How to Choose a Lake Toya Tour | Introducing Recommended Day-Trip and 1-Night, 2-Day Itineraries via Private Taxi from Sapporo
Your Lake Toya sightseeing experience depends on how you explore it!
Recommended Itineraries for Day Trips or 1-Night, 2-Day Trips
Lake Toya in southwestern Hokkaido is,Clear Lakeand the spectacular view of Mt.
In this article,Differences Between Private Taxis, Rental Cars, and Public TransportationFun activities by destination, day trips, and 1-night, 2-day tripsRecommended Model Course...We'll provide detailed information on everything from seasonal activities to must-see tourist attractions.
◆For those who want to efficiently visit tourist attractions on a day trip or a one-night, two-day trip
◆For those who want to enjoy popular spots like the Silo Observation Deck and Showa-Shinzan
◆For those who want to take a drive around Lake Toya or check out the seasonal highlights
If you can stay in Hokkaido for an extended period...
Enjoy the nature activities!
Hokkaido
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How to choose a Toyako Tour
Comparing Private Taxis, Rental Cars, and Public Transportation
When sightseeing at Lake Toya,Private Taxis, Rental Cars, and Public TransportationFor example, the ease of sightseeing varies depending on your mode of transportation.
| Means of transportation | Recommended For | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi | For those who want to sightsee efficiently or who don't want to drive | You can explore freely while discussing your destinations and how long you'll stay |
| rent-a-car | For those who want to sightsee at their own pace | You can enjoy a drive while stopping at your favorite spots |
| Public Transportation | For those who want to get around without driving | You don't have to drive yourself, so you can do whatever you want while traveling. |
If you want to efficiently visit multiple tourist attractions,Chartered Taxis with a High Degree of Flexibilityis recommended.
Day trips departing from Sapporo, in particular, allow you to visit various tourist attractions while minimizing travel time, so you can enjoy sightseeing around Lake Toya efficiently. ◎
Recommended Itineraries for the Lake Toya Tour
[By Departure Point and Route]
"I want to relax at a hot spring," "I want to efficiently visit scenic spots," "I want to enjoy a casual day trip," and so on,The Best Plan for Your Travel Goals...is different.
Here, we’ll introduce recommended model courses tailored to different objectives.
Find the perfect plan for you and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, hot springs, and gourmet cuisine that only Lake Toya has to offer!
Together with the spectacular view of Lake Toya
＼Hokkaido's natural activities are also available! / / Hokkaido Nature Activities
Day Trip to Lake Toya from Sapporo
It takes about two and a half hours by car from Sapporo to Lake Toya, making it easily accessible; it’s highly recommended for those who want to enjoy Hokkaido’s great outdoors even if they have limited time.
afternoonToyako Lake Cruise → Walk along the lake shore and experience footbath → Silo Observation Deck
eveningReturn to Sapporo
With a rental car, you can freely visit tourist attractions, but,For those who want to reduce the hassle of getting around, we offer packages that include sightseeing buses or private taxis.If you choose this option, you can efficiently visit all the popular spots.
Departing from Sapporo! To Toyako and Noboribetsu
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2-Day, 1-Night Tour from Sapporo to Lake Toya
For those who want to enjoy both hot springs and breathtaking viewsFor this, we recommend a two-day, one-night tour departing from Sapporo.
2nd dayToyako sightseeing boat → Walk around Toyako Town → Go to Sapporo via Noboribetsu Onsen
The most attractive feature of the 2-day/1-night course is that you can take advantage of the evening hours.
The highlight of the Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Display (April-October) is the fantastic fireworks that are launched while moving over the lake!
The next day, visit the footbath in the hot spring resort area and the Lake Toya Visitor Center to learn about nature andHistory of VolcanoesYou can get in touch with the
Noboribetsu + Lake Toya Tour
For tours to Noboribetsu and Lake Toya,hot springandsuperb viewIt's popular among people who want to enjoy both!
Noboribetsu Onsenhellholevisited, andEnjoy a Lakeside Resort at Lake ToyaA classic route. The travel time is about an hour, making it very efficient.
With a 1-night, 2-day or 2-night, 3-day tour package, you’ll have plenty of time for travel and can fully enjoy Hokkaido’s unique natural scenery.
Recommendation
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Hakodate + Lake Toya Tour
For those who also want to enjoy sightseeing in Hakodate,A Tour Combining Hakodate and Lake Toyais recommended.
2nd day: Travel to Lake Toya → Stroll through Toyako Town
＼Click here for recommended Segway tours in Hakodate／
Lake Toya Tour Itineraries from Tokyo
If you're traveling from Tokyo to Lake Toya,Fly to New Chitose Airport, then head to Lake ToyaThat's the basic principle.
If you have enough time, stay at Lake Toya Onsen and visit the local attractions2-Day, 1-Night Touris recommended.
2nd day: Showa-Shinzan → Mount Usu Ropeway → Sightseeing around Lake Toya → New Chitose Airport → Tokyo
From New Chitose Airport, you can efficiently visit several tourist attractions by renting a car or taking a private taxi. ◎
Recommendation
Click here for chartered sightseeing cab plans
Private Sightseeing Taxi Tours of Lake Toya
[Suggested Route for a Round-Trip Drive]
Lake Toya is a popular driving route where you can circle the lake along the road that runs around it.
If you're unsure about driving or want to make the most of your sightseeing,We also recommend using private taxis or sightseeing toursIt is!
If you just want to take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore,Approx. 1 hour, tourist attractions and cafes,If you stop at the observation deck along the way, the tour takes about 3 to 5 hours.If you plan ahead, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy sightseeing.
Recommendation
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Lake Toya Tours and Activities to Enjoy by Season
Lake Toya has a different look throughout the year.
Travel PeriodCheck out the seasonal highlights, as the recommended ways to enjoy the area change depending on the season!
We also recommend sightseeing in Niseko along with Lake Toya
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April–June (Spring–Early Summer)
From late April through May,Cherry Blossoms Are in Full Bloom Around Lake ToyaWith the arrival of spring, the lakeside promenade is enveloped in spring-like scenery.
Also, starting in late April,The Lake Toya Long-Running Fireworks Festival Kicks OffYou can also enjoy the magical fireworks that light up the spring night sky.
June is a great time to visit because the fresh greenery is beautiful and there are relatively few tourists, so it’s perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy nature at their own pace☆
July–August (Summer)
Summer is the busiest tourist season at Lake Toya.
Lake activities such as SUP, canoeing, and sightseeing cruisesWith a wide variety of activities available, you can experience the unique natural beauty of Lake Toya while enjoying the refreshing breeze.
Every evening, a long-running fireworks display lights up the lake, and you can enjoy the beautiful view from the hot spring town as well.
Cafes and restaurants along the lake are bustling with activity, making this the perfect season to enjoy both great food and breathtaking views.
Click here for recommended canoe tours on Lake Toya
September–October (Fall)
In the fall, the mountains around Lake Toya turn shades of red and yellow, andOne of Hokkaido's Top Spots for Fall FoliageIt has gained popularity as...
In particular, the fall foliage viewed from the Silo Observation Deck and the Mount Usu RopewayIt's a breathtaking sight, and you can enjoy the stunning scenery, with its beautiful contrast against the lake.
Also, thanks to the stable weather, this is the perfect time to take a drive around Lake Toya.
Amid the crisp, clear air, you can enjoy the quintessential Hokkaido autumn scenery as you explore the lakeshore and observation decks. ◎
Departing from Sapporo! To Toyako and Noboribetsu
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November–March (Winter)
In winter, Lake Toya captivates visitors with its magical scenery, where the snow-covered lake and hot springs blend together.
At the lakeside hot spring inn,A relaxing moment gazing at the snowy landscape from the open-air bathYou can spend a
On sunny days, the snow-capped Mount Usu and Mount Yōtei stand out beautifully, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular scenery unique to winter.
For those who want to relax in a quiet environment, orThe Best Season for Those Planning a Hot Spring TripIt is.
If you're looking to recharge, we also recommend trying a massage or spa treatment!
↓Click here for our recommended plans↓
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Sights to See on the Lake Toya Tour
Recommended Tourist Attractions
Lake Toya offers numerous spots where you can experience the grandeur of nature and the awe-inspiring power of volcanoes.
If it's your first visit, you can efficiently enjoy all that Lake Toya has to offer by focusing on the classic tourist spots. ◎
Here, we’ll introduce some popular must-see spots for sightseeing around Lake Toya.
In the Lake Toya Area
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If you're visiting Lake Toya, we also recommend checking out Niseko!
↓Click here for recommended tours↓
Lake Toya Steamship (Sightseeing Boat)
On the sightseeing boats operated by Lake Toya Steamship, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Toya from the water.
We were able to stop by Nakajima along the way, andThe magnificent views of Mount Usu, Mount Yotei, and other peaks as seen from the lakeis also a highlight.
Since you can board the boat from the Lake Toya hot spring town, this spot is easy to incorporate into a typical Lake Toya sightseeing itinerary.
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
◆Boarding Location: The Nakajima Sightseeing Cruise Pier (Station Front Pier) is located behind the Hotel Grand Toya.
The pier for the fireworks viewing boat (the pier in front of our headquarters) is located between the Toyako Manseikaku Lakeside Terrace and the Nono-kaze Resort.
◆Parking: Free
Silo Observatory
The Silo Observation Deck is one of Lake Toya’s most iconic scenic spots.
From the hilltop,A sweeping panoramic view stretching from Lake Toya and Nakajima Island to Mount Usu and Mount YoteiThe view stretches out, and on clear days, you can take in the magnificent scenery that is so characteristic of Hokkaido.
It's a popular spot for photography because visitors can enjoy scenery that changes with the seasons.
At the concession stand,Hokkaido-exclusive souvenirs and soft-serve ice creamThey also sell items like these, making it the perfect place to stop for a break during a road trip!
Access: 2 hours by car from New Chitose Airport
Mt. Showa Shinzan
Showa-Shinzan is a National Special Natural Monument that was formed by volcanic activity in 1943.
You can still see the volcano spewing smoke, allowing you to experience the power of volcanic activity up close.
The surrounding area features walking trails and souvenir shopsSince these facilities are available, families and first-time visitors to Lake Toya can enjoy sightseeing with ease.
It's also close to the Usu Mountain Ropeway station, so we recommend visiting both.
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Tours to Showa-Shinzan
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Mount Usu Ropeway
The Mount Usu Ropeway is,A popular activity that takes about 6 minutes to climb to the 7th station of Mount UsuIt is.
From the summit station, you can enjoy a breathtaking view that takes in Lake Toya, Showa-Shinzan, Unfu Bay, and—if the weather is clear—even Mount Yōtei.
If you continue walking along the trail, you'll reach the Usu Crater Plain Observation Deck and other scenic spots overlooking the crater!
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Lake Toya Onsen
Lake Toya Onsen is a hub for sightseeing around Lake Toya, where visitors can enjoy both the lakeside scenery and the hot springs.
The hot spring town is home to hotels, traditional inns, and foot baths, where you can take a relaxing break between sightseeing activities.
If you're staying overnight,Enjoy the hot springs while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake ToyaThat's part of its charm.
◆Directions: About 1 hour and 50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Recommended for sightseeing around Lake Toya
Click here for chartered sightseeing cab plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sightseeing at Lake Toya
Lake Toya is about 43 km long, and it takes about an hour to drive all the way around it. If you plan to stop at tourist attractions such as the Silo Observation Deck, Showa-Shinzan, and the Mt. Usu Ropeway, you should allow about 3 to 5 hours to enjoy the area at a leisurely pace.
Yes. Since it’s about a 2-hour-and-30-minute drive from Sapporo, it’s perfect for a day trip. If you take the classic route that includes the Silo Observation Deck, Showa-Shinzan, and the Mount Usu Ropeway, you can fully enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Toya, as well as the local cuisine and hot springs.
If you want to explore at your own pace, renting a car is recommended. On the other hand, if you’d like to avoid the hassle of driving or want to efficiently visit popular attractions, taking a sightseeing bus or a tour with a private taxi will ensure a smooth trip and give you peace of mind, even if it’s your first time visiting Lake Toya.
summary
Lake Toya is,Rich nature and hot springsIt is one of the best sightseeing areas in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery all at once.
There are a variety of plans ranging from one-day tours to overnight stays, with the enjoyment varying depending on the point of departure, such as from Tokyo, Sapporo, or via Noboribetsu.
Taking the regular sightseeing bus is a great way to efficiently visit the main attractions and experience the unique charms of Lake Toya that change with the seasons. 〇
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