Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo! As someone who’s lived in Sapporo for 40 years, let me introduce you to a fantastic day trip destination, perfect for international visitors like yourselves: the beautiful caldera lake, Lake Toya. Just a short journey from Sapporo, it offers magnificent nature and captivating activities. I’ll share the charms of Lake Toya from a local’s perspective!
- So, What’s Lake Toya Like?
- Lighting Up the Summer Night Sky! Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival
- A Quiet Sparkle for Winter Evening Strolls: Illumination Street
- A Local Favorite! Michi-no-Eki and Exploring the Area
- Feeling a Bit Fancy? The Windsor Hotel Toya
- Head to the Main Store of Hokkaido’s Famous “Wakasaimo”!
- That Nostalgic TV Commercial! Day-Use Pool at Toya Sun Palace
- 【Absolutely Stunning Views】My Top Recommendation! Usuzan Ropeway
- Lake Toya Day Trip – Wrap Up
So, What’s Lake Toya Like?
Lake Toya is a large caldera lake in southwestern Hokkaido. It looks a bit like a donut with an island (Nakajima Island) in the middle, surrounded by mountains – a really scenic spot. It was formed by volcanic activity, and nearby, there’s still an active volcano called Mt. Usu. It’s also famous as an onsen (hot spring) area, with many hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns) lining the lakeshore.
From Sapporo, it takes about 2.5 hours by car, or by combining JR train and bus. It’s definitely close enough for a day trip. (※ Please note: Access times and fees are approximate. Always check the official websites of transportation providers for the latest information!)
- JR Hokkaido: https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/
Lighting Up the Summer Night Sky! Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival
When you think of summer in Lake Toya, this is it! The Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival. Believe it or not, they have fireworks almost every night from late April to the end of October (though cancellations can happen due to bad weather).
Watching from your lakeside hotel is romantic, but my recommendation is to hop on a fireworks viewing boat. Seeing the fireworks from the middle of the lake is a completely different experience – the sound and light are much more intense. The reflections on the water are incredibly beautiful too. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience. These cruises are popular, so booking in advance might be a good idea.
- Toya Kisen (Fireworks Cruise Info): https://www.toyakokisen.com/en/
A Quiet Sparkle for Winter Evening Strolls: Illumination Street
Visiting Lake Toya in winter? How about a walk down Illumination Street? The area around “Nigiwai Hiroba” plaza in the heart of the onsen town gets decorated with beautiful lights. I went just the other day, and the glittering tunnel of lights amidst the snowy landscape was a perfect fit for Toya’s quiet, tranquil nights. It’s just right for a short walk after dinner before heading to the onsen. It might be tight for a day trip, but if you’re staying overnight, definitely check it out.
- Lake Toya Onsen Tourism Association (Illumination Info): https://www.laketoya.com/en/
A Local Favorite! Michi-no-Eki and Exploring the Area
If you’re driving to Lake Toya, stopping at Michi-no-Eki Toyako (Roadside Station Toyako) is one of the fun parts. You can get fresh vegetables grown by local farmers here. Depending on the season, you might find some unusual veggies, which are fun just to look at.
Nearby, you’ll find shops like an artisanal tofu maker and a bakery selling simple, delicious baked goods. It’s a fantastic area to spend some relaxing time while enjoying the grand views of Lake Toya.
- Michi-no-Eki Toyako: https://map.uu-hokkaido.jp/e/michinoeki-toyako/
Feeling a Bit Fancy? The Windsor Hotel Toya
Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Toya is the luxurious The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa. This hotel gained worldwide fame as the venue for the G8 Summit in 2008. Staying overnight might be a splurge, but the views from the lobby and gardens are stunning, so stopping by during a drive could be nice. It has a prestigious atmosphere, but the cafe and bakery are accessible for casual visitors.
- The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa: https://www.windsor-hotels.co.jp/en/
Head to the Main Store of Hokkaido’s Famous “Wakasaimo”!
“Wakasaimo” is a well-known Hokkaido souvenir. It’s an interesting sweet treat shaped and flavored like a baked sweet potato, even though it doesn’t contain any. The main store, Wakasaimo Honpo Toyako Main Store, is right by the lake. I’m not sure how well-known it is among international travelers, but for Hokkaido locals, it’s a taste we’ve grown up with.
Honestly, as a local, since you’ve come all the way to Lake Toya, trying some of the main store’s exclusive items could be a nice travel memory. The store has large windows offering a superb view of Lake Toya, and there’s a cafe space upstairs where you can enjoy sweets and tea. It’s also perfect for picking up souvenirs.
- Wakasaimo Honpo: https://www.wakasaimo.com/en/
That Nostalgic TV Commercial! Day-Use Pool at Toya Sun Palace
Back in the day, any kid watching TV in Hokkaido probably knew the jingle from the Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa commercial (lol). The pool here has always been incredibly popular with families.
You can still use the pool (Water Land) on a day-trip basis, but there’s a catch. As far as I know, it currently seems to be open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Before you go, make sure to check their official website for the latest operating days and hours. With its wave pool and water slides, kids are sure to love it.
- Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa: https://www.toyasunpalace.co.jp/en/ (Look for “Day Trip” or “Visitor Information” for details on day-use.)
【Absolutely Stunning Views】My Top Recommendation! Usuzan Ropeway
Okay, maybe it’s not that secret, but let me tell you about my absolute favorite spot in the Lake Toya area: the Usuzan Ropeway!
Once you take the ropeway up to the summit station, the view is just… incredible! Lake Toya and Showa-Shinzan spread out before you, and on a clear day, you can even see Mt. Yotei. Soaking up the sun and taking a deep breath feels truly amazing.
The summit observation deck has comfortable, large sofas placed in scenic spots, and even areas where you can lie down, making it perfect for relaxation. Honestly, as a local, this sense of openness is hard to find elsewhere.
I went with someone special a couple of years ago, and we bought coffee and sandwiches at the cafe, sat on a sofa, and just leisurely enjoyed the view… It was such a peaceful and happy time.
To be frank, the ropeway fee isn’t cheap. (※ Please note: Fares and operating hours can change depending on the season, so check the official website for the latest info here too!) But I genuinely believe it’s worth more than the cost. If you come to Lake Toya, I highly recommend experiencing it!
- Usuzan Ropeway: https://usuzan.hokkaido.jp/en/
Lake Toya Day Trip – Wrap Up
So, what did you think? Even on a day trip from Sapporo, Lake Toya is packed with so many attractions. You can feel the grand nature, eat delicious food, take a dip in an onsen (many places offer day-use bathing!), and enjoy seasonal events.
Of course, being a popular tourist destination, it can get crowded during summer vacation and holidays. Especially during the fireworks season or autumn foliage, roads, parking lots, and popular spots get busy, so planning with extra time is recommended. However, if you can shift your timing slightly or aim for a weekday, you should be able to enjoy a relatively relaxed visit.
A calm, beautiful landscape different from Sapporo awaits you. Definitely consider planning a day trip to Lake Toya!
