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Lake Toya

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Lake Toya

Dynamics of nature created by volcanic activity spread in front of you.

3.47 12

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There is no better attraction than the natural landscape of Lake Toya in Hokkaido. The area around a caldera lake, Lake Toya , and an active volcano, Mt.Usu, was designated as the Toya- Usu Unesco Global Geopark in UNESCO Global Geopark.

The dynamics of nature are a highlight created by volcanic activity erupting once a few decades. Walking on the Mt.Usu Nishiyama Foot Route, you can feel first-hand the volcanic power of Mt. Usu-Nishiyama erupted on March 31st, 2000. The Foot Route has the north and south entrances, one way is 1.2km long and about 60 minutes for walking (opened April 20th- the end of November and closed in winter).

The uplifted ground and broken blacktops are vivid examples of the damages by tectonic activity of the 2000 eruption, it is a suitable site to witness the destruction and regeneration by volcanic activity. The fare is free, the location is accessible by a 5- minute ride by car from around the Lake Toya Onsen and a 13-minute ride by car from Toya station.

Around the area, spa hotels have water characteristics of compromising sodium and calcium-chloride, and restaurants serving dishes with a lot of local food caught from the sea or farm, which are recommended to enjoy a relaxing stay.

Highlights

  • The area was designated as the Toya-Usu Unesco Global Geopark in UNESCO Global Geopark.
  • Mt. Usu Nishiyama Foot Route is well equipped for walking, you can observe the energetic power of the volcano.
  • The Foot Route is closed in the winter season, don’t miss checking the official website beforehand.
  • A souvenir shop selling specialties of Hokkaido is located on the observation deck of Lake Toya.

Photos

  • Lake Toya

    Lake Toya

  • Lake Toya and the Mt. Usu Nishiyama Foot Route viewed from above.

    Lake Toya and the Mt. Usu Nishiyama Foot Route viewed from above.

  • The panoramic scenery of Lake Toya and Mt. Showa Shinzan viewed from the observation deck of Mt. Usu.

    The panoramic scenery of Lake Toya and Mt. Showa Shinzan viewed from the observation deck of Mt. Usu.

  • The safety walking road is equipped.

    The safety walking road is equipped.

  • The eight views of Lake Toya.

    The eight views of Lake Toya.

  • The terrible damage caused by the volcanic eruption.

    The terrible damage caused by the volcanic eruption.

Reviews

12

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 蘇自強
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    I came to Lake Toya alone in early summer.

    The morning air was fresh, and everything around me was quiet.

    Sitting quietly by the lake, all my stress and exhaustion completely disappeared.

  • 愛玩日本
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    Lake Toya is deep blue and crystal clear in the summer, and the lakeshore and Nakajima Island in the center are lush and green. It's a great place to take a sightseeing boat to the island and go for a walk. Walking along the lake with a gentle breeze feels very pleasant. Every evening from April to October, there's a fireworks show, and it's very beautiful!

  • WANG
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    Lake Toya in October is perfect for renting a car and taking a leisurely drive, enjoying a slower pace without the pressure of rushing through an itinerary. Along the lakeside road, the trees on both sides are painted in rich golden yellow and vivid orange-red fall colors. Everywhere you stop, there’s a view that makes you want to linger a little longer.

    Toward evening, the sun gradually begins to set, casting a warm golden glow over the entire lake and the distant mountains. Sitting by the lake and watching the sun slowly go down, with the orange-red sky reflected on the shimmering water, it’s so quiet that all you can hear is the wind and the rippling water. It instantly puts your mind at ease.

    After dark, the highlight is Lake Toya’s famous fireworks show over the lake. There’s no need to squeeze through crowds. You can simply sit in your room at an onsen hotel or soak in an open-air bath, relaxing while looking up at the brilliant fireworks blooming across the night sky. The colorful sparks reflected on the dark lake create an unforgettable scene.

    Staying at an onsen hotel by the lake, enjoying a relaxing soak and a good meal, and leisurely spending time at a slower pace in Hokkaido is truly one of life’s great pleasures.

  • 趙一涵
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    The scenery was beautiful, with sunshine and a cool breeze. We got to see the rare Lake Toya blue—so lucky, so lucky 👍🏻

  • BobbyJenny
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    The lake is crystal clear and calm, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds like a beautiful landscape painting. Walking along the lakeshore with a gentle breeze and fresh air feels incredibly relaxing and offers a welcome break from the busyness of everyday life.

    The lakeside has well-maintained walking paths and rest areas where visitors can leisurely enjoy the views of the lake and mountains. A sightseeing cruise offers an up-close view of Nakajima Island and another perspective on Lake Toya’s natural beauty. At sunset, the warm light shimmers across the water, making the scenery even more enchanting and hard to leave behind.

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Details

Name in Japanese
洞爺湖
Postal Code
049-5802
Address
Toyamachi, Toyakocho, Abutagun, Hokkaido
Direction
A 13-minute ride by car from the Toya station.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa