Scars of Mt. Usu Walking Tour
Tour Overview
Explore the scars left by a volcanic eruption!
Mt. Usu is an active volcano that is located next to Lake Toya in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It last erupted in 2000 and the scars from that eruption can still be seen today.
This walking tour takes you to some of the most interesting remnants of this eruption. We will walk along the Nishiyama footpath for about 1.5 hours whilst stopping off along the way. Along the footpath you will see; volcanic craters, destroyed buildings, warped walls and upheaved roads. You will get to sense the awesome power of a volcanic eruption. After reaching the top of the path, we will have a break and a snack and then return back to the start.
We will then stop by a picturesque viewpoint of Lake Toya, which is a lovely photo spot. On the way back we will stop by an exhibition of Mt. Usu’s eruptions, then continue back to Noboribetsu.
If you fancy more of a challenge, check out the Mt. Usu Hiking Tour!
Details
- Availability: Late April – Late November
- Duration: 5 hours. 9 AM start.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Max participants: 4 people
- Clothing: Please wear comfortable clothes for walking. A raincoat for wet weather and a hat and sunglasses for sunny weather are also needed. Walking shoes or trainers are advised.
- Rental (available sizes):
- Waterproof Shell jackets: M (1), L (2), XL(1), XXL (1), XXXL (1)- ¥500
- Food and drinks: Please bring any snacks for lunch. A drink and snack will be provided.
- Pick-up: Free pick-up and drop-off is available in Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen.
- Payment: Cash only
Tour Schedule
9:00: Pick-up (Free pick-up from Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen)
9:00-10:00: Drive to the Nishiyama footpath trailhead
10:00-11:00: Walk along the Nishiyama footpath
11:00-11:30: Have a break, snack and a drink
11:30-12:30: Walk back along the footpath to the car
12:30-13:30: Visit Lake Toya viewpoint and stop by volcano exhibition
13:30-14:30: Drive back to Noboribetsu and say goodbye!
Know before you go
- This is a physical activity and participants should be able to climb up and down uneven terrain over a distance of 4 km.
- Tour will be either be canceled or postponed (if possible) if bad weather occurs.
- If there is an injury or the guide deems it unsafe to carry on, the tour will finish.
- Please prepare your own insurance as Nobo Tours does not have insurance for its customers.