Lake Toya and Noboribatsu Hell Valley Private Day Trip

tl;dr: highly recommend booking this trip. This trip was absolutely everything we could have hoped for. I am trying to be concise, so just keep in mind there are plenty of other great things I am leaving out. My highlights: * Sumi is a wonderful human being and excellent guide. It's clear she loves Hokkaido and sharing it with travelers. She is knowledgeable, easy going, fun to talk to, and in general an absolute delight. * For travelers like me who are not yet jyozu at nihongo, Sumi's English is perfect, so it's easy to learn from her about the area, Hokkaido, and Japan in general. * Noboribetsu is amazing. Being from Midwest Illinois I do not get to see volcanic activity very often, and it is incredible! The separation of minerals leaving shocks of color in an almost alien landscape, boiling pools of blue gray, smoke escaping from vents on mountains, huge crows, deer, thick vegetation, statues of demons...hard to sum up the vibes of the place, you really need to see it for yourself. It reminded my partner of Yellowstone, but if course with it's own unique flavor. * Soaking our feet in a river heated by volcanic activity. This was so relaxing, especially after a couple days walking through airports and travelling around. I can't say much about this because it's impossible to describe just how incredible it feels to sit in that forest and feel the heat of the water and grit of the sandy riverbed soak into your bones. * Lake Toya is beautiful. A large, lovely lake with tree covered mountains dipping into the blue waters of a volcanic caldera lake, one of the biggest in Japan. Sumi took us to a great little restaurant with a view of the lake, where we had excellent soba and tempura, and some really good soft serve for lunch. Great Hokkaido specific snacks packed for souvenir sharing in the shop below. * The view from Mount Usu is not to be missed. An incredible vista with Hokkaido bay and Hakodate in the frame. I am not super comfortable around heights, but found the ropeway to be smooth and not too scary. There are some steps up here, but if you are traveling with people who can't manage, the view from the terrace is also incredible. * Throughout the trip, Sumi was able to offer adjustments and accomodations. She's a safe and confident driver and her van is comfy and cool in the summer heat. This is definitely a tour you will not regret. The next time we are lucky enough to visit Hokkaido, we will definitely be getting in touch with Sumi and arranging another tour. Do yourself a favor and book this now.