2025 Sobetsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

#July2025 A hidden gem for a Hokkaido day trip is here! Discover the secret sulfur world of Noboribetsu Jigokudani, the sweet delights of Hamada Orchard, the adorable bear interactions of Showa Shinzan, the rural solace of Lake Hill Farm, and the lake views from the Sero Observatory. 👇 ✅🌋 Noboribetsu Jigokudani 🎫 Admission: Free 💡 A 450-meter-diameter volcanic crater, shrouded in white sulfur smoke and barren, feels like the entrance to another world! Hot Spring Source: Noboribetsu's largest spring, boasting 11 different water qualities, gushes out 3,000 liters per minute, and boasts a strong sulfur scent! Nighttime Secrets: Walk to Jigokudani at night, see the onsen (wild-eye) fire trails, and soak in the open-air hot springs while enjoying the snowy scenery (a romantic treat only in winter!) 🍜 Food: Jigoku ramen, soba (we recommend the "Aji no Daioh Jigoku Ramen" in the hot spring town) 📌 Tip: Wear a mask if you're allergic to sulfur. ✅🍎 Hamada Sightseeing Orchard ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 📍 Address: 362 Taki-no-machi, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido A dazzling array of fruits awaits you: fuzzy red peaches, crystal-clear cherries hanging from branches, juicy grapes, and a variety of seasonal fruits. ✅🐻Showashinzan Bear Ranch 📍 Address: Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 🎫 Admission: Approximately 850 yen (apple feeding approximates 500 yen) 💡 Volcano and bears: White smoke rises from the reddish-brown peak of Showashinzan, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Yotei is clearly visible in the distance! Hundreds of bears act cute: Brown bears stand on their hind paws, wave, bow, and even roll on the ground begging for food. ✅🍕Lake Hill Farm｜Irish and soothing pizza time 📍 Address: 127 Hanawa, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido ⏰ Opening Hours: Recommended 5:10 PM - 5:30 PM (depending on location) 🎫 Admission: Free 💡 🌿 Pastoral Scenery: The farm is located on a hillside, with Mount Yotei in the distance. The grass is lush and green in summer. 🍦 20+ Ice Cream Varieties: Made with 100% fresh milk from the Hokkaido farm, we recommend the "Perilla Smoothie with White Ice Cream" and "Original Fresh Milk Ice Cream." 📸 Photo ops: The farm's hillside, the pizza shop, and the lakeside resort hotel—perfect for a pastoral vibe! ✅🌊 Seiru Observatory 📍 Address: West Shore of Lake Toya, Hokkaido ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM 🎫 Admission: Free 💡 360° Lake View: Panoramic views of Lake Toya, Nakajima, Mount Usu, and Showa Shinzan, framing both the volcano and the lake. Seasonal beauty: cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, crimson crimson in autumn, and snow in winter.

Hotel: The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika Address: 7-1 Lake Toya Onsen, Shogaki-cho, Ariju-gun, Hokkaido, Japan Features: - All rooms face Lake Toya for beautiful views!! ️ - All rooms have private open-air hot springs and balconies😍 - Public open-air bath and large bath Located on the eighth floor of the highest floor, it is an infinity bath with a view of Mount Sheep Hoof (known as: Hokkaido Little Fuji 🤣) - One night two meals, both meals are buffet, super rich!! ️ Breakfast can also eat salmon roe, homemade seafood bowl😋 - Check-in lobby has a mini bar, serving juices, soft drinks, beer drinks and snacks, great🤩 - In summer, there is a fireworks festival, enjoy the fireworks in your room😍 traffic: - Self-drive is recommended for longer stays at the hotel - The hotel also arranges a free shuttle bus for non-self-driving travelers, but reservations are required in advance, shuttle at Odori Park, which is very convenient. 秘️ Remember to book 90 days in advance to enjoy the early bird discount Reference price for one night two meals: 💰About HK1,900/night in early March 2024 💰About HK2,500/night in early December 2024 But it’s well worth it🤩🤩🤩 秘️ This hotel is very popular, often Full Booking🥹 early booking Recommend to friends who go to Hokkaido, be sure to stay one night for this hotel!! ️ It can definitely make you relax and add an unforgettable addition to your journey 😍😍😍 (I have to stay overnight every time I go to Hokkaido...you know how awesome it is 😏😏😏) #March Good Places 2025 #Hot Springs #Hokkaido #Hokkaido Travel #Hokkaido Accommodation #Hokkaido Hotels #Lake Toya #Toya Lake Hot Springs #Hokkaido Lake Toya Accommodation Recommendations

