Lake Toya (Toyako) Complete Guide 2026: Hot Springs, Mt. Usu Volcano & Best Things to Do in Hokkaido
Toyako Lake is one of Japan's most beautiful caldera lakes, located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido.
A caldera lake refers to a lake formed when water accumulates in a large depression created by a volcanic eruption.
This lake is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and was selected as the venue for the G8 Summit in 2008, where leaders from major countries around the world gathered.
The surrounding area features Mt. Usu, an active volcano, and Toyako Onsen, a hot spring resort utilizing geothermal springs from underground. As a place where you can experience both the power of nature and relaxation simultaneously, it attracts many travelers from both Japan and abroad.
In this article, we will provide detailed information essential for sightseeing at Toyako Lake, from its formation and attractions to must-visit viewing spots, activities such as sightseeing boats and canoeing, and recommended events for each season.
Even if you are visiting Toyako Lake for the first time, reading this article will help you plan a fulfilling trip.
Table of Contents
-Toyako Lake is a Caldera Lake Formed When Water Accumulated in a Caldera Created by an Eruption Approximately 110,000 Years Ago
-Three Things to Enjoy at Toyako Lake
-3 Must-Visit Spots to Fully Experience the Charm of Toyako Lake
-3 Recommended Activities to Fully Enjoy the Beauty and Nature of Toyako Lake
Toyako Lake is a Caldera Lake Formed When Water Accumulated in a Caldera Created by an Eruption Approximately 110,000 Years Ago
Toyako Lake is a caldera lake formed by a massive volcanic eruption approximately 110,000 years ago.
It has an almost circular shape, measuring approximately 11km from east to west and 9km from north to south, with a maximum depth of 180m. In the center of the lake floats Nakashima, consisting of four islands, and its mystical scenery continues to captivate all who visit.
A distinctive feature of this lake is that it does not freeze even in winter, which is rare for Hokkaido.
Due to the influence of geothermal heat from underground, the lake surface does not freeze even in the middle of winter, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful lake surface throughout the year.
In 2009, it was certified as the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark, becoming the first in Japan to receive UNESCO Global Geopark certification.
The Beautiful Scenery and Surrounding Hot Spring Areas are the Reasons for its Popularity as a Tourist Destination
The reasons why Toyako Lake is popular as a tourist destination are its overwhelming natural beauty and the hot spring areas scattered around it.
The highly transparent blue lake surface, the islands floating on the lake, and the mountains spreading in the background create a beauty that can only be seen here.
Particularly, Toyako Hot Springs, which spreads along the southern shore of the lake, is one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring resorts.
Many accommodation facilities line the lakeside, where you can relax and enjoy the hot springs while viewing the lake from guest rooms and open-air baths.
Three Things to Enjoy at Toyako Lake
Toyako Lake is a charming place where you can enjoy beautiful scenery. From here, we will introduce in detail three things you can enjoy at Toyako Lake.
The Harmony of Beautiful Toyako Lake and Surrounding Landscapes
The charm of Toyako Lake lies not only in the beauty of the lake itself but also in its harmony with the surrounding nature. The clear blue lake surface reflects the sky, clouds, and surrounding mountains, showing a mirror-like beauty.
Walking paths are maintained along the lakeside, allowing you to view the lake from various angles while strolling.
During sunrise and sunset, the lake surface is dyed golden, creating a fantastic landscape.
On clear days, you can see across to the opposite shore of the lake, and you will be overwhelmed by its magnificent scale.
When I visited, I was so moved that I could have gazed at it forever.
Activities to Experience the Beauty of Toyako Lake are Also Popular
At Toyako Lake, activities such as sightseeing boats, canoeing, and horseback riding allow you to enjoy the lake's beauty from various perspectives.
The scenery viewed from on the lake has a different charm from that on land, and tours around Nakashima by sightseeing boat are particularly popular.
Detailed activity information will be introduced later.
