Lake Toya Vicinity

Lake Toya in Hokkaido sits about 20 kilometers south of Mount Yotei, flanked by working farms and backed by the twin peaks of Mount Usu, an active volcano, and the smaller Mount Showa Shinzan. A cable car on Mount Usu's flank reaches an observation platform with a panoramic view over the lake and surrounding scenery. Despite Hokkaido's cold winters, the lake never completely freezes, reaching depths of up to 180 meters, so it remains open water and beautiful year-round. Hot springs dot the southern and eastern shores, and the combination of volcanic landscape, lakeside onsen, and rural farmland makes this one of Hokkaido's most complete scenic destinations.