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Top 10 attractions in Sobetsu

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Lake Tōya

Lake Tōya

5.8
4.8/5
566 reviews
Lake Tōya is Japan's northernmost non-freezing lake, where the surface never freezes even in winter. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom magnificently along the shores, summer nights feature fireworks displays, and autumn brings beautiful fall foliage. Visitors can enjoy leisurely experiences like cruising the lake on sightseeing boats, observing Ezo deer on the central island, or soaking in open-air baths while admiring stunning views in the hot spring resort area along the southern shore. Lake Tōya is a volcanic lake located in southwestern Hokkaido, offering beautiful water scenery throughout the year. The island "Nakajima" in the center of the lake is home to many Ezo deer and features a forest museum. Visitors can take a sightseeing boat to land on the island. The southern shore of Lake Tōya features popular tourist spots like Toyako Onsen town, Mount Usu, and Showa Shinzan, making it a favored resort destination. Boarding a sightseeing cruise from Toyako Onsen town allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the lake and surrounding mountains. To the south, you can see Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan, while on clear days, Mount Yotei (Ezo Fuji) is visible in the northern distance. The sightseeing boat stops at Nakajima Island, where visitors can explore the Forest Museum and take walks. If you venture further inland, you might encounter adorable Ezo deer. ※During winter, landing on Nakajima is not possible, but you can still enjoy lake cruises. Scenic Viewpoint Located on the northwest shore of the lakeSilo Observation DeckThis popular viewpoint offers a panoramic view of Lake Tōya and is perfect for photography. Volcano Learning Facility The "Toyako Volcano Science Museum" located in the hot spring town recreates the 1977 volcanic eruption using smoke, visuals, and sound effects, allowing visitors to learn about volcanoes. Enjoyment in every season Summer (Weekend nights)A lakeside fireworks display is held, creating a romantic scenic view. WinterThe hot spring town features the "Starlight Street (Corridor of Light)" illumination, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical atmosphere. Lake Tōya is one of Hokkaido's premier resort destinations where you can enjoy beautiful nature throughout the seasons, hot springs, and various activities. It's the perfect tourist spot for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.Toyako · 8.9km from Sobetsu
Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
No. 6 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hokkaido

Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch

5.4
4.3/5
134 reviews
Showa Shinzan is an active volcano that was formed by an eruption in the early Showa period, which is also the origin of its name. Originally about 270 meters in elevation, it has gradually risen due to crustal activity and now reaches 398 meters. Known as a "new mountain" that continues to grow, it is one of the rare lava dome-type volcanoes in the world. White steam still rises from its reddish-brown slopes, allowing visitors to feel the earth's energy. At the bear farm located at the foot of Mount Showa Shinzan, approximately 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears are raised. On the vast premises, the bears live in areas divided by age group. At each entrance of the park, there are feeding stations where you can purchase apples and snacks to enjoy the experience of feeding the bears. The brown bears, accustomed to humans, display adorable gestures as they seek food. For example, they entertain visitors by standing on their hind legs and waving their front paws, bowing, or lying down to perform humorous movements. Special Observation Experience For those who want to observe brown bears up close, you can use the special observation room called the "Human Cage" located within the park. This thrilling experience allows you to face the bears through small windows and feel their powerful presence and breath at close range. Showa Shinzan is a fascinating tourist attraction that combines a rare, still-growing volcano with a bear ranch where visitors can interact with brown bears. This popular destination allows you to simultaneously experience the raw power of nature and close encounters with wildlife.Sobetsu · 2.5km from downtown
Toyako Kisen
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Toyako

Toyako Kisen

4.5
4.0/5
60 reviews
Toyako Kisen operates sightseeing boats that cruise around Lake Toya, a beautiful caldera lake in Hokkaido. Departing from the pier in Toyako Onsen town, you can enjoy magnificent views of Nakajima Island floating in the center of the lake, as well as majestic sights like Mount Usu, Showa Shinzan, and Mount Yotei. Especially designed to resemble medieval European castles, Espoir creates a special cruise experience that makes you feel like you've stepped into a storybook world. In summer, special fireworks viewing cruises operate in conjunction with the long-running fireworks festival, allowing you to enjoy the magical fireworks reflected on the lake surface up close. This popular tourist spot allows visitors to enjoy Toyako's unique breathtaking scenery while experiencing the beautiful nature that changes with each season.Toyako · 5.3km from Sobetsu
Lake Toya Hot Spring
2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Lake Toya Hot Spring