Toyako Hot Springs, Which Attracts Travelers from All Over the Country
Source:Toya SunPalace Resort & Spa
Toyako Hot Springs is a hot spring resort area that spreads along the southern shore of Toyako Lake. "Onsen" refers to naturally occurring hot water that springs from underground, and in Japan, it has been used for health and relaxation since ancient times.
This onsen area boasts abundant hot water born from the volcanic activity of Mt. Usu, and the quality of the onsen water is chloride spring, which is said to have skin-beautifying effects that make the skin smooth.
Many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels have open-air baths facing the lake, where you can spend relaxing time while viewing the spectacular scenery.
There are also facilities that offer day-trip bathing, so the attractive point is that you can enjoy the hot springs even without staying overnight.
The Rich Surrounding Nature That Shows Different Expressions in Each Season
The area around Toyako Lake is a place where you can enjoy beautiful nature in all four seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms color the lakeside, and in summer, the contrast between deep green and the blue lake is vivid.
In autumn, the surrounding mountains are dyed in autumn colors, and the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface is exceptional, making it also recommended as a photo spot.
In winter, the surroundings are covered with snow, and a silver world spreads out.
However, as mentioned earlier, the lake does not freeze even in cold seasons, so you can see a unique landscape where the blue lake surface floats amid the snowy scenery.
No matter which season you visit, you can enjoy spectacular views unique to Toyako Lake.
Mt. Yotei to the North, Mt. Usu and Showashinzan to the South—Magnificent Nature Spreads All Around
Around Toyako Lake, distinctive mountains tower. To the northwest is Mt. Yotei, whose beautiful conical shape resembles Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, earning it the nickname "Ezo Fuji."
To the south are Mt. Usu, an active volcano, and Showashinzan, which suddenly appeared from the eruption in 1943. The charm lies in the scenery where you can enjoy both the magnificent appearance of these mountains and Toyako Lake at the same time.
3 Must-Visit Spots to Fully Experience the Charm of Toyako Lake
There are so many spots around Toyako Lake that you might find it difficult to decide where to go.
Here, we will introduce three spots that you should definitely visit to fully enjoy the charm of Toyako Lake.
Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck
The Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck is a scenic spot located on a hill approximately 170 meters above sea level on the western shore of Toyako Lake.
From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Toyako Lake, Nakashima floating in the lake, Mt. Usu, and Showa Shinzan. You can also see Mt. Yotei to the northwest, making this the ultimate viewpoint to enjoy all the scenery of the Toyako Lake area at once.
Inside the facility, there are shops and a restaurant offering famous Hokkaido confections and items made with the region's renowned lavender. You can enjoy magnificent views from the restaurant windows.
From spring to autumn, you can also enjoy "Sky Cruising," a helicopter ride that allows you to view Toyako Lake from above.
<Information>
Address: 3-5 Narika, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Hours: 8:30–18:00 (May–October) / 8:30–17:00 (November–April)
Closed: None
Phone: 0142-87-2221
Official Website: https://toyako.biz/
Usuzan Ropeway / Terrace of Mt. Usuzan
Source:Official website
The Usuzan Ropeway is a sightseeing ropeway that takes you near the summit of Mt. Usu, an active volcano.
Departing from the foot of Showa Shinzan, you can enjoy an approximately 6-minute aerial journey. From the gondola, you'll be captivated by the panoramic views of Showa Shinzan and Toyako Lake.
At the summit station, there is the "Mt. USU Terrace," where you can relax on sofas while enjoying the spectacular view along with café offerings.
There is also an attached café, and when I visited, I ordered a hot sandwich and smoothie.
Additionally, about a 7-minute walk from the terrace is the "Crater Rim Observatory," where you can see steam rising from the crater formed by the 1977 eruption up close, allowing you to feel the Earth's activity firsthand.
