ITINERARY
Walk to Volcanic Springs and Experience Life Shaped by Nature's Fury and Blessings
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Shikotsu-Toya National Park is known as a "museum of active volcanoes," with volcanic activity continuing today in the Noboribetsu and Lake Toya area. Visitors can walk to hot spring sources to get a first-hand experience of the amazing effects of hot springs, one of the blessings of volcanic activity. Led by local guides, the tour also visits buildings, roads, and craters damaged by past eruptions. Through these sites, participants gain insight into the natural threats posed by volcanic activity, disaster preparedness awareness, and livelihoods such as hot springs and agriculture that have developed in coexistence with nature. In addition, by learning about the wisdom of the Indigenous peoples who have lived alongside this natural environment for generations, visitors can deepen their understanding of how humans can engage with nature.
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the sources of Noboribetsu's volcanic hot springs and experience the blessings of volcanoes firsthand.
- Reflect on nature's fury and coexistence in the Mount Usu and Lake Toya area, where traces of eruptions remain.
- Learn about and engage with the culture of the Indigenous Ainu people.
Get an up-close look at the products of volcanic activity by observing hot spring sources at Noboribetsu Onsen
After arriving at New Chitose Airport in the morning, travel by train to Noboribetsu Onsen. After lunch, walk to Sengen Park and join the Noboribetsu Onsen Scenic Forest Walk . Visit the source of Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Hokkaido's most renowned hot spring resorts, and enjoy a three-hour guided forest walk including Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and a natural footbath while listening to explanations from your guide. This experience allows you to experience the benefits of the Noboribetsu's volcanic activity firsthand. After returning to your hotel on foot, unwind in the evening with a dip in one of Noboribetu Onsen's hot spring baths, known for their milky-white water.
Walk through the Mount Usu crater area, where traces of past eruptions remain, and get a glimpse of nature's fury
Travel to the Lake Toya area by public transportation or taxi. Begin by visiting the Toyako Visitor Center , where you can learn about the natural environment of Lake Toya and the surrounding Mount Usu area. Next, go take a look at the remnants from the 2000 eruption of Mount Usu. Accompanied by a guide, you will visit a volcanic crater that opened in a national highway and sites damaged by movement of the earth's crust and material ejected from the volcano. Take a moment to reflect on disaster preparedness in your everyday life.
Later, head to the Toya Lake hot spring town for lunch, then take the Mount Usu Ropeway to the Lake Toya Observatory and the Mount Usu Crater Plain Observation Deck. From these vantage points, you can get a sweeping view of the extent of eruption damage and learn about the history of volcanic activity in the area. After this, check in to your accommodation at Toyako Onsen. Enjoy the hot spring waters, which offer a different mineral composition and effects from those of Noboribetsu Onsen.
Get a taste of Indigenous Ainu culture by trying traditional Ainu cuisine
On this day, you will learn about the culture of the Indigenous Ainu people, who have long lived in harmony with the natural environment of the region. Travel to Upopoy to see the National Ainu Museum and Park. At lunchtime, participate in a hands-on Ainu cooking and tasting program. Savor "ohaw," a traditional Ainu soup made with a hearty combination of local meat, fish, and wild plants. After the program ends, walk to JR Shiraoi Station and continue on to New Chitose Airport.