Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a remarkable volcanic caldera lake within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Formed by massive eruptions thousands of years ago, the lake is nearly circular and is famous for being one of the northernmost lakes in Japan that never freezes. At its center lie the Nakajima Islands, which can be explored via cruise boats and offer peaceful forest trails. The area is a geological wonderland. Mount Usu, an active volcano on the southern shore, features a ropeway leading to observation decks with views of its smoking craters. Nearby is Showa-shinzan, a volcanic dome that dramatically rose from flat wheat fields in the 1940s. The resort town of Toyako Onsen has world-class hot spring baths, many with panoramic views of the water. A highlight of the region is the nightly fireworks display held from late April through October. The lake also gained international fame as the site of the 2008 G8 Summit. It is easily accessible from Sapporo by train or bus. Summer is the best time for lake activities and fireworks, while autumn brings brilliant fall foliage to the surrounding hills.

Nearby cities

Tokyo

The capital of Japan and the largest metropolitan area in the world.

Yokohama

Japan's second-largest city and the main port south of Tokyo.

Osaka

Japan's third-largest city, known as the country's culinary capital.

Nagoya

Industrial heartland of central Japan and home of the Toyota group.

Sapporo

The largest city on Hokkaido, famous for beer, ramen and a snow festival.

Fukuoka

The largest city on Kyushu and a gateway to Korea and China.

Kobe

A port city wedged between mountains and sea, famous for Kobe beef.

Kyoto

Former imperial capital and symbol of traditional Japanese culture.

Hiroshima

City of peace, marked by the 1945 atomic bombing.

Sendai

The largest city of the Tohoku region, known as the 'City of Trees'.

Kagoshima

Kagoshima is a vibrant city at the foot of the active Sakurajima volcano, often called the "Naples of the Eastern World."

Asahikawa

Hokkaido's second-largest city, famous for the Asahiyama Zoo, excellent ramen, and as the gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park.

Hakodate

A port city in southern Hokkaido, famous for its night view from Mount Hakodate and the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort.

Kushiro

Hokkaido's largest eastern port city, famous for its vast wetlands and rare red-crowned cranes.

Karatsu

Karatsu is a historic coastal city in Saga, famous for its majestic castle, vast pine forest, and renowned Karatsu pottery.

History & landmarks

Kumamoto

A historic city in Kyushu famous for one of Japan's most impressive castles and its beautiful gardens.

Matsumoto

Famous for Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's premier historic castles, also known as the 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior.

Matsue

Matsue, known as the "City of Water," impresses with its original castle and picturesque canals along Lake Shinji.

Uji

Uji is the heart of Japanese tea culture and home to the magnificent Byodo-in Temple.

Kamakura

A former capital of Japan, famous for its Great Buddha statue, numerous Zen temples, and coastal setting.

Izumo

Izumo is famous for the Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines.

Hirosaki

Hirosaki is known for its historic park, castle, and one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Japan.

Ise

Ise is home to the Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex, set amidst ancient forests.