Located about a two-hour drive from Sapporo via the expressway, Lake Toya is one of Hokkaido's premier tourist destinations, known for its stunning beauty that mirrors the color of the sky and its hot spring town with over 100 years of history. In this article, we'll introduce our top 20 picks for must-visit spots, gourmet foods, and events in the Lake Toya area.

What Kind of Place is Lake Toya?

Lake Toya is the central lake of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, a massive caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption about 110,000 years ago. It boasts some of the clearest water of any lake in Hokkaido and is known as an "ice-free lake" because its surface never freezes, even in the harsh cold.

The popular Toyako Onsen (Lake Toya Hot Springs) was born in 1910 from the volcanic activity of Mt. Usu. With its excellent access from Sapporo, as well as from Noboribetsu and Niseko, it attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Cruises, Observatories, and More! 8 Recommended Spots

1 Lake Toya

Lake Toya, the heart of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is the third-largest caldera lake in Japan. The four islands in the center of the lake (Oshima, Bentenjima, Kannonjima, and Manjujima) are said to be hardened lava domes that rose from an underwater eruption about 50,000 years ago. Collectively known as the Nakajima Islands, they are also popular as a spiritual "power spot."

2 Lake Toya Cruise

The cruise boat to the Nakajima Islands in the center of Lake Toya is always popular with tourists. You can enjoy a magnificent view of Lake Toya's nature, which is quite different from the view from land. The cruise operates year-round, but you can only land on Nakajima Islands during the summer season from April to October. It's also highly recommended to watch the "Long-Run Fireworks Festival" from the boat during the same period.

3 Silo Observatory

The Silo Observatory is located on the western shore of Lake Toya, at the edge of the land surrounding the lake. It offers a grand panoramic view of the sparkling blue Lake Toya, the islands, Mt. Usu, and Mt. Showa-shinzan. The seasonal views with cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and autumn leaves are also a must-see.

4 Roadside Station Abuta

This roadside station offers a wide variety of Lake Toya's specialty products, including seafood from the local bay, mountain produce, and processed goods. The most popular item at Roadside Station Abuta is the luxurious "uni-don" (sea urchin rice bowl) served in a wooden box. Other dishes featuring scallops from Uchiura Bay also showcase the charm of Toyako Town.

5 Roadside Station Toyako

Roadside Station Toyako, located along National Route 230, sells freshly harvested vegetables and processed goods. The cafeteria serves dishes made with plenty of delicious vegetables from Toyako Town. From the adjacent observatory, you can enjoy a view of Lake Toya on one side and Mt. Yotei on the other.

6 Toya Mizu no Eki (Toya Water Station)

Toya Mizu no Eki serves as a tourist information hub for Lake Toya. It has a corner with brochures for hotels and hands-on tourist facilities in Toyako Town, as well as a section selling fresh vegetables, rice, and other products grown by local farmers.

7 Mt. Usu

Mt. Usu is an active volcano on the southern shore of Lake Toya. The Usuzan Ropeway's 96-passenger gondola offers a spectacular six-minute scenic ride from the Showa-shinzan Sanroku Station to the Usuzan Sancho Station at the summit. You can enjoy views of Mt. Showa-shinzan, Lake Toya, Mt. Yotei, and the vast nature of Mt. Usu. A short walk from the summit allows you to see the volcanic crater.

8 Showa-shinzan Bear Park

Here you can see bears in their natural habitat and even experience feeding them cookies. The "Human Cage" area is a highlight of the park, allowing you to observe the bears from a perspective that feels like you're inside the same enclosure.

From Sweets to Classic Restaurants! 5 Recommended Gourmet Foods

1 Lake Hill Farm

This is a gelato shop run directly by a farm, nestled in the rich nature of Lake Toya. Their gelato, made with fresh farm milk and local Lake Toya ingredients, captivates everyone who visits.

2 Restaurant Boyotei

A long-established restaurant in the Toyako Onsen town. Located close to Lake Toya, its Showa-retro atmosphere perfectly matches the hot spring town vibe. You can enjoy a variety of flavors, from their popular hamburger steak to seasonal dishes.

3 Wakasaimo Honpo Lake Toya Main Store

The main store of "Wakasaimo Honpo," which sells one of Hokkaido's most famous souvenirs, "Wakasaimo," is located in the Toyako Onsen town. They offer a wide range of their proud products, from the classic Wakasaimo to live demonstrations of "Imoten," a deep-fried version of Wakasaimo.

4 Restaurant Sendoan

This Japanese restaurant is located on the second floor of the "Wakasaimo Honpo Lake Toya Main Store." Window seats offer a view of Lake Toya while you dine. You can savor seasonal ingredients, such as dishes made with scallops from Uchiura Bay, along with the beautiful scenery.

5 Okadaya

At Okadaya's diner, you can enjoy hearty meals, but their "white oshiruko" is especially popular. This sweet bean soup, made with Hokkaido ingredients, is a comforting treat for a body tired from sightseeing. It's also available for purchase as a souvenir, making it a perfect gift.

Enjoy a Relaxing Footbath! 3 Recommended Hot Spring Spots

1 Ashiyu Pocket Park Yakushi-no-yu (Footbath)

Located in the center of Toyako Onsen, this spot allows you to casually enjoy the hot spring water. The charming umbrella-shaped roof covers a footbath with 100% pure, direct-from-the-source spring water.

2 Ashiyu Touron-no-yu (Footbath)

This is a 100% pure spring water footbath located on the shore of Lake Toya. A towel vending machine is also available, so you can easily enjoy a footbath while admiring the seasonal views of Lake Toya.

3 Toya Ikoi no Ie

This is a town-operated public bath right next to Lake Toya. Since it faces the lake, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Toya from the bathroom. Bathing with this spectacular view will soothe both your body and soul.

Hokkaido's Largest Manga & Anime Event! 4 Recommended Events

1 Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival

This fireworks festival is held almost every night over a long period. The fireworks are launched from boats on the lake and can be seen from the lakeside promenade and some hotel rooms, painting the Lake Toya sky with brilliant colors.

2 TOYAKO Manga Anime Festa

An anime and manga event where the entire Toyako Onsen town transforms into a cosplay venue. Cosplay isn't limited to just anime and manga; characters from games and tokusatsu (special effects shows) are also welcome. There are also fan markets, itasha (decorated cars) displays, and more, making it an exciting festival just to watch.

3 Toya Industrial Festival

The Toya Industrial Festival will be held in 2023 for the first time in four years. The main events include a barbecue where you can eat Toyako Wagyu beef on the spot, and "vegetable throwing," where fresh vegetables are tossed from a boat on the lake. There will also be plenty of attractions, including the Akebono Shishimai (Lion Dance), Okinawa Ryukyu-koku Matsuri Daiko (Okinawan festival drums), clowns, and a caricature corner.

4 LOVE TOYA

This festival is held amidst the rich nature of Lake Toya, inviting a diverse range of creators active in Lake Toya and other areas. Each year features elaborately planned events, including food and drink stalls from both inside and outside the town, live music, merchandise sales, and an art corner.

*All information is current as of June 2023.
*All listed information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.