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What's the best way to travel from Sapporo to Lake Toya? A detailed guide to travel times, fares, and ticket purchasing tips
If you are heading directly from Sapporo Station to Lake Toya, take the JR line.
If you're traveling from Sapporo Station to Lake Toya, JR is another option. There are three different travel times between Sapporo Station and Toya Station using JR.
1. The only way to get there is by taking the Hokuto Limited Express. The journey takes about two hours, and the fare is 6,360 yen for a reserved seat and 8,630 yen for a green seat.
2. The only way to get there with one transfer is to take the "Limited Express Suzuran" to Higashi-Muroran Station, then change to the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Toyoura and head to Toya Station. The travel time is around 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the fare is 5,990 yen.
3. With two transfers, you can get there by taking the "Airport Rapid" bound for New Chitose Airport and getting off at Minami-Chitose Station, then take the JR Chitose Line bound for Muroran and get off at Higashi-Muroran Station. From there, take the JR Muroran Main Line bound for Oshamanbe to Toya Station. The travel time is about 3 hours and the fare is 3,630 yen (if you do not use the 840 yen reserved seat on the Airport Rapid).
*If you have to transfer twice, depending on the time of day, it may be easier to travel using different transfer stations.
Once you arrive at JR Toya Station, you can take a Dounan bus or a taxi to your destination, such as Toyako Onsen. It is just over a 10-minute drive from JR Toya Station to Toyako Onsen.
In addition, if you are using the "Hokuto Limited Express" or "Suzuran Limited Express" trains, all seats are reserved and you can receive a discount if you reserve a ticket using the following methods.
Get 45% off by booking tickets in advance online with "Tokkyu Tokudawari"
If you reserve your JR ticket through the website "Ekinet," you can purchase reserved seats at up to 45% off the regular price.
■ Limited Express Tokuda Value 14 Up to 30% off on the "Hokuto Express" from Sapporo Station to Toya Station Up to 45% off on the Suzuran Express from Sapporo Station to Higashimuroran Station Application deadline: 23:50 14 days before the boarding date
■ Limited Express Tokuda Value 1 Up to 15% off on the "Hokuto Express" from Sapporo Station to Toya Station Up to 35% off on the Suzuran Express from Sapporo Station to Higashimuroran Station Application deadline: 23:50 on the day before the trip *The release price will vary within the set price range depending on the predicted occupancy rate and the timing of application.
Intercity Express Buses: Low Fares are an Attractive Feature
To get from Sapporo city to Toya, there is the "Sapporo Toyako Line" operated by Dounan Bus, which requires a reservation. You can board the bus from "Temporary Bus Stop No. 7" on the east side of the Nippon Life Insurance Building (Ekimae-dori side), which is about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.
The ride takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the one-way fare is 2,830 yen. To board the bus, you must make a reservation and make a payment online at least 2 hours before the departure of the first train.
■Stops ・Sapporo side (boarding only): Sapporo Station 7, Minami 1-jo, Susukino, Minami 7-jo Nishi 11-chome, Minami 22-jo Nishi 11-chome, Moiwa Bridge, Moiwa High School, Monan Park, Makomanai Station, Ishiyama 2-jo 8-chome, Fujino 3-jo 2-chome, Fujino 3-jo 8-chome ・Boarding and disembarking points: Shiraito Falls, Jozankei, Usubetsu, Nakayama Toge, Sakae, Kirameki no Sato, Kimobetsu, Citizens' Park, Shiribetsu, Noborigawa Onsen, Izumigawa, Rusutsu Resort Hotel, Rusutsu Kogen, Kitamachi, Rusutsu, Rusutsu Minamimachi, Gonohara, Yonohara, Sannohara, Ninohara, Ichinohara, Toyako Onsen Hospital, Toya Mizunoeki, Narika, Silo Observatory, Hanawa Iriguchi ・Toya side (getting off only): Tsukiura entrance, water station, Koenmae, Toyako Onsen, Sakuramachi, Chuodori, Motomachi, Higashimachi ■ Inquiries ・Sapporo Sales Office 011-865-5511 ・Toya Sales Office 0142-75-2351 ■ Reservations via the Internet Reservations must be made online at least 2 hours before the first bus departure. Reservations can be made through the Dounan Bus online reservation site .
Approximately 2 hours on the highway "Car/Rental Car"
If you are traveling to Toya from central Sapporo on the expressway, enter the Do-o Expressway at Kitago IC and exit at Abuta Toyako IC. The distance is about 160 km, the travel time is about 2 hours, and the expressway toll is 4,080 yen.
Once you get off at Abuta Toyako IC, you will arrive at Toyako Onsen town in about 10 to 20 minutes. You can enjoy a drive with Lake Toya on your side.
Enjoy your trip with the transportation that suits you best
The appeal of Lake Toya is the natural beauty, hot springs, and activities you can enjoy. At Lake Toya Onsen, you can enjoy the abundant hot spring water and spend a relaxing time. Depending on the season, fireworks displays are held on the lake, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is a major attraction.
Why not plan a trip that's perfect for you based on your travel style and budget?
