Feauturing one of the most picturesque lakes in Hokkaido, Lake Toya is a popular lakeside spa resort which can be enjoyed all year round. Located in southwestern Hokkaido approximately 2 hours drive from the city of Sapporo, Lake Toya features an active volcano (Mt Showa Shinzan) which stands in close proximity to the lake and provides a great attraction to visitors of this area as it constantly gives off a distinctive white smoke.

Lake Toya is also well known for its impressive fireworks display which run nightly between April 28 and October 31. Fireworks are set off from the lake by moving boats providing visitors tremendous views from all vantage points.

Perched on top of a hillside overlooking the entire Lake Toya area lies The Windsor Hotel which is a member of the "Small Leading Hotels of the World" chain. Arguably the finest hotel in Hokkaido, The Windsor Hotel offers a luxurious retreat all year round.

This popular hot spring resort town attracts over 3 million visitors annually and features spring water which has a low sodium content which is said to be particularly beneficial to those with "rheumatism" and "gastrointestinal" complaints.

Sights

Nishiyama Crater Promenade
This 1 hour walking trail takes visitors extremely close to the crater created by the March 2000 eruptuion of Mt. Usu.  See the ground forced upwards by the eruption, geothermal areas and craters with white smoke billowing.

G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum
After the 2008 G8 summit which was held at "The Windsor Hotel", this museum was constructed to commemorate  one of the biggest events in Hokkaido's recent history. The museum features the actual "round table" which was used for discussions during the summit. The museum also introduces souvenirs that were presented to the leaders of each country as well as gifts received from various countries.

Volcano Science Museum
Focussing on the eruptions of Mt Usu in 1977 and 2000, this museum provides visitors with a great insight to volcanic activity by means of interactive exhibits and  audio visual displays.

Lake Toya Pleasure Boats
Operating to the middle of the lake and the four islands that make up Nakajima Island, the Lake Toya cruise boats operate all year round offering magnificent views including Mt Usu and Showa Shinzan, the surrounding countryside and Mt Yotei in the distance. Particularly popular are the nightly fireworks boat trip that run during the "Long-Run Fireworks Nights" between late April and the end of October.

Usuzan Ropeway
The six minute journey to the "Toyako Observation Deck" offers visitors tremendous views out over Show Shinzan and Lake Toya. The 2nd observation deck "Usuzan Crater Observation Deck" can be reached on foot in less than 10 minutes and offers views into the Mt. Usu crater which was the scene of a great eruption in 1977 and continues to give off smoke today.

Toyako Sculpture Park
Circuling the lake and passing through the towns of both Toyako and Sobetsu, the Toyako Sculpture park stretches over a distance of 43 kms. The park contains a total of 58 sculptures spread amoungst nature in and around the lakefront. 

Konpira Crater Hazard Area
Established to provide more awareness into the dangers of volcanic eruptions and a detailed insight to the eruption of Mt Usu in March 2000. Visitors can see buildings left just as they were after the eruptions, a bridge that was washed away by a hot mudflow, buildings that are buried in volcanic ash and more.

Festivals

Toyako Onsen Summer Festival  (July 19 - Aug 20)
Consisting of food stalls and live music, the Toyako Onsen Summer Festival is a lively event which features the traditional Japanese Bon festival dance. Foreign visitors wishing to look more the part can rent a simple summer kimono "yukata" from selected hotels in the area.

Toyako Onsen Winter Festival  (early February)
This winter festival held in Lake toya is famous for its fireworks displays including "Niagara Falls". A range of events are also scheduled such as the International Human Draft-Horse Race where participants drag heavy rafts against one another in a race against time to win the major prize!

Accommodation

The Windsor Hotel

Toya Manseikaku

Toya Park Hotel Tensho