Hello everyone. This is Tomohiro Nakamichi from Shibecha Town. This year in Shibecha, the temperatures have been lower than usual, and the warm summer days passed by in a flash. The trees are changing color, and I can feel the approach of autumn. Today, I'd like to introduce the charms and attractions of Lake Toro, a lake located right here in Shibecha Town!

The main attraction of Lake Toro is undoubtedly its scenery and the untouched nature of its flora and fauna. Rich in nature, Lake Toro also offers an abundance of food, making it home to many birds. When you visit, I highly recommend enjoying some bird watching and nature walks.

The Lake Toro walking trail. Just strolling along the lakeside is a joy.

A kingfisher at dusk, having just caught a fish.

A kingfisher against the sunset.

Walking along the lakeside trail, I spotted a grey heron, a waterside hunter. It waits patiently to catch fish.

A great spotted woodpecker.

An early morning canoe tour in the Kushiro Wetland.

Additionally, the nearby Sarubo Sarurun Observatory offers a panoramic view of Lake Toro. It's a recommended spot for those who enjoy hiking.

Lake Toro from the Sarurun Observatory. The tracks of the Senmo Main Line stretch into the distance.

The area around Lake Toro is well-equipped with facilities. If you're interested in the nature of Lake Toro, be sure to visit the Toro Ecomuseum Center. There, you can see detailed exhibits on the lake's nature, wildlife, and geological formation.

The Toro Ecomuseum Center, located right in front of the parking lot. There's a park golf course in front of it.

Next to the Ecomuseum Center is Lakeside Toro. They offer canoe tours that take you from Lake Toro down the headwaters of the Kushiro Wetland.

Lakeside Toro

While canoeing, you might see white-tailed eagles, a designated Special Natural Monument, and in winter, Steller's sea eagles often fly here. You can see what the tour is like on the "Shibecha Town Community Development" channel. If you're curious about the experience, please check out this video. (By the way, in winter when Lake Toro freezes over, you can also try smelt fishing, so please visit in winter too!)

If you want to learn about the history of Shibecha, head to the Shibecha Town Museum "Nitai-to" across the road from the parking lot. It's a facility where you can learn broadly and deeply about the town's history, including its Ainu culture, flora, fauna, and insects. The museum also holds regular history-related events. The building itself has a very calm and wonderful atmosphere.

Shibecha Town Museum "Nitai-to"

The building next to the museum is the Former Kushiro Branch of Hokkaido Prison (Hokkaido Shujikan Kushiro Bunkan Honkan). Originally located on the grounds of the current Shibecha High School, it was moved to its present location in 1969. It is also registered as a Hokkaido Heritage site.

Former Kushiro Branch of Hokkaido Prison

What did you think? Lake Toro is a place I'm proud of, enjoyable in any season. With not only activities like canoeing but also a full range of facilities like the museum and ecomuseum center, it can be enjoyed by both outdoor and indoor enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the Lake Toro area has Toro Station where the Norokko sightseeing train stops, as well as sauna facilities, a hamburger shop, and accommodations. Please use the facilities around Toro not just for a day trip, but as a base for your Shibecha Town sightseeing. We look forward to your visit!