Discovering Hokkaido: A 3 Day Itinerary to Lake Toya and Noboribetsu

After spending a couple of days immersing myself in the vibrant city of Sapporo, I embarked on the next leg of my Hokkaido adventure, setting my sights on Lake Toya. My primary intention for this phase of the trip was to unwind and rejuvenate my senses. Opting to indulge myself a little more than usual, I decided to treat myself by booking a stay at a more upscale resort nestled along the shores of Lake Toya. The allure of this accommodation provided a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city scene.

On the journey from Sapporo to Lake Toya, I took a detour to Noboribetsu to visit the renowned Jigokudani, also known as "Hell Valley." Hokkaido is abundant with natural marvels, and this segment of the excursion perfectly captures that sense of wonder.

Let's get into my itinerary.

Day 1 

Side Adventure to Noboribetsu

Sapporo → Noboribetsu

1. Take the Hokuto Line from Sapporo or Minami Chitose Station to Noboribetsu Station

2. Take the bus from Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu Onsen bus station

   1. ¥600 round trip

3. Walk from Noboribetsu Onsen bus station to Gokuraku Street, also known as through “Noboribetsu Paradise Shopping Street” 

4. Hike the Jigokudani Valley, “Hell Valley”

   1. Take in the bleached valley, where steam vents from the ground and sulfurous streams run through the terrain. There are a couple trails that you can take. I walked to Oyunuma Pond. If you walk a little further, you can also dip your feet in the natural foot bath, or ashiyu.

5. Other things to do in Noboribetsu

   1. Bear Park

   2. Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village (Theme Park)

   3. Lake Kuttara

Noboribetsu → Toya

1. From Noboribetsu Station, continue on the Hokuto Line to Toya Station

2. Taxi or bus to Lake Toya or your hotel destination

3. Relax at your resort

The view from the Nonokaze lobby + private onsen in my room.

Where I stayed: 

Nonokaze Resort Hotel

Cost:

$1,130.00

What’s included:

Club Access, Breakfast and Dinner Buffets, Private Onsen

From the room (in my private onsen), there are fireworks that run from April to October every evening. A wonderful way to end the day.

All of the food that came with this trip. The club lounge came with beer, wine, tea, and specially crafted coffee with snacks. The breakfast and dinner buffet had so many options to choose from.

Day 2

Exploring Nakajima Island

1. Ferry to Nakajima Island

   1. From April to October, the ferry cruise runs every 30 minutes

   2. ¥1600 roundtrip

   3. Check out the full prices here

2. Hike or trail run around Nakajima Island

   1. There are 3 courses that you can take: 30mins, 120 mins, 3 hour (the full island)

3. Visit the Mizuminomori Museum

4. Relax at your resort

Day 3

1. Hike between two volcanic craters, Tama-chan and Yu-kun

   1. Take a rather brisk morning walk up between two active volcanic craters, named Tama-chan and Yu-kun.

   2. These active volcanic craters erupted in the 1970s, displacing a previously established residential area that is now abandoned.

   3. Although the hike may have made me a tad nervous, the views of Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei were beautiful.

2. Explore the town of Toyako

   1. There are several cafes and small shops along the main street. I had lunch at めぐりや (meguriya) before heading back to the train station toward New Chitose Airport.

This (finally) wraps up my trip to Hokkaido!

Do you usually plan a vacation within your vacation? How do you spend that? Leave a comment below :)