Lake Toya, located about two hours from Sapporo by expressway, is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist destinations, known for its beauty that reflects the color of the sky like a mirror and its hot spring resort with a history of over 100 years. In this issue, we will introduce 20 must-visit spots, gourmet foods, and events at Lake Toya.

What is Lake Toya like?

Lake Toya, the centerpiece of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is a huge caldera lake created by an eruption about 110,000 years ago. It is one of the clearest lakes in Hokkaido and is known as an "ice-free lake" where the surface of the lake never freezes even in severe cold weather.

Lake Toya Onsen, a popular hot spring among tourists, was created in 1910 by the volcanic activity of Mount Usu. Many tourists visit the area every year, as it is easily accessible not only from Sapporo, but also from Noboribetsu and Niseko.

There are also sightseeing boats and observatories! 8 recommended spots

1 Lake Toya

Lake Toya, the third largest caldera lake in Japan, is the center of Shikotsu Toya National Park. The four islands in the center of the lake (Oshima, Bentenjima, Kannonjima, and Manjujima) are said to be solidified lava domes that were raised by eruptive activity at the bottom of the lake about 50,000 years ago. The islands are collectively called Nakajima and are popular as power spots.

2 Toyako Pleasure Boat

The sightseeing boat that crosses to the middle island in the center of Lake Toya is always popular among tourists. The boat offers a different view of the magnificent natural scenery of Lake Toya than from land. The sightseeing boats are in operation all year round, but the boats are only open during the summer season from April to October. It is also recommended to watch the "Long-Run Fireworks Festival," a fireworks display held on the lake during the same period, from close up on the boat.

3 Silo Observation Deck

The Silo Observation Deck is located on the western shore of Lake Toya, at the edge of the land surrounding the lake, and offers a panoramic view of the shimmering blue waters of Lake Toya, as well as the islands, Mt. The collaboration of cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and autumn leaves in the surrounding area is also a must-see.

4 Roadside Station Aputa

The roadside station Aputa offers a wide variety of specialties of Lake Toya, such as seafood from the sea and mountains caught in the town, and processed products. The most popular menu item at Michi-no-Eki Aputa is the gorgeous "sea urchin donburi" served on top of a bowl of rice. Other menu items include scallops from Eruption Bay, and other attractions of Toyako Town.

5 Roadside Station Toy a Lake

Michi-no-Eki Touyako (Road Station Touyako) is located on Route 230 and sells freshly picked vegetables and processed products. The cafeteria also offers a menu full of delicious vegetables from the town of Toyako. The adjacent observatory offers a panoramic view of Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei on the other side.

6 T OYA MIZUNOEKI

Toya Mizu-no-Eki is a place where tourist information about Lake Toya is disseminated. There is a corner with brochures of hotels and sightseeing experience facilities in Toyako Town, and a corner selling fresh vegetables and rice grown by local farmers.

7 Mount Usu

Usu is an active volcano located on the southern shore of Lake Toya. 96-seat gondola, the Usu Ropeway, takes visitors on a spectacular 6-minute scenic ride from the Showa Shinzan foot station to the summit of Mt. Showa Shinzan, Lake Toya, Mt. Yotei, and Mt.

8 Showa Shinzan Bear Farm

Visitors can see bears in their natural habitat and even try their hand at feeding them cookies and other treats. The "human cage" area is a favorite spot at the ranch, where you can observe the bears as if you were in the same enclosure with them.

From sweets to long-established restaurants! Recommended 5 gourmet restaurants

1 Lake Hill Farm

Located in the rich nature of Lake Toya, this gelato store is directly managed by the farm. Visitors are captivated by the gelato made with milk from the farm and ingredients from Lake Toya.

2 Restaurant Mangyotei

A long-established restaurant located in the Lake Toya Onsen district. Not far from Lake Toya, the retro Showa-era atmosphere of the restaurant matches the hot spring resort area. You can enjoy a variety of tastes from the popular hamburger steak to seasonal dishes.

3 Wakasaimo Honten Toyako

The main store of Wakasaimo Honpo, which sells one of Hokkaido's representative souvenirs, "Wakasaimo", is located in the Toyako Onsen district. The shop sells a wide variety of products, from standard wakasaimo to a demonstration of "imoten," a tempura of wakasaimo.

4 Restaurant Sendouan

A Japanese restaurant on the second floor of "Wakasaimo Honpo Toyako Honten". Window seats allow you to dine while enjoying a view of Lake Toya. You can taste seasonal ingredients such as scallops from Eruption Bay along with the beautiful view.

5 Okadaya

In addition to hearty meals, "white oshiruko" is very popular at Okadaya's restaurant. The oshiruko is made from Hokkaido products, and it will soak into your body after a long day of sightseeing. It is also sold as a souvenir, making it a perfect gift.

Feel free to enjoy footbaths! Three recommended hot spring spots

1 Footbath Pocket Park Yakushi no Yu

Located in the center of Lake Toya Onsen, you can casually enjoy the Lake Toya Onsen. The footbath has a cute umbrella-like roof and is 100% spring water.

2 Foot baths Doryu-no-Yu (Hot Spring of Doryu )

A footbath with 100% spring water from the source, located on the shore of Lake Toya. Towel vending machines are available, so visitors can casually enjoy the footbath experience while viewing Lake Toya in all four seasons.

3 Toya Ikoi no Ie

This is a town-run bathhouse located near Lake Toya. The bathhouse faces the lakeside and offers a panoramic view of Lake Toya. Bathing while enjoying the spectacular view will heal both your body and mind.

Hokkaido's largest Manga & Anime event! 4 recommended events

1 Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Display

A fireworks display is held almost every night over a long period of time. The fireworks are launched over the lake and can be seen from the sidewalks along the lakeside and from some of the hotel rooms.

2 TOYAKO Manga/Anime Festa

An anime and manga event where the entire Toyako Onsen district is transformed into a cosplay venue. Cosplay is not limited to anime and manga, but games and special effects are also allowed, and there is also an exhibition of cars for sale, making this an exciting festival to watch.

3 Toya Industry Festival

The Toya Industry Festival will be held for the first time in four years in 2023. The main event will be a barbecue where visitors can eat Toya-ko Wagyu beef on the spot, and a "vegetable sowing" in which fresh vegetables are sown from a boat on the lake. There will also be many attractions such as the Akebono Lion Dance, Okinawa Ryukyu Kokusai Matsuri Daiko, clowns, and a portrait artist corner.

4 LOVE TOYA

A festival held in the rich natural environment of Lake Toya, inviting a variety of creators active in Lake Toya and other areas. Each year, the festival features a variety of events, including food and beverage stalls, live music, product sales, and an art corner.

All information is current as of June 2023.
All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.