Popular Sightseeing Tours in Toyako

Lake Toya and its surroundings boast rich natural and geological landscapes. You can visit the 'Lake Toya Observatory' for a panoramic view of the lake and mountains, or take the 'Usuzan Ropeway' to the summit for a close-up look at volcanic terrain and Showa Shinzan. You can also walk along the 'Nishi-yama Crater Trail' to experience the traces of volcanic activity. Additionally, the 'Lake Toya Sculpture Park' features various artworks scattered along the lake, perfect for a stroll and photos. While 'Cape Chikyu' is a bit further, its magnificent coastline and lighthouse scenery are also highly recommended for nature-loving travelers.

Accommodation around Lake Toya is mainly concentrated in the hot spring town by the lake, consisting mostly of Japanese inns or Western-style hotels with hot spring baths. You can choose a hotel with lake view rooms to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Toya upon waking up. Many accommodations also offer rich dinner and breakfast, allowing you to experience authentic culinary culture. Whether you seek luxurious indulgence or simple comfort, you can find suitable lodging in Lake Toya for a more relaxing trip, while also enjoying the healing experience of hot springs. There are also some guesthouses or more affordable options around the hot spring town.

Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu each have their own characteristics. Lake Toya is famous for its active volcanic scenery, hot spring town, and summer fireworks festival. Its tourist facilities are more comprehensive, offering diverse activities like boat tours, ropeway rides up Mount Usu, and hot spring experiences, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy lively and activity-rich itineraries. Lake Shikotsu, on the other hand, is known for its pristine, highly transparent lake water and primeval forests, offering a more serene and pure natural landscape. It's ideal for travelers who enjoy hiking, water activities, or simply appreciating the tranquility of nature. Lake Shikotsu hosts the 'Ice Festival' in winter, while Lake Toya has limited-time winter illuminations; both are worth experiencing.

Lake Toya's winter scenery is uniquely charming. Despite the cold temperatures, there are many warm activities. You can experience winter-exclusive outdoor sports like snowmobiling and snowshoeing, enjoying the thrill of gliding through the snow. Soaking in hot springs is the best winter indulgence; bathing in an outdoor hot spring at a ryokan while admiring the snowy landscape offers a unique charm. Furthermore, the Lake Toya hot spring town hosts limited-time illumination events like the 'Lake Toya Hot Spring Tunnel of Light,' adorning the streets with romantic brilliance and adding a warm atmosphere to winter nights.

The most common and convenient ways to travel from Sapporo to Lake Toya are by JR train or highway bus. You can take a JR Limited Express train from Sapporo Station to 'Toya Station,' which takes about two hours. From there, transfer to a local bus for about 15 minutes to reach the Lake Toya hot spring area. Another option is to take a highway bus departing from Sapporo city, which goes directly to the Lake Toya hot spring area, saving the hassle of transfers, and takes about two hours and forty minutes. If you plan a multi-city trip, driving is also a convenient option for flexible itinerary arrangements.

A one-day trip to Lake Toya can start in the morning. It's recommended to take a 'Lake Toya Sightseeing Cruise' around the lake to admire the scenery of the central island. Afterwards, you can take the 'Usuzan Ropeway' to the summit for a panoramic view of Lake Toya and the crater, and visit 'Showa Shinzan' to experience the grandeur of the volcanic terrain. For lunch, you can enjoy local specialties in the hot spring town. In the afternoon, stroll along the lake, try a foot bath, or explore by bicycle. If it's summer, you can arrange to watch the lakeside fireworks in the evening. With proper planning, you can experience the essence of Lake Toya even in one day.

The Lake Toya hot spring area is renowned for its abundant hot springs and charming lake views. Accommodation types here are mainly hot spring inns and resort hotels offering public hot spring baths or private onsen rooms. Many inns specifically emphasize the ability to enjoy views of Lake Toya directly from guest rooms or open-air baths, especially as they offer close-up views of fireworks in the summer. Accommodations typically include a half-board plan (dinner and breakfast), allowing guests to savor exquisite cuisine made with local ingredients while enjoying the hot springs. Staying in the hot spring area is the most authentic and convenient way to experience the charm of Lake Toya.

Lake Toya offers a diverse range of sightseeing activities and experiences. Besides taking the 'Lake Toya Sightseeing Cruise' to admire the lake views and the scenery of the central island, you can also take the 'Usuzan Ropeway' to the summit for a close-up experience of the volcanic terrain's impact. In the summer, water activities like canoeing and pedal boating are available on the lake, allowing you to get close to the water. Additionally, the hot spring town provides free 'hand baths' and 'foot baths,' allowing you to enjoy the therapeutic effects of hot springs while strolling. In winter, there are snow activities and illumination ceremonies, bringing unique pleasures to travelers in different seasons.

The cuisine around Lake Toya mainly features dishes using fresh Hokkaido ingredients. You can enjoy a lavish Kaiseki meal at a hot spring inn, savoring local catches like Hokkaido seafood or king crab, as well as dishes made with produce from the Lake Toya region. The hot spring town also has many specialty restaurants offering dishes like 'Lake Toya Pork Bowl' made with local pork, Hokkaido-style ramen, or fried foods. Furthermore, don't miss the dessert shops for Hokkaido milk ice cream or local specialty sweets to add a sweet touch to your trip.

The 'Long-run Fireworks Festival' in Lake Toya during summer is the highlight of each evening. The best viewing spots include the hot spring town along the lakeside, especially from hotel rooms or open-air baths facing the lake, which offer excellent vantage points. You can also take a fireworks viewing boat to experience the grandeur and beauty of the fireworks up close from the water. It is recommended to book lake view rooms in advance and, after dinner in the evening, head to the lakeside early to select a viewing spot. The fireworks typically start around 8:45 PM and last for about 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a romantic summer night amidst the beautiful lake and mountain scenery.