkaido's snowy terrain while showcasing the Lake Toya region's winter appeal. Lake Toya SAIRO Observatory (approximately 70 minutes; available as primary activity if snowmobile experience cannot proceed) presents the finest vantage for surveying Lake Toya, a freshwater caldera lake in southwestern Hokkaido near Uchiura Bay within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Nearly circular with a 10 km diameter, the lake encompasses 70.72 km², measures 50 km in circumference, reaches 180 meters at its deepest point, and maintains an average depth of 117 meters. From the observatory, visitors command panoramic views encompassing the lake's interior islands, Mount Yōtei, Showa Shinzan, Mount Usu, and the surrounding landscape. This lake marks Japan's northernmost boundary for non-freezing freshwater bodies.
Read moreShow less▾Please select a date and guests
※ Dear guests, please be advised that the tour will depart strictly on schedule and cannot wait for latecomers. Therefore, we strongly recommend arriving at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani is a volcanic crater remnant located in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, Japan, near Lake Toya. Formed approximately 10,000 years ago, it features a vast area about 450 meters in diameter where white steam continues to billow, the land remains barren, and a strong sulfur scent fills the air. Its name, "Hell Valley," comes from its striking resemblance to the underworld, evoking a sense of stepping into hell itself.
On December 28, 1943 (Showa 18), a powerful earthquake struck near Mount Usu on the shores of Lake Toya. This triggered a volcanic eruption that rapidly uplifted the strata, forming a new mountain. Over the following two years, until September 10, 1945 (Showa 20), the volcano experienced 17 significant active periods. To commemorate this remarkable volcanic phenomenon, the 398-meter-tall new mountain
Lake Hill Farm is a picturesque ranch situated on the highlands overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Toya in Hokkaido, with distant views of Mount Yotei. Its scenery presents a picture-perfect landscape throughout all four seasons.
The Lake Toya snowmobile tour is a highly popular winter activity, perfectly suited for visitors eager to explore Hokkaido's snowy landscapes and who enjoy speed and excitement. Riding across snow-covered lakeshores and fields not only unleashes a sense of winter adventure but also offers an immersive way to appreciate the unique natural beauty of the Lake Toya area in winter.
Lake Toya is a freshwater lake in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan, located near Uchiura Bay. It is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is a caldera lake. Approximately circular with a diameter of about 10 km, it covers an area of 70.72 km², has a circumference of 50 km, a maximum depth of 180.0 m, an average depth of 117.0 m, a water volume of 8.19 km³, and a surface elevation of 84 m.
The return time is an estimate only. Please note that we may return earlier than scheduled due to factors such as efficient progress of the itinerary or favorable traffic conditions.
※ Actual timings vary with road conditions on the day.
5 questions
The tour runs 1 day with 5 scheduled stops laid out hour by hour.
Pickup at Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Parking Lot. Once your booking is confirmed we'll email the GPS map plus detailed directions.
Min 1 guest. If the minimum isn't reached we'll contact you before departure to suggest an alternate date or issue a full refund.
Our partner offers packages in: English), Chinese). If you need a dedicated Vietnamese-speaking guide, please leave a note at booking so we can arrange one (surcharge applies).
Cancellation terms vary by tour — see the "Additional Information" tab above. Most tours allow free cancellation up to 7 days before departure.

Panoramic Day Journey Through Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and Otaru in Hokkaido
¥6,900

Day Trip Through Hokkaido: Explore the Zoo, Visit Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls, plus the Celebrated Christmas Tree Spot
¥6,900

Day Tour Exploring Hokkaido Zoo, Shikisai-no-Oka's Snow Activities, and Ningle Terrace
¥6,900

Hokkaido Day Tour: Sapporo International Ski Resort Experience
¥6,900
No reviews yet — be the first!
Add OlaChill on LINE
Scan the code or tap the button to message us directly — tours, date changes, on-the-ground help.