<Information>
Address: 184-5 Showashinzan, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido
Hours: 8:00–18:00 (varies by season)
Closed: None
Phone: 0142-75-2401
Official Website: https://usuzan.hokkaido.jp/ja/
Toyako Onsen
Source:Toya SunPalace Resort & Spa
Toyako Hot Springs is a hot spring resort town that stretches along the southern shore of Toyako Lake and serves as a base for sightseeing in this area.
Along the lakeside, various accommodations line the streets, including resort hotels and traditional Japanese-style ryokan, and many facilities offer hot spring baths with views of the lake.
The hot spring town is well-equipped with restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops, making it a delightful area to stroll around.
Along the lakeside, there is a promenade dotted with sculptures, where you can leisurely walk while enjoying art.
Additionally, there are cruise boat departure points and sightseeing bus terminals, making it a convenient location as a starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Many facilities offer day-trip bathing, so you can enjoy the hot springs even without staying overnight.
<Information>
Address: Varies by facility
Hours: Varies by facility
Closed: Varies by facility
Phone: 0142-75-2446 (Toyako Onsen Tourism Association)
Official Website: https://www.laketoya.com/
3 Recommended Activities to Fully Enjoy the Beauty and Nature of Toyako Lake
At Toyako Lake, in addition to enjoying the scenery and hot springs, there are various activities available, which is another attractive feature.
Here, we will introduce three carefully selected activities that allow you to fully enjoy the beauty and nature of Toyako Lake.
Toyako Kisen (Lake Cruise)
Source:Official website
Toyako Kisen offers cruise ships that tour around Toyako Lake.
Several ships operate, including the large cruise ship "Espoir," which is designed to resemble a medieval castle.
The views of Mt. Usu, Mt. Yotei, and Nakashima from the lake are exceptionally beautiful and cannot be experienced from land.
Espoir also has a restaurant, and when I visited during lunchtime, I enjoyed dishes made with Hokkaido ingredients.
From late April to the end of October, you can also disembark at Nakashima, where you can explore the island and visit the Nakashima Forest Museum.
<Information>
Address: 29 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Hours: Summer 8:30–16:30 (every 30 minutes) / Winter 9:00–16:00 (every 60 minutes)
Closed: None
Phone: 0142-75-2137
Official Website: https://www.toyakokisen.com/
Horse Trekking
Source:Toya SunPalace Resort & Spa
At Toyako Lake, "horse trekking," where you ride horses through nature, is also a popular activity.
"Lake Toya Ranch" offers programs that even beginners can participate in with confidence.
The experience of riding through forests and grasslands on horseback while viewing Toyako Lake and Mt. Yotei is truly exceptional.
Experienced guides provide thorough support, so even first-time riders can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.
There are also programs that small children can participate in, making it possible for families to join together.
This activity is recommended for those who want to enjoy nature from a different perspective than usual.
<Information>
Address: 44 Tsukiura, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Hours: 9:30–16:20
Closed: Open daily in summer / Closed Tuesdays in winter
Phone: 0142-73-2455
Official Website: https://www.jphorseriding.com/toya/
Canoe Tour
Source:Toya Toybox
A canoe tour where you paddle across the calm and beautiful surface of Toyako Lake is a popular activity that lets you feel at one with the lake.
"Toya Toybox" offers guided canoe tours.
Viewing Toyako Lake from just above the water's surface offers a different charm from the cruise ships.
During morning tours, you may experience the mystical lake surface wrapped in morning mist, and on clear days, you might even see the sunrise.
In the quiet atmosphere where only the sound of paddling echoes, you can spend luxurious time facing nature.
There are also programs for beginners, and since you proceed in small groups, you can participate with confidence even without canoe experience.
I participated during the autumn foliage season, and the time spent slowly paddling a canoe through the colorful trees was exceptional.
