Lake Toya - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Lake Toya

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Lake Toya, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Lake Toya and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Lake Toya, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Lake Toya for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a volcanic caldera lake located in Hokkaido, Japan. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and it is known for its picturesque scenery and hot spring resorts. The lake is also a popular spot for water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating. On the northern shore of Lake Toya is Mount Usu, an active volcano that last erupted in 2000. The eruption created a new crater, and visitors can take a cable car to the top of the mountain for a spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding area. Lake Toya is located approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido.

What to visit in Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a picturesque caldera lake located in Hokkaido, Japan. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its natural beauty, hot springs, and outdoor activities. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions of Lake Toya: 1. Lake Toya Hot Springs The Lake Toya Hot Springs are a collection of natural hot springs located around the lake. There are many hotels and resorts that offer hot spring baths, and visitors can also visit the nearby hot spring town of Toyako Onsen.
2. Mount Usu Mount Usu is a volcano located near Lake Toya. Visitors can take a ropeway or hike to the summit, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
3. Toyako Forest Museum The Toyako Forest Museum is a museum dedicated to the forests of Hokkaido. It features exhibits on the ecology, culture, and history of the forests.
4. Nakajima Island Nakajima Island is a small island located in the middle of Lake Toya. Visitors can take a boat tour around the island to see its natural features and wildlife.
5. Lake Hill Farm Lake Hill Farm is a working farm near Lake Toya. Visitors can see the farm's cows, horses, and sheep and can participate in activities such as horseback riding and milking cows.
6. Toyako Onsen Toyako Onsen is a hot spring town located near Lake Toya. It features many hotels and inns with hot springs, as well as shops and restaurants.
Overall, there is much to see and do in the Lake Toya area, making it a great destination for nature lovers and those interested in Japanese culture.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Lake Toya

The best time to visit Lake Toya is during the summer months (June to September), when you can enjoy pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and various outdoor activities. The average temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C during these months, making it perfect for hiking, fishing, and water sports. However, if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful vacation with fewer crowds, you can also consider visiting Lake Toya during the shoulder season (April to May and October to November). During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and you can enjoy the autumn foliage or cherry blossoms depending on the time of year. Note that Lake Toya is a popular tourist destination, so it's recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during the summer months.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Lake Toya

You can get to Lake Toya by taking a train or bus from Sapporo. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 4,000 yen. You would need to take the JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo to Toya Station, followed by a bus or a taxi to Lake Toya. The bus is more affordable, costing around 500 yen, but take around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car to drive from Sapporo to Lake Toya. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and there are several car rental companies located at Sapporo's New Chitose Airport.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Lake Toya, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Lake Toya

Here are some typical foods of Lake Toya in Japan with a brief description for each: 1. Toya nabe - An iconic Hokkaido hotpot dish made with seafood, vegetables, and tofu cooked in a kelp broth served with ponzu or miso dipping sauce.
2. Jaga pokkuru - Potato snacks made from Hokkaido's renowned potatoes. They are crunchy and savory in taste.
3. Kaisen-don - This is a rice bowl dish topped with fresh seafood, such as salmon, tuna, shrimp, and scallops.
4. Miso ramen - A classic Hokkaido dish, this ramen is made with a savory miso broth and topped with vegetables and meat.
5. Ishikari-nabe - A hot pot dish made with pink salmon, tofu and vegetables. It has a savory salmon soup base and is a dish that is associated with the Ishikari region of Hokkaido.
6. Soft serve ice cream - While not a traditional dish, Lake Toya is also known for its quality dairy products, especially its soft serve ice cream, which is rich and creamy.
7. Jingisukan - This dish is Hokkaido's version of Mongolian barbecue, where lamb or mutton is grilled with vegetables on a circular iron griddle.
8. Hokkaido milk bread - A light and fluffy bread made with Hokkaido milk that is perfect for a breakfast or snack.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Lake Toya an expensive destination for tourists?

Lake Toya in Japan can be considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists, especially during the peak tourist season. Hotel and accommodation prices tend to be higher, and the cost of food and transportation can also add up. However, there are ways to save money such as staying in budget accommodations or opting for local food options instead of dining in expensive restaurants. It's also possible to save money by traveling during the off-season when prices tend to be lower.

Where to find accomodation in Lake Toya

The best areas to find accommodation to visit Lake Toya in Japan are the towns of Toyako Onsen, Sobetsu, and Rusutsu. Toyako Onsen is located on the eastern shore of the lake and offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Sobetsu is a small, quiet town located just north of Toyako Onsen, with a few small inns and guesthouses available. Rusutsu is a ski resort located on the western shore of the lake and offers a range of lodging options, including hotels and lodges. All three areas offer easy access to scenic spots around Lake Toya.
You can check hotel prices at Lake Toya here:
Booking.com

Is Lake Toya a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Lake Toya is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Japan, in general, is one of the safest countries in the world, with low rates of crime and violence. However, like in any tourist destination, visitors should take reasonable precautions for their safety: being aware of their surroundings, taking care of their belongings, and following local laws and customs. It is also advisable to check the weather forecast before visiting Lake Toya, as the area may experience heavy snowfall and other extreme weather conditions during certain seasons.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Lake Toya.

What type of travelers will enjoy Lake Toya the most?

Lake Toya in Japan is an excellent destination for various types of travelers. It is suitable for couples who want a romantic getaway with beautiful scenic views of the lake and hot springs. Young people looking for fun can enjoy water sports, hiking, and nature exploration activities. Families with children can also have a great time as there are plenty of family-friendly activities like boat rides and visiting nearby attractions such as Toya-ko Forest Museum and Date Reimei Park. Additionally, Lake Toya is also known as a volcanic hotspot, so it is an excellent place for geologists and people interested in volcanic activities. Overall, Lake Toya caters to all types of travelers with its array of outdoor and indoor activities.

How to get around Lake Toya

The most common transportation options to move around Lake Toya in Japan are by car, bus, or taxi. Renting a car is popular for sightseeing, while buses operated by Donan Bus or Resort Liner connect major attractions around Lake Toya. Taxis are also available but can be costly for long distances. Additionally, you can take a cruise ship to enjoy Lake Toya's stunning scenery from the water.

What to see around Lake Toya

Sure, here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Lake Toya in Japan: 1. Mount Usu: A volcanic mountain that offers hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Toya.
2. Noboribetsu Onsen: A hot spring resort town that is famous for its therapeutic waters.
3. Lake Shikotsu: A clear blue lake that offers scenic walks, bike rides, and water sports.
4. Sapporo city: A vibrant and modern city that offers a wide range of attractions including parks, museums, and shopping.
5. Otaru city: A charming seaside town that is well-known for its historic canal and glasswork.
6. Jozankei Onsen: A hot spring resort town that offers panoramic views of mountains and rivers.
7. Lake Akan: A scenic lake that is famous for its unique emerald-green water and rare marimo moss balls.
These are just a few suggestions, but there are many other beautiful and interesting places to explore in Hokkaido, Japan.
For every travel information about Japan you can click here.

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