Lake Toya Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Hotels & Transportation

Lake Toya covers 70.7 square kilometers and reaches a depth of about 180 meters. It was formed around 110,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption. Surrounded by mountains, the lake has a calm and secluded atmosphere. Many travelers opt for a relaxing stay at a lakeside hot spring hotel, soaking in the serene mountain views. by aestelle  

Getting to Lake Toya

From Sapporo to Lake Toya:

• Bus: Direct buses run to the hot spring area 4 times a day. Travel time is 2 hrs 40 mins, fare ¥3,700. Advance booking required.

• JR Train: Direct trains from Sapporo Station to Toya Station. Fare ¥6,690, travel time 1 hr 55 mins. From Toya Station, you need additional transport:
  ① Taxi: 10 mins, ¥2,000–2,500.
  ② Bus: Runs once per hour, fare ¥400, travel time 20 mins, to Toya Onsen Bus Stop. From there, it’s a 5-min walk to the lake.

• Hotel Shuttle: If staying at hotels such as The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort or Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace , you can book their direct shuttle buses.

From Hakodate to Lake Toya:
JR Train: Direct trains from Hakodate Station to Toya Station. Fare ¥6,250, travel time 1 hr 58 mins. From Toya Station to the lake, follow the same options listed above.

Where to Stay in Lake Toya

The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort
Rating: 8.8 (1,000+ reviews) Famous lakeside resort located in the hot spring area. The lobby and restaurant directly face the lake with great views. Hotel shuttle buses run to/from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo; Reservation required after booking.

Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace
Rating: 8.2 (2,000+ reviews)
Located next to Nonokaze but about half the price, making it a good value. Shuttle bus service to Sapporo available with reservation.

Itinerary in Lake Toya

Half-Day Stopover:
If you are traveling between Hakodate and Sapporo, you can stop at Lake Toya for about 2 hours. Luggage storage is available at Toya Station. You can enjoy a lakeside walk or take a sightseeing cruise.

Day Trip:
Not ideal due to high transport costs, limited attractions, and sparse local dining and transport options.

2-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive around noon, enjoy a lakeside walk or cruise in the afternoon, stay in a hot spring hotel at night.
Day 2: Visit Usuzan Ropeway in the morning, leave in the afternoon.  

Things to Do in Lake Toya

Lake Toya Lakeside

There are walking paths along the lake, perfect for strolling, photos, and feeding ducks.

Recommended Visit Time: 15–30 mins
Getting There: 5-min walk from Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal
Tips for Visiting: A fireworks show is held at the lake (20 mins in summer, 8 mins in winter). It’s a modest display (20 minutes in summer, 8 in winter)—charming if you’re already there, but don’t go out of your way for it. Dates are listed on the official website.
Watch: 登别+洞爷丨带上阿银圣地巡礼洞爷湖！

Lake Toya Cruise

Operating since the 1950s, this is one of the best ways to see the lake and nearby mountains.

Hours:
① Summer (late Apr–late Oct): 8:30–16:30, every 30 mins. You can get off at Nakajima Island.
② Winter (Nov–early Apr): 9:00–16:00, every 60 mins. No island stop.
Admission: Adults ¥1,600, children ¥800. Buy at the pier.
Recommended Visit Time: About 50 mins if not getting off at the island.
Tips for Visiting:
① In winter, cruises are just sightseeing.
② In summer, you can feed seagulls (bird food sold onboard). Seagulls are most active from late Apr–Oct. You can also get off at Nakajima Island for hiking. The island is very natural, with three trails ranging from 1.3 km to 7.6 km. If you’re not a fan of insects or snakes, you might want to skip the island hike.
Getting There: 5-min walk from Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal.
Official Site: toyakokisen.com
Watch: Hokkaido vlog Lake Toya Cruise, Winter Japan Onsen Tow

Watch: Lake Toya (Nakanoshima)  

Usuzan Ropeway

Mt. Usu is one of Hokkaido’s most active volcanoes, standing 737 m high. Its last eruption was in 2000. The ropeway takes you to an observation deck with excellent views of Lake Toya and the crater.

Hours: 8:00–18:00 (varies by season)
Admission: Round-trip: Adults ¥2,000, children ¥1,000
Recommended Visit Time: 40 mins–1 hr
Official Site: usuzan.hokkaido.jp
Tips for Visiting:
① Take the 6-min ropeway ride to the summit. There are two observation decks and a café.
② If you have time, walk the 1.1 km trail to the Minami-gairinzan Lookout (round trip 1–1.5 hrs, views are average).
③ At the base station, there’s a small bear ranch (¥1,000, less impressive than the one in Noboribetsu) and luggage storage (¥300–400).
④ Nearby Showa Shinzan is a separate volcanic feature. It began rising in 1943 at 1–2 m per day and reached its final shape by 1945.

Getting There:
① Bus: From Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal to Showa Shinzan, about 15 mins, ¥400. Service is infrequent—check the timetable.
② Taxi: 10–15 mins, ¥2,000–2,500. If no taxis are available for the return trip, staff at the ropeway can call one for you.

Watch: 地球の息吹を、全身で感じてほしい― Snow

Watch: 地球の息吹を、全身で感じてほしい

Thank you for reading, and hope you have a wonderful journey!
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