<Information>
Address: 224 Toya-cho, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Hours: 0142-87-2355
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 0142-87-2355
Official Website: https://toyatoybox.com/
My Recommendations! Seasonal Events to Enjoy at Toyako Lake
Toyako Lake is a place rich in nature, so you can enjoy it in various ways depending on the season.
From here, I will introduce recommended events you can enjoy at Toyako Lake for each season.
Summer: Toyako Lake Long Run Fireworks Display
Source:Official website
The Toyako Lake Long Run Fireworks Display is a fireworks event held every night for about half a year, from late April to the end of October each year.
In Japan, "fireworks festivals" are typically one-night-only summer events, but this fireworks display is a very rare event that can be enjoyed every day for half a year.
Every night from 8:45 PM for about 20 minutes, approximately 450 fireworks illuminate the lake. The fireworks are launched from boats and are set off while moving about 2 km, so a special feature is that you can enjoy them from anywhere along the lakeside.
The luxury of watching fireworks from your room at a hot spring inn or from an open-air bath is a unique way to enjoy Toyako Lake.
<Information>
Address: Toyako Onsen, Toyako Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido
Hours: April 28 (Tue) - October 31 (Sat), 2026
Closed: None during the period
Phone: 0142-75-2446 (Toyako Onsen Tourism Association)
Official Website: https://www.laketoya.com/event/fireworks/
Winter: Illumination Tunnel
Source:Tripadvisor
The Toyako Hot Springs Illumination Tunnel is a winter tradition held every year from November to around April of the following year.
A tunnel of light decorated with approximately 400,000 LED bulbs appears along the path from the plaza in the center of the hot spring town to the lakeside.
Walking through the approximately 70-meter-long tunnel, you can enjoy a magical world of lights.
The collaboration between snowy scenery and illumination is a beauty unique to this season.
When I visited, I took a photo with the "TOYA" letter object and the illumination in the background, which became a wonderful travel memory.
The lighting hours are from 5:00 PM to around 10:00 PM, perfect for an evening stroll in the hot spring town. Admission is free, so you can easily enjoy it.
<Information>
Address: 69 Toyako Onsen, Toyako Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido
Hours: November 1, 2025 - February 28, 2026: Lighting time 17:00 - 22:00/ March 1, 2026 - April 27, 2026: Lighting time 18:00 - 22:00
Closed: None
Phone: 0142-75-2446 (Toyako Onsen Tourism Association)
Official Website: https://www.laketoya.com/event/illumination/
Spring & Autumn: Beautiful Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves Collaboration with Toyako Lake
Spring and autumn are arguably the best seasons to enjoy the natural beauty of Toyako Lake.
In spring (early to mid-May), the cherry blossoms along the lakeside reach full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast between the blue lake surface and pink cherry blossoms. Since Hokkaido's cherry blossoms bloom later than mainland Japan, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing even in May.
In autumn (mid to late October), Mt. Usu and the surrounding mountains are dyed in autumn colors. The beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface is exceptional and is a spectacular view that can only be seen during this season.
You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the autumn leaves and the lake from the Silo Observatory and the Usuzan Ropeway.
Please fully enjoy the nature of Toyako Lake while feeling the changing of the four seasons.
After Returning from Toyako Lake, Enjoy Bar Hopping with a Local Guide at Night!
After enjoying daytime sightseeing at Toyako Lake, why not return to Sapporo and explore the nightlife?
The "Bar Hopping Food Tour" is a tour where you visit izakayas popular with locals and hidden bars that are hard for tourists to find on their own, accompanied by a local guide who knows the area inside out.
You can learn about Japanese bar culture and how to enjoy local sake while also enjoying interactions with local people. You can also savor Hokkaido's seafood.
The guides speak English, so you can participate with peace of mind even if you don't speak Japanese.
Please experience the charm of the city at night, which contrasts with the great nature of Toyako Lake.
<Information>
Meeting Point: Susukino Station
Tour Area: Around Susukino Station
Start Time: 6:00 PM
