Hokkaido: Bear Park and Jigokudani Hell Valley Tour

3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Hokkaido: Bear Park and Jigokudani Hell Valley Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore the natural wonders and spiritual heritage of Hokkaido on a guided tour that includes Noboribetsu Onsen and the stunning Noboribetsu Bear Park. Start with a scenic ropeway ride offering breathtaking mountain views before delving into the Bear Park to learn about the ecology of brown bears and their significance in Ainu culture. Witness the dramatic landscapes of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) with its bubbling sulfuric vents and geothermal formations that have inspired local beliefs about the afterlife. This immersive experience blends education with exploration, providing deep insights into nature and spirituality in Hokkaido.

Guided tour of Noboribetsu Onsen and Bear Park
Scenic ropeway ride with panoramic views of Lake Kuttara
Explore Jigokudani's unique volcanic features and cultural significance
Gain insider knowledge on Ainu traditions and wildlife ecology

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Walking Tours Gondola Cruises Water Tours Nature Walks

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: DeepExperience

Ages: Adults (0–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Exploration of Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Included: Visit to Noboribetsu Bear Park
Included: Ropeway ride
Included: Guided tour of Noboribetsu Onsen

Not included

Not included: Private transportation

Itinerary

Stop 1

40 min Admission included

The Noboribetsu Ropeway carries visitors up the forested slopes to the summit of Mount Shihorei, where sweeping views stretch across the mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Kuttara. The short ride offers not only scenic beauty but also a gateway to cultural and wildlife experiences at the Bear Park located at the top.
Stop 2

1 h 30 min Admission included

At the summit station lies the Noboribetsu Bear Park, home to Hokkaido’s iconic brown bears. Here you can safely observe these powerful creatures up close while learning about their biology, behavior, and importance in Ainu culture, where the bear was revered as kimun kamuy, the god of the mountains. The park also features the Bear Museum and “Yukara no Sato,” an area dedicated to traditional Ainu heritage, making it both educational and unforgettable.
Stop 3

50 min

The dramatic volcanic landscape of Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is the source of Noboribetsu’s famous hot springs. Bubbling ponds, steaming vents, and sulfurous terrain create a surreal atmosphere that inspired Japanese visions of the afterlife. Walking through the valley reveals striking geothermal features such as the Tessen Pond, where boiling water bursts from the earth, offering a powerful reminder of Hokkaido’s volcanic energy and the spiritual beliefs it shaped.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The meeting point is in front of the 7-Eleven Noboribetsu Onsen store. Your guide will be waiting with a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.