Visiting Lake Toya: Top Activities, Hotels, and Restaurants Guide

Visiting Lake Toya: A Comprehensive Guide

Lake Toya, a stunning volcanic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist spots, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, relaxing hot springs, and engaging activities. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your visit.

Getting to Lake Toya

To reach Lake Toya, take the train to Lake Toya Station from Hakodate Station, a journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. From the station, board the Donan shuttle bus to Toyako Onsen, which takes about 20 minutes and costs ¥340 per adult. It’s advisable to check the bus timings in advance as the frequency is limited.

Pro-tip: The Donan bus is not luggage-friendly, so it’s best to travel light. There are coin lockers available at Lake Toya Station for storing luggage, ranging from ¥300 to ¥500 depending on the size.

Top Activities

Swan Boat Ride

Enjoy a 20-minute ride on a motorized swan boat around the lake. Although the scenic views may be limited on foggy days, the ride offers a unique and joyful experience. The cost is ¥2,500 per person.

Sculpture Park

Stroll along the 43km shoreline and admire the 58 sculptures placed around the lake. The Toyako Hakkei is a great lookout point offering splendid lake views and, on clear days, a glimpse of Mount Yotei.

Fireworks at Toyako Onsen Winter Festival

If you visit in February, don’t miss the fireworks display on Lake Toya. This festival is a highlight of the winter season, and many hotels offer direct views of the fireworks.

DIY Accessory Experience

Visit a quaint cafe where you can participate in a fun DIY accessory-making experience. This is a great way to engage in a local craft and enjoy some homemade food.

Hotels and Accommodations

Lake Toya offers a variety of hotels and resorts, each with its unique features and amenities.

Toyako Sun Palace Resort & Spa

This resort boasts an open-air bath with a spectacular view of the lake. Guests can enjoy buffet or room service dinners, including freshly prepared sushi and tempura. A shuttle bus service is available from Sapporo City, but advance reservations are required.

The Lakeview Toya Nonokaze Resort

This inn features an open-air bath in the sky with views that seem to blend into the lake. Meals include Japanese-Western buffet, Japanese-French, and traditional Japanese kaiseki. There is also a pet-friendly restaurant and shuttle services from Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport.

Toya Kohantei

Located perfectly for enjoying the lake view, Toya Kohantei offers an open-air bath and a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese buffet meals. A free shuttle bus runs daily from Sapporo Station, but reservations are necessary.

Toyako Onsen Toya Kanko Hotel

This hotel is known for its views of Nakajima Island and Mt. Yotei, which can be enjoyed during meals. The hotel offers seasonal kaiseki dinners and buffet-style breakfasts, along with a free shuttle service from JR Toya Station.

Restaurants and Cafes

Lake Toya has a range of dining options to suit various tastes.

SMILE GARDEN CAFE PARLOR FUKUDA

Known for its homemade recipes and fresh vegetables, this cafe is open from 9am to 5pm. The specialty is baked cheese, priced at ¥1,210 including tax.

SANGAKU KISSA

This cafe is famous for its home-roasted coffee, available for ¥800 including tax. It is open from 10am to 6pm.

Lake-Hill Farm

An ice cream shop located by a ranch, Lake-Hill Farm offers the experience of making ice cream and butter from freshly squeezed milk. The specialty is two-flavored gelato, priced at ¥420 including tax.

HAMBURGER＆BAR HYDUNE

This bar serves hamburgers with homemade buns and patties. It is open on Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:30am to 9pm. The specialty is the Hydune original hamburger with chips, priced at ¥1,100 including tax.

Cafe balher

This sweet cafe offers panoramic views of Lake Toya and is known for its chocolate sundae, priced at ¥550 including tax. It is open seasonally from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Additional Tips

• Car Parking: There are 150 free parking spaces available near the Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal.
• Public Transportation: The Donan bus service connects Lake Toya Station to Toyako Onsen, but it is not suitable for large luggage.
• Local Attractions: Many attractions around Lake Toya require a car or taxi to access. Consider renting a vehicle or booking a taxi in advance.

By following this guide, you can ensure a memorable and relaxing visit to Lake Toya, enjoying its natural beauty, delicious local cuisine, and unique activities.