toya lake cruise

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Lake Toya Ferry & Cruise

Local ferry

In the centre of Lake Toya , there is a large island called Nakanoshima. This beautiful area can be accessed via the local ferry that leaves from the southern shore of the Toyako Onsen district. The ferry leaves the port every thirty minutes. The last ferry to leave from the island of Nakanoshima is at 15:00, so don’t miss it! Once on the island you are free to walk around and follow the well kept trails. The forest here is a beautiful escape, and is a popular spot to take in the greenery.

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One of the small swan boats for hire

For those who don’t want to visit the central island in Lake Toya, there is a small cruise package available. The cruise goes around Nakanoshima and takes fifty minutes (an additional thirty minutes if passengers are alighting at the island). There is a summer cruise and a winter cruise, both offering beautiful views. The summer cruise operates slightly longer than the winter schedule. From April 28th to October 31st there is a special fireworks cruise. The departure time is at approximately at 20:30 and from the boat you can enjoy the spectacular firework display that lights up the lake. 

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Lake Toya Cruise

Scenic cruise on lake toya.

Taking a pleasure boat on Lake Toya is a popular option to enjoy the lake's beauty. There are four types of boats with various services offered, including the Espoir that looks like a medieval castle, the Long-run Fireworks Display and Fireworks Cruise to enjoy fireworks, a lunch cruise , and a regular course. A cruise on Lake Toya includes seeing some of the local islands like Oshima Island where Yezo Sika Deer live, Kannon Isalnd where the Kannon of a god ceremony is placed, and Benten Island that enshrines Benten, the god of marriage. There is also Manju Island close by. Float along the waters during a relaxing scenic cruise on Lake Toya during a Japan tour through Hokkaido!

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TOYAKOKISEN

For cruise around lake toya in hokkaido, cruise schedule.

The depature time of the last boat is subject to change depending on the time of sunset.

Nakanoshima Cruise Pier (Ekimae-sambashi) is located behind Hotel Grand Toya. (Free parking available/Large-size vehicles allowed)

Fireworks Cruise Pier (Honshamae-sambashi) is located between Toyako Manseikaku and Toya Park Hotel Tensho. (Free parking available)

Summer Cruise【from late Apr. to the last day of Oct.】

Winter Cruise【from Nov. to early Apr.】

Cruise Fare(including tax)

No operation in winter

※Period of operation: Apr.28-Oct.31 Departure time: Approx. 20:30

Toyako Onsen Pleasure Cruise

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12 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LAKE TOYA, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN [FULL GUIDE]

WHAT TO SEE IN LAKE TOYA IN HOKKAIDO? IS LAKE TOYA WORTH VISITING? WHICH IS THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT LAKE TOYA? HOW MANY DAYS TO VISIT LAKE TOYA?

Lake Toya is located within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. This large caldera lake is blessed by nature. Volcanoes, waterfalls, forest, onsen (hot spring), there is so much to see and do in Lake Toya for nature lovers.

Lake Toya is 2 hours by car from Sapporo and 45 minutes from the legendary ski resort of Niseko .

In this post, we listed the best things to see in Lake Toya, which is one of the best places to visit in Hokkaido.

All You Need to Know About the Beautiful Lake Toya in Japan

Lake Toya is an ideal relaxing place in Hokkaido . There you will have the chance to try a Japanese Onsen experience, in one of the many onsen resorts. After feeling relaxed from the onsen, take a walk along the gorgeous promenade by the lake and eat a great meal in town.

Read further, to find out about all the possible activities in Lake Toya.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FOR A SNEAK PEEK OF LAKE TOYA

A BIT OF BACKGROUND AND HISTORY ABOUT LAKE TOYA

Lake Toya was born more than 110,000 years ago following a huge volcanic eruption. The four islands that emerged near the center of the caldera are lava domes cooled by eruptive activity at the bottom of the site. This part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park is listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 Tourist Sites ! In 2008, the town of Toyako located on the western side of the lake hosted a G8 meeting.

Lake Toya has been the inspiration for several anime directors and video game designers. For example, it appears on Gintoki Sakata’s bokuto (wooden sword) in the manga Gintama. It served as the model for the creation of Lake Kiriya in the anime Sora no Mesoddo and Lake Truth in the Sinnoh region in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl.

So if you still wonder whether is it worth visiting Lake Toya, think no longer, the answer is a big YES!

HOW TO GET TO LAKE TOYA?

By Train from Sapporo :

Lake Toya is located about 90 km from the city of Sapporo where the Chitose airport is located. From Sapporo, the limited express train journey to Toya Onsen station, the closest stop to Lake Toya, takes two hours.