4
4.7/5
76 reviews
Lake Toya, one of the three major scenic spots in Hokkaido, formed an excellent hot spring area due to the frequent eruptions of volcanoes. It opened as a hot spring area in Taisho 6 (1917). Toyako Onsen is a weak salt hot spring that refreshes the skin, and is also effective for gastrointestinal diseases and chronic muscle rheumatism. Bathing here, you can also fully enjoy the view of Mt. Yotei, known as "Ezo Fuji", nature such as volcanoes, and experience facilities. 3 million tourists visit each year.Toyako · 5.5km from Sobetsu
Hokkaido Shikotsu-Toya National Park Silo Observatory
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Toyako

Hokkaido Shikotsu-Toya National Park Silo Observatory

4.1
4.5/5
45 reviews
Hokkaido Shikotsu-Toya National Park Silo Observatory is located on the west bank of Lake Tōya in Hokkaido. With its prime location, it is an ideal spot to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. Standing on the observation deck, visitors can take in the tranquil beauty of Lake Tōya, while also looking out at Nakajima, the majestic Mount Usu, and Showa-shinzan, which together form a magnificent natural landscape. This is not only an ideal place for sightseeing but also a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Whether it is the cherry blossoms in spring, the lush greenery of summer, the colorful foliage of fall, or the snow-covered landscape of winter, the beauty of every season can be fully appreciated. The observation deck is equipped with a convenient parking lot, making it very accessible for self-drive visitors. Small shops and cafes nearby offer a variety of local snacks and drinks, making it an ideal place for visitors to relax. Here, visitors can enjoy delicious food while taking in the magnificent natural view, and experience the unique natural charm of Hokkaido.Toyako · 10.8km from Sobetsu
Mount Usu

Mount Usu

3.9
4.5/5
65 reviews
Youzhu Volcano is a famous and frequently active volcano in the world. It erupted 4 times in the 100 years of the 20th century. What is even more amazing is that after each eruption, a new volcano will grow around it: Meiji New Mountain in 1910, 1943 Showa Shinzan in 1977, Usu Shinzan in 1977, and Xishan Crater in 2000, which recently erupted. At present, there is a cable car on the mountain, and there are many tourist trails around the volcano, where you can see the shocking scene of the Usu volcano group. When you reach the mountainside of Usu Volcano, you will see two observatories on the left and right. When you walk to the Toyako observatory on the right, Showa Shinzan once again appears in front of you. Standing here, you can enjoy the scenery of Toya Lake and the surrounding area. If you walk up the mountain on the walking path in the opposite direction, you will arrive at the former observation deck of Mount Yousu Crater, where you can see the view of the Great Crater of Ginuma and Spitfire Bay.Sobetsu · 4.3km from downtown
Noboribetsu Bear Park
No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Bear Park

6.1
4.6/5
440 reviews
This is the place where you can observe bears up close, attached to the No. 1 Ranch. It is designed as if humans are in a cage, and the bears are surrounding them, so you can experience what it's like to be the prey. You can also closely observe the bears' characteristics, such as their eyes, ears, noses, and fur, up close.  The female brown bears are very active, standing on two legs, lying down, and begging for treats in silly poses. Some of them are quite skillful, standing up and spinning around to show off, and some even balance in a V shape. Here you can observe the movements, dexterity, and intelligence of the bears. From spring to autumn, the No. 2 Ranch is home to either "curious and playful young bears between the ages of 3 and 5," "unique bears between the ages of 9 and 11," or "veteran bears between the ages of 18 and 30 who are skilled at appealing their desires." During the winter, "curious and playful young bears" appear.Noboribetsu · 23.4km from Sobetsu
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
No. 5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Japan

Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley

5.9
4.6/5
661 reviews
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley is a volcanic explosion crater formed by volcanic activity and serves as a major source of Noboribetsu Onsen. The valley measures approximately 450 meters in diameter, with exposed gray-white and reddish-brown rocks, numerous hot spring vents, and fumaroles. Hot water continuously rises from the ground, releasing clouds of white steam and filling the air with a distinct sulfurous smell, creating a striking volcanic landscape. The valley produces a large volume of hot spring water daily, supplying nearby hot spring facilities. Walking along the wooden boardwalks offers close views of the rock walls, steam vents, and bubbling hot springs, revealing the geothermal activity beneath the surface. Tessen-ike, located in the valley, is a geyser where the water periodically boils and releases rising steam, highlighting the area's active geothermal features. An observation deck near the entrance provides panoramic views of the valley, where exposed rock formations contrast with drifting steam. In autumn, colorful foliage across the surrounding hills contrasts with the rugged terrain. In winter, snow covers the landscape, while rising steam stands out against the cold air, creating a distinctive seasonal scene.Noboribetsu · 22.4km from Sobetsu
Noboribetsuonsencho
2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Noboribetsuonsencho

5.9
4.6/5
195 reviews
Noboribetsuonsencho is famous for its abundant hot spring resources and diverse water qualities. Hot spring inns, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops are distributed along the streets, surrounded by mountains and forests, with a distinct geothermal landscape. The hot spring water mainly comes from the Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley area, with a daily output of approx. 10,000 tons. The water types are rich and varied, including milky white sulfur springs with a sulfurous scent, as well as salt springs, iron springs, and sodium bicarbonate springs, earning it the title of department store of hot springs. The hot spring street features an ogre theme, with statues of red and blue ogres scattered along the street, adding fun to your stroll. Inside the Enma-do Hall, there is a statue of King Enma that periodically performs a show where its facial expression changes, presenting the legendary scene of the judgment of hell. The Jigoku Matsuri held in summer is also quite unique, with King Enma and various ogres parading through the streets, filling the hot spring street with a lively festive atmosphere. In addition to soaking in the hot springs, you can also walk through the forest along the Oyunuma River Natural Footpath to enjoy the stream and surrounding vegetation, and soak your feet in the natural foot bath, feeling the warm spring water slowly flow by. When it snows in winter, the steam rising from the open-air hot springs contrasts with the white snowy scenery, adding a unique mountain charm to this place.Noboribetsu · 22km from Sobetsu
Showa-shinzan

Showa-shinzan

3.7
4.4/5
135 reviews
Showa-shinzan is an active volcano that erupted in the early Showa era (20th century) and is also a young active volcano in Japan. Today, geothermal white smoke is emitted year-round from this reddish-brown volcano. The summit cannot be climbed; visitors can only explore and view the volcano from the foot of the mountain. Showa-shinzan was originally only 270 m high. Later, due to crustal movement, the mountain's height gradually increased, and it now stands at 402 m. The attraction area also features the The Peak Tram, Boonie Bears Land, and other small attractions. From here, you can also view another active volcano in Hokkaido in the distance—Mount Usu.Sobetsu · 2km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Sobetsu

Featured Cultural experiences in Sobetsu

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Sapporo classic 1-day tour: Hill of the Buddha + Jozankei Onsen + Hokkaido Jingu + Shiroi Koibito Park
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4.8/5
· 84 reviews· 1.1k booked
Duration: 6.3 hrs
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97.6% of travelers recommend
50% off
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FromAU$ 76.33AU$ 152.66
Sapporo 1-day tour: Hokkaido Jingu + Jozankei Onsen + Shiroi Koibito Park + Beer Museum
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6.3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromAU$ 76.31
Hokkaido Otaru Aquarium 1-day tour Otaru Canal & Shiroi Koibito & Hokkaido Jingu & seafood tasting
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5.0/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 5.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAU$ 42.42
Hokkaido|Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley night view + Oyunumagawa natural foot bath|Guided tour 2h 17:30
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FromAU$ 63.47
Kimono rental in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan (family-friendly and couple options available + winter shawl + free stroll)
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FromAU$ 34.11
Sapporo KAWAII SAPPORO | kimono, furisode, and hakama rental experience
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Duration: 1 hr
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FromAU$ 39.52

Featured Food & drink in Sobetsu

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Savor seafood | Hokkaido Otaru Aquarium 1-day tour Otaru Canal & Hokkaido Jingu & Shiroi Koibito
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4.8/5
· 69 reviews· 1.1k booked
Duration: 6.8 hrs
English
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95.7% of travelers recommend
FromAU$ 63.73

