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!
Tag Archives: Ropeway・Gondola riding
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?
【Operated in 2025】Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Winter Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
As you drive through the endless old growth forests, the road opens up to the beautiful blue “”Lake Shikotsu”" surrounded by lush nature. The ice-free (does not freeze during the winter) Lake Shikotsu is Japan’s northernmost lake of its kind. It has also been recognized by the Ministry of Environment as one of the most cleanest and clearest lakes in the nation. Nearby is Lake Toya, a large caldera lake created during a violent eruption over 100 thousand years ago. It is also surrounded by rich flora and is the habitat for a wide variety of fauna.
We will have lunch at Toya Kohantei that sits on the shores of Lake Toya.
After we leave Lake Toya the bus will head to Mt Usu, the first in Japan to be inducted as a Global Geopark in August, 2009. A Global Geopark is a natural park where visitors can explore and enjoy the Earth through nature trails, interpretive signs, and guided tours. The Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark, recognized alongside Itoigawa and the Shimabara Peninsula, is part of the Global Geoparks Network supported by UNESCO, and was among the 59th to 61st sites in the world to receive this designation. At Mt. Usu, visitors can take the ropeway to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
This course takes visitors to two of Hokkaido’s most popular lakes in just one day.
During the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (February 1st to February 23th), you can take an optional tour of the Ice Festival. (The tour fee is at your own expense.)
*Meals are not included on some dates. You will have free reign to eat. (There will be a 50-minute meal time at Mushroom Kingdom.)
Hike through autumn colors at Hokkaido’s highest peak.
Asahidake “Garden in the Sky” Walking Tour (with Lunch)
At 2,291 meters, Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido. After a scenic 190-kilometer drive from Sapporo, enjoy a hike in this “garden in the sky” near the center of Hokkaido.
The journey from Sapporo takes about three hours, with a rest stop along the way Upon arrival at the Asahidake Ropeway, enjoy lunch at the Sugatami Shokudo on the second floor. The menu features a hearty stewed hamburger steak topped with chunky locally grown Higashikawa vegetables. Made with 100% Hokkaido beef, it’s juicy and well-balanced, perfect for fueling up before your hike.
After lunch, take the ropeway at your own pace up to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters. From the station, set out on a scenic hike. A 1.7-kilometer walking loop (about one hour) leads past alpine plants such as chinguruma, the reflective Sugatami Pond that mirrors Asahidake on calm days, and occasionally wildlife such as the Ezo pika.
On the return journey, stop at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, where products from across Hokkaido come together. Brows Oasis Plaza for famous sweets, local sake, and regional specialties, or visit Soraichi Market for fresh produce and local goods from the Sorachi area. The site also features the first shop of the popular confectionery maker Kitakaro, offering exclusive items you can only find here.
With about three hours each way and roughly 400 km in total, this comfortable journey is made easy by the sightseeing bus. Don’t miss the chance to experience these seasonal views that can only be enjoyed for a short time each autumn.