The best way to travel in Japan is by using their extensive railway infrastructure. Don’t forget to buy your Japan Rail Pass, which is the cheapest option to travel by train in Japan. You can purchase your pass at a discounted price here . If you are only traveling in Hokkaido, then you can buy the Hokkaido JR pass only, check it out here .

From Toya Station, you will need to take a 15-minute bus ride to the main town of Lake Toya.

If you decide to rent a car in Hokkaido , then you can easily get to Lake Toya from Sapporo . Just make sure you book a hotel with available parking space if you stay overnight. It takes 2 hours to drive from Sapporo to Lake Toya.

If you decide to rent a car in Hokkaido, we recommend Nippon-Rent-A-Car , or Toyota-Rent-A-Car . They have many agencies around Hokkaido and their website/information are all provided in English.

You can also hire a chauffeur with a van. This is a great option if you are a group of people and don’t want to bother driving in Hokkaido. For more info about hiring a chauffeur, click here .

Organized Tour

For more convenience you can opt of a fully organized trip to Lake Toya. The tour will also take your to Mount Usu and lake Shikotsu which are some of the best things to see in Hokkaido.

THINGS TO SEE AT LAKE TOYA?

1. start your visit at lake toya observation deck.

If you have a car, then you can easily reach the observation deck located in the northern part of the lake. Otherwise there is a bus going there, the journey only takes 20min.

There the view of the lake is absolutely breathtaking. At the observation deck, there is also a shop to buy all sorts of souvenirs, a restaurant and a small coffee shop. There are benches all around the observatory facing the lake. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.

It is also a great photo spot, as the name TOYA is displayed in big letter right in front of the lake. (See photo above)

Location of the observatory

2. GO ON A HELICOPTER RIDE ABOVE THE LAKE AND MOUNT USU

Yes, you read that right! In Lake Toya, you can go on a thrilling helicopter ride right above the lake and all the way to the beautiful Mount Usu.

The start of the ride is at the Lake Toya Observatory. Different prices available based on the time you want to spend in the helicopter and what you want to see:

• Location: here
• Website: here
• Admission: 3,800 yen /pers. for 3 minutes, 6,500 yen for 6 minutes, 9,000 yen for 9 minutes, and 12,000 yen for 12 minutes.

3. VISIT LAKE HILL FARM

Located near the observatory, we recommend a visit to Lake Hill Farm.

The scenery from the farm is absolutely stunning with Mount Yotei in the backgroun. At Lake Hill Farm you can see many animals such as rabbits, cows, sheep and goats.

However, the main draw at Lake Hill Farm is for its ice-cream . Indeed, the farm is famous for serving some of the best ice-creams in Hokkaido. It comes with many different flavours. They also sell other products such as cheese or jam and they also serve delicious fresh pizza.

This is one of the best things to see in Lake Toya, make sure to check out the farm.

To get there, you can drive 2-3 min from the observatory or walk for about 20min.

4. GO HORSE RIDING IN LAKE TOYA RANCH

Hokkaido is all about nature and animals. One of the best activities in Lake Toya, is to ride a horse in the wild with a breathtaking view of the lake .

You don’t need any experience to ride a horse in Lake Toya Ranch. Their guide a really knowledgeable and will help you throughout the entire time. Besides their horses are adorable. You can even ride in winter through the snow.

It is possible to choose between a 40min or 90min trek in the nature around Lake Toya. The view from the trek is amazing!

The ranch is just a few minutes drive from Lake Farm Hill and 10min from the town at Lake Toya.

• Price : starting at 7,000 yen up to 13,000 yen depending on the duration of the trek (check their website for the most updated pricing)

5. STROLL ALONG LAKE TOYA PROMENADE

Take your time for a relaxing long stroll along the lake. There are a lot of very nice modern sculptures along the way.

Lake Toya is also known for its beautiful fireworks which are held every evening from April to October. The show lasts about thirty minutes. The best place to watch the fireworks is from the waterfront promenade where hundreds of people gather every evening to watch the show.

The show starts at 8:45pm.

6. ENJOY A FREE FOOT ONSEN

By the waterfront promenade, you can enjoy free footbath onsen with a beautiful view of the lake. Just remember to bring your own towel to dry your feet afterwards.

Indeed, Lake Toya is famous for its onsen. There are many free footbath onsen around town. But Toron Foot Spa is our favorite one. It is the perfect spot to rest after a long walk by the lake.

7. EXPLORE THE LAKE ON A BOAT

One of the best things to do in Lake Toya is to join a boat tour . The boat will go around the 4 islands: Bentenjima, Kannonjima, Oshima and Nakajima. These bits of land each have their own attractions, whether in terms of landscapes, wildlife, or history.

