Noboribetsu Ropeway
Ascend to the Noboribetsu Bear Park via a scenic ropeway for unique wildlife encounters and panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4 · 501 reviews
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.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Weather Watch
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
How to do a day trip to Noboribetsu from Sapporo?
Hi! Will be traveling this Feb to Sapporo. We'd like to do a day trip to Noboribetsu for the day use of the Dai-ichi Takimotokan Hotel onsen and of course see the sights. But I'm a planner and I need to know the bus lines and stops, prices, and time it takes. Does anyone have a…
🎯 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?
Hello! This is my family's first time to Hokkaido (family of 4). Unfortunately, we have to visit around the beginning of second week of September due to family schedule conflicts. Feeling sad that we are probably not able to see many orange leaves but I guess the upside of this…
First time in Hokkaido with Kids (June 2025)
Hi all! I’ll be travelling to Hokkaido mid-June to early July for about 3 weeks together with my husband and 2 kids aged 1 and 12. I’ve been to Japan a couple of times but never Hokkaido so I do have some experience driving in Japan. I haven’t finalised an itinerary but I’ve…
🐻 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.
Hello! We’re a couple travelling Japan atm in Sapporo. We’re heading to lake Noborobetsu next and wanted to figure out a way to enjoy Lake Toya. We don’t have a car so we’re travelling by public transport. Are there any e bike rentals available in the area that can help us go…
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.
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