The scenic Lake Toya is a popular sightseeing destination, known for its stunning caldera lake, active volcanoes, and natural hot springs. Part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the area offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and boating to relaxing in onsen resorts. Lake Toya can easily be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, or car.
Lake Toya view from Silo Observatory
The Main Attractions
Lake Toya is a nearly circular caldera lake renowned for its clear waters and picturesque scenery. The lake never freezes, even in winter, due to geothermal activity beneath its surface. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the lush Nakajima Island at the center of the lake. Cruises depart from the Toyako Onsen town and last about 50 minutes. Tickets cost 1,420 yen for adults and 710 yen for children.
Lake Toya Sightseeing Cruises
Mount Usu is an active volcano that last erupted in 2000. Visitors can take the Usuzan Ropeway to the volcano’s summit, where observation decks provide breathtaking views of Lake Toya, the Pacific Ocean, and the volcanic landscapes. The ropeway station is a 10-minute bus ride from Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal. A round-trip ropeway ticket costs 1,800 yen for adults and 900 yen for children.
Usuzan Ropeway
Showa Shinzan is a volcanic lava dome that emerged between 1943 and 1945. Located at the foot of Mount Usu, it still emits steam and is considered a natural monument. Visitors can view Showa Shinzan up close and learn about its formation at the nearby Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, where you can see Ezo brown bears native to Hokkaido. Admission to the bear ranch is 850 yen for adults and 500 yen for children aged 4-12.
Showa Shinzan volcanic lava dome
Toyako Onsen is a hot spring resort town located on the southern shore of Lake Toya. The town offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and public hot spring baths. Visitors can relax in foot baths along the lake shore or visit one of the day-use onsen facilities. From late April to October, there are nightly firework displays over the lake starting at 8:45 pm, adding a festive atmosphere to the evenings.
Toyako Onsen hot spring resort town
Volcano Science Museum provides educational exhibits about the volcanic activity in the region, including Mount Usu’s eruptions. The museum features a theater showing dramatic footage of past eruptions and offers interactive displays. It is located in Toyako Onsen, a short walk from the bus terminal. Admission is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.
How to Get There
Lake Toya can be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, and car. The fastest way to travel between these locations is by car, but public transportation offers scenic routes through Hokkaido’s countryside.
By Train
To travel from Sapporo Station to Toya Station, take the JR Limited Express Hokuto train bound for Hakodate.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Cost: Around 5,290 yen one-way
- From Toya Station, take a local bus operated by Donan Bus to Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes and costs 340 yen.
The Limited Express Hokuto train
By Bus
The Donan Bus company operates highway buses from Sapporo directly to Toyako Onsen.
- Departure Times: Buses depart from the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Cost: 2,700 yen for a one-way trip
- Notes: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
By Car
To travel from Sapporo to Lake Toya by car:
- Route: Take the Hokkaido Expressway southbound towards Muroran.
- Duration: Around 2 hours
- Toll Fees: Approximately 3,960 yen
- Directions: Exit at Abuta-Toyako Interchange and follow local roads to Toyako Onsen.
Driving allows flexibility to explore at your own pace and visit attractions along the way. For more information on local driving, check our article on Car Rental in Sapporo.
Whether you’re interested in exploring volcanic landscapes, enjoying lake cruises, or relaxing in hot springs, a day trip to Lake Toya from Sapporo offers a rejuvenating experience that highlights the natural beauty of Hokkaido.
Article by Maria Fukuda. Photos by 44kawa/pixta (1), YsPhoto1/pixta (2), topteen/pixta (3), Insomniaman/pixta (4), HAPPY SMILE/pixta (5), RyujiKanda/pixta (6). All rights reserved.
