Overview
Escape Sapporo’s bustle for a bespoke full-day charter to Lake Toya’s volcanic wonders, where Shikotsu-Toya National Park unfolds its pristine caldera lake and geothermal secrets. As Japan’s northernmost non-freezing lake, Toya’s turquoise expanse—formed 100,000 years ago—mirrors snow-capped Yotei (“Ezo Fuji”) and Nakajima Island’s wildlife, offering serene hikes and onsen soaks year-round.
Are you Visiting Japan soon?
Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.
Contact Jasumo Now →This private tour, for up to 5, charters an air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver for a tailored itinerary: Ascend Showa Shinzan, the 1943-born volcano still growing 30cm/year, its lava domes steaming amid primeval forests. Delve into Noboribetsu Jigokudani’s “Hell Valley,” a sulfurous crater with 12 hot spring types and golden deposits.
Cruise Lake Shikotsu, Japan’s second-deepest (265m), with 20m visibility for swan-spotting and bear ranch visits (~¥1,000 extra). With free water, fuel, tolls, and parking included, this flexible ~10-hour journey suits families, photographers, or adventurers—book for mid-October 2025 autumn foliage (10–15°C, vivid reds) or February 2026 winter snowscapes.
Why Choose This Experience?
- Tailored Charter Freedom: Private vehicle for up to 5—custom stops at Toya, Showa Shinzan, Jigokudani, Shikotsu—no rigid schedules.
- National Park Jewels: Toya’s caldera serenity, Shikotsu’s crystal depths, Jigokudani’s geothermal drama—Shikotsu-Toya’s UNESCO Geopark essence.
- Volcanic Thrills: Showa Shinzan’s warm lava trails, Noboribetsu’s sulfur vents—raw Earth power.
- Sapporo Convenience: Pickup at Sapporo City Hall—experienced driver navigates, free water/fuel/tolls.
- Seasonal Splendor: Mid-October 2025 koyo blaze, February snow hikes—mild 10–15°C autumn.
- Group Value: Up to 5 for ¥100,705—families save on shared exploration.
Highlights
- Lake Toya Caldera: Turquoise non-freezing lake—hike shores, spot deer on Nakajima, Yotei reflections.
- Showa Shinzan Volcano: 1943-born peak—lava domes, visitor center exhibits, 30cm/year growth.
- Noboribetsu Jigokudani: “Hell Valley” crater—sulfur steam, 12 onsen types, golden rocks.
- Lake Shikotsu: Second-deepest in Japan—20m visibility, swan habitat, bear ranch (~¥1,000 extra).
- Private Driver: Experienced guide—custom routes, free water, seamless Sapporo pickup.
- Geopark Magic: Mid-October 2025 foliage, February snow—volcanic valley serenity.
Pricing
From ¥100,705 per group (up to 5)
Includes
- A (BASIC CHARTER): Air-conditioned vehicle, Private driver, Free water, Fuel/tolls/parking.
- B (TOYA FOCUS): Charter, Driver, Toya cruise (~¥1,500 extra), Showa Shinzan.
- C (ONSEN): Charter, Driver, Jigokudani onsen (~¥1,000 extra), Shikotsu.
- D (FAMILY): Charter, Driver, Bear ranch (¥1,000), Kid snacks (¥500).
Note: Prices for 2025; per group up to 5. Entries (¥1,000–¥2,000), lunch (¥1,500) self-paid. Book mid-October 2025 for koyo; year-round.
Itinerary
Starting location:
Sapporo City Hall
Public transport (2 hours)
Break time, Photo stop, Lunch, Guided tour, Free time (1.5 hours)
- Toyako Onsen: Caldera lake views, Nakajima island, Yotei hikes (lunch ~¥1,500 self-paid).
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (1 hour)
- Showa Shinzan: Lava domes, volcano center—1943 eruption lore.
Public transport (1 hour)
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Free time (1.5 hours)
- Noboribetsu Jigokudani: Sulfur vents, hot springs, golden rocks.
Public transport (2 hours)
Arrive back at:
Sapporo City Hall
Note: Total ~8 hours; meet Sapporo City Hall 8:00 AM for 8:30 AM departure. Times adjust for traffic; mid-October 2025 koyo peak.
What to Expect
Meet at Sapporo City Hall (8:00 AM for 8:30 AM departure), boarding your private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver for a 2-hour scenic drive to Toyako Onsen. By 10:30 AM, spend 1.5 hours at Lake Toya’s caldera—hike shores for Yotei reflections, spot deer on Nakajima (lunch ¥1,500 self-paid at lakeside cafe).
At 12:00 PM, 1-hour guided Showa Shinzan exploration: Lava domes and visitor center detail the 1943 birth (30cm/year growth). By 1:00 PM, 1-hour transport to Noboribetsu Jigokudani for 1.5-hour “Hell Valley” immersion—sulfur steam, 12 onsen types, golden rocks amid primeval forests.
Return 2 hours (5:00 PM) to Sapporo City Hall—serene for photographers (koyo dam) or hikers (easy trails), with mid-October 2025 vivid reds (10–15°C, comfortable shoes).
Pre-Departure Notice
- Meeting Point: Sapporo City Hall (8:00 AM for 8:30 AM departure)—arrive 10 minutes early; lateness forfeits (100% fee).
- Confirmation: Instant booking with email voucher; notify dietary needs/allergies, group size (up to 5). Mid-October koyo peak.
- Weather: Tours run light rain/snow (ponchos); heavy storms adjust (no refunds). Foliage weather-dependent.
- Health: Light walking (~2–3km, paths); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Comfortable shoes.
- Children: Ages 4+ full access (reduced rates); under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise dam/onsen.
Good to Know
- Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised at dam/onsen. Trails easy.
- Group Size: Private up to 5; larger inquire.
- Attire: Layers, comfortable shoes (10–15°C October); camera for koyo.
- Duration: ~8 hours; season September–November 2025 (mid-October peak).
- Accessibility: Paved paths; dam stairs—limited wheelchair (notify). Driver guide.
- Photos: Dam foliage prime—driver tips for overlooks.
- Sustainability: Geopark—no litter; stay on trails.
Reviews
“Toyako’s Yotei reflection was stunning—mid-October reds everywhere! Jigokudani’s steam surreal, driver navigated perfectly. Sapporo charter ease!”
“Family loved Showa Shinzan’s lava—kids touched warm ash! Shikotsu’s clarity blew us away, lunch simple but scenic. October 2025 foliage fire!”
“Geopark gems: Dam’s arch, Oyunuma milky river. Driver’s tips made hikes fun—Hokkaido’s volcanic soul, highly recommend autumn.”
FAQs
When’s Toya’s best koyo season?
Mid-September–late October 2025—crimson dam/lake views.
Are entries included?
No—dam (¥0), onsen (¥1,000), bear ranch (~¥1,000) self-paid.
Suitable for kids or beginners?
Yes—easy trails for ages 4+; under 4 free (lap-held). Supervise dam.
What if weather affects foliage?
Light rain fine; heavy storms adjust (no refunds). Mid-October ideal.
How long is Sapporo round-trip?
2 hours out, 3 hours back in private van; driver shares geopark lore.
Can I bring camera gear, photo tips?
Yes—dam overlooks prime; driver suggests golden-hour shots.
What dining options at sites?
Lakeside cafes ramen (¥1,000), onsen snacks (¥500)—self-paid.
Planning a Group Trip to Japan?
From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.
Contact Jasumo Now →
Leave a Reply