The Lake Toya day trip was amazing! Thanks to the professional and thoughtful guide, Qi!
We participated in the Lake Toya day trip, and the overall experience was very satisfactory! From the 8:00 AM meeting and departure at Sapporo Station to the smooth return in the evening, the entire rhythm was comfortable, the attractions were arranged reasonably, and our guide, Qi, was particularly professional, friendly, and very talkative. Along the way, Qi constantly explained the local history, geography, and anecdotes to us, making the whole journey more fulfilling and meaningful.
The most unforgettable moment: Arriving at the Usu Crater Observation Deck
When we climbed to the top of the mountain and arrived at the Usu Crater Observation Deck, we were truly shocked. The magnificent scenery of valleys, craters, lakes, and the Pacific Ocean intertwined was breathtaking and the most unforgettable attraction of the trip. Qi also thoughtfully introduced us to the formation of the volcano and the geomorphic features, allowing us to not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also broaden our knowledge.
Second favorite: Feeding bears up close at the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
Although the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch is not large, it is a very special experience! We were able to observe brown bears up close and even feed them snacks by hand. Watching the bears "beg" for food was really cute and fun, and it's a place where both adults and children can enjoy themselves.
Review of the day's itinerary
Lake Toya Lakeside & Mt. Yotei Instagram-worthy Spot
The tranquil lake surface paired with Mt. Yotei, the "Little Mount Fuji", makes for stunning scenery no matter where you shoot. You can also choose to take a cruise to experience the clear lake water and the scenery of Nakajima Island.
Showa Shinzan & Bear Ranch & Mt. Usu Ropeway
The combination of Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Mt. Yotei viewed from the summit is a breathtaking experience not to be missed.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
The unique and stunning volcanic landscape with steam billowing and the smell of sulfur is particularly effective for taking photos.
Summary
Overall, this was a day trip with a very smooth arrangement and surprises everywhere. Special thanks to Qi for the professional guidance and enthusiastic explanations, which allowed us to not only have fun, but also gain a deeper understanding of Lake Toya and the surrounding area.
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