Lake Toya

Published on : 27/04/2024
by : C.C.

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Lac Toya à Hokkaido
© Nopparuj Lamaikul, Unsplash

A jewel of nature

In the south of the island of Hokkaido, just a stone's throw from Sapporo, Lake Toya (Toyako) reveals its singularity and tranquility in the heart of Shikotsu-Tōya National Park.

The origin of Lake Toya lies in a caldera formed after a volcanic eruption over a hundred thousand years ago. This intense volcanic activity, which continues today, shapes the characteristic relief of Lake Toya and its surroundings. To the north, mount Yotei proudly bears its nickname of Ezo Fuji (or Hokkaido Fuji); to the south, we find Mount Showa-Shinzan and Mount Usu.

Over 10 km in diameter, Lake Toya has a group of four islands at its center, known as Nakanoshima.

Accessible by ferry from the town of Toyako-onsen, the main island, Nakajima, offers an excursion of a few hours amid lush vegetation filled with wild Hokkaido fallow deer.

Volcano tour

For a pleasant hike, head for Mount Usu : after a cable car ascent and a stop at the panorama overlooking the lake, you can begin a walk punctuated by the permanent emanations of fumaroles. The highlight of the tour? A breathtaking view of the surrounding area, between ocean and volcanoes.

Culminating at 735 meters, Mount Usu last erupted in 2000. Still very active, its awakening can be anticipated by the numerous tremors that precede it three to ten days in advance.

Nearby, the small Mount Showa-Shinzan is one of the sights on the lake's shores. This 398-metre-high volcanic dome appeared in the middle of a field following a series of tremors between 1944 and 1945.

View from the summit of Mount Usu over Lake Toya
© Raita Futo, wikimedias

Onsen with a view

Renowned for making skin soft, supple and healthy, the onsen in the spa town of Toyako-onsen are particularly popular. These natural hot springs, whose water is drawn from depths of between 60 and 150 meters, are rich in mineral salts such as sodium, calcium and sulfate. They are supposed to treat neuralgia, burns, muscular pains and other everyday aches and pains. In addition to these baths, which are accessible from private establishments, there is a circuit criss-crossing the city, dotted with miniature onsen for feet and hands.

Just over two hours by car from Sapporo, the lake is alive with festivals all year round, and lights up with fireworks every evening from April to October. Visiting in winter? Extend your Hokkaido experience with a trip to the ski slopes of Niseko less than an hour from Lake Toya.

How to get to Lake Toya

From Sapporo :

Limited Express Hokuto train to Toya Station then Lake Toya line bus (洞爺湖線) to Toyako Onsen stop to be south of the lake 〜 2 h 30 〜 6,650 ￥ (€38).
Direct bus from Sapporo to Toyako Onsen 〜 3 h 〜 3700 ￥(22 €)

From Hakodate:

Limited Express Hokuto train to Toya Station then Lake Toya line bus (洞爺湖線) to Toyako Onsen stop to be south of the lake 〜 3 h 〜 6,650 ￥ (€38).

A car is perhaps the easiest option. Once you're close to the lake, you can drive around it and explore the surrounding area easily with a vehicle. The car allows greater flexibility in your program and lets you discover remote places! If your driving license was issued in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Monaco or Taiwan, you'll need an official translation to drive in Japan.