LAKE TOYA
Nakajima Island Floating on an Ice-Free Lake
and the Living Volcanoes Around It
The calm waters of a caldera lake, and Mt. Usu and Showa-Shinzan, volcanoes that are still active today. From boating, canoeing, and cycling to a fireworks festival that runs for half the year, here’s what Lake Toya has to offer.
Lake Toya is a caldera lake in southwestern Hokkaido and part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. About 50km around, it’s known for its beautiful scenery, with the uninhabited Nakajima Island floating in the middle of the lake. Located in one of Hokkaido’s milder areas, it’s also known as a lake that doesn’t freeze even in winter, so you can enjoy its calm surface all year round.
Nakajima Island
Scenic ViewAn uninhabited island rich in nature, floating in the middle of Lake Toya. You can reach it by sightseeing boat, and the island is covered in old-growth forest with well-maintained hiking trails. Viewing Nakajima from the lake and looking back at the lakeshore from the island each have their own charm.
📍 Boats depart from the sightseeing pier in Toyako Onsen town
Mt. Usu & Showa-Shinzan
Scenic ViewRising on the south side of Lake Toya, Mt. Usu is an active volcano that is still active today. A ropeway takes you to the summit, where you can take in sweeping views of the lake and its surroundings. Showa-Shinzan, born in an eruption in 1944, is a relatively young volcano that still emits plumes of smoke — a rare spot where you can see a volcano’s growth up close.
📍 About 15 minutes by car from Toyako Onsen town (Mt. Usu Ropeway)
Boating, Canoeing & Cycling
ActivityOn Lake Toya’s calm waters, exploring the lake by boat or canoe is a popular activity. The clear water and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and islands make for a relaxing time. A cycling course also runs along the lakeshore, so you can enjoy nature while circling the entire lake.
📍 Depart from activity counters around Toyako Onsen town
Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks
EventA fireworks festival held every night for about half the year, from spring to autumn. For about 20 minutes, fireworks light up the lake, and both overnight guests and day-trippers can watch from the lakeshore. This long-running format is rare even in Japan, so you can catch the fireworks whenever you visit.
📍 Along the lakeshore of Toyako Onsen town (usually held from late April to the end of October)
A Private Charter Taxi Is the Easy Way to See Lake Toya
Lake Toya’s highlights, such as the Nakajima sightseeing boat pier and the Mt. Usu Ropeway, are spread around the lake. Including access from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo, a private sightseeing taxi lets you tour efficiently with no transfers.
Ask MUTO TAXI About Lake Toya Sightseeing & Transfers