Toyako

北海道

general.prefecture.

A circular caldera lake formed by volcanic activity.

This is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption about 110,000 years ago. It is the ninth largest lake in Japan and was chosen as one of the three major scenic spots in Hokkaido. The beautiful scenery created by the mountains and the lake is its charm. It is also famous as a resort area with hot springs around it, so why not relax in a hot spring while looking at Lake Toya?

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Nature

Highlights

Point 1

Overlooking Lake Toya from an Observation Deck

The "Silo Observation Deck," located along National Route 230, is an observation deck where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Toya. If you want to enjoy the scenery of Lake Toya, this is the first place you should visit. Not only can you enjoy the view from the observation deck, but there are also facilities essential for travel, such as spots for commemorative photos, restaurants, souvenir shops, and rest areas. Free parking is also available.

Point 2

Enjoy a Sightseeing Boat Ride

At Lake Toya, a sightseeing boat that can accommodate up to 700 people operates, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from the lake. The view of Lake Toya from the boat allows you to feel closer to the flow of water and is sure to impress. During the summer, you can also land on Nakajima, a floating island on Lake Toya. Inside the island, you can enjoy a leisurely stay with museums and cafes.

Point 3

Learn about Mt. Usu at the Volcano Science Museum

Mt. Usu is an active volcano that erupted in a major eruption in March 2000 and continues to be active to this day. The Volcano Science Museum, located near Lake Toya, is a facility where you can learn about the history of the Mt. Usu eruption and what it was like at the time through photos and videos. After learning about the history at the museum, be sure to visit the "Kamihira Crater Disaster Site Walking Trail" where you can see the actual damage caused by the eruption.

Point 4

Enjoy Fireworks!

For over 40 years, the "Toyako Long Run Fireworks Festival" has been held at Lake Toya, with fireworks launched every day from Golden Week to late October. For about 20 minutes, the fireworks launched from the lake surface illuminate the pitch-black Lake Toya, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Sightseeing boats also operate in conjunction with the start of the fireworks, allowing you to enjoy the fireworks up close.

Point 5

Enjoy Lake Toya's Gourmet!

In Lake Toya, there are various restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy delicious gourmet cuisine, centered around the hot spring town. Among them, Wakasaimo Honpo Toyako Honten, which produces "Wakasaimo," a Hokkaido staple souvenir, is highly recommended. Here, they offer a demonstration sale of "Imoten," which is tempura-fried Wakasaimo, and it has become popular as a local gourmet dish of Lake Toya.

Access

About 2 Hours from Sapporo

Lake Toya, which is also designated as part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, can be accessed from Sapporo by way of Nakayama Pass, which takes about 2 hours, or from New Chitose Airport via the Doto Expressway, which takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. If traveling by train, it's convenient to use a taxi or bus from JR Toya Station, which is about 8 kilometers away. During the winter, when traveling to Lake Toya from the Sapporo area, it's recommended to use public transportation as Nakayama Pass often has poor weather conditions.

Required time

A 30-Minute Drive Around Lake Toya!

Roads and promenades have been installed around Lake Toya, surrounding the lake. With a circumference of about 36 kilometers, it's possible to make a full circle in about 30 minutes by car. This road around Lake Toya has been selected as one of the "500 beautiful roads in Japan that make you want to walk" designated by the Japan Walking Association, and is also famous for its wonderful views from the car window.