Hokkaido Attractions | There's a kind of beauty you can't buy—the tranquil beauty of Lake Toya

Lake Toya in Hokkaido is Japan's third-largest volcanic lake, formed approximately 110,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. I recommend visiting in winter, when there are fewer tourists. Find a seat on the snowy ground and enjoy the tranquility of the lake and the four small islands (Oshima, Bentenjima, Kannonjima, and Manjujima) in the distance.

Getting there: Lake Toya is located in southwest Hokkaido and can be reached in three ways: 1. Driving is the most convenient option, but be careful in winter when the roads are covered in snow. 2. Taking a day tour offers a more convenient and enjoyable experience, but requires a shorter stay. 3. Take the JR Special Class Hokuto from Sapporo to JR Toya Station, then transfer to a bus to Toyako Onsen. Alternatively, take a bus directly from Sapporo to Toyako Onsen, but the bus runs are less frequent.

The beauty of Lake Toya can only be experienced in person. The lake boasts regular sightseeing boats, the "Nozomi" and the "Yotei," offering approximately one-hour cruises, offering panoramic views of Mount Yotei, Showa Shinzan, and Mount Usu, as well as the Nakajima Islands (collectively known as Oshima, Bentenjima, Kannonjima, and Manjujima). Along the shores of Lake Toya are numerous photo spots and foot baths, including a scenic spot with a lakeside track reminiscent of a scene from the film Spirited Away. Beyond the shores of Lake Toya, visitors can explore the hot spring district, home to a variety of hot spring hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants. We recommend spending a night in Lake Toya to savor this tranquil moment.

#ToyaLake #LakeToyaBeautifulScenery #LakeToyaBottomRoute #EightViewsofLakeToya #LakeToyaOnsen #LakeToyaOnsenStreet #LakeToyaSightseeing #Volcano #VolcanoLake #Sapporo #Hokkaido #Japan

Post by 大叔衝日本 | Aug 8, 2025