Dreaming of a hassle-free trip to Japan? Look no further! Here's a super detailed 7-day itinerary, complete with 24-hour airport transfer service and a dedicated 1-on-1 concierge to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. -------------------- 🌸Itinerary at a Glance: 7-Day Hokkaido, Japan Tour🌸 DAY 1: ✈️Arrival in Hokkaido—Vacation Mode Activated🏖️ Enjoy 24-hour airport transfer and dedicated 1-on-1 concierge service throughout your trip for a worry-free experience. DAY 2: Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)—Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch—Lake Toya—Usuzan Ropeway Explore the unique Hell Valley, get up close with adorable bears, admire the beauty of Lake Toya, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Hokkaido. DAY 3: Odori Park—Nakajima Park—Hokkaido Shrine—Tanukikoji Shopping Street—Sapporo TV Tower Stroll through parks, offer prayers at the shrine, indulge in some retail therapy, ascend the TV tower for scenic views, and experience the diverse charms of Sapporo. DAY 4: Otaru Music Box Museum—Mount Tengu, Otaru—Funamizaka—Mount Tengu, Otaru (Revisit) Listen to the enchanting melodies of music boxes, hike up Mount Tengu for panoramic views of Otaru, wander along Funamizaka, and revisit the captivating Mount Tengu. DAY 5: Asahiyama Zoo—Shikisai no Oka (Hills of Seasonal Colors)—Forest Sprites Terrace Discover the animal kingdom, admire the ever-changing hues of Shikisai no Oka, and encounter the magical forest sprites. DAY 6: Free Day in Sapporo Suggested itinerary: Shiroi Koibito Park—Odori Park—Sapporo Clock Tower—Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Embark on a sweet chocolate journey and revisit the city's charm. DAY 7: ✈️New Chitose Airport—Departure Conclude your Hokkaido adventure with a convenient airport transfer, leaving with cherished memories. -------------------- Pre-Trip Essentials: 🎒 Don't Forget These Items for Your Trip to Japan! 📞 SIM card, power adapter: Stay connected and powered up for a smoother trip. 🪪 Passport, wallet, visa: Important documents and money are essential; don't forget your visa. 👔 Clothing, charger: Choose clothing suitable for March weather and remember your charger. -------------------- Don't hesitate! Follow this private tour guide to Japan and embark on a hassle-free journey, immersing yourself in the unique charm of Japan.

The best place to view the full panorama of Lake Toya is not from the lakeside, but from a higher vantage point. From the expansive heights of the Silo Observatory, you can take in the entire view of Lake Toya and Mount Usu! Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck is more conveniently reached by car, as it is a 20-minute drive from the Lake Toya hot spring area. The observation deck is free of charge and features a large Toya landmark for photo opportunities, which looks quite beautiful. The Lake Toya Observation Deck also offers another way to enjoy the view: by taking a helicopter ride over the lake! Just imagining it is cool, though it's not cheap, so we didn't try it, haha.

