Contents
Toyako | Introduction
Located in southwestern Hokkaido, Lake Toya (洞爺) is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity from Mount Showa Shinzan. Surrounded by mountains and hot spring towns, this geological wonder is one of Japan's rare ice-free lakes, meaning that even in the freezing winter, the lake remains clear and blue. Lake Toya is also part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, adding to its value as a year-round tourist attraction. Winter is the best season to explore the lake's snowy scenery, where the pristine white snow contrasts beautifully with the calm lake surface. The lakeside attractions known as the "Eight Views of Toya" and the surrounding hot spring resorts combine to create a serene and romantic winter landscape.
Toyako | One-Day Itinerary
This visit is the second stop on our Hokkaido road trip, where we spent a day taking in Lake Toya's winter charm, stopping at various lakeside attractions to enjoy the snowy views. We also stayed overnight at a hot spring hotel to fully experience the comfort and grandeur of a Hokkaido winter.
Starting from Hakodate in the morning, we drove along a scenic route to Lake Toya, a journey of about two hours. Upon arrival, we began a tour around the lake focused on viewing the winter scenery. We recommend starting from Ukimido Pavilion on the north side, one of the Eight Views of Toya. In winter, Ukimido is surrounded by snow, and the peaceful setting reflects pure shades of blue and white on the lake’s surface, creating an enchanting snowy scene.
Next, head to Lake Hill Farm by the lakeside for a lunch break. Lake Hill Farm specializes in dairy products made from Hokkaido milk. The gelato and milk tea are highly recommended, with rich flavors that pair beautifully with the snowy view, making for a cozy and warming winter treat.
After lunch, continue to Tsutakura Observatory. This observatory offers expansive views, allowing you to see Lake Toya, Mount Showa Shinzan, and Mount Usu all at once. The winter landscape, with the snow-covered lake and mountains, captures the breathtaking beauty of Hokkaido. After the lakeside tour, head to the Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort for your accommodation. Located right by the lake, this resort’s open-air hot spring offers stunning lake views, letting you unwind and soothe your travel fatigue in an unforgettable setting.
After dinner, take a stroll to the seasonal “Illumination Tunnel,” a lighted path about 70 meters long that reflects on the snowy ground, creating a dreamlike ambiance and a perfect conclusion to your winter trip to Lake Toya.
Lake Toya | Transportation
Driving is the best way to reach Lake Toya from major cities in southern Hokkaido, such as Sapporo or Hakodate. From Hakodate, it takes about two hours, with scenic views and smooth roads, making it ideal for a road trip. From Sapporo, the drive is around 1.5 to 2 hours. However, winter roads in Hokkaido can be snowy, so it’s recommended to rent a four-wheel-drive car with winter tires for safety.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take the JR Hokkaido Line from Sapporo or Hakodate to Toya Station, then transfer to a bus to reach the Lake Toya hot spring area. However, buses run less frequently in winter, so it’s advisable to check the schedule in advance and possibly use taxis or plan for some walking. For a one-day visit, driving is more flexible, allowing you to explore the lake's surroundings fully.
Lake Toya | Recommended Accommodations | Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort
The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort, located by the lakeside, is an ideal winter accommodation. This resort offers rooms with large windows overlooking the lake, letting you enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Toya both day and night.
The open-air hot spring at the resort is another highlight, and the nearby sculpture park and hot spring street are within walking distance, making it convenient for a relaxing stroll. In the evening, don’t miss the illuminated tunnel near the resort, which creates a dreamy winter ambiance. Overall, the Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort is a wonderful choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Hokkaido's winter romance.
The resort offers a buffet with breakfast and dinner included. Breakfast is particularly diverse, with local specialties like rice balls, fresh fish, and vegetable dishes receiving rave reviews. The breakfast selection was impressive, and the rice balls were so good that I ended up having several. Dinner is also abundant, though it feels slightly more commercial.
Recommended Accommodations: Compare prices for Toya No Breeze Resort?
Lake Toya | Attractions
Ukimi-do
Ukimido, located on the northern shore of Lake Toya, is one of the Eight Views and a highly photogenic spot in winter. This small temple stands by the lake, where the snow-covered surroundings create a minimalist and ethereal beauty reminiscent of a monochrome painting.
Among the Eight Views, Ukimido in the winter is the most beautiful. The snow scene here is breathtaking. There’s a profound stillness in the air, as if each step on the snowy path could disturb the tranquility.
Tsutakura Observatory
Tsutakura Observatory is another iconic spot at Lake Toya, offering a panoramic view from above. It’s the best place to take in the entire lake, regardless of the season. In winter, the snow-covered lake resembles a silver ribbon, framed by Mount Showa Shinzan and Mount Usu, making you forget the cold. The observatory is accessible by car, convenient for self-driving visitors, and has ample parking.
Illumination Tunnel
Every winter, Lake Toya hosts an illumination event, with the light tunnel in the hot spring area being one of the highlights. This 70-meter tunnel is covered with soft lights that reflect on the snow, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. Walking on the illuminated snow-covered path feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes to avoid slipping on the snow.
Lake Toya Gourmet | Lake Hill Farm
After a full circuit around the lake and visiting the Eight Views, it’s nice to take a break. Lake Hill Farm is a popular cafe and farm by Lake Toya. Known for its fresh Hokkaido milk products, this farm offers delicious gelato and milk tea made from locally sourced Hokkaido milk, a favorite among visitors. In winter, the snow-covered farm provides a unique Northern landscape. Lunch options like pizza or pies here make it a tasty stop during your Lake Toya exploration.
We arrived a bit late, so many popular items were sold out. We ended up ordering a pizza, a glass of milk, and a cup of hot cocoa, with a few more items to-go. The pizza was fantastic, with rich, flavorful cheese, and you could really taste the difference with fresh Hokkaido milk. The drinks were also excellent.
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