Popular Tours & Experiences in Toyako

A one-day trip to Lake Toya can begin in the morning with a cruise on the 'Lake Toya Sightseeing Boat' to admire the scenery of Nakajima and optionally disembark to explore the island. Next, take the 'Mt. Usu Ropeway' for panoramic views of Showa Shinzan and Lake Toya. In the afternoon, visit the 'Volcano Science Museum' to learn about volcanic geology, or experience a 'foot bath' in the Lake Toya Onsen town. In the evening, you can opt for dinner by the lake or browse souvenir shops. During summer evenings, unique lake fireworks add a perfect finale to the day trip.

Lake Toya's shore offers a variety of hot spring hotels, providing different accommodation experiences for travelers. Mainstream choices include 'Lake View Hot Spring Hotels' that offer direct views of the lake and fireworks, usually featuring scenic open-air baths and elaborate dining. Some hotels also offer 'Japanese-Western style rooms,' blending tatami mats with Western beds. Additionally, there are hotels specifically designed for families, equipped with children's play areas or family baths, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing hot spring vacation for all ages. Staying at a hot spring hotel is one of the best ways to experience Lake Toya.

Lake Toya's winter scenery is unique, with snow-covered landscapes complementing the lake's beauty. Besides enjoying hot springs with snowy views, there are many winter-exclusive activities. You can experience 'winter sports,' such as skiing at nearby resorts or participating in snow trekking. Furthermore, the 'Lake Toya Onsen Illumination Tunnel' is lit up on winter nights, creating a romantic ambiance. Although the fireworks festival is mainly in summer, there might be special winter events or light-up celebrations during certain periods. Savoring local winter comfort food is also a delight, allowing you to feel the distinct lakeside charm.

There are primarily two ways to travel from New Chitose Airport to Lake Toya: by JR train or bus. By JR train, you can take the 'JR Chitose Line' from New Chitose Airport Station to 'Minami-Chitose Station,' then transfer to the 'JR Limited Express Super Hokuto' or 'JR Limited Express Suzuran' to 'Lake Toya Station.' The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon arrival at Lake Toya Station, you will need to take a 'Dōnan Bus' for about 15-20 minutes to reach the Lake Toya Onsen area. Another option is to take a 'New Chitose Airport Direct Bus,' some routes of which can take you directly to the Lake Toya Onsen area, saving you the hassle of transfers, though with fewer departures.

Lake Toya offers diverse must-visit attractions. A top recommendation is a cruise on the 'Lake Toya Sightseeing Boat' to admire the volcanic island 'Nakajima' in the center of the lake. Next, take the 'Mt. Usu Ropeway' to the summit for sweeping views of Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and the Pacific Ocean, and visit the 'Mt. Usu Volcano Science Museum' to learn about volcanoes. The 'Silo Observatory' on the lakeshore provides excellent lake views. Additionally, strolling through the hot spring town, experiencing the 'Lake Toya Foot Bath,' or watching the 'Lake Toya Long-Term Fireworks Display' held every summer evening are unmissable unique experiences.

There are many attractions and activities around Lake Toya suitable for family fun. You can take your children on the 'Mt. Usu Ropeway' to introduce them to volcanic landscapes and nature. The 'Showa Shinzan Bear Park,' located next to Showa Shinzan, is a popular spot for both adults and children, allowing close encounters with cute bears. Furthermore, the 'Lake Toya Sculpture Park' by the lake features numerous outdoor artworks, perfect for walks and photos. Some hot spring hotels also have children's play areas or family baths. In summer, you can enjoy water activities by the lake, such as boating or swan boats, for quality family time.

Both Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Onsen are popular resorts in Hokkaido, but they offer different characteristics. Lake Toya is renowned for its magnificent lake scenery, suitable for families who enjoy natural landscapes, leisurely lakeside strolls, boat tours, and fireworks. Its activities lean towards outdoor and nature exploration, such as volcanic experiences and hiking. Noboribetsu Onsen, on the other hand, is famous for its diverse hot spring types and the unique Jigokudani (Hell Valley) landscape, exuding a strong hot spring town atmosphere. Besides hot spring bathing, it also features theme parks like 'Noboribetsu Bear Park' and 'Date Jidaimura,' offering more varied cultural and entertainment experiences. The choice depends on the family's preference for natural scenery or hot spring culture and theme park fun.

The Lake Toya Sightseeing Boat usually adjusts its operating hours according to the season, but generally runs at fixed intervals from morning to evening. The cruise lasts about 50 minutes and makes a stop at 'Nakajima,' an island in the center of the lake, where passengers can disembark for a short exploration of the forest trails. The boat's main feature is offering a lake-level perspective of Lake Toya's magnificent scenery, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur of the volcanic landscape and see Mt. Usu and Showa Shinzan in the distance. The boat typically has viewing decks and indoor seating areas, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of the weather.

The unique aspect of the Lake Toya Long-Term Fireworks Display is that the firework boats move along the lakefront while launching, meaning they can be viewed from anywhere along the hot spring town's shore. The best viewing spots include: along the lakeside promenade of the 'Lake Toya Onsen Town,' where there are no obstructions; from a lake-view room at a lake-view 'hot spring hotel,' for a comfortable in-room experience; or, if possible, taking a 'night cruise' on the lake for a breathtaking close-up view of the fireworks, making the experience even more unforgettable. Additionally, the 'Silo Observatory,' offering a slightly elevated vantage point, provides a beautiful panorama of the fireworks intertwined with the lake scenery.

Lake Toya offers a diverse range of camping options, allowing travelers to get close to nature. Popular campsites are usually located around the lake, providing the unique experience of 'lake view camping,' where you can admire the beauty of Lake Toya right outside your tent. Many campsites are well-equipped, offering 'cottage rentals' or 'equipment rentals,' making it easy to experience camping even without your own gear. You can enjoy barbecues by the lake and stargazing at night, and some campsites may also offer water activities like fishing or boating. Choosing a suitable campsite can create unforgettable outdoor memories by Lake Toya.