Exploring Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village, and the Ninja Village Adventure

Our recent journey through Hokkaido, Japan, turned into one of those rare trips that balances adventure, quiet moments in nature, and the kind of humor you only get when you travel without a strict plan. We covered everything from peaceful trails in Shikotsu Tōya National Park to the lively, touristy chaos of Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village, where costumed performers and themed streets bring Japan’s samurai era to life. Even the Ninja Village surprised us with an unexpected dose of slapstick comedy that made the experience feel both playful and memorable.

Traveling through Hokkaido also reminded us of something important. The region is stunning, but it is incredibly spread out. Trains and buses exist, but they are not always convenient, especially if you want flexibility in your schedule or plan to visit nature-heavy areas. Based on our experience, having a car is almost essential. It gave us the freedom to explore remote viewpoints, take detours when something caught our eye, and avoid long waits for infrequent public transportation. For anyone planning a similar route, a rental car makes the entire journey smoother and far more enjoyable.

This combination of open roads, dramatic landscapes, and quirky cultural stops made the trip unforgettable. Here is a closer look at everything we experienced along the way.

A Tranquil Escape at Shikotsu-Tōya National Park

We began our adventure by immersing ourselves in the beauty of Shikotsu Tōya National Park, a natural wonder in the heart of Hokkaido. The region is known for its clear lakes, dense forests, and volcanic peaks that shape both the landscape and the local culture. Spending time here gave us a real sense of how diverse Hokkaido’s environment is. Our first stop was Lake Shikotsu, a caldera lake with remarkably clear water that reflects the surrounding mountains on a calm day. Walking along the shoreline felt unhurried and therapeutic. After a busy year, the quiet atmosphere and gentle trail offered the kind of reset that only nature can provide.

For travelers who want to experience more than a lakeside stroll, Shikotsu Tōya National Park also offers rewarding hikes. We chose Mount Tarumae, an active volcano that rises above the region’s forests. The trail is manageable for most hikers, though the final stretch becomes steeper and more exposed. Reaching the top gave us a panoramic view of Lake Tōya, the surrounding ridgelines, and the volcanic crater below. Standing there made it easy to appreciate how the park’s dramatic landscape was shaped over thousands of years. It is the kind of viewpoint that stays with you long after the trip ends.

After a full day outdoors, we drove to Noboribetsu Onsen for a well deserved soak in the area’s mineral rich hot springs. Many travelers visit Hokkaido specifically for its onsens, and Noboribetsu often stands out because of its strong sulfuric waters and striking volcanic backdrop. The experience felt almost therapeutic. The warm water soothed tired legs from hiking, and the steam rising against the cliffs added a quiet sense of atmosphere. It was the ideal way to end a day filled with both physical activity and moments of reflection.

Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village: A Tourist’s Time Machine (and a Little Fake)

After the Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, we made our way to Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village, a theme park that promised to take us back to the Edo period. Upon arrival, we were greeted by actors dressed as samurais, geishas, and villagers, all reenacting scenes from Japan’s feudal past. The village is a recreated town straight out of history, with traditional buildings, shops, and streets designed to give visitors a glimpse of what life was like centuries ago.

While the village was picturesque and offered a fun step back in time, there was one thing that became immediately obvious: this place is all about the show. The performances were overly theatrical, with actors enthusiastically performing scripted skits that, while entertaining, weren’t exactly historical masterpieces. Still, that’s what made it so funny. It was a theme park after all, and we couldn’t help but chuckle at the exaggerated performances.

One particularly funny moment occurred when we decided to “force” our friend, the youngest in our group, to participate in a traditional sake-drinking ceremony. With a cup of sake in hand, our friend was made to sit in front of the entire audience in the theater, as everyone watched him drink it in what could only be described as a comedic moment of cultural immersion. The youngest had to suffer, as they say, and the entire theater burst into laughter as he hesitantly took his sip. It was an unforgettable, hilarious experience, one that perfectly captured the playful nature of our trip.

Ninja Village: Sake, Pranks, and Laughs

Our day would not have felt complete without a stop at the Ninja Village, even though we quickly realized it leaned more toward a lighthearted tourist attraction than a deep cultural experience. For us, it became more of a time filler between destinations, but it still added an unexpected layer of humor to the trip. The village offered small exhibits, simple ninja themed activities, and a short introduction to the stories that have shaped Japan’s fascination with ninjas. While it was not a place we would go out of our way to visit, it turned out to be an entertaining pause in our itinerary.

The most memorable part of our visit happened in a small theater where a traditional style sake tasting performance was taking place. We decided to make things a little more amusing by persuading our youngest friend to sit in the front row. The performer handed him a small cup of sake and encouraged him to drink it in front of the entire audience. It was all harmless fun, but the reactions from the crowd made the moment feel bigger than we expected. A mix of laughter, cheers, and curious glances filled the room as our friend tried to keep a straight face.

Watching him navigate the spotlight gave all of us a good laugh. It reminded us that travel does not always need to be filled with major sights or profound experiences. Sometimes the small, unscripted moments end up being the ones we talk about afterward. Even if the Ninja Village was not the highlight of our itinerary, it still contributed to the rhythm of the day and offered a shared memory that became part of the story of our trip.

Relaxing at the Onsen Near the National Park

After exploring Shikotsu Tōya National Park, we visited a nearby onsen that turned out to be one of the most relaxing moments of our day. Before entering, we asked the staff about their tattoo policy because one of our friends is fully tattooed, and many onsens in Japan have mixed rules. The staff explained that tattoos are allowed as long as they fall under what they described as “scary animals or monsters,” a reference often used to distinguish traditional irezumi associated with organized crime. In other words, decorative or modern tattoos are generally acceptable, and visitors are welcome as long as the designs are not linked to those older cultural stigmas.

Even with that reassurance, our friend still felt uncomfortable and decided not to join. That hesitation is common among travelers who have heard about Japan’s stricter onsen traditions, so asking ahead is always helpful. While soaking, we noticed both Japanese guests and foreign visitors with visible tattoos, which confirmed that this particular onsen takes a more relaxed approach. The atmosphere remained calm and respectful, and no one seemed bothered by the presence of tattoos.

The experience reinforced something important. Tattoo policies vary by location, and the best approach is to ask directly, respect the rules, and choose the onsen that makes you feel comfortable. For us, this soak was not only a welcome break after hiking but also one of those small insights into local customs that makes travel in Hokkaido so memorable.

Conclusion: An Adventure Full of Laughter, Nature, and Culture

From the serene beauty of Shikotsu Tōya National Park to the lighthearted antics at Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village and the Ninja Village, our trip was a balanced mix of nature, culture, and humor. Whether we were hiking along volcanic trails, watching over-the-top historical performances, or laughing at our friend’s unexpected sake moment, each stop added its own character to our journey.

Our route continued toward Niseko, where we spent a few days enjoying some of the most reliable powder snow in the region. As travelers from Switzerland, we naturally gravitate toward mountain destinations, and Niseko felt familiar in the best way. The landscape, the quality of the snow, and the relaxed winter atmosphere made it a comfortable yet memorable experience, especially for anyone who appreciates outdoor sports.

We also visited Otaru, a charming port town known for its canal, old warehouses, and glass workshops. It offered a quieter break from the more adventure focused parts of the trip and gave us a chance to experience a different side of Hokkaido’s history and craftsmanship. Our timing aligned with the Sapporo Snow Festival, which added another layer of excitement. Seeing the large scale snow and ice sculptures in person provided a better understanding of the festival’s long-standing tradition and the amount of work that goes into it. We ended the evening in Sapporo with a plate of Jingisukan, a regional lamb specialty that tasted even better after a full day of winter sightseeing. Our return plans took an unexpected turn when our flight was delayed, and Jetstar covered an extra night for us, which gave us the chance to visit the Hokkaido Shiroi Koibito Factory and turn an inconvenience into another memorable experience.

Hokkaido’s appeal comes from this combination of landscapes, seasonal events, and experiences that feel both grounded and surprising. For us, as travelers who value nature and small cultural encounters, the region offered a sense of familiarity mixed with something new at every stop. This trip reminded us that some of the best travel memories come from shared moments, unexpected discoveries, and the simple joy of exploring a place that feels aligned with your interests.

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