The boat will then make a stop at Nakajima Island the biggest. There you can enjoy a stroll on the island in a well-marked path. There is also a tiny museum, a shrine, and a coffee shop which also serves snack for lunch.

We highly recommend hiking around the island (you will need to pay 200 yen per adult – and 100 yen for children to visit the museum and get on the trail to start your hike). You will have to leave your name at the counter before you start hiking. Hiking around Nakajima Island is absolutely gorgeous. If you do not want to hike, we still recommend making a stop at Nakajima island and exploring some parts of the island for free, without going for the full hike around the lake.

When you are done, take the boat back. The boat stops every 20 to 30 minutes on the island, just keep your boat ticket with you (as you don’t have to pay for the return trip, it’s all included). Also, make sure you come back before the last boat leaves the island around 4 to 4:30 pm.

• Location to take the boat in Lake Toya: here
• Price for the boat trip : 1,500 yen per person

8. NEXT, VISIT MOUNT USU

To visit the beautiful Mount Usu, you will need to take a cable car to get to the top. Mount Usu is Japan’s most active volcano where you can view the lake from a new angle.

From the top of Mount Usu, you can see the young Showa-shinzan volcano, formed less than 75 years ago. In good weather, the panoramic view of the national park is a sight worth admiring. On the Pacific Ocean side, you may be lucky enough to see killer whales and dolphins that come here to breed in summer.

From the top you can hike around the crater. Count at least 1.5 to 2h to finish the hike.

Visiting Mount Usu on a clear day is one of the best things to see in Lake Toya.

• Location of the cable car: here
• Admission fee : 1,800 Yen for adult and 900 for children.

9. VISIT A BEAR FARM

Next to the cable car station for Mount Usu, you can visit a pretty big bear farm. While this is one of the main attractions in Lake Toya, we actually felt quite sad seeing all the bears inside concrete cages. Yet, they seemed relatively happy and playful, one may still feel that they belong to the bountiful Hokkaido nature and not human-made concrete cage…

Well, we leave it up to you if you want to visit the farm or not. It is right beside the cable car, so you can’t really miss it…

10. CHECK OUT SOBETSU WATERFALL

Guys, this is a hidden gem. We discovered this place by checking google map and saw there was a waterfall nearby. We tried to find the place, and oh dear, it is such a wonderful spot!

No tourist bus stops there, so you will have the whole place to yourself. You will need to hike for about 10min along a gorgeous river before you see the waterfall.

We went there in autumn and with the explosion of fall colors all around us, it was spectacular.

To get there you will have to park you car here , which is also the start of the 10min hike. If you don’t have a car, you can also take the bus to the parking area. It takes about 20min from the town.

Location of the waterfall: here (don’t follow Google map to the waterfall as it will lead you to the upper road. From there you won’t see the waterfall and won’t be able to hike down. You need to get to the parking lot first.)

Admission fee: free

11. RELAX AT AN ONSEN

Lake Toya is famous for its onsen. There are many free footbath onsens scattered around the town, but nothing better than a full-body onsen.

Many hotels have their own onsen. The thermal waters have healing properties for the treatment of neuralgia, hypersensitivity to cold, and arthritic pain, among others. They apparently make the skin smoother too.

WE Hotel Toya is one of the best places to go onsen and stay overnight. Check it out here .

READ: HOW TO TAKE AN ONSEN IN JAPAN?

12. LAST STOP IN YOUR VISIT OF LAKE TOYA: WAKASAIMO CONFECTIONARY SHOP

Wakasaimo confectionary shop in Lake Toya is a premium store selling delicious Japanese pastries and snack. There is also a cozy restaurant on the 2nd floor which offers very nice Japanese rice bowls, soba and tempura.

We recommend checking this place and eating lunch there, as the view of the lake from the restaurant is breathtaking.

OTHER THINGS TO SEE NEAR LAKE TOYA

1. noboribetsu.

Noboribetsu is one of our highlight during our road trip through Hokkaido. This town is part of the vast Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is one of Hokkaido’s most visited places, and for good reason.

Noboribetsu is known for its onsen, but mostly to visit what is nicknamed the Hell Valley. This lunar landscape is one of the most impressive things we saw during our trip. There is hot water bubbling everywhere, smoke coming out from the soil, and a strong smell of sulfur and iron ( full guide here ).

This place is unique and is a must-see during a trip to Hokkaido.

READ: 18 AWESOME THINGS TO SEE IN NOBORIBETSU

About 45 minutes away from Lake Toya you can reach the worldwide renowned ski resort of Niseko.

Niseko is a winter wonderland. Niseko is known as the Meccah of Japan Powder Snow, called “JAPOW”.