#February2025 This old hot spring hotel in the first row of Toya Lake views has a grand name, "Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa". It is a historic old hotel, large in scale, with a swimming pool and water park, and a family-friendly resort center. As soon as you step into the lobby, you will be stunned by the nearly 180-degree panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. The lake view is absolutely beautiful! It’s not an exaggeration to take 100 beautiful photos. It’s so stunningly beautiful that you can sit there and relax all day long. The decoration design of the lobby doesn’t look like the style of a traditional old-style hot spring resort hotel? After checking some information, I found out that the lobby on the first floor had just been redecorated. No wonder it was so different from the exterior. The decoration of the room has not been renovated. The double rooms are divided into Western and Japanese styles, with a slightly old-fashioned classical style. The space is 28 square meters, and the only thing that wins is the super healing lake view. The price for two people including breakfast and dinner is NT$5,500, which is a reasonable price. The garden landscape by the lake is quite artistic, and there are several apple trees planted in the garden. The Sun Palace really has a good location and makes good use of the lake view, otherwise the service quality is just average. But for the sake of this beautiful view, it is still quite ok. #HokkaidoTravel #LakeToya

We recommend a unique 6-day hot spring tour in Japan, where you can enjoy a relaxing hot spring experience! Are you tempted? Click to find out more! / 🔖🌟Route Suggestions:🌟🔖 Day 1: Shanghai Pudong - Sapporo - Otaru Fly from Shanghai Pudong to Sapporo, then head to Otaru, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Day 2: Otaru Canal - Kitaichi Glass - Otaru Music Box Museum - Mt. Tengu Visit Otaru Canal and Kitaichi Glass, enjoy the music at Otaru Music Box Museum, and take in the views from Mt. Tengu. Day 3: Showa-shinzan - Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch - Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe - Jigokudani Visit Showa-shinzan, experience the wildness of the bear ranch, enjoy the marine life at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, and challenge yourself at Jigokudani. Day 4: Shiroi Koibito Park - Tanukikoji Shopping Street - Odori Park Visit Shiroi Koibito Park, enjoy shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street, and take a walk in Odori Park. Day 5: Blue Pond - Shirahige Falls - Shikisai no Oka - Forest of the Fairies Visit Blue Pond, enjoy the beauty of Shirahige Falls, take in the natural beauty of Shikisai no Oka, and enjoy the view from the Forest of the Fairies. Day 6: Sapporo - Shanghai Pudong End your trip in Japan and fly back to Shanghai with fond memories. / Tips: 1. Food🍣: Japanese restaurants usually open after 6 pm. The sashimi is delicious, but be careful with the seafood sauce! 2. Souvenirs👜: Want to bring back some souvenirs? Large shopping malls in Japan offer local specialties such as matcha candy and kimonos at reasonable prices. 3. Currency Exchange💱: When traveling in Japan, check the exchange rate between the local currency and RMB, and try to exchange money when the rate is low to save on travel expenses! 4. Hot Spring Etiquette: When visiting a hot spring in Japan, you need to be completely naked. Japanese people consider this a courtesy, so don't wear a swimsuit or underwear. 5. Okonomiyaki🍢: Dotonbori in Osaka has the best okonomiyaki in Japan. Although it's crowded with tourists, it's worth it. 6. Subway Culture🚇: Japanese subway cars are very quiet, so don't make loud noises or talk on the phone to avoid disturbing others. 7. Travel Plans🚶‍♂️: When traveling in Japan, it's best to plan your itinerary in advance to avoid missing out on popular attractions, especially museums and exhibitions. / Make every step of your journey meaningful. This is the beauty of Japan and the reason why you should visit. So, what are you waiting for? 😉

Hokkaido, I am so good at choosing hotels. The hot spring is really comfortable. One night with two meals, including one night stay + unlimited buffet dinner, breakfast, and hot spring. Much better than the hotels I haven't been to for around 500 AUD (such as Queenstown in New Zealand, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Shangri-La in Sydney, etc.)! Cost performance, scenery, service, one night with two meals, private hot spring in the room, open-air public hot spring are indeed impeccable! Every room faces the lake view, you can enjoy the lake view when you wake up and before you go to bed. Staying here is the most beautiful trip. Hokkaido Toyako Lake, The Lake Suite Ko no Sumika

Although it was drizzling when we arrived at this place, and the weather looked gray and gloomy, the original beautiful scenery remained the same, but the colors were not as colorful. The air is very good and the view is very broad. It is very suitable for walking around and enjoying the phytoncides and natural scenery. #beautifulaspoetry

address- 7-1 Toyako Onsen, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Sobetsu, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, 049-5731 Features- Each room has a private open-air bath ❤️ If you go in winter it's snowing outside Then soaking in the hot spring ♨️ is super relaxing Although it takes a lot of courage to go down 🤣 Price per person- $2500 a night Dinner and breakfast included It's self-service 👍🏻 Rating - 8.9/10 Another thing is to want his buffet more choices 🤣 Actually, his CP value is very high 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 As far as I know it is picked up by a tour bus But we were on a self-drive tour so we didn't use it #hot spring hotel #Hokkaido # Lake Toya #Private Bath

#japanhotel The most anticipated hot spring hotel of this trip chose to stay in Lake Toya instead of Noboribetsu, because once I saw the lake of Lake Toya is heart-warming 😍 Lake Toya is the annex of the Toyako Sun Palace Hotel, not open for a long time so the overall is very new The big difference is that annex guests can soak in the annex hot spring in addition to the main sanctuary hot spring, but in turn the main dormitory guests can only soak in the main den, can not soak in the annex Lake nobi room type is relatively new hotel style, no choice of traditional tatami rice table, etc., the bed is not floor plan, suitable for my place 😆 In addition to the private bath facing the view of Lake Toya, there is also a small terrace outside can sit / stand for guests to enjoy the lake and mountains In addition, the hot spring hotel is less than one night two meals, just talked about Lake Sushi is more hotel style, so the buffet form of dinner and breakfast need to enjoy the restaurant # Original image directly out of nofilter #Hokkaido # Lake Toya #hot springs #Private Bath #hot spring hotel #Japanese hot spring hotels

We spend a night at The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika for new year celebrations! This onsen resort is just amazing, the interior design is great and cozy! Their signature sky onsen is just stunning, overlooking the famous Lake Toya, it’s just so gorgeous! Breakfast and dinner are included in the package, food are high quality and good variety as well! Really enjoy your stay here! Definitely will want to be back in the near future! #newyearadventure

Toya Lake with private hot spring One night two meals Luxury accommodation Lake Sushi Room terrace with open-air private hot spring all you can soak in super cool, the view is great. Breakfast and dinner were buffet style, were very rich, and of high quality. Regret only staying one night!

This onsen hotel is so beautiful! Especially the stunning Lake Toya view from the your room terrace and public onsen! It’s just amazing! The check in was fast and easy. All the staff LS are super friendly and helpful too! There is a mini bar open from 3-6pm at the lobby lounge that serve coffee, soft drinks and beers. The beer come in smaller can, so you can try other beers! Room is nicely designed with modern amenities and a touch of traditional Japanese style. Very spacious and spotless! Dinner and breakfast are serve in the sister hotel next door, taste was good and huge variety too! Highly recommend this onsen hotel for a relaxing getaway! #spamagic

This luxury onsen resort is los yard beside Lake Toya, one of the most famous tourist attraction at Hokkaido! The resort is quiet and yet relaxing with a touch of luxury. The staff are so polite and nice, Our package come with dinner and breakfast, both are buffet style, food quality was really good and taste very nice too! The room is just so cozy and comfortable, the outdoor private onsen is just awesome…especially the beautiful Lake Toya view! We stayed for two nights and you can see the fireworks at room. The view at the public onsen area has very good view of Lake Toya too! Highly recommended this onsen resort! #resortstyle

This restaurant is highly recommended. Not only is the Wagyu beef melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but the owner can speak English and is super nice. He also helped us find a nearby day-trip hot spring ♨️ and kept chatting with us. He also said that his two sons who are in high school really want to go to Taiwan, but their plans have been delayed due to the pandemic. The owner and lady boss are great, and the meat is really delicious! ! ! The price is also very cheap! ! Push push push 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Address: 73-25 Sobetsuonsen, Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0103 Japan