Featured Spa & wellness in Sobetsu

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1-day tour to Lake Tōya observation deck, Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, Fukidashi park and lakeside farm in Hokkaido
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4.8/5
· 938 reviews· 968 booked
Duration: 8 hrs
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96.9% of travelers recommend
40% off
Limited-time sale
FromAU$ 76.33AU$ 127.22
1-day tour to Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, Lake Tōya, Lake Shikotsu, and Cape Chikyu: Departing from Sapporo
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4.8/5
· 9 reviews· 171 booked
Duration: 5.5 hrs
English
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263 travellers saved
FromAU$ 73.75
National Day Sale | Hokkaido Noboribetsu Lake Toya [Small Group Tour with Chinese Subway] | Jigokudani Hot Springs and Showa Shinzan
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5.0/5
· 6 reviews· 183 booked
Duration: 9.7 hrs
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1-day tour to Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley + Lake Tōya + Lake Shikotsu or Mitsui Outlet Park Kitahiroshima in Hokkaido, Japan
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4.8/5
· 13 reviews· 56 booked
Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
173 travellers saved
FromAU$ 78.44

Featured Day tours in Sobetsu

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1-day tour to Hill of the Buddha + Jozankei + Lake Tōya + Showa-shinzan + Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley in Hokkaido
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4.6/5
· 25 reviews· 336 booked
Duration: 8.4 hrs
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33 bookings in 7 days
FromAU$ 50.73
1-day tour to Noboribetsu and Lake Tōya in Hokkaido: Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley + Showa-shinzan
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4.8/5
· 28 reviews· 344 booked
Duration: 9.7 hrs
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FromAU$ 56.91AU$ 113.82
[Guaranteed Departure] Noboribetsu+Lake Toya+Lawson Niseko Hirafu Day Tour from Sapporo
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4.9/5
· 29 reviews· 187 booked
Duration: 9.6 hrs
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Free cancellation
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26 consecutive positive reviews
30% off
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FromAU$ 67.35AU$ 96.22
1-day tour to Noboribetsu, Lake Tōya & Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley & observation deck in Hokkaido, Japan
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4.7/5
· 237 reviews· 1.8k booked
Duration: 6.3 hrs
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92.8% of travelers recommend
FromAU$ 76.74
Hokkaido Noboribetsu & Lake Toya, Cape Chikyu & Lake Shikotsu Day Tour
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4.8/5
· 455 reviews· 3.9k booked
Duration: 10.1 hrs
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96% of travelers recommend
FromAU$ 70.64
Hokkaido Day Tour: Noboribetsu, Mt. Usu, Lake Toya & Lake Shikotsu
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4.9/5
· 69 reviews· 761 booked
Duration: 10.5 hrs
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Hokkaido Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley & Lake Tōya 1-day tour optional small group + snowmobile + pick-up
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4.8/5
· 141 reviews· 2.3k booked
Duration: 9.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
22 consecutive positive reviews
FromAU$ 57.13

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What travellers say about Sobetsu

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Miasmile11 November 2025
5.0
A Record of My Romantic Winter Trip in January 2020~ The first day I arrived at Lake Toya was a very overcast day; the entire lake was shrouded in a gray haze, and Mount Yotei was completely invisible, but I still happily took photos for a long time, haha. The second day, the sky cleared, and the scenery of Lake Toya instantly improved several levels. The clear sky, dotted with a few small white clouds, made the lake surface appear a beautiful blue, and many, many ducklings were playing and frolicking on the lake. The distant mountain ranges and the snow-capped Mount Yotei were clearly visible—such a beautiful scene, peaceful and serene. Just sitting by the lake, gazing into the distance, and all my worries would disappear.

Lake Tōya

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我叫王小狗28 September 2025
5.0
Close to the Yotei Mountain Scenic Area, with super beautiful natural scenery, this is a small, semi-public park. Most of the babies come from the wild and can interact closely and feed them biscuits. It is very suitable for family outings.

Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch

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Kat_happi27 October 2023
5.0
秋天到日本賞楓季節,到處見到紅葉🍁十月份到洞爺湖還有可以觀賞煙花祭🎇, 可以在房間露台直接觀賞,如房間有露天風呂更極具享受😎

Toyako Kisen

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胖达小灰灰8 December 2024
5.0
December 5th, today is a day trip to Lake Toya. I signed up for a local tour group. There were 44 people in the bus, one third of them were Japanese. I haven't been on a tour group for a long time. I'm not used to the process of getting off the bus to go to the toilet, check in and take photos at the scenic spot, and then sleeping on the bus. But the tour guide this time was not bad. He was a Chinese of Japanese descent. His last name was Onodera. His parents were from Xi'an. His accent and attitude were completely Japanese. He was very polite and friendly. The weather was very good so I saw the beautiful scenery of Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Jigokudani.

