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 be reached from Sapporo by train and local bus, direct 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 remains unfrozen in winter because its great depth and large volume of water slow the cooling needed for surface ice to form. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing cruises that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the wooded Nakajima islands at the center of the lake. Cruises depart from Toyako Onsen and take about 50 minutes in summer without an island stop, or about 80 minutes with a short stop on Oshima. Winter cruises take about 45 minutes and do not allow island landings. Tickets cost 1,800 yen for adults and 900 yen for elementary-school children.
Lake Toya Sightseeing Cruises
Mount Usu is an active volcano that last erupted in 2000. Visitors can take the Usuzan Ropeway to its upper station, with views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan from the nearby observation area. A short uphill walk leads to the crater viewpoint overlooking volcanic landscapes and Funka Bay, part of the Pacific Ocean. From Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal, take a Donan Bus service to Showa Shinzan, about 15 minutes away, then walk to the ropeway’s lower station. Check the return bus timetable before going up the mountain. A round-trip ropeway ticket costs 2,000 yen for visitors of junior-high-school age and above, and 1,000 yen for elementary-school children.
Usuzan Ropeway
Showa Shinzan is a volcanic lava dome that emerged between 1943 and 1945. Located at the foot of Mount Usu, it 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 1,000 yen for visitors of junior-high-school age and above, and 500 yen for children aged 6 through elementary school.
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 through October, nightly fireworks over the lake start at 8:45 pm, weather permitting. To watch them, plan an overnight stay or arrange your own return transport, as the regular buses and trains to Sapporo finish too early.
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 800 yen for visitors of high-school age and above, and 400 yen for elementary- and junior-high-school students. Opening hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from April through September and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from October through March. The museum closes on Mondays, or the next weekday if Monday is a public holiday.
How to Get There
Lake Toya can be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, and car. Direct buses arrive in Toyako Onsen beside the lake, while rail passengers change to a local bus at Toya Station. Driving gives more flexibility for visiting the lakeshore and volcanic attractions, but journey times depend on traffic and weather.
By Train
To travel from Sapporo Station to Toya Station, take the JR Limited Express Hokuto train bound for Hakodate that calls at Toya. All seats are reserved, so arrange your seat reservation before boarding.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the service.
- Cost: 6,690 yen one-way for an adult, including an ordinary reserved seat.
- From Toya Station, take a Donan Bus service to Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal. Allow about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the route; the adult one-way fare is 400 yen. Allow additional time for the connection at the station.
The Limited Express Hokuto train
By Bus
The Donan Bus company operates direct buses from Sapporo to Toyako Onsen via Jozankei and Nakayama Pass.
- Departure Times: Buses leave Sapporo Ekimae stop 7 at 7:40 am, 11:30 am, 2:10 pm, and 4:10 pm.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the service.
- Cost: 3,700 yen one-way for an adult.
- Notes: Reserve online at least 2 hours before the service leaves its first stop. For a day trip, take the morning departure and book your return; the last direct bus leaves Toyako Onsen at 5:10 pm.
By Car
To travel from Sapporo to Lake Toya by car:
- Route: Take the Do-o Expressway (E5) southbound towards Muroran and continue to Abuta-Toyako Interchange.
- Duration: Around 2 hours in good conditions; allow longer for traffic or winter weather.
- Toll Fees: The standard one-way toll from Sapporo-Minami IC to Abuta-Toyako IC is 3,660 yen for an ordinary car. Entering at a different interchange changes the total.
- 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.
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. Last updated 24-Sep-2026.
