A Guide to Lake Toya in Hokkaido, Japan

Located in the city of Hokkaido, Japan, Lake Toya is a beautiful caldera lake that is surrounded by mountains on all sides. The lake is approximately 42 kilometers in circumference and has a maximum depth of 180 meters. Its coordinates are approximately 42.5749° N, 140.8222° E.

Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do around Lake Toya, no matter what time of year you visit.

Summer Activities

• Take a boat tour of the lake to see the beautiful scenery from the water.
• Visit the Lake Toya Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs.
• Hike around the lake and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and the water.
• Try your hand at fishing for salmon or trout in the lake.
• Take a bike ride around the lake for a fun and active way to explore the area.

Winter Activities

• Go skiing or snowboarding at one of the nearby ski resorts.
• Take a snowshoe tour around the lake to see the winter wonderland scenery.
• Try your hand at ice fishing on the frozen lake.
• Visit the Lake Toya Ice Festival to see the amazing ice sculptures.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of options for accommodations around Lake Toya, including hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), and guesthouses.

• The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort is a luxurious hotel with amazing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
• The Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace is a comfortable hotel with a hot spring bath and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
• The Toyako Onsen Hokkai Hotel is a ryokan with traditional Japanese-style rooms and a hot spring bath.
• The Pension Ohno is a cozy guesthouse with a friendly atmosphere and comfortable rooms.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Lake Toya is by train or bus from Sapporo. The journey takes approximately two hours. There are also direct buses from New Chitose Airport to Lake Toya.

If you prefer to drive, it is approximately a two-hour drive from Sapporo.

Conclusion

Lake Toya is a beautiful and serene destination that is perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. With plenty of activities to do and accommodations to choose from, it is an ideal destination for a vacation in Hokkaido, Japan.