Noboribetsu Ropeway
Ascend to the Noboribetsu Bear Park via a scenic ropeway for unique wildlife encounters and panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Catch the last ride before closing
Noboribetsu Ropeway
Best Time
Catch the last ride before closing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to the Noboribetsu Bear Park via a scenic ropeway for unique wildlife encounters and panoramic views.
"Enjoyable ride up and down the mountain with tons of photo opportunities."
🎯 Check Last Ticket Time
Arrive well before the last ticket purchase time to avoid missing the ropeway and Bear Park!
☁️ Foggy Views? Be Prepared
Fog can obscure views. Check the weather forecast before you go to manage expectations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Ropeway Ride
Ascent to Noboribetsu Bear Park
Enjoy a cozy ride up the mountain, with potential for stunning views and photo ops.
Noboribetsu Bear Park
Summit of the ropeway
Watch adorable bears interact and catch food tossed by visitors from an observation deck.
Panoramic Observation Deck
Noboribetsu Bear Park
Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the volcano top lake, Kuttarako.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Weather Watch
Best Times
Insider Tips
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How to do a day trip to Noboribetsu from Sapporo?
🎯 Check Last Ticket Time
Arrive well before the last ticket purchase time to avoid missing the ropeway and Bear Park!
☁️ Foggy Views? Be Prepared
Fog can obscure views. Check the weather forecast before you go to manage expectations.
Is my Hokkaido 8 nights itinerary feasible?
First time in Hokkaido with Kids (June 2025)
🐻 Bear Food Fun
Purchase bear food (100 yen) to toss to the bears and watch their fascinating catching skills.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The ropeway ride and the park offer numerous chances for memorable photos.
Day trip to lake Toya from Noboribetsu.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Last Ticket Time
Arrive well before the last ticket purchase time to avoid missing the ropeway and Bear Park!
☁️ Foggy Views? Be Prepared
Fog can obscure views. Check the weather forecast before you go to manage expectations.
🐻 Bear Food Fun
Purchase bear food (100 yen) to toss to the bears and watch their fascinating catching skills.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The ropeway ride and the park offer numerous chances for memorable photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the ropeway ride enjoyable and the opportunity to see bears at the park fascinating, especially when tossing them food. However, the experience can be significantly impacted by fog, and some guests have ethical concerns regarding the welfare of the bears.
"we drove over from Hakodate and was scheduled to arrive at 355pm and realised that the last time to purchase is at 1620,
this meant we'd to be satisfied with the stuff bears 🐻"
Mark Chan
"Nice and cozy in the roperail cart, got a teddy to be with me for the ride. Enjoyable ride up and down the mountain. Tons of photo opportunities"
Luke L'sk
"We climbed up to the base of the Noboribetsu Bear Park, where you would ride a cable car up to the Bear Park. It cost yen 2800 for the cable ride and the park entrance. It was very foggy when we went, so we did not pay to ride the cable car."
Susan Lam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen town, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From the onsen town, you can take another local bus or a taxi to the ropeway base. Some travelers opt for a day trip by car, which offers more flexibility.
Yes, a day trip from Sapporo is feasible, especially if you plan your transportation efficiently. Buses are a common option, but be mindful of schedules to ensure you have enough time for the ropeway and attractions.
From Noboribetsu Onsen town, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the base of the Noboribetsu Ropeway. The journey is relatively short.
Yes, driving is an option, and it can provide more flexibility for your itinerary. There is parking available at the ropeway base.
The bus journey from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The combined ticket for the ropeway ride and entrance to the Noboribetsu Bear Park is approximately 2800 yen. It's advisable to confirm current pricing upon arrival.
The last ticket purchase time is crucial. One visitor mentioned needing to purchase by 16:20 to ride, so always check the exact cut-off time to avoid disappointment.
Typically, a combined ticket covers both the ropeway ride and entry to the Noboribetsu Bear Park.
Information on advance online ticket purchases is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets on-site.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is observing the brown bears. You can watch them from an observation deck, and they are known to use their paws to appeal for food. You can also purchase food to toss to them.
Yes, you can purchase bear food for 100 yen to toss to the bears. Watching them catch the food is a popular activity.
On clear days, the view from the observation deck is wonderful, offering great sights of the surroundings and the volcano top lake, Kuttarako. However, fog can significantly impact visibility.
Some visitors have expressed concerns about the way the bears are kept, describing small cages and breeding for show, leading to feelings of disrespect towards nature and animals.
The ropeway ride itself is described as nice and cozy, offering an enjoyable experience up and down the mountain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be mindful of the weather, as fog can reduce the visual appeal. Also, consider discussing the ethical aspects of animal parks with older children beforehand, as some visitors have expressed concerns about the bears' living conditions.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Drivers
Day-trippers relying on public transport should meticulously plan their bus routes and timings. The journey from Sapporo takes a couple of hours, and connecting to the ropeway from Noboribetsu Onsen town requires an additional bus or taxi. Factor in travel time to ensure you have ample opportunity to enjoy the attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Your Day Trip to Noboribetsu
When visiting, be aware that weather conditions, particularly fog, can significantly impact the experience. While clear days offer stunning panoramic views from the observation deck, foggy conditions can limit visibility. This might influence your decision on whether to purchase the combined ropeway and Bear Park ticket. Always check the weather forecast before your trip.
For those interested in the Noboribetsu Bear Park, the main draw is observing the brown bears. Visitors can purchase food to toss to the bears, a unique and fascinating interaction. However, it's worth noting that some visitors have raised ethical concerns regarding the welfare of the bears in captivity.
The Noboribetsu Bear Park Experience
Beyond the bear viewing, the park's observation deck provides a vantage point for enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. On a clear day, you can see the landscape and the volcano top lake, Kuttarako. However, the experience can be greatly diminished by fog, which is common in the area. Visitors should be prepared for this possibility and check the weather forecast.
It's important to acknowledge that the Bear Park has faced criticism regarding animal welfare. Some reviews mention concerns about the bears being kept in small cages and bred for exhibition, leading to ethical debates among visitors.
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