On May 5th, during Japan’s Golden Week holiday, we got an inquiry for 1-day tour from Muroran to Lake Toya and Noboribetsu, combining coastal views, nature, and hot spring culture. The route offers a great mix of sightseeing, from Muroran’s dramatic seaside landscapes to the peaceful lake views of Toya, then Noboribetsu with its famous volcanic scenery and onsen atmosphere. We first picked our clients in Muroran Port from a cruise ship docking on the port that day. We were still mesmerized on how big a cruise ship actually is!

First Destination: Jigokudani Hell’s Valley

After being able to pick our clients, we first proceeded to Jigokudani, also known as “Hell Valley,” is the most iconic spot in Noboribetsu, famous for its steaming vents, sulfur smell, hot spring pools, and dramatic volcanic landscape. On May 5th during Golden Week, it is a great sightseeing stop to feel the power of Hokkaido’s geothermal nature, take photos along the walking paths, and experience the unique atmosphere of Noboribetsu Onsen town.

We were lucky to be able to arrive during time when there was not many visitors. The smell of sulfur did not stop our clients to take a lot of pictures and asked a lot of questions. Our clients were lovely couple, the wife was bound to a wheelchair but there was no problem to access the ramp.

After inhaling enough stinky sulfur smell and seeing enough of Jigokudani, we then proceeded next to Lake Kuttara. On the way, we also passed Oyunuma Pond, which is famous for a steaming volcanic hot spring pond.

Second Destination: Lake Kuttara

Lake Kuttara is a quiet, nearly circular caldera lake near Noboribetsu, known for its extremely clear water and untouched forest surroundings. On May 5th during Golden Week, it is a peaceful contrast to the busy Noboribetsu Onsen area, making it a good short scenic stop for photos, fresh air, and a calm lakeside view before or after visiting Jigokudani and Oyunuma Pond. It is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is often described as one of Japan’s clearest lakes.

The Lake looks beautiful under bright blue sky. And Sakura trees next to the lake made the scenery even more breath-taking.

After seeing some nice scenery, it was time to eat lunch, so we proceeded to find a good place to eat. On the way, we stopped for a while to take pictures with Sakura trees alongside the road.

LUNCH TIME in HLAHAL Soup Curry

We were lucky to find a soup curry restaurant with amazing view of Lake Toya. “Soup Curry” is one of Sapporo’s special dish, unlike thick Japanese curry rice, soup curry has a lighter, soup-like curry broth with large pieces of ingredients such as chicken leg, vegetables, potatoes, carrots, eggplant, pumpkin, and boiled egg. We stopped in this soup curry restaurant called HLAHAL.

We were lucky to be able to get a seat with amazing view of mountain and Lake Toya. Great goods, nice scenery, what else do you need?

After finished eating lunch, we proceeded to visit Lake Hill Farm which is famous for its gelato. But we did not stop that long since our clients were still full from the lunch. We were still able to get some nice pictures though.

Lake Toya Silo Observation Deck

Lake Toya Silo Observation Deck is one of the best panoramic viewpoints around Lake Toya, offering wide views of the lake, Nakajima Island, Mt. Usu, and Showa-shinzan. It is a great short stop on a Lake Toya route, especially for photos, souvenir shopping, and enjoying the volcanic landscape of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

We spent half time here taking pictures, and another half buying souvenirs in the shop. We were lucky enough to see a helicopter taking off from a nearby helipad!

Cape Chikyu

For our last destination, we proceeded to Cape Chikyu, which is one of Muroran’s most famous scenic viewpoints, offering a wide panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from dramatic coastal cliffs. It is a great short stop on a Muroran–Lake Toya–Noboribetsu route, especially for photos of the white lighthouse, ocean horizon, and rugged Hokkaido coastline. The name “Chikyu” is said to come from the Ainu word meaning “cliff,” matching the area’s steep seaside landscape.

It was Children’s Day so we could see some “Koinobori” flags hung around the place.

The weather was good so we could see an amazing scenery from the observation deck.

Beautiful journeys always come to an end. We had such a wonderful time with our lovely clients, and saying goodbye at Muroran Port was a heartfelt moment.

Here is the video of this 1-day tour if you are interested to see.