Lake Toya, located about two hours from Sapporo on the highway, is one of Hokkaido's leading tourist destinations, known for its beauty as it reflects the color of the sky like a mirror, and for its hot spring town with over 100 years of history. This time, we will introduce 20 must-see spots, gourmet food, and events when you visit Lake Toya.

What kind of place is Lake Toya?

Lake Toya is the central lake of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is a huge caldera lake formed by an eruption about 110,000 years ago. It boasts one of the clearest lakes in Hokkaido and is known as a "frost-free lake" whose surface does not freeze even in the harsh cold.

Toyako Onsen, popular among tourists, was created by volcanic activity of Mount Usu in 1910 (Meiji 43). It is easily accessible from Sapporo, as well as Noboribetsu and Niseko, so many tourists visit it every year.

Including sightseeing boats and observation decks! 8 recommended spots

1 Lake Toya

Lake Toya is the third largest caldera lake in Japan and 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 the solidification of a lava dome that rose during volcanic activity on the bottom of the lake about 50,000 years ago. The islands are collectively called Nakajima, and are popular as power spots.

2 Lake Toya sightseeing boat

The pleasure boats that go to Nakajima in the center of Lake Toya are always popular with tourists. You can see the magnificent natural scenery of Lake Toya in a way that is different from what you can see from land. The pleasure boats operate all year round, but you can only land on Nakajima during the summer season from April to October. We also recommend watching the "Long Run Fireworks Festival," a fireworks display on the lake that is held during the same period, up close from the boat.

3 Silo Observatory

Silo Observatory 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 sparkling blue Lake Toya, as well as the islands, Mount Usu, and Mount Showa Shinzan. The collaboration with the surrounding cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and autumn leaves is also a must-see.

4 Roadside Station Aputa

The town offers a wide range of Toyako specialties, including seafood, mountain produce, and processed foods. The most popular menu item at Roadside Station Aputa is the luxurious "sea urchin bowl" that is served on occasion. Other dishes include those using scallops from Funka Bay, and are packed with the charms of Toyako Town.

5 Roadside Station Lake Toya

Roadside Station Toyako is located on National Route 230 and sells freshly picked vegetables and processed foods. In the restaurant, you can also enjoy a menu that uses plenty of delicious vegetables from Toyako Town. From the adjacent observation deck, you can get a panoramic view of Lake Toya and Mount Yotei on the other side.

6 Touyamizu Station

Toyamizu no Eki is a tourist information hub for Lake Toya. There is a corner with brochures for hotels and tourist experience facilities in the town of Toyako, as well as a corner selling fresh vegetables and rice grown by local farmers.

7 Mount Usu

Mount Usu is an active volcano on the southern shore of Lake Toya. The 96-seater Usuzan Ropeway offers a spectacular 6-minute ride from Showa-Shinzan foothill station to Mount Usu summit station. You can see the natural scenery of Mount Showa-Shinzan, Lake Toya, Mount Yotei, and Mount Usu, and you can even see the crater a short walk from the summit.

8 Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch

You can see the bears in their natural state and even feed them cookies. The "human cage" area is the best spot on the ranch, where you can observe the bears from their perspective as if you were in the same enclosure as them.

From sweets to long-established restaurants! 5 recommended gourmet foods

1 Lakehill Farm

Located in the lush nature of Lake Toya, this gelato shop is run directly by a farm. The gelato, made with milk from the farm and plenty of ingredients from Lake Toya, captivates all visitors.

2 Restaurant Bouyotei

A long-established restaurant in Toyako Onsen town. Located close to Lake Toya, the restaurant's retro Showa-era atmosphere matches the onsen town. From the popular hamburger steak to seasonal dishes, you can enjoy a variety of flavors.

3 Wakasaimo Honpo Toyako Main Store

Wakasaimo Honpo, which sells wakasaimo, one of Hokkaido's most famous souvenirs, has its main store in Toyako Onsen town. In addition to the standard wakasaimo, Wakasaimo Honpo also offers a wide range of products, including wakasaimo tempura, Imoten, which can be enjoyed live.

4 Restaurant Sendoan

A Japanese restaurant on the second floor of Wakasaimo Honpo Toyako Main Branch. You can enjoy a meal while gazing at Lake Toya from the window seats. You can enjoy seasonal ingredients, such as dishes made with scallops from Funka Bay, while taking in the beautiful scenery.

5 Okadaya

At Okadaya's restaurant, in addition to the hearty meals, the "white oshiruko" is very popular. The oshiruko, made with ingredients from Hokkaido, is perfect for soothing your tired body after a long day of sightseeing. It is also available for purchase as a souvenir, making it the perfect gift.

Enjoy a casual foot bath! 3 recommended hot spring spots

1 Footbath Pocket Park Yakushi no Yu

Located in the center of Toyako Onsen, you can easily enjoy Toyako Onsen. The cute umbrella-shaped roof is a foot bath with 100% natural hot spring water.

2 Footbath Toryu no Yu

A foot bath on the shores of Lake Toya that uses 100% natural hot spring water. Towel vending machines are also available, so you can casually enjoy a foot bath while watching the changing seasons of Lake Toya.

3 Toya Ikoi House

This municipal bathhouse is located right next to Lake Toya. As it faces the lakeside, you can get a full view of the lake from the bath. Bathing while enjoying the spectacular view will soothe your mind and body.

Hokkaido's largest manga and anime event! 4 recommended events

1 Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival

This fireworks festival is held almost every night over a long period of time. The fireworks launched from the lake can be seen from the walkways along the lakeside and even from some hotel rooms, and the large fireworks light up the sky over Lake Toya.

2 TOYAKO Manga and Anime Festival

An anime and manga event where the entire Toyako Onsen town is transformed into a cosplay venue. Cosplay is not limited to anime and manga, but also games and special effects are allowed. There is also a sales event and a display of itasha cars, making it an exciting festival even just to look at.

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 you can eat Lake Toya Wagyu beef on the spot, and a "vegetable scattering" event where fresh vegetables are scattered from boats on the lake. There are also plenty of attractions, such as the Akebono Lion Dance, Okinawa Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Taiko, clowns, and a portrait corner.

4 LOVE TOYA

A festival held in the rich nature of Lake Toya, inviting a variety of creators active in Toyako and other areas. Every year, elaborate events are held, including food and drink stalls from inside and outside the town, live music, merchandise sales, and an art corner.

*All information listed is current as of June 2023. *All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.