Things to Do in Noboribetsu

Hike up one of Japan's most active volcanoes! Learn about past volcanic eruptions of Mt. Usu and discover the nature of Lake Toya! Visit the best viewpoint of Lake Toya and get some photos! This tour differs by not just hiking the volcano, but also by visiting Lake Toya and the Toyo-Usu Geopark Center. There you can learn about the volcano you climbed, its recent volcanic eruption in 2000, its lasting effects on the local area, and Lake Toya's nature and geology. This tour also has a max number of 4 people, keeping the groups small ensures more time for each customer to enjoy the tour and not to be rushed. Also, it ensures safety whilst hiking on the mountain. We also includes pick-up and drop-off which other tour companies do not provide. The tour is suitable for anyone who loves the outdoors, is interested in volcanoes and their destructive power and anyone who loves lakes.

This tour is available for single travellers and groups. Your guide can speak fluent English and Japanese and has experience guiding around Noboribetsu. Free pick-up and drop-off allow you to enjoy the tour stress-free and a delicious lunch and hot drink will give you plenty of energy to complete the tour.

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a theme park in Noboribetsu that reproduces the customs and culture of the Edo-Jidai (Edo period), Here, you can enjoy viewing samurai residences, ninja trick houses and various stores that represent the Edo period. By the end of the day, you might as well call yourself a resident of the village.

For approximately 10 weeks in winter, ice stalactites and stalagmites up to three meters long and high form in an ice cave on the Noboribetsu River. These rare formations are the product of a unique combination of geology and climate, creating a natural wonderland. The hike in on snowshoes and is 8 kilometers in all, and includes some gentle climbing through fir and native forest. This tour is a great way to experience snowshoeing to a truly memorable destination.

Discover a truly unique wildlife experience at Noboribetsu Bear Park, a one-of-a-kind mountaintop zoo located within the stunning Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Home to the majestic Ezo brown bear — a native species of Hokkaido — this park offers visitors the rare opportunity to observe these powerful animals up close in a safe and natural setting. Learn about their behavior, habitat, and conservation while watching them roam, play, and interact. Your adventure begins with a scenic ropeway ride that carries you up the mountainside, offering breathtaking panoramic views of forests, lakes, and volcanic landscapes along the way. The ropeway itself is a highlight, making the journey to the park just as memorable as the destination. Perfect for families, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts, Noboribetsu Bear Park combines wildlife discovery with spectacular scenery. It’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty and unique fauna of Hokkaido.

Usuzan is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan having last erupted in 2000. This volcanic mountain completely transformed after the eruption and the scars can still be seen today. On this hike you will be able to see Usuzan's volcanic activity with the many fumaroles that jet out from the craters. Starting off in woodland, you will ascend through different types of forests up to the 500-metre-high summit where you will be greeted with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei. Your guide will teach you about the the nature that you will see and explain about the history of Usuzan and it's effects on the surrounding area. This rewarding hike is a great introduction to Hokkaido's best nature!

Explore the natural wonders and spiritual heritage of Hokkaido on a guided tour that includes Noboribetsu Onsen and the stunning Noboribetsu Bear Park. Start with a scenic ropeway ride offering breathtaking mountain views before delving into the Bear Park to learn about the ecology of brown bears and their significance in Ainu culture. Witness the dramatic landscapes of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) with its bubbling sulfuric vents and geothermal formations that have inspired local beliefs about the afterlife. This immersive experience blends education with exploration, providing deep insights into nature and spirituality in Hokkaido. - Guided tour of Noboribetsu Onsen and Bear Park - Scenic ropeway ride with panoramic views of Lake Kuttara - Explore Jigokudani's unique volcanic features and cultural significance - Gain insider knowledge on Ainu traditions and wildlife ecology