Mount Usuzan via Usuzan Ropeway. Love this fiery and Live volcano especially winter . To go up the mountain that you can ride the Usuzan Ropeway or hike up the mountain. As tourist and I need to save time I choose the Ropeway . The Usuzan Ropeway brings you close to the volcano's summit. The upper station's observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Toya and neighboring Showa Shinzan. Once the rope way brought you near the summit , a staircase hike of half an hour is required to go near the craters. Magnificent sights and view. Very beautiful place even during winter time. The mountain and also the crater including lake Toya from mountain view. Made my hike worthwhile.#bucketlistreboot #MustDo

"Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa" in Toyako Town, Hokkaido This hotel offers breakfast and dinner buffets, so you can enjoy Hokkaido cuisine to your heart's content 😋 For breakfast, you can enjoy luxurious dishes such as salmon roe rice bowls and sukiyaki! You can stay here for about 10,000 yen, including accommodation and two meals ^_^ #buffet #stayhome #greatviews #gourmettrip

Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch in Sobetsu is full-on kawaii vibes—bears literally everywhere! 🧸 The entrance fee is 1,000 yen, and you can level up your visit by buying special treats to feed these cuties. Their tricks are next-level adorable: swinging around, putting their paws together like pros for snacks, roaring with attitude, and catching treats you toss like Olympic athletes. My heart was not ready for all this fluff! Heads up: the bear ranch is super fun, but the smell is def not a mood. Hold your nose and push through—you won’t regret seeing these iconic Hokkaido bears up close. The souvenir shop is stacked with bear-themed merch, but ngl, the prices are kinda spicy. Still, perfect if you’re obsessed with bear everything 🐻✨—you’ll definitely find the ultimate gift. Basic Info Drop: Attraction: Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch Address: 183 Shōwashinzan, Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0102, Japan Opening Hours: Jan 1: 10:00–15:00 Jan 2–Mar 31: 08:30–16:30 Apr 1–Apr 30: 08:30–16:45 May 1–Oct 31: 08:30–17:00 Nov 1–Dec 30: 08:30–16:30 Dec 31: 08:30–15:00 Admission: 1,000 yen If you’re in need of a dose of bear magic on your Hokkaido itinerary, add Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch for ultimate cuteness overload. Book your ticket via trip.com and get ready for all the snuggly energy!

Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan are iconic natural attractions in southern Hokkaido. Take the cable car to enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and volcano, and experience delightful interactions at the Bear Ranch. This trip combines awe-inspiring scenery with fun activities. Hokkaido's Volcanic Wonders and Family-Friendly Attractions 🕰️ Operating Hours: • Usuzan Ropeway: 8:00–18:00 (seasonal adjustments may apply) • Bear Ranch: 8:30–17:00 • Lake Toya Cruise: 9:00–16:30 (seasonal adjustments may apply) 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: • Stunning views of Lake Toya's volcanic crater lake • Rare active volcano "Showa Shinzan" • Panoramic views from the Usuzan Ropeway • Fun-filled Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch 📍 Address: 184-5 Showa Shinzan, Sobetsu Town, Usu District, Hokkaido 💰 Average Costs: • Usuzan Ropeway round-trip ticket: Adults ¥1,800, Children ¥900 • Bear Ranch: Adults ¥850, Children ¥500 • Lake Toya Cruise: Adults ¥1,500, Children ¥750 🌊 Lake Toya: A Serene Volcanic Crater Lake Lake Toya is one of Hokkaido's most famous lakes, known for its expansive and tranquil waters surrounded by mountains. On clear days, the lake reflects the blue sky and lush greenery like a mirror. In the center of the lake lies "Nakajima," a small island where visitors can take a cruise to explore. The lakeside features walking trails and hot spring areas, offering seasonal delights such as spring blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenes. 🌋 Showa Shinzan: Spectacular Volcanic Rocks and Steam Designated as a national natural monument, Showa Shinzan showcases the power of nature. Standing at the foot of the mountain, visitors can marvel at its unique geological features, making it a popular spot for both education and tourism. 🚡 Usuzan Ropeway: Elevated Views From Showa Shinzan Station, the Usuzan Ropeway takes just 6 minutes to reach the summit observation deck. The expansive views include: • Panoramic Lake Toya • The impressive volcanic crater of Showa Shinzan • Distant views of Usuzan and the Pacific coastline 🐻 Bear Ranch: A Must-Visit for Families Located at the foot of Showa Shinzan, the Bear Ranch is home to dozens of Hokkaido brown bears. The park features observation platforms where visitors can safely watch the bears in their natural habitat. The highlight is the "Bear Feeding Experience": • Purchase special feed to toss to the bears • Some bears will "raise their paws" or "wave" to ask for food, providing plenty of entertainment This attraction is not only great for kids but also leaves adults with lasting memories, blending education and fun. 🚌 Transportation • By car from Sapporo: Approximately 2 hours • By JR train: Take the express train to "Toya Station," then transfer to a bus for about 15 minutes to reach Showa Shinzan and the ropeway area • By bus: Regular buses connect Lake Toya hot spring town with the attractions 🌟 Recommended Itinerary One-Day Trip: 1. Morning: Lake Toya Cruise → Lakeside Stroll 2. Noon: Lunch at the lakeside hot spring town 3. Afternoon: Walk around Showa Shinzan → Usuzan Ropeway Summit → Bear Ranch Interaction Experience 4. Evening: Return to Lake Toya hot springs, enjoy the view while soaking in the baths ✨ Tips 1. Mountain weather can be unpredictable; bring a jacket. 2. Maintain a safe distance at the Bear Ranch and avoid feeding the bears privately. 3. Ropeway operating hours may be shortened in winter; check in advance. 4. If staying at a hot spring hotel, book a lake-view room for the best experience. Whether you're planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a nature exploration, this destination offers unique surprises. If you're visiting Hokkaido, consider spending a day at Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan to experience the charm of nature and wildlife, creating unforgettable memories for your journey.

The 2025 ⏰ is here! On September 2nd, Japan Meteorological Corporation released its first autumn foliage forecast. Surprisingly, this year’s foliage season is expected to be quite late, especially in areas like Sapporo and Nagano, where the peak viewing period may be over 10 days later than usual. Kyoto, Kochi, and Fukuoka are also predicted to be 7 days later than last year. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Japan’s earliest autumn foliage will still be in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. ‼️ To ensure a smooth trip and avoid visiting during the transition period between green and red leaves, I’ve compiled a list of recommended dates, iconic foliage spots, and itinerary plans for popular autumn foliage destinations. For those who don’t want to plan everything themselves, feel free to use this as a reference! 1️⃣ Japan’s Earliest Foliage｜Hokkaido ⏰ Best Viewing Period: October 10th–25th ✅ Late September: Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ropeway (waterfall, open-air hot springs, hot pot) ✅ Mid to late October: Jozankei (open-air baths + autumn foliage) ✈️ 6-Day Itinerary: Day 1: New Chitose International Airport → Lake Toya Day 2: Lake Toya → Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch → Mount Usu Volcano Day 3: Lake Toya → Otaru → Jozankei Hot Springs Day 4: Jozankei → Sapporo Lake Day 5: Around Sapporo Day 6: Return 2️⃣ Kanto｜Tokyo, Mount Fuji ⏰ Best Viewing Period: November 25th–December 10th ✅ Mid-November to early December: Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Corridor ✅ Late November: Shinjuku Gyoen / Rikugien Garden ✈️ 7-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Narita Airport → Rikugien Garden Night Foliage Day 2: Nikko → Lake Chuzenji → Kegon Falls → Kinugawa Hot Springs Day 3: Shinkyo Bridge → Nikko Toshogu Shrine → Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Day 4: Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Corridor → Mount Fuji Hot Springs Day 5: Music Box Forest Museum → Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Day 6: Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue → Shinjuku Shopping District → Tokyo Tower Day 7: Return 3️⃣ Kansai｜Kyoto, Osaka ⏰ Best Viewing Period: November 28th–December 8th ✅ Late November to early December: Kyoto Arashiyama / Eikando Temple (famous night foliage) ✅ Mid to late November: Kifune Shrine Autumn Foliage Lantern Festival ✈️ 7-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Kansai Airport → Kyoto → Kiyomizu Temple Day 2: Eikando Zenrinji Temple → Train Autumn Foliage Tunnel → Kifune Shrine Lantern Festival Day 3: Arashiyama → Hozugawa River Cruise → Arima Hot Springs Day 4: Nunobiki Herb Garden → Kobe Port → Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori Day 5: Universal Studios Japan (full day) Day 6: Nara Park → Mount Wakakusa → Umeda Sky Building Night View Day 7: Return Included Services: * Airport pick-up and drop-off + transportation throughout the trip (7-seater or 10-seater business vehicles) * Local Chinese-speaking guide for professional service and seamless communication * 1-on-1 professional travel planner to customize your itinerary * Formal contract signing for peace of mind, with platform guarantees for safe travel * Online concierge available before and during your trip to answer any questions This is Bu’er Travel’s Japan Full-Custom Tours We offer personalized Kansai trips tailored to your needs Comprehensive services, private transportation Just provide your "group size + travel dates," and we’ll design a journey just for you!

Encountering a bear in Hokkaido was quite scary, so I decided to go and say hello to it myself. 🐻✨ It was bigger and more impressive than I expected! But it was super smart, and it caught a cookie when I threw it to it. 🍪💪🏻 You should definitely visit! 🎵

🚩 Tour itinerary: Lake Hill Fram, Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, Usuyama Crater Observatory, Lake Toya fireworks at night 🚇 Transportation: Self-drive 🍜 Specialty food: Lake Hill Fram pizza, hotel buffet 🏠 Recommended accommodation: Lake view Toya (TOYA) Nonokaze Resort Hotel. We especially recommend the rooftop hot spring for a breathtaking view.

The fireworks over Lake Toya were the highlight of our stay — we could enjoy them right from our room, which was truly special. The onsen was relaxing and staff were friendly. However, the hotel facilities feel a bit old, and the WiFi connection was quite poor, which made it hard to stay connected. Overall, still a nice experience for families and those looking for a relaxing lake view.

#AugustDestinations2025 If you're looking for a dream hotel in Lake Toya, Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the lake, soak in hot springs, and play in the water, I highly recommend the Toyako Sun Palace Hotel. The lake view opens right from the room, and I fell in love the moment I checked in. All rooms have lake views. During the day, the sunlight reflects off the lake, sparkling brightly, and at night, you can see the lights and starry sky on the opposite shore. In the morning, when you open the curtains, the surface of Lake Toya looks like a giant watercolor painting, instantly refreshing. The Waterland Hotel boasts what's billed as the world's largest water park, a true paradise for children.

toya sun palace

Tigerair Taiwan takes an early morning flight and returns in the afternoon. Hokkaido in summer is even more interesting, unlike the white winter. I think it is more worthwhile to come! ## Day 1 Centennial Women's Monastery-Oonuma Quasi-National Park ## Day 2 Showa Shinzan-Toyako Observatory-Yotei Mountain Famous Water Park-Shikotsu-Toya National Park ## Day 3 Otaru City Romantic Tour [Otaru Canal, Kitaichi Glass Museum, European Steam Clock, Otaru Music Box Museum] Odori Park-Tanukikoji Store ## Day 4 Hokkaido OUTLET Shopping Plaza [Sapporo Kitahiroshima Mitsui Outlet Park] Kanemori Warehouse Group-Hakodate Million Diamond View ## Day 5 Hakodate Traditional Morning Market-Hokkaido Hakodate Airport #Hokkaido #Hakodate

