6-Day Southern Hokkaido Geological Wonders Tour

Discover Lake, Onsen, Geological Wonders of Volcanic Geothermal Features in Southern Hokkaido.

This 6-day exploration of the geological wonders in the southern part of Hokkaido will offer you a fascinating adventure in Noboribetsu and Hakodate. At Noboribetsu Hell Valley, the steaming hot springs with a strong sulfur smell are the most vivid expression of the earth's geological activities. Lake Toya, which is almost circular on the map, offers breathtaking views in all directions and is a natural wonder created by geological activities. From the top of Hakodate Mountain, you can overlook the charming night view of this coastal city. Hakodate is one of the main fishing ports in Hokkaido, so you won't miss the freshest seafood and local specialties. This is a rich and very interesting trip!

Itinerary Sketch

Tour Highlights

1. Noboribetsu Hell Valley, steaming and a sulfurous smell hot Spring.

2. Lake Toya, a nearly circular crater lake with a 10-kilometer diameter.

3. Cape Chikyu, the top 1 of the 100 selected Hokkaido natural landscapes.

4. Hakodate's night view, one of the world's top three.

Itinerary Overview

This is an interesting journey of exploration and discovery, with a variety of scenic spots included in the itinerary, such as a nearly circular lake, hot springs emitting steam and a sulfurous smell, cliffs by the coast, and beautiful city night views. Japanese cuisine and fresh seafood are naturally indispensable. I believe this will definitely be an unforgettable trip!

There are still some other places worth visiting along the route. We are more than happy to customize it according to your interests and preferences.

Day 1  Arrival in Sapporo, Drive to Noboribetsu.

Welcome to Hokkaido! Upon arrival in Sapporo, meet your driver at the airport and then take a private car for about 1.5 hours to noboribetsu and check in hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own leisure. 

Day 2  Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Begin an unforgettable journey at Noboribetsu Hell Valley, one of Hokkaido's most iconic geothermal wonders. This volcanic valley is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and intense geothermal activity. Every day, approximately 10,000 tons of hot spring water, ranging from clear to milky white and even colorful mineral-rich waters, gushes out from the earth. This abundant natural resource is not only a spectacular sight but also serves a practical purpose.

Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village is a cultural park that completely recreates the village landscape and culture of the Edo period. Visitors can experience the architecture, culture and customs of the Edo period here. The main activities include ninja performances, geisha performances and samurai performances.

Day 3  Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, and Cape Chikyu.

You need to get up a little earlier today and head to Muroran City, which is about ten kilometers away from Noboribetsu City. Watching the sunrise at Cape Chikyu Observatory is a must-see sight. It ranked first in the "Top 100 Natural Scenic Spots in Hokkaido" selection event initiated by Asahi Shimbun. On the edge of a 150-meter-high seaside cliff stands a white lighthouse. Looking out, there is the boundless, deep blue Pacific Ocean.

Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is a unique theme park that faithfully reproduces the charm of a northern European town. The centerpiece of the park is the striking red brick NIXE castle, which stands out as its most distinctive feature. Visitors can easily imagine themselves walking through a quaint village in countries like Denmark, Sweden, or Norway.

In Noboribetsu, the layout is quite straightforward, with only one main shopping street: Gokuraku Dori Shopping Street. The shops along Gokuraku Dori offer a wide variety of local products and souvenirs that reflect the rich culture and natural bounty of the region. While the shopping street caters mainly to tourists, it also offers a glimpse into the daily life of the local community.

Day 4  Enjoy Lake Toya View on the Silo Observatory.

The boundless lake and mountain scenery of Lake Toya is one of the three famous views of Hokkaido. Although it is located in the cold north, it is a non-freezing lake, and its clear water can be seen all year round. There is the famous Toya Lake Hot Spring by the lake, which is one of the few hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. There is a botanical garden on the island in the middle of the lake, and you can take a cruise to visit it.

From the Silo Observatory, visitors can admire the superb panoramic view overlooking Lake Toya. This vantage point offers one of the most breathtaking perspectives of the lake and its surroundings. On clear days, the vista is particularly stunning, as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Toya stretch out below, framed by the majestic silhouette of Mount Yotei, often referred to as "Ezo Fuji" due to its resemblance to the iconic Mount Fuji.

Day 5  Hakodate Day and Night.

A new day begins at the Hakodate Morning Market. As one of the major fishing ports in Hokkaido, Hakodate offers a wide variety of seafood, both familiar and unfamiliar. There are many restaurants in the market area that serve fresh seafood breakfasts. You can not only enjoy the delicious seafood but also experience the strong local flavor of life.

From the top of the Goryokaku Tower, the entire landscape of Hakodate unfolds before your eyes, but the star-shaped fortress below is the truly unique sight. Goryokaku, completed in 1864, was Japan's first Western-style military fortress, originally built to defend the northern part of the country. From the Goryokaku Tower, you can clearly see the five-pointed star shape of this fortress.
The cherry blossom festival is the best time to visit the Goryokaku Tower. In winter, Goryokaku is hidden under the snow, adding to its charm.

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse adopts a typical European red brick style and retains the architectural features of the late 19th century. It is a must-visit spot for shopping and dining in Hakodate. Here, tourists can find a wide variety of stores, ranging from fashionable clothing to exquisite handicrafts. The restaurants and cafes here offer a rich and diverse selection of food, including authentic Hokkaido seafood dishes as well as delicious cuisines from around the world.

Day 6   Back to Sapporo, Departure.

This is the end of your trip to Japan, your private driver will escort you to Sapporo Airport on time according to your scheduled flight.

Wish you a pleasant journey!