Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a famous lake in southwest Hokkaido, not far from Rusutsu and Niseko. Lake Toya (Tōyako) is a large caldera lake that doesn’t fully freeze during winter so on fine calm days the landscapes are stunning. Surreal views include those of the blue lake, Nakajima Island in the middle of the lake, Mt Yotei, and other snow covered mountains nearby. On its southern rim sits Mount Usu, an active volcano that last erupted in 2000. Nearby on the southern shores of the lake is Toyako Onsen, which is a touristy hot spring resort town with many large hotels that overlook the lake.

Toyako Onsen or other accommodation areas near Lake Toya can be used as an affordable base to visit nearby Rusutsu Ski Resort, and Lake Toya is also within day trip striking distance of Niseko and a few other ski areas (see below). Lake Toya was also made famous for hosting the G8 Summit back in 2008, which was held at the Windsor Hotel Toya Resort and Spa. 

Where is Lake Toya?

Lake Toya is located south of Mt Yotei and not far from Uchiura Bay of the southern coast of Hokkaido, where the little town of Toya sits along with the Toya train station.

The tourist town of Toyako Onsen is located on the southwestern shore of the lake. If you don’t have a rental car, Toyako Onsen is the hub of bus transport in the Lake Toya area, with buses from JR Toya Station and Sapporo.

Sky Station can provide private transfers between Lake Toya and Niseko for 1 to 8 passengers.

Ski Areas Near Lake Toya

From Toyako Onsen:

• Rusutsu is 30km to the northeast (30 min drive)
• Niseko Hirafu is 50km to the north (1 hour drive)
• Moiwa is 50km to the northwest (1 hour drive)
• Orofure Ski Area is 18km to the east – a small ski area with 1 lift and 136 metres of vertical
• Sunlaiva is 55km to the southeast (1 hour drive) near Noboribetsu Onsen, although it’s unlikely to attract the attention of international skiers
• Pirika is 74km southwest
• Nakayamatoge is 57km northeast (only open early and late season)

From Toyamachi on the northern shore:

• Rusutsu Resort is 18km to the northeast (20 mins)
• Niseko Hirafu is 42km to the north (50 minutes)
• Nakayamatoge is 45km northeast (only open early and late season)

Lake Toya Accommodation

There is lots of Lake Toya accommodation near the southern, western and northern shores of the lake.

The highest concentration of lodging is near the southwest shore in Toyako Onsen. There are lots of Lake Toya hotels in this region that have onsen, and many are large multi-storey hotels that have onsen, Japanese or western rooms, and buffet or kaiseki meals, depending on your budget.

Toyako Onsen also has guesthouses and a couple of backpacker hostels.

Toyako