A perfectly circular caldera lake on the Pacific side of southwestern Hokkaido, designated a UNESCO Geopark for the geological story written across its shoreline. Ryokan and hot-spring hotels run along the southern shore at Toyako Onsen, and on summer nights launch fireworks over the lake from a pier. Mt. Usu still smokes; its 1977 and 2000 eruptions are documented at the Volcano Science Museum, and a chairlift climbs to a ridge view of the active crater. The 1944 lava dome Showa Shinzan rose from a wheat field over two years and is still warm to the touch.
What Lake Toya is known for
Top-rated in Lake Toya
Mt. Usu
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Overlook sparkling Lake Toya from the active volcano, Mt. Usu. From the base of the neighbouring Mt Showa-shinzan.
Lake Toya
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Lake Toya serves as the hub of the vast Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Stunning scenery as far as the eye can see.
Lake Toya Vicinity
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Lying about 20 kilometers south of Mount Yotei, Lake Toya is unquestionably one of the most scenic lakes in all of Hokkaido, perhaps in all of Japan.
Usu Zenko-ji Temple
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One of the oldest temples in Hokkaido, dating to 826 AD.
Lake Toya Area Ecomuseum
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Look at the large photo on this page.
Irie Site
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Coastal Jomon archaeological site featuring well-preserved shell middens and bone tools.