If you enjoy riding and love snow, you will cherish this place forever. The first time we went there, we could not believe that it was possible to have so much snow in one place. Our first ride on the slopes was an unforgettable moment. It is now by far our favorite place to ride in Japan

READ: THE BEST THINGS TO SEE IN NISEKO DURING WINTER

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE TOYA?

Lake Toya can be visited all year round. There are many things to see throughout the year. In the summer you can enjoy more water activities on the lake, which is great. During autumn you can enjoy the magnificent fall colors during the foliage season. In winter, you can admire the snowy lake and relax at various onsen. And in Spring, especially during the cherry blossom season, Lake Toya is simply magnificent.

BEST HOTELS IN LAKE TOYA

We highly recommend staying in a hotel directly facing the lake and a hotel with its own onsen to fully enjoy this place. Here is a list of our favorite hotels in Lake Toya.

1. WE HOTEL TOYA

We Hotel Toya, is our favorite hotel in Lake Toya. The view from the hotel and from the onsen is breathtaking. Besides the whole design inside the hotel is gorgeous made with lots of taste. The rooms are also very spacious and super comfortable. Make sure to book early, as this place is in high demand.

2. HOTEL LAKESIDE TERRACE

Another great hotel in Lake Toya with a great location, close to the town and many restaurants. This is Lakeside Terrace. Which is more convenient if you do not have a car.

This hotel also has a private outdoor onsen which is stunning. The rooms are more modest, but it’s a great way to experience a Japanese-style room, sleeping on a tatami.

IN CONCLUSION: IS LAKE TOYA WORTH IT?

Located in the heart of the huge Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Toya offers a sumptuous landscape as far as the eye can see.

Under the watchful eye of Mt. Yotei, this famous hot spring resort offers stays in luxury hotels with onsen and daily fireworks displays. The active volcanoes blowing their smoke and the superb forest complete this picture dotted with great campsites.

Lake Toya can easily be visited in a day for the main highlights. However, we recommend staying 2 days and 1 night in a beautiful Ryokan (Japanese traditional hotel) with onsen. That way, you will also have time for one of the activities such as horse riding or hiking around Nakajima Island in the middle of the lake.

For us, this is one of the best places we visited in Hokkaido. It is also an ideal base for exploring the region around Toya. So the answer is yes, it is worth visiting Lake Toya in Hokkaido, Japan!

For more convenience, you can book a fully organized day trip to Lake Toya here .

We hope that you found this post useful. If you have any questions, feel free to write a comment below.

For more posts about Japan click here .

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Hi! I’m currently trying to plan for my Hokkaido trip, and am looking at going to Sobetsu Waterfalls via public transport. Could I ask whether the 10 min hike is a difficult one? Do you mind describing how the hike looked like/ whether it is paved or rocky terrain? Thank you so much!

Hi there, the hike is super easy, it’s pretty much flat. There are a few stairs but it’s very gentle. The trail to get there is well marked and safe. It’s just a normal trail, not really paved, but safe.

She Walks the World

Walking the world, one step at a time..

• Hokkaido, Japan (Pt.3): Lake Toya in a Day

Amazing views and out-of-this-world landscapes are what Japan is known for. And Lake Toya offers them both! This lake formed within a caldera is already a unique feature itself, and added in with the beautiful scenery and the hot springs — it makes for a lovely day-trip, or a quick stay, or even a long extended vacation just to rest and relax.

My Hokkaido Road Trip (Pt.3 of 3)

I was in Hokkaido in the summer of 2019 with my mother and her friends. I was tasked as their ‘guide’ — to drive the ladies all around Hokkaido, to take them to the local attractions and have them sample the most delicious Japanese food. It wasn’t that I knew much about Hokkaido, it was only my second time heading back to this northern Japanese island. However, I love planning and taking charge of my trips, so I figured that this would be an interesting (and very different) travel experience on the road! The laketown of Lake Toya was the last stop on our tour around the island — and the final part of this three-part series of articles on my road trip around Hokkaido. The other two places that we visited were the flower fields of Hokuryu, Furano and Biei , and the onsen ‘hell’ town of Noboribetsu .

Lake Toya (洞爺湖)

Lake Toya is a natural wonder located in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park on the western portion of Japan’s Hokkaido Island . This volcanic caldera lake is almost circular, measuring 10km from east-west and 9km from north-south. It sits between the towns of Toyako and Sobetsu . Mount Usu , an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 2000, lies on the southern rim of the lake’s caldera; and there’s also an island in the center of the lake called Nakajima . Lake Toya is said to be the second most transparent lake and third largest caldera lake in Japan, and it never ices! The volcanic activity that surrounds this area makes it another popular hot spring ( onse n) spot in Hokkaido.

Lake Toya is located about two hours from Hokkaido’s capital city of Sapporo. However, we were traveling from the nearby Noboribetsu , so our journey to the Toyako Onsen town on the lake’s southern bank only took about 45 minutes.

