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Easily accessible and an hour’s drive away from Niseko, Lake Toya is a popular day trip destination where you can enjoy stunning lake views, water activities, and volcano trails. Part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark, Lake Toya is a protected area surrounded by active volcanoes, dense forests, and home to numerous animals native to Hokkaido like the Ezo Red Fox and Ezo Deer.
Around the Lake
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Love
Photo Credit: TOYA Colors
Almost circular in shape and being Japan’s third largest caldera lake, going around Lake Toya is the best way to enjoy the stunning scenery the lake provides – whether it be by driving, cycling, walking, and even by a cruise boat. If you decide to go for a loop around Lake Toya by land, make sure to keep an eye out for the 58 sculptures scattered along the lake’s 43-kilometre shore created by 56 different artists from both Japan and abroad. On the other hand, the double deck cruise boat will take you on a scenic cruise around the lake, making a stop at the Nakajima Islands located at the centre of the lake where visitors are free to get off during the summer.
If you’re looking for the perfect background for your photos, stop by the Silo Observatory, a popular overlooking photo spot that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake, Mt. Usu, and even Mt. Yotei.
Enjoy the Water Activities
Lake Toya is not just a place for sightseeing but also for water activities. Known for having one of the clearest waters in the country, Lake Toya is perfect for canoeing, paddleboarding, and even fishing for hobbyists and enthusiasts.
Learn More About Volcanoes
Surrounded by active volcanoes – such as Mt. Usu that last erupted in 2000, and Showa-Shinzan, one of Japan’s youngest volcanoes created by one of Mt. Usu’s many eruptions – Lake Toya area is a great place to learn more about volcanoes. For anyone interested in volcanoes, visiting the Volcano Science Museum is a must. An interactive museum, visitors can see the inner workings of a volcano, specifically of Mt. Usu.
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Love
Photo Credit: TOYA Colors
Outside the museum, ride a cable car that will take you up close and personal with Mt. Usu’s summit where you can walk along the crater basin, as well as get a panoramic view of Lake Toya and Showa-Shinzan. For those who want to do some walking and see a reminder of a volcano’s might, there are two walking trails you can go to: the Konpira Craters Disaster Remains Walking Trail and the Nishiyama Crater Walking Trail. These two will take visitors to the ruins of an onsen town, abandoned infrastructure, a damaged portion of a national highway, and newly formed craters – with some spewing out steam.
Try the Local Specialities
Photo Credit: MAFF
A day trip is never complete without trying out the area’s local specialities. For Lake Toya, a trip to Wakasaimo, the 94-year-old confectionery store that is named after its specialty sweet – the wakasaimo. Despite its name containing the word imo or potato in Japanese, the dessert itself does not contain any potatoes and instead, uses Ofuku beans – a type of large, white bean that grows in Lake Toya – to mimic the mildly sweet, and soft, flaky texture of a sweet potato. Other sweets to try in the shop are Imoten – a deep-fried version of Wakasaimo – and Jaggaki Soft, a soft-serve ice cream combined with Hokkaido Jaggaki – a cookie made from potatoes.
Lake Toya is flanked by two towns: the famous hot spring town, Toyako Town, and the town of Sobetsu. If you happen to be visiting Lake Toya in the months of July to November, there is a good chance you can go fruit picking as well. Sobetsu Fruit Village comprises 18 fruit orchards along Route 453. Depending on the month you visit the area, you can enjoy freshly picked cherries, strawberries, apples, blueberries, peaches, and more.
End the Day with Hot Springs & Fireworks
On the other side of Lake Toya – in Toyako Town – is where you can go for a dip in one of the many onsens in the area. Hotels in the area that have their own hot spring facilities are usually open for day trip guests so there is no need to book one more hotel just to experience their onsen. If you are just wanting a quick relaxing dip in its hot spring waters, hand and foot onsens can also be found all around town.
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Love
Photo Credit: Toyako Onsen Tourist Association
Lake Toya is also home to the long-run fireworks display that happens from April to October every year. An awe-inspiring sight where the lake reflects the lights coming from the fireworks, it is one of the area’s most popular events during the summer. While the display can be seen anywhere from the side of Toyako Town, the lakeshore is one of the best and most popular viewing spots for the fireworks. Come early to grab a good spot or consider going on a firework-viewing boat cruise for a much more magical experience.
Lake Toya is known for being a lake that never freezes – despite being located in Japan’s coldest region. Picturesque and abundant in nature, visitors can enjoy Lake Toya throughout the whole year, providing a different backdrop for each of the four seasons: blooming flowers in the spring, vibrant greens in the summer, deep hues of red in the autumn, and a white, serene lake in the winter.
For any day trip arrangements, don’t hesitate to reach out to our concierge team at [email protected].