Lake Toya Hot Spring

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わンわン7 May 2022
5.0
The view of Lake Toya and Nakajima from a helicopter is spectacular✨ There are three types of courses. 1. Lake Toya course (approximately 3 minutes) 5,500 yen for adults (5,000 yen for children) 2. Nakajima course (approximately 6 minutes) 10,000 yen for adults (9,000 yen for children) 3. Crater course (approximately 12 minutes) 20,000 yen for adults (18,000 yen for children)

Hokkaido Shikotsu-Toya National Park Silo Observatory

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喵半仙7号11 June 2025
4.0
[Scenery] Mount Usu is bare and nothing to see; the red smoking Showa Shinzan next to it was newly formed by the eruption in 19th year of the Showa era, which is not bad. [Fun] 🚡 Go up to the observation deck, where you can see a mountain like 🗻 in the distance; there is a road next to it that leads to another observation deck to see Mount Usu, but the road is a bit far, and the key is that Mount Usu is not very beautiful. [Value for money] 🚡 Round trip 2000 yen for adults, 1000 yen for children

Mount Usu

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LovelyLily25 September 2026
5.0
The Bear Park is one of my favourite places visited in Japan. In order to get there, you have to take a gondola. It will set you back 3,200 yen for adults. The park has multiple bear enclosures. While the bears are really cute, we have to be careful not to go overly close. Apart from seeing the bears, we also got to feed them with delicious treats. The feeding experience was such a unique one! There is also an informative museum where you can learn more about bears. For those who enjoy collecting stamps, you can also get a stamp from the museum.

Noboribetsu Bear Park

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uztzuz16 September 2025
5.0
Located in Noboribetsu, the beautiful and spectacular Noboribetsu Hell Valley is a scenic area. Formed by volcanoes, this valley is blessed with hot springs reaching temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius. The scent of sulfur can be smelled from time to time, and even the hot springs have a yellowish color. The magnificent Oyunuma Pond is truly breathtaking, making it a must-see. Noboribetsu Hell Valley truly lives up to its reputation!

Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley

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_TI***j022 April 2025
4.0
the town is nice and of cos onsen is the most famous experience there , the snowy atmosphere is great for the onsen, good for going

Noboribetsuonsencho

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暝逝25 March 2020
4.0
Mount Usu, located on the shore of Lake Toya, experienced continuous volcanic activity during the Showa era, causing the bottom layer to rise and form a new peak, hence the name Showa Shinzan. This mountain is one of the two active volcanoes in Lake Toya. The white smoke emitted from the mountain is the source of the clouds and mists in Lake Toya. Mount Usu is located on the south bank of Lake Toya, overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the south and Lake Toya to the north. Nearby attractions include the Bear Ranch on the mountain, Mount Usu Cable Car, Geopark, Toyagou Park at the foot of the mountain, Lakeside Garden, Volcano Museum, etc.

Showa-shinzan

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Sobetsu?

Don't miss these attractions in Sobetsu: Lake Tōya, Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, and Toyako Kisen. If you like Cultural experiences, try Sapporo classic 1-day tour: Hill of the Buddha + Jozankei Onsen + Hokkaido Jingu + Shiroi Koibito Park. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Savor seafood | Hokkaido Otaru Aquarium 1-day tour Otaru Canal & Hokkaido Jingu & Shiroi Koibito.

You can give Savor seafood | Hokkaido Otaru Aquarium 1-day tour Otaru Canal & Hokkaido Jingu & Shiroi Koibito and [Direct from Producer Izakaya "Aiyo" Sapporo Station Kita-Sanjo Branch] Enjoy Hokkaido Seafood Package - Choose One of Three Meal Vouchers a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour to Hill of the Buddha + Jozankei + Lake Tōya + Showa-shinzan + Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley in Hokkaido, 1-day tour to Noboribetsu and Lake Tōya in Hokkaido: Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley + Showa-shinzan, and [Guaranteed Departure] Noboribetsu+Lake Toya+Lawson Niseko Hirafu Day Tour from Sapporo. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 29 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Sobetsu is around AUD 50.73 – AUD 76.74. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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