One thing that needs a lot of planning when you do self driving road trips in Hokkaido is which route you should take and how much the ETC costs. Taking toll roads can be very expensive in Hokkaido and thus, if you choose to take many toll roads during your trip, it would before cost effective if you buy the HEP Hokkaido Expressway Pass instead. For us, during our 8 days self drive trip, I used ChatGPT’s help to calculate the tolls and surprisingly, as we didn’t take many toll roads and also that some toll roads take the same time you will need to take if you use general roads and thus, there is no need to take toll roads to save up the money for another sushi feast. Below is the driving route we took during our trip: Day1 : Arrival & Furano - Arrive at New Chitose Airport (~13:40) - Pick up rental car - Route: Enter Chitose-higashi IC → Exit Shimukappu IC - Stop: Shizentaikan Shimukappu Roadside Station → Drive Route 237 to La Vista Furano Hills Hotel - ETC Toll: ·1,330 Day2 : Explore Furano - Explore flower fields and farms (e.g., Farm Tomita, shikisai no oka) - Local driving only - ETC Toll: ·0 Day3 : Furano → Tomamu - Drive from Furano to Tomamu The Tower by Hoshino Resorts - Use local roads only - ETC Toll: ·0 Day4 : Tomamu → Otaru (with stops) Part 1: Tomamu → Abira d51 rest stop → Mitsui Outlet Park - Enter Tomamu IC → Stop at Abira D51 (no exit) → Exit Kitahiroshima IC - ETC Toll: ~*2,800 Part 2: Hill of the Buddha → Otaru - Enter Sapporo-nishi IC → Exit Otaru IC - Hotel: Unwind Hotel & Bar Otaru - ETC Toll: ·400 Day5 : Otaru - Lake Toya - Use local roads to Lake Toya - Hotel: The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika - ETC Toll: ·0 Day6 : Lake Toya → Hakodate - use local general road - Hotel: Tokyu Stay Hakodate - ETC Toll: *0 (if using local roads) Day7/8 : Explore Hakodate - Visit: Mt. Hakodate, Morning Market, Red Brick Warehouses, Goryokaku Park - Local driving only - ETC Toll: ·0 Summary: ETC Toll Breakdown 1,330+ 2,800 + 400 Total ETC Toll: ~$4,530 v • No HEP needed — ETC-only is cheaper than 4-day HEP (·7,700) We did not get HEP as paying through ETC is cheaper than getting the pass and therefore, do enough research before your trip to save you some money! #japan #hokkaido #furano #tomamu #otaru #hakodate#laketoya #couplestrip

Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa felt like a slice of serenity tucked away by the tranquil shores of Lake Toya. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was struck by the panoramic view of the lake—it was breathtaking, especially with Mount Usu standing quietly in the distance. The check-in was smooth, and the staff were welcoming, even offering little touches like warm towels and tea. My room had a balcony that faced the lake, and waking up to that view was something I’ll remember. The room itself was clean, modern-Japanese in style, with just enough traditional touches like tatami flooring and a low table for tea. I appreciated how the space balanced comfort and aesthetic simplicity. The highlight was definitely the onsen. There’s an outdoor rotenburo that overlooks the lake, and soaking there as the sky turned orange during sunset was almost meditative. They have both indoor and outdoor baths, separated by gender, and everything was meticulously clean and well-maintained. Dinner was part of the half board plan, and it didn’t disappoint. It was buffet-style but very high quality—fresh sashimi, snow crab, grilled seafood, wagyu beef, and a good spread of desserts. Breakfast the next day was equally impressive, mixing Japanese and Western options. What made Toya Sun Palace feel special was how peaceful it was. It wasn’t crowded or overly commercial. Just calm, scenic, and rejuvenating. If you’re looking to slow down and take in nature, this place is a solid choice. I left feeling both rested and refreshed. #summervacay #LakeToya #HokkaidoRetreat #OnsenGetaway #ToyaSunPalace #JapanTravel #ScenicEscape #RelaxInNature #HotSpringHeaven #HokkaidoResort #TravelJapan #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #japan #japantrip