Sapporo Kani-ya Main Store | Review by WANG

At the platform beside the Usuzan Ropeway station, getting ready to take the striking yellow cable car up the mountain. As the car slowly starts moving and climbs higher, the cable car supports and the car traveling in the opposite direction cross paths over the valley. Below, a vast sea of trees dyed golden yellow and green by autumn stretches out, with richly layered colors.

As the cable car continues to rise, the view becomes more and more expansive. Looking out the window, you can take in the mysterious deep-blue lake in the distance and the surrounding rolling mountains, along with a clear view of the distinctive textures of the volcanic terrain. Being able to look down on this entire magnificent natural landscape without the effort of hiking, and watching the scenery outside constantly change as you easily climb higher, is truly exhilarating.

I drove to the Silo Observatory in October, and the view here was incredibly expansive. The entire surface of Lake Toya and the islands in the middle were all visible at a glance. When you take photos next to the large “TOYA” sign, the spectacular lake and mountains are right behind you. You can also occasionally see sightseeing helicopters flying overhead, which makes for a magnificent sight.

After leaving the observatory, it was only a short drive to nearby Lake Hill Farm. There’s a vast green lawn here, with beautiful Mt. Yotei visible in the distance. There were even cute little white sheep grazing with their heads down, creating a very relaxing atmosphere.

The farm’s ice cream shop is in a small wooden building surrounded by autumn trees, giving it a warm, country feel. I ordered a rich soft-serve ice cream and slowly enjoyed it outside while taking in the expansive scenery. It was the perfect way to relax and enjoy a slower pace.

We boarded the white Lake Toya sightseeing boat and set off. The boat slowly pulled away from the pier, leaving a long trail of white spray across the deep blue lake. Standing on the deck in the cool breeze and watching the lakeshore scenery surrounded by fall colors slowly pass by felt so relaxing.

After the boat reached Nakajima in the middle of the lake, we went ashore and walked along the Nakajima National Forest trail in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The trees had already turned golden yellow and orange-red, with their tall trunks stretching straight up toward the sky, and flocks of birds often flew overhead. Walking along the path covered in fallen leaves, it was so quiet that all I could hear were my footsteps, and my whole pace slowed down.

On the way back, I stood on the top deck and watched the sun gradually set. Golden light spread across the shimmering surface of the lake, and the distant mountains looked especially soft. This relaxing trip of enjoying the scenery from the boat and walking around the island let me fully take in the views of the lake.