[1-Person Departure Package Available & Lunch Included 1Day Tour ]Winter Shikotsu-Toya Lakes Tour

Lake Toya is highly recommended for its stunning volcanic caldera lake, especially during winter when the surrounding landscape is covered in snow, creating a serene and picturesque view. It's part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, offering unique geological formations and panoramic vistas from nearby Mount Usu. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty, soak in local hot springs, and witness the area's natural splendor.

To reach Lake Toya from Sapporo by public transportation, you can take a JR train from Sapporo Station to Toya Station. The journey typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. From Toya Station, local buses are available to transport you directly to the Lake Toya Onsen area, which is the main tourist hub. Alternatively, several guided tours departing from Sapporo offer convenient, direct transportation to Lake Toya and its surrounding attractions.

Due to the cold temperatures during Hokkaido's winter, swimming in Lake Toya is generally not recommended or available. However, visitors can still enjoy the lake's beautiful scenery from the shore or participate in boat cruises that may operate, weather permitting. These cruises often offer unique perspectives of the lake, Nakajima Island, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Focus is usually on appreciating the frosty landscape rather than direct water interaction.

In the evenings around Lake Toya, visitors can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Lake Toya Onsen town. Many hotels and ryokans offer hot spring baths, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Some establishments might feature local performances or special dining experiences. Stargazing is also a popular activity due to the clear winter skies away from city lights, offering a peaceful end to the day.

The most convenient ways to reach Shikotsu-Toya National Park from Sapporo include direct bus services from Sapporo to specific areas within the park, such as Lake Shikotsu or Lake Toya. Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the vast park at your own pace. For a hassle-free experience, joining a guided day tour is highly recommended, as it often includes comfortable transportation, a curated itinerary visiting key sites like Lake Shikotsu, Lake Toya, and Mount Usu, along with practical inclusions like lunch and multi-lingual guidance.

To reach Lake Shikotsu for the Hyoto Festival, travelers can take a bus from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport directly to Lake Shikotsu. The festival site is typically located near the Shikotsu Kohan bus stop. During the festival period, special shuttle services or increased bus frequencies might be available. For a streamlined visit, many winter tours include transportation to Lake Shikotsu and the Hyoto Festival, ensuring convenient access to this unique event.

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Museum Hyoto Festival is an annual winter event where the waters of Lake Shikotsu are sprayed onto structures to create magnificent, natural ice sculptures. These icy formations, ranging from towering walls to delicate art pieces, are illuminated with various colors, especially at night, creating a fantastical and breathtaking atmosphere. Visitors can walk through the ice tunnels, admire the intricate designs, enjoy local food stalls, and sometimes even experience ice sliding or other winter activities on site.

Mount Usu, an active volcano and part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, offers visitors a unique experience with its dynamic volcanic landscape. A ropeway takes you close to the summit, providing panoramic 360-degree views of Lake Toya, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding caldera. Visitors can observe the raw power of nature and understand the area's geological history through the various viewing platforms and walking trails, offering spectacular photo opportunities of the stunning natural scenery.