When Hokkaido’s long winter arrives, the landscape turns into a world of silver-white snow. Just before that season begins, set out on a late-autumn journey to some of the best sights in the Toya and Noboribetsu area. Feel the end of the green season and the coming of winter in the crisp air.
After departing Sapporo Station, the first stop is the roadside station Boyo Nakayama, located at the top of Nakayama Pass. It is also a scenic viewpoint with views of Mt. Yotei. Its local specialty is ageimo, deep-fried potato balls that sell around 300,000 servings a year and have remained a bestseller for more than 50 years.
Next, visit Silo Observatory at Lake Toya. Here, enjoy lunch and a sweeping panoramic view of Lake Toya from above. Lunch features Kitano Kaisen Nabe, a hearty hot pot filled with seafood. The special miso soup is rich with the flavor of the seafood, and can be enjoyed to the very last drop with udon noodles added at the end.
After lunch, take an aerial ride on the Usuzan Ropeway and enjoy the magnificent scenery shaped by nature from the mountaintop terrace and walking trails. You may also visit Showa-Shinzan Bear Ranch as an optional activity. Watch the bears playing and relaxing, or try feeding them yourself.
The final highlight of this course is Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley. This massive explosion crater was formed by volcanic activity, and the sight of volcanic gas and steam rising from the rugged rock surface truly lives up to its name, “Hell Valley.” A wide variety of hot spring waters that make up the Noboribetsu Onsen area gush from this site, totaling 10,000 tons per day. Walk through the sulfur-scented valley and experience the power of the earth with all five senses.
Hokkaido’s autumn, tucked between its long summer and winter, passes in the blink of an eye. Yet this season offers many sights found only at this time of year, from autumn foliage and clear skies to trees shedding more leaves with each passing day. Set out on a bus journey and enjoy the atmosphere of late autumn.
Category Archives: 2026夏
A journey through the lakes and mountains of the Toya and Noboribetsu area in autumn
ROYCE’ Cacao & Chocolate Town, Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town (Paid areas are optional and individually paid.)
・This facility adjoins the factory of Royce’, Hokkaido’s representative chocolate brand. Exhibits and hands-on experiences let visitors learn about cacao cultivation, cacao history, and production processes.
・Factory observation: Take a look at the chocolate production line through glass (1st-floor free area).
・Chocolate bar-making workshop: Create your own original chocolate (additional fee required).
・Factory shop: A spacious shop offering exclusive products and sweets available only here (1st-floor free area).
● Free-Time Lunch at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market
・Fresh seafood bowls: The Outer Market has many eateries serving seafood bowls and sushi made with seasonal fish.
・A treasure trove of Hokkaido cuisine: Enjoy ikura, uni, crab, and other local specialties on the spot.
・Free-choice style: Participants can choose any restaurant they like, allowing for a personalized lunch experience.
・Market exploration: You can also shop for souvenirs such as dried goods and local delicacies.
● Mt. Moiwa Observatory
・Panoramic views of Sapporo: From Mt. Moiwa at 531 m elevation, look out to see the cityscape and the Ishikari Plains. Both daytime and night views are spectacular.
・Ropeway + mini cable car: Ride the ropeway to the mid-station, then take the “Morris Car” cable car to the summit.
Scenic View of Biei’s Rolling Hills and the Iconic Seven Stars Tree from the Window
Best-of Asahikawa and Biei Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This premium sightseeing course brings together two of Hokkaido’s signature attractions, Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa and the Shirogane Blue Pond, in a single day.
The journey begins in Sapporo, traveling to Asahiyama Zoo for approximately two hours of exploration, followed by a visit to the Shirogane Blue Pond. While the route covers a considerable distance, the experience remains engaging aboard a guided sightseeing bus. A stop is also included at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, offering time to rest and shop. This hub for Sorachi specialties is an excellent place to pick up local souvenirs and sweets.
Asahiyama Zoo is designed to showcase the animals’ natural abilities and behaviors to their fullest. Known as “behavioral exhibits,” these features allow close observation of dynamic scenes, from orangutans crossing overhead ropes to polar bears diving and swimming in pools, all in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.
After the zoo visit, the tour continues to the Shirogane Blue Pond in Shirogane, a scene of striking, almost painterly beauty. Depending on the weather and angle of light, the water shifts between cobalt and emerald blue, with standing larch trees rising from its surface, creating a truly mesmerizing natural landscape.
The return journey features sweeping views of Biei’s hills, the Patchwork Road, and the iconic Seven Stars Tree, offering classic Hokkaido scenery from the window.
Covering nearly 390 km, this route would be demanding to drive independently. A scheduled sightseeing bus allows the journey to unfold comfortably under the care of professional drivers. Discover Hokkaido’s green season with ease and comfort.
Visit Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, both famed for their beautiful waters, plus Mount Usu, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, all in one day!
Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel through Hokkaido’s magnificent natural landscapes aborad a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Lake Shikotsu was once ranked No. 1 in Japan for water quality for 11 consecutive years, and is known for having some of the clearest water in the country. Step off the bus and take in the lake’s deep blue waters, shimmering as they reflect the surrounding light. Near the shore, the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center is a place where sightseers can learn more about the area’s dramatic volcanic history as well as the plants and animals that inhabit the surrounding landscape.
After enjoying Lake Shikotsu, the tour continues on to Lake Toya, with a rest and shopping stop along the way at Kinoko Oukoku Otaki Main Store. With more than 2,000 kinds of souvenirs on offer, it is a great place to browse, especially for specialty mushroom products, just as the name suggests.
Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption around 100,000 years ago. Lunch will be served at Toyako Kohantei on the lakeshore*. Enjoy a set meal generously prepared with locally sourced seafood, vegetables, pork, and other regional ingredients, for a true taste of Hokkaido’s abundant nature. As the planned stay here is approximately 70 minutes, those wanting some fresh air can also enjoy a stroll along the lakeside after lunch.
*During certain periods, lunch will be at the traveler’s own discretion instead, with approximately 60 minutes allotted for the stay and meal at Kinoko Oukoku.
After taking in the scenery at Lake Toya, head to Mount Usu, the first site in Japan to be recognized as a Global Geopark, a natural heritage designation for areas of major geological significance. Ride the Usuzan Ropeway for a scenic journey through the air, then admire the dramatic natural vistas from the summit terrace and walking trails. As an optional stop, visitors can also go to the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, where the bears play and relax, and even enjoy a feeding experience.
This course is perfect for becoming immersed in the natural beauty created by Hokkaido’s lakes, forests, and mountains. Sit back, relax, and set out on a grand Hokkaido journey in comfort with a professionally operated bus tour!
Seafood Grill and Ropeway Views
Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Tour (With Lunch, Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Otaru was recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2025. This sightseeing bus tour offers a richly rewarding day, combining the history and scenery of Otaru with a visit to one of Sapporo’s classic attractions, Shiroi Koibito Park.
The first destination, the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, is a hugely popular spot known as a favorite filming location for movies. At the summit station, five observation points offer sweeping views of Otaru’s townscape, the Sea of Japan, and the mountains rising in the distance, scenery that is also recognized as part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets. In addition to the views, the summit station also features shops and cafés, a ski museum, a chipmunk park, and activities such as a zipline, making it full of things to enjoy.
At the foot of Tenguyama is The Glass Studio in Otaru, where the glassmaking process behind Otaru glass can be observed, and with advance reservation, a glassblowing experience of about 10 to 20 minutes is also available.
*Glassblowing experience is closed every Tuesday.
After enjoying the views, it’s time for lunch. Lunch is served at Otaru Bine, a renovated Meiji-era building that once housed the former head office of Hokkaido Bank, where a seafood grill meal can be enjoyed in a historic setting. Savor Otaru specialties such as herring marinade and seasonal seafood.
After lunch, the next stop is the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch. Built in 1906 in a Western-style design inspired by the revival architecture of modern Europe, this building is both part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Inside, the lavish interior showcases finely crafted details in the columns, wallpaper, and ceiling decorations, vividly reflecting Otaru’s former prosperity.
*Closed every Tuesday and on September 24. On those dates, this stop is omitted and time for exploring Otaru is extended to approximately 3 hours.
After visiting the historic building, the tour continues with a drop-off at Otaru Canal Terminal for free time to explore the town of Otaru.
Nearby are attractions such as the Otaru Canal, Denuki Koji, and Sakaimachi Street, lined with popular spots including Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, and Kitakaro. Planning which places to visit in advance is recommended.
On the way back to Sapporo, the tour stops at the sweets-themed park Shiroi Koibito Park for sightseeing and shopping. Highlights include an English garden filled with around 200 rose bushes and seasonal flowers, along with a mechanical clock tower where animal automata perform a cheerful parade every hour on the hour.
*Admission to the paid area requires a separate fee.
One of the great appeals of this tour is the chance to fully enjoy both the historic landmarks and popular attractions of Otaru and Sapporo. Why not enjoy a full day of sightseeing on a bus journey departing from and returning to Sapporo?
【Sapporo Afternoon Tour】The Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel in comfort aboard a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. We will introduce you to some of Sapporo’s most distinctive highlights in a short amount of time.
Discover Sapporo’s top attractions with this well-rounded itinerary, which features scenic city views from the bus and guided stops at two major highlights: Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.
From the elevated vantage point of the bus, take in sweeping views of Odori Park—the green corridor running east to west through the heart of the city—the stately Hokkaido Governor’s Official Residence nestled among trees, the Toyohira River beloved by locals and host to summer fireworks displays, and the striking Sapporo Dome with its graceful, silver, curved silhouette.
Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, an active venue on the eastern slope of Mt. Okura at an elevation of 307 meters. From the summit observation deck, take in a sweeping panorama of central Sapporo and the vast Ishikari Plains beyond, framed dramatically by the steep approach slope below. Gazing down from the ski jump start point, the 145.0-meter hill record distance is truly breathtaking. See the scale for yourself and experience the thrill from above.
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is home to the famous statue of Dr. William S. Clark, depicted with his right arm outstretched toward the horizon. In summer, sheep graze across the lush green lawn, with the cityscape of Sapporo stretching out in the distance, a scene that captures the very spirit of Hokkaido. Strike the same post beside Dr. Clark and snap a memorable photo as you embrace his inspiring message, “Boys, be ambitious.”
Let our scheduled sightseeing bus take you to the iconic landmarks that every visitor to Sapporo wants to see.
【Sapporo Morning Tour】Shiroi Koibito Park, the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Central Wholesale Market Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel in comfort aboard a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. We will introduce you to some of Sapporo’s most distinctive highlights in a short amount of time.
Our first stop is the Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium. Often associated with Prince Chichibu Yasuhito, affectionately known as the “Prince of Sports,” the facility traces its origins to 1932, when Baron Kishichiro Okura commissioned its design from Lieutenant Helsel of Norway at the Prince’s suggestion. In 1970, it was renovated in preparation for the Sapporo Olympic Games and later served as the venue for the 90-meter ski jumping competition at the 11th Winter Olympic Games in Sapporo 1972.
From the observation deck at the 307-meter starting point of the jump hill, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view stretching beyond the approach slope to the cityscape of Sapporo and across the vast Ishikari Plain.
Once we depart Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium, our journey continues to Shiroi Koibito Park. This popular attraction features the Chocotopia Factory, where visitors can observe the production process of Hokkaido’s iconic confection, Shiroi Koibito, as well as the Tudor House, a charming recreation of medieval English architecture.
In summer, the park’s Rose Garden comes alive with vibrant English roses and old garden varieties in full bloom. Adjacent to the park is the Miyanosawa Shiroi Koibito Soccer Stadium, where onlookers may even catch a glimpse of FC Consadole Sapporo’s training sessions.
Following our visit to Shiroi Koibito Park, we continue to our final stop, the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, Outer Market. Here, seafood, vegetables, and fruits from across Hokkaido are gathered in one lively marketplace. Numerous local eateries serve fresh seafood bowls and set meals made with the day’s best catch, and lunch is at your leisure.
After enjoying delicious cuisine and picking up plenty of souvenirs, guests may choose to disembark at one of Sapporo’s most iconic landmarks, the Sapporo Clock Tower, conveniently located near Odori Park.
Though compact in duration, this course is rich in experiences and reasonably priced, a satisfying and efficient way to explore Sapporo aboard a scheduled sightseeing bus.
Asahiyama Zoo One-Day Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Located in Asahikawa City, near the heart of Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo is Japan’s northernmost zoo and a beloved destination for visitors from across the country and around the world. About 150 km from Sapporo, this attraction is easily reached by direct scheduled sightseeing bus.
The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but with engaging commentary from your professional guide, the time will fly by. Enjoy fascinating insights into Hokkaido’s history, scenic views, and fun local trivia that make the ride itself part of the experience.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its creative enclosures designed to showcase animals in their most natural and dynamic forms.
At the Seal House, watch seals swim gracefully through a towering cylindrical tank. At the Polar Bear House, witness powerful dives up close. In the Penguin House, a glass tunnel offers a unique underwater perspective, where penguins appear to soar overhead as if flying through the sky.
Beyond these highlights, the zoo features around 30 animal habitats, including the Red Panda House, Orangutan House, and Beast House. Popular programs such as the lively “”Mogu Mogu Time,”" when visitors can observe animals during feeding, along with informative talks by zookeepers, add to the experience. With so many opportunities to connect with the animals, it’s no wonder this beloved zoo welcomes many repeat visitors.
On the return journey, enjoy a relaxing break at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, a popular stop where fine products from across Hokkaido come together in one place. Browse for souvenirs at Oasis Plaza, featuring renowned local sweets, regional sake, and specialty gourmet items, or explore Sorachi Market, a farmers’ market offering fresh produce and artisanal goods from the Sorachi region. The site is also home to the very first shop of the beloved confectionery brand Kitakaro, where visitors can savor exclusive menu items available only here.
With ample time scheduled for our visit to Asahiyama Zoo, this course allows guests to explore the park at a relaxed pace, rather than rushing from one sight to the next.
Why not take advantage of this comfortable, convenient, scheduled sightseeing bus and set out to meet the zoo’s lively, charming animals?
