10-Hour Noboribetsu, Lake Toya and Otaru Tour with Showa Shinzan

• 7:30 Meeting point 1: Sapporo Oriental Hotel (Arima Hotel), Address: 422-41 Minami 8-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo.

8:00 Meeting point 2: Sapporo Station North Exit Group Bus Station, Address: Kitashichijo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City.

• Noboribetsu is located southwest of Hokkaido. It has many hot springs, such as Noboribetsu Hot Spring, Karulus Hot Spring, and Noboribetsu Rinkai Hot Spring, as well as seas of trees and lakes. The landscape is highly varied, and it has been designated as a component of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Noboribetsu Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in Hokkaido. It is known as the "No. 1 hot spring town in Hokkaido" and is also called the "department store of hot springs." The reason why Noboribetsu Hot Spring is so famous is Hell Valley. All the water in Noboribetsu Hot Spring comes from Hell Valley because the water flowing out of Hell Valley is hot and especially suitable for hot spring bathing. The gas that evaporates from Hell Valley is also hot. Famous as a representative hot spring in Hokkaido, Noboribetsu Onsen is about 200 meters above sea level and is a hot spring resort surrounded by virgin forest. There are more than a dozen hot springs here, each with its own characteristics. Some are hydrogen sulfide water, some are salt water, and some contain iron. The water quality is excellent, and it has been listed as one of the rare hot springs in the world.

• Showa Shinzan: On December 28, 1943, a strong earthquake occurred near Lake Toya. As a result, a volcano erupted, causing the ground to rise rapidly and form a high mountain. It is still a growing "new mountain," and white smoke can still be seen constantly rising from the reddish-brown mountains.
• Bear Ranch: There are about 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears at the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch. The pasture area is large, and the brown bears are divided into several relatively fixed areas according to their age groups. The brown bear has adapted to humans, and its timid look is cute. Some bears will stand on their hind paws and wave to you with their front paws when they see you holding an apple. Others will bow to you, and some will lie on the ground and do funny actions to attract your attention. Adults (middle school students and above): 850 yen. Children (6 years and above): 500 yen. Please pay for yourself.
• Lake Toya: In the early 20th century, volcanoes erupted frequently, and this lake was formed after the collapse. The lake does not freeze in winter and is famous for its volcanic hot springs. The clear water of the lake ripples all year round. Cherry blossoms bloom by the lake in spring, fireworks are set off at night in summer, and the forest is dyed in colours in autumn. In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, you can also enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and hot springs here.

• Otaru is located west of Hokkaido and faces Ishikari Bay. It developed as the "marine gate" of Hokkaido about 100 years ago and became extremely prosperous. Many banks and companies came here to develop, and it is known as the "Wall Street of the North." In the past, the Otaru Canal was crowded with countless sampans loading and unloading goods, and there were brick and stone warehouses along the canal. Nowadays, these warehouse buildings have been converted into glass craft shops, teahouses, restaurants, and large shops. People walking among them can still feel the busy scene of Otaru in the past.

• Arrive in Sapporo at 18:45.