Toya Kanko Hotel

We drove straight to our hotel in town, the Toya Kanko Hotel . It was still bright when we arrived, so we could still see the lake in front of the hotel. I wanted to sleep and wake up to the view of Lake Toya, so I deliberately chose this particular hotel (despite it being a little costly); and I have to say, what a gorgeous view it was! We booked the ryokan-style room, and our beddings were the thick and comfy traditional Japanese futons. Our room also came with its own private bathroom; even though I took my showers at the hotel’s onsen (because a hot spring dip in the evening and morning is the way to go)!

The hotel stay included dinner and breakfast. Dinner was a delicious set meal — we had shrimp salad for starters, sashimi, rice and meat hot pot as mains, and a dessert fruit platter. And I paired my meal with the local Sapporo beer. Breakfast was an amazing buffet spread — Japanese style.

Lake Toya Summer Fireworks

During summer (from May to October) at 8.45pm every evening, there is a beautiful fireworks display that happens on Lake Toya. Most visitors head over to the lakeside to admire this nightly spectacle; but since we were staying at a hotel by the lake, with a room facing it — we were rewarded with the most amazing view from our room. The fireworks display was no simple one either — it was actually pretty spectacular! I sat by the window and watched the entire performance in comfort.

A Day in Lake Toya

We started the next day pretty early. After filling ourselves with the buffet breakfast in the morning, mum and I walked out for an exploration of Lake Toya . The other ladies had decided to laze in and head to the onsen — but for me, there were just so many things to see and do in the lovely weather outside!

Lake Toya Cruise

First activity of the day — a pleasure boat cruise around the lake! The cruises around Lake Toya depart from Toyako town two times an hour; and goes around the lake for about 50 minutes. It’s amazing to just sail along its calm waters while admiring the island of Nakajima in the middle, as well as the views of volcanic Mount Usu and the Showa Shinzan lava dome in the distance. We started off riding on the Espoir , which resembles a floating castle; and then returned after our stop at Nakajima on a smaller boat. The pleasure boats also do cruises on the lake at night. The day cruise cost JYP1420 (US$13/MYR57) for adults, and half the price for kids.

Nakajima Island

The cruises make a quick stop at Nakajima Island , and we had the choice to disembark on the island. Mum and I decided to explore the island for about 20 minutes until the next boat comes along for our ride back. Nakajima Island is actually a cluster of four small islands — Bentenjima , Kannonjima , Manjujima and Oshima . Three of them are inhabited, and we were dropped off at Oshima, the biggest of them all. The island is home to a small museum, the Toyako Forest Museum ; but we noticed that everything was in Japanese so we decided to skip it. Instead, we just walked along the shore of the island, soaking in the serene atmosphere and the view in front of us. We only had 20 minutes after all! There was hardly anyone around.

Lakeside Walk

After the pleasure boat ride, mum and I decided to take a stroll along Lake Toya to enjoy the morning views. We found a signboard marking a spot as one of the ‘eight views of Lake Toya’. From there, we could see the lake, Nakajima , and also another mountain I assume to be the Mt. Yotei active volcano… in the far, far off distance. We also passed a hot springs hut that allowed visitors to soak their feet in its waters — a free foot bath if you want! There are also many sculptures, statues and signboards dotted along the lakeside.

Toyako Visitor Centre

After that, we returned to the hotel to join the rest of the ladies and to check-out. All our luggage went into our extremely packed trunk (too much shopping, really), and we were off to the next stop on my list in Toyako town. I heard that the Toyako Visitor Centre has an interesting volcano museum, and I thought that we’d go check it out.

The Toyako Visitor Centre has a very pretty modern wooden exterior, but unfortunately it was under construction during our visit. Inside, we were greeted with a pretty impressive exhibition area that displays comprehensive information of Lake Toya , its formation, and the organisms found in the lake and its surrounding areas. And it was only when I walked up to the second-floor of the building (it’s an open concept) that I noticed that the floor on the first-floor displays a gigantic aerial photo map of the area around Lake Toya. That was pretty impressive.

Volcanic Science Museum

The museum within the visitor centre is called the Volcanic Science Museum . I had an interesting visit; learning about the volcanic Mount Usu and its history of eruptions, how it erupts, the destruction it has brought throughout the years, and preventive procedures currently in place against a future disaster. There are photos, models, actual items that survived the eruptions, and a video presentation that shows the eruption of year 2000. Entrance into the Toyako Visitor Centre is free; but the museum entry costs JYP600 (US$5.5/MYR25) per adult, and half price for children.

Wakasaimo Sweet Shop

Time to shop for some local souvenirs! I have to say that the Japanese really know how to make, package and market their sweets and desserts — it is so hard to resist buying these goodies to bring home. In Lake Toya, Wakasaimo is the area’s most popular locally-made snack. Sold in Lake Toya since 1930, it is a white soybean paste ‘cake’ that tastes like sweet potato.

History says that it used to be difficult to grow sweet potato in Hokkaido, and therefore the founder decided to ‘create’ his own sweet potato. He used Ofuku beans (grown around Lake Toya) as the paste, added seaweed to replicate the texture, and then baked it with egg soy sauce as the top layer. This Wakasaimo recipe is exactly the same now as it was back then. A box of 6 Wakasaimo costs about JYP778 (~US$7/MYR31); and it’s sold in 9’s and 12’s too. The shop also sells other popular Hokkaido sweets and snacks.

Lunch: Ramen at Ippontei

Buffet breakfast that morning was pretty filling, so our lunch time was slightly later than usual. I was craving for some ramen noodles, and Lake Toya has a famous ramen restaurant that was included in the Hokkaido MICHELIN Guide for a couple of previous years. It is called the Ramen Ippontei . Located along Yosomiyama-dori Street , the only thing marking the restaurant is a small banner and a door along a single-storied empty building. The place is tiny, so it was packed when we arrived. The counter tables only seat single or double patrons, so our group of five were led into a cramped Japanese-style room.

I ordered their signature Black Soy Sauce Ramen ; and the ladies decided to all go with a different choice — the Salt Ramen, Miso Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen and the Red Soy Sauce Ramen. We also added a plate of Gyoza, so I suppose we had a taste of almost everything on the menu! And boy, was it deliciously good. You hardly can go wrong with ramen in Japan. A bowl of ramen at Ippontei costs about JYP700-800 (~US$7/MYR30).

Usuzan Ropeway

After lunch, we drove about 10 minutes out of town towards the foot of Mount Usu , the active volcano of Lake Toya . There is a ropeway that takes visitors close to the mountain’s summit — and I was excited to head up yet another active volcano! The Usuzan Ropeway costs JYP1800 (US$17/MYR73) for a return trip. The first observation deck that we arrived at offers panaromic views of the beautiful Lake Toya and beyond; as well as the nearby Showa Shinzan , a lava dome (also active) that was created after the 1945 eruption of Mount Usu.

After lingering for a moment to really soak in the views — we then followed a trail up a long flight of stairs that led us to the volcano’s second observation deck. From here, we were greeted by gorgeous views of the ocean; and Mount Usu’s largest crater, formed in the 1977 eruption. By the time we made our way back down the volcano, it was almost closing time — marking the end of our adventures around Lake Toya.

The End of the Road Trip

We then drove the 1.5-hour journey towards the city of Chitose — our final transit stop in Hokkaido. We stayed at the Air Hostel LLC that night. The hostel room we booked had a double-decker bed with four futons underneath — just enough to fit the five of us. Facilities were basic, and it was sufficient enough for our quick stopover. I had decided to spend the night in this airport city as our flight was extremely early the next morning; and we also needed to return the car before heading to the New Chitose Airport for our flight home. I really didn’t want to leave!

I had a wonderful time at Lake Toya. It was the last stop of our summer road trip around Hokkaido, and I’m glad that it was spent in this serene and peaceful lake. Lake cruises, lakeside walks and breathtaking views at every turn — isn’t that the best way to slow down after a fun-filled few days exploring?

And once again, I fell in love with Hokkaido (my first time on the island was also amazing); and I’m so so sure that I will be back again soon. I really need to explore the island in yet another season! Read about my other Hokkaido adventures here .

Let's share!

Categories: Asia , East Asia , Itineraries , Japan , One Day , Road Trips

Tagged as: asia , caldera , cruise , fireworks , hokkaido , hokkaido summer road trip , ippontei , japan , lake , lake toya , lake toya cruise , landmarks , mount usu , museum , nakajima , nakajima island , places to see , ramen , road trip , ropeway , self drive , south asia , summer , toya kanko hotel , toyako , toyako onsen , toyako visitor centre , travel , travel blogger , usu crater , volcanic science museum , volcano , wakasaimo , wanderlust

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• Lake Toya is the second largest caldera lake in Japan, having a circumference of about 40 km. Enjoy a walk along the lakeside or take a cruise on one of the pleasure boats.

Description

Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption about 110,000 years ago. It features a circumference of about 40 km and plunges to 179.2 m at its deepest point. Four islands collectively called ”Nakajima” form a cluster close to the middle of the lake. The active volcano Mt. Usu stands to the south of the lake, and the whole area is registered as the Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark. The varied terrain and beautiful scenery make this a particularly rewarding place to visit. Venturing lakeside, you'll find the Lake Toya Gurutto Sculpture Park, which is dotted with 58 monuments. The lakeside also features the Toyako Onsen (hot spring), which offers day-trip bathing as well as a place to soak your hands and feet. The hotel is ideal for lodging, with an open-air onsen offering a panoramic view of Lake Toya. Access Info From JR Sapporo Station, take the Super Hokuto Limited Express for 1 hour 56 minutes and get off at JR Toya Station. Alternatively, from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, take the Donan Bus headed to Toyako Onsen (advance booking required) for 2 hours and 45 minutes, and get off at Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal. Lake Toya Steamboat Lake cruises circle the Nakajima island cluster, taking about 1 hour, and offer views of Lake Toya, Mt. Yotei, and Mt. Usu. You can alight from the boat midway to walk on Oshima, one of the Nakajima islets, and may even be lucky to meet Yezo deer (getting off the boat is only possible in summer.) There are three boats plying the waters, including a huge vessel named Espoir with a capacity for 700 passengers. It's modeled after a medieval castle. The other boats are named Kofuku and Yotei. The boats run 8:00am–4:30pm in summer (every 30 minutes), and 9:00am–4:00pm in winter (every hour). Tickets cost 1,420 JPY for adults and 710 JPY for elementary school children. * The timetable may change based on weather conditions and the time of sunset. A boat tour runs together with the Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Show in the summer. The boat sets off around 8:30pm every night when the show is held, offering a spectacular view of the fireworks from the lake. Tickets cost 1,600 JPY for adults and 800 JPY for elementary school children. Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Show This fireworks show runs every year between April 28 and October 31. About 450 fireworks are launched from a ship moving over Lake Toya every evening from around 8:45pm to 9:05pm. Other special events include the 108 Water Fireworks Show on July 21, and the 5 Water Fireworks Show on September 1 with huge original water fireworks set off. What's more, the Toyako Onsen Summer Festival runs between late July and mid-August, offering target practice, ring toss, and other games to play at stalls on the fete square by the lake.

Location Information

Toyako Town, Hokkaido Toyako Onsen Town, 049-5721

• Nearest Station Usu Station ･ Muroran Main Line
• Phone Number 0142-75-2446 Available languages only in Japanese
• Closed None *Differ with each facility
• Public Site Official Site

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Lake Toya is a volcanic caldera lake in Hokkaido’s verdant south, bordered on one side by picturesque Mount Usu. Lake Toya is a volcanic caldera lake in southern Hokkaido, and claims the proud distinction of being the northernmost lake which never freezes. The lake is almost perfectly circular, and roughly 10 kilometers from east to west. Voted one of the 100 most beautiful landscapes of Japan, Lake Toyo’s pristine, transparently clear water surrounds Nakajima Island, home of the Toya Lake Forest Museum. The lakeside features luxurious hot springs which are popular spots to relax and take in the charming green landscape. Though many of the baths are attached to hotels, some are available to visitors for a modest fee. The lake vista and neighboring volcano Showa Shinzan are best seen from prominent viewpoints near the top of stunning Mount Usu, accessible by the Usuzan Ropeway. By comparison, Showa Shinzan is a young mountain reaching only 290 meters high, rising from a flat field during the reign of Emperor Showa. Please see below for tours that include Lake Toya:

33 trips through Japan

Charms of Hokkaido: Sapporo Autumn Fest

Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Nanae / Hakodate / Lake Onuma / Kuromatsunai / Niseko / Yoichi / Otaru / Sapporo

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3698.00

Experience the vibrant Sapporo Autumn Fest, paired with the breathtaking nature and enchanting culture on a 9-day tour around the northern island.

Charms of Northern Japan (Reverse): Autumn Leaves Tour

Nikko / Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Towada / Aomori / Seikan Tunnel / Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3798.00

The must see sights of Tohoku & Hokkaido...plus fall foliage in Autumn.

Charms of Hokkaido: Lavenders & Summer Flowers

Lake Toya / Nanae / Hakodate / Lake Onuma / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Furano / Biei / Yoichi / Otaru / Sapporo

This delightful summer itinerary offers our guests the Charms of Hokkaido, featuring idyllic Furano and Biei, where the landscape is covered in a wavy sea of lavenders and other aromatic flowers.

Charms of Northern Japan: Autumn Leaves Tour

Sapporo / Otaru / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Seikan Tunnel / Aomori / Towada / Morioka / Hiraizumi / Matsushima / Nikko

The must see sights of Hokkaido ＆Tohoku...plus fall foliage in Autumn.

Charms of Hokkaido: Cherry Blossom Tour

Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Matsumae / Mori / Kuromatsunai / Niseko / Otaru / Asahikawa / Biei / Furano / Sapporo

Explore Southern & Central Hokkaido in springtime while cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Charms of Northern Japan Tour (Reverse): Cherry Blossoms & Wisteria

Ashikaga / Nikko / Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Kitakami / Morioka / Seikan Tunnel / Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo

9 Days 8 Nights | from US $3898.00

The must see sights of Tohoku & Hokkaido...plus cherry blossoms & wisteria in Spring.

Charms of Northern Japan: Cherry Blossoms & Baby Blue Eyes Flowers

Sapporo / Otaru / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Seikan Tunnel / Morioka / Hiraizumi / Matsushima / Nikko / Hitachi Seaside Park

The must see sights of Hokkaido & Tohoku with spring cherry blossoms and baby blue eye flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park.

Charms of Northern Japan (Reverse): Cherry Blossom Tour

Omiya / Nikko / Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Kitakami / Morioka / Seikan Tunnel / Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo

The must see sights of Tohoku & Hokkaido...plus cherry blossom in Spring.

Hokkaido & Beyond: Sapporo Autumn Fest

Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Nanae / Hakodate / Lake Onuma / Kuromatsunai / Niseko / Yoichi / Otaru / Sapporo / Nikko / Takasaki / Karuizawa / Yudanaka / Matsumoto

13 Days 12 Nights | from US $4998.00

Join our Hokkaido and Beyond: Sapporo Autumn Fest Tour for a delightful 13-day tour exploring the wonders of Hokkaido and Beyond, with a day sampling delicious Hokkaido foods at Sapporo Autumn Fest.

Hokkaido & Beyond: Lavenders & Summer Flowers

Lake Toya / Nanae / Hakodate / Lake Onuma / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Furano / Biei / Yoichi / Otaru / Sapporo / Nikko / Takasaki / Karuizawa / Yudanaka / Matsumoto

Enjoy the summer in Hokkaido and Honshu on our Hokkaido and Beyond: Lavenders and Summer Flowers Tour, which includes visits to Furano, Biei, Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Nikko, Karuizawa, and Yudanaka.

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  4.9 stars based on 521 REVIEWS

We had a great tour guide (Miharu). Very sweet and knowledgeable she gave us alot of history but also insight into Japanese culture. It was an amazing experience with so many different places and activities.

The best decision we made was to book a tour through AJT. Our guide, Miharu, did an excellent job and provided information and history before we arrived at each stop on our tour. She kept the itinerary focused and gave us just enough time at each location to get a taste of it. We cannot wait to return to Japan and visit some new places.

This tour was amazing. It allowed us to see so much of Japan and learn facts about the people & culture along the way. Our tour guide and drivers were professional & helpful. Before the tour, AJT helped answer my questions and helped arrange pre-tour transportation from the airport to the hotel. We would recommend to anyone searching for a tour to use AJT.

Loved it all! Wish we would of had more time! Made some great memories and would definitely go again! Size of the group was perfect and made the experience easier!

We gained great appreciation for the culture and history of Japan through the sites we visited. The transportation was comfortable and convenient, and our guide, Trend, was outstanding, knowledgeable and entertaining. The accommodations were terrific, and it was so convenient to have two meals included each day. We enjoyed every aspect of the tour and we'd highly recommend it to others!

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Lake Toya: Getting there and around

Getting to lake toya.

• ¥ 10,000 - 45,000

The fastest way to access Lake Toya from Tokyo is by plane via Sapporo 's Shin-Chitose Airport : 1) How to get from Tokyo to Shin-Chitose Airport 2) How to get from Shin-Chitose Airport to Lake Toya

• ¥ 27,000

Take the JR Tohoku / Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto (4 hours) and transfer to the Hokuto limited express to Toya Station (2 hours). The entire one way trip costs around 27,000 yen and takes around six hours. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass . Note that seat reservations are mandatory on Hayabusa trains between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and on Hokuto limited express trains.

From Toya Station, Lake Toya (Toyako Onsen bus terminal) is reached in a 15 minute bus ride (340 yen, about one bus per hour). The buses are operated by Donan Bus and are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass .

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

The lakeside resort of Toyako Onsen at the foot of Mount Usu is where you will find most of the area's hotels and shops, a visitor center, the sightseeing boat pier and the bus terminal.

Toyako Onsen bus terminal is served by both the local buses to JR Toya Station (15 minutes, 340 yen, every hour, via the Usuzan West Crater ) and Usuzan Ropeway (15 minutes, 350 yen, 4 buses/day), as well as by long-distance buses to Sapporo and other destinations.

Due to the infrequent bus connections inside the park and the absence of a public transport connection to nearby Lake Shikotsu , a rental car is the recommended means of transport for exploring Shikotsu-Toya National Park .

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