All Reviews of Lake Toya

At Lake Toya, Hokkaido's renowned hot spring resort destination, stand in front of the vintage wooden “Lake Toya WELCOME” sign by the lakeside path and take in the broad, calm blue lake and the layers of mountains in the distance! Each season has its own distinctive scenery. Walking along the lakeside path, admiring the artwork in the sculpture park, or taking a sightseeing cruise around the lake can all completely relax your body and mind. At night, there's also a spectacular fireworks show over the lake. Whether you stay at a hot spring hotel to soak and enjoy the view or simply come for a walk and photos, this is a dreamy scenic spot that shouldn't be missed on an independent trip to Hokkaido!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Lake Toya in winter is as beautiful as a still painting❄️
The ground is covered in white snow, and the lake reflects the distant mountains. It feels quiet and soothing. Standing by the lake, with the magnificent scenery shaped by volcanoes right in front of you, you can really feel both the power and gentleness of nature.

The difference between good weather and bad weather is huge. Coming on a sunny day really makes it so much better.

Lake Toya is a hot spring lake in Hokkaido that never freezes over. The island in the middle of the lake reminded me so much of a HERSHEY'S Kisses chocolate when I first saw it! Behind Lake Toya, there's Mt. Yotei, which looks a lot like Mt. Fuji (it's also called Ezo Fuji). There are tons of attractions around the lake:
1. The Usuzan Ropeway (cable car)
2. Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
3. In summer, you can take a cruise and watch fireworks at night; in winter, there's a starlight path
4. If you're traveling on your own, you can even try out beginner-level ski slopes here
Honestly, if you want to fully enjoy Lake Toya, even a three-day, two-night trip doesn't feel like enough!

A well-known hot spring area in Hokkaido. There are lots of fun spots nearby, like Mt. Usu, Showa Shinzan, and a bear ranch.