Lake Toya
Lake Toya is situated in the southwestern region of Hokkaido. Approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in diameter and nearly circular, it is the third largest crater lake in Japan, after Lake Kussharo and Lake Shikotsu. It is also one of the famous hot spring resorts in Hokkaido and the “Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display” held from April 28 to October 31 every year attracts lots of visitors to spend their vacation.Lake Toya is surrounded by volcanoes Shōwa-shinzan, Mount Usu, Mount Tarumae, and Mount Yōtei. In the lake, there are four islands: Nakajima Island, Kannon Island, Benten Island, and Manju Island. Lake Toya offers a variety of beautiful scenery throughout the year. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom on both sides of the lake; in summer, the temperature is pleasant and fireworks light up the evening sky; in autumn, the maple leaves turn to vibrant red; in winter, the lake remains unfrozen and offers a breathtaking view of the snow-covered volcanoes.
Where to Go & What to Do around Lake Toya
1. Sail to Nakajima Island by Cruise Boat
The most optimal way to explore Lake Toya is by tour boat, which offers panoramic views of the entire lake and access to islands such as Nakajima Island. Nakajima Island is the largest of the four islands of Lake Toya, and there is the Nakajima Mizuminomori Museum, which displays the rich natural and biological materials of Lake Toya. Hiking along the walking path to the depths of Nakajima Island, you can see many cute wild animals, such as sika deer. In addition, tourists can feed seagulls on the tour boat.Tip: Nakajima Island is closed for visit from November to March, but the tour boats are still in service for visitors to enjoy lake view.
Ticket for visiting Nakajima Island: Adults: 1,420 yen; Children aged 7-12: 710 yen; Children aged 6 or below: free of charge
Opening time: April to October: 09:00-16:00; November to March: Closed
Ticket for tour boat: Adults: 1,500 yen; Children aged 12 or below: 900 yen
Departure time: April 21 to October 31: 8:00-16:30, every 30 minutes; November 1 to April 10: 9:00-16:00, every 60 minutes.
2. Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display
At Lake Toya, visitors can enjoy the largest and longest-lasting fireworks display in Japan, which is held from 20:45 to 21:05 from April 28 to October 31 every year. Two small boats will set off fireworks from west to east along the lakeside hotel, and visitors can watch from their lakeside hotel rooms, on lake banks, or on a fireworks sightseeing boat. The best recommended viewing spot is on the fourth floor of the fireworks sightseeing boat.Ticket for fireworks sightseeing boat: Adults: 1,500 yen; Children aged 12 or below: 800 yen
Departure time: April 28 to October 31: 20:35; boarding starts at 20:00
3. Toyako Onsen
Toyako Onsen is located on the southern bank of Lake Toya. About 60 sculptures are lined up along the lakeside, and there are many hot spring hotels on the other side. The spring of Toyako hot spring is a weak salt spring, which has a curative effect on intestinal diseases and chronic muscle rheumatism. From the hot spring pools of these hotels, you can see the panoramic view of Lake Toya. What an enjoyment bathing in the hot spring while taking in the scenic lake view!Tip: When bathing in a hot spring, you should rest every 20 minutes and drink some water.
4. Mount Usu
Mount Usu is an active volcano at an altitude of 737 meters (2,418 feet), located to the south of Lake Toya. Within a diameter of about 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles), there are several lava dome hills, including Kousu and Mt. Usu-Shinzan. When the weather is clear, you can take a ropeway to the top of Mount Usu, where you can have a panoramic view of Toya Lake and the town.Admission Fee: Free
Opening time: All day
Tip: Remember to check the weather forecast in advance, and try to pick a sunny day to ensure the best views.
5. Volcano Science Museum
The volcano science museum is set up in the Toyako Visitor Center, focusing on the two eruptions of Mount Usu in 1977 and 2000, and introducing visitors the volcanic activities of Mount Usu through videos, interpretation and sensory methods.Ticket: Adults: 600 yen; Children aged 12 or below: 300 yen
Opening time: 9:00-17:00; closed on December 31 and January 1
6. Bear Ranch
Bear Ranch is located at the foot of Shōwa-shinzan in the south of Lake Toya, where more than 100 Hokkaido brown bears are raised. Brown bears of different ages live in different areas, and visitors can see cute little brown bears as well as adult brown bears that can perform. Here, visitors can not only experience the fun of feeding brown bears but also enjoy the natural scenery of active volcanoes.Ticket: Adults: 850 yen; Children aged 7-12: 500 yen; Children aged 6 or below: free of charge
Opening time: New Year’s Day: 10:00-15:00; January 2 to March 31: 8:30-16:30; April: 8:30-17:00; May to October: 8:00-17:00; November 1 to December 30: 8:30-16:30; December 31: 8:30-15:00.
Note: Information on opening time changes frequently; the above information is for reference only.
7. Run the Lake Toya Marathon
The Lake Toya Marathon is held in every May. The lake, with a circumference of about 40 kilometers (25 miles), seems tailor-made for this event. The marathon has been held here since 1975, and every year many runners participate in the running along the scenic lakeside course.8. Attend the Cosplay Convention
If you visit Lake Toya in late June, you'll see the town transformed into a cosplay venue for the Toyako Anime Festival, which first took place in 2010. Famous voice actors, manga and anime creators, anime musicians, and stage events attract manga and anime fans from all over Japan. You don't have to dress up, but many cosplayers do, so keep an eye out for your favorite characters.How to Get to Lake Toya
By Train:
You need to take the JR train to Toya Station. From the exit of Toya Station, take a Donan Bus for about 15 minutes to Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal.By Plane:
First, you need to fly to New Chitose Airport and then take a bus or taxi to Lake Toya.1. Bus:
→ Take the JR train from New Chitose Airport to Minami-Chitose Station, which takes about 3 minutes;
→ Transfer to a Limited Express bound for Hakodate and get off at Toya Station, which takes about 70 minutes;
→ From Toya Station, take a Donan Bus to Toyako Onsen Town.
2. Taxi: It takes about 100 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Lake Toya.