Lake Toya and Volcanic Wonders of Hokkaido

Japan is located at the junction of several tectonic plates, making it rich in volcanic mountains and calderas. With over 100 volcanic mountains—more than almost any other country—Japan is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and dramatic volcanic landscapes. While most people know that mountains form due to volcanic activity, fewer realize that lakes can also be born from volcanoes. These are called caldera lakes. One such gem in Hokkaido is Lake Toya (Toya-ko).

Lake Toya is almost perfectly round, stretching 9 km north-south and 11 km east-west, covering about 70 square kilometers. It is the ninth largest lake in Japan and the third largest caldera lake. Toya-ko is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its castle cruise rides and the opportunity to walk around Nakajima Island, one of four islands at the lake’s center. Nakajima itself is a volcanic island that formed later. The area also features Stone Age archaeological remains, nominated as a candidate for World Heritage status, bringing Lake Toya international attention.

Castle Cruise on Lake Toya

Castle cruise in Lake Toya (Toyako)

Wildlife on Nakajima Island

One of the many swans in Lake Toya, near Nakajima Island.

Walking Path on Nakajima Island

Path for walking around Nakajima Island. You may spot Hokkaido deer and snakes here.
Map Credit: Toyako Town

Access: 洞爺湖 (Lake Toya)

• Street Address: 44-40 Tsukiura, Tōyako-chō, Abuta-gun, Hokkaidō 049-5723
• Plus Code: HQXP+PH Toyako, Hokkaido
• Google Maps: Lake Toya Location

By Car: 92 km from Sapporo Station (Approx. 2 hours)

By Train:

• Take JR Super Hokuto 14特急Hakodate from Sapporo Station
• Get down at Toya Station. From Toya Eki Mae (Toya Bus Station), Lake Toya is 8 km away.
• Time required: Approx. 2 hours 12 min
• JR Fare: 5920 Yen (One Way)

By Bus:

• From Sapporo Ekimae BT Bus Stop, take a bus to Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal
• Get down at Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal (stop for Toya-ko)
• Time required: 2 hours 40 min
• Bus Fare: 2780 Yen (One Way)

Other Places of Interest

Showa Shinzan

A relatively new mountain, Showa Shinzan formed after two years of volcanic activity in a wheat field in June 1944, following an earthquake in December 1943. It is designated a special national natural monument for its academic value and remains an active volcano. Several souvenir shops are nearby, offering everything from affordable magnets to extravagant real bear skin. Showa Shinzan is easily accessible from Lake Toya—just a 15-minute bus ride from Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal.

Tel: 0142-75-2241

Showa Shinzan, a young and active volcano.

Usuzan Ropeway

The 106-seater gondola takes about six minutes each way between Showa Shinzan and the top of Mt. Usu. From the summit observatory, you can see Lake Toya, Mt. Yotei, and Uchiura Bay. Mt. Usu is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes, with eruptions every 20–50 years (the most recent in 2000). The Usu volcano south rim trail is a scenic walking route for visitors.

• Admission: Adults 1500 Yen, Children 750 Yen (round trip)
• Tel: 0142-75-2401

Recent topographical changes of Mt. Usu, as seen in photographs.

You can easily visit and learn about the formation of Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Mt. Usu. Hot springs and delicious marine foods also await you here.

Happy Roaming!