Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a lake located between Toyako Town (Abuta District) and Sobetsu Town (Usu District), Hokkaido. The area around the lake is designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and it is also recognized as part of the Toya-Usu Geopark ("geopark" meaning a park focused on geology and the Earth’s landscape). It takes about two hours by car from central Sapporo, but Lake Toya is regarded as one of Hokkaido’s major sightseeing destinations, having been selected for honors such as "Japan’s 100 Scenic Views," "New Japan Travel Destination 100 Selections," and "500 Beautiful Walking Roads in Japan." Lake Toya, formed inside the Toya caldera, is the third-largest lake in Japan. Surrounded by mountains, it offers attractions like a forest museum and the Toyako Onsen hot spring area. A sightseeing cruise (about 50 minutes) is available, and the "Toya Lake Sculpture Park" (Toya-ko Gurutto Chokoku Koen) features 58 sculptures, offering plenty to see. From spring through autumn, the Toyako Long-Run Fireworks Festival is also held. Access by train is via the Muroran Main Line / Hakodate Main Line route (via the Tsugaru Strait), using a limited express service from Hakodate to Toya in about two hours.