CityBuddy
Lake Toya
Best time to visit
Early morning in summer offers calm reflections and sunrise light, while late October shows vivid autumn colors; summer evenings host nightly fireworks during the festival period.
Budget tips
Lakeshore access is free; boat cruises typically cost about ¥1,500 to ¥2,500 and onsen day-use runs ¥600 to ¥1,500. Save by walking the lakeside instead of taking a cruise, buying combination tickets for ropeway and boat, and using a Hokkaido Rail Pass or regional JR tickets for transit.
Recommended for
Onsen seekers, Photography enthusiasts, Couples, Nature lovers
Plan your visit
Half day
About
クイックファクト: An almost perfectly circular caldera holds a startlingly blue lake whose glassy surface mirrors the volcanic ridges around it. Onsen towns hug one shore, so you can soak in hot springs with steam drifting over the water and then stroll along lakeside promenades.
ハイライト: A group of four tree-covered islets called Nakajima crowns the middle, and small boats let you step ashore to walk beneath pines and inhale the cool, mineral-tinted air. At sunrise a thin veil of steam from nearby geothermal vents gilds the surface in molten gold and orange, a sight often captured by photographers using 300mm lenses to isolate the islands against the glowing water.
Insider tips
- Dress in layers and bring a windproof jacket, lakeshore breezes can be chilly even in summer.
- Head to Sairo Observatory or the lakeside near Toyako Onsen for sunrise and wide-angle shots of Nakajima Island and Mt. Usu.
- Arrive early morning or after the evening fireworks to avoid the busiest promenade times.
- Buy snacks or souvenirs at Toya Station or convenience stores to avoid higher prices on the main onsen strip.
Practical info
Hokkaido, Japan で無料のウォーキングツアーを予約するにはクリック
地元のツアーガイドと街を体験する最良の方法。
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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