| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Children ticket is available for elementary school students.
Free for children under elementary school age.
Please be careful not to purchase the wrong ticket.
This website does not sell tickets for the fireworks boat. Also, the fireworks boat cannot be used when booking the Nakajima sightseeing boat.
We may change cruising times or cancel cruises depending on the weather or the spread of COVID-19.
Yes, Lake Toya is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Hokkaido. It's renowned for its magnificent caldera lake, the active volcanic presence of Mount Usu, and the charming Nakajima Island situated at its center. The area provides splendid scenic views, opportunities for hot spring relaxation, and a variety of outdoor activities, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for all.
Lake Toya's popularity stems from its striking natural beauty as one of Japan's most beautiful caldera lakes, its proximity to active volcanoes like Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan, and its year-round appeal. It hosts a famous long-running fireworks festival during the warmer months and is surrounded by numerous onsen resorts, offering a unique blend of relaxation, scenic beauty, and geological interest.
In the evening, the most celebrated activity at Lake Toya is the Long-Run Fireworks Festival, which lights up the sky nightly from late April to October. Visitors can enjoy this spectacular display from various points along the lakeside or enhance their experience by taking a dedicated fireworks viewing cruise directly on the lake. Many onsen hotels also provide relaxing hot spring baths and exquisite evening dining.
The Lake Toya pleasure cruise offers breathtaking panoramic views of the caldera lake, Mount Usu, and the lush surrounding landscape. Passengers are taken to Nakajima Island, where they have the option to disembark and explore for approximately 30 minutes. The cruise itself lasts about 50 minutes, providing ample opportunity for photography and a unique perspective of the area's natural grandeur.
From Sapporo, the most common way to reach Lake Toya is by combining train and bus travel. Take the JR Limited Express train from Sapporo Station to Toya Station, a journey lasting approximately 2 hours. From Toya Station, local buses offer frequent connections to the Lake Toya Onsen area, taking about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, direct express buses from Sapporo are available, with a travel time of around 2.5 hours.
Traveling from Tokyo to Lake Toya typically involves a combination of flight, train, and bus. Fly from either Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) Airport to New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. From CTS, take a JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo, then transfer to a JR Limited Express train to Toya Station, followed by a local bus to the Lake Toya Onsen area.
The Lake Toya area offers a diverse range of accommodation options, primarily concentrated around the Toyako Onsen town. These include traditional Japanese ryokans, many featuring natural hot spring baths, as well as modern hotels and cozy guesthouses. A significant number of these establishments boast stunning lake views and convenient access to the popular fireworks festival viewing spots.
While there are no universal restrictions against swimming in Lake Toya, it is generally not a common activity for visitors due to fluctuating water temperatures and the focus on other recreational pursuits like boating and hot springs. Always prioritize safety and be aware of local conditions or any specific advisories when considering water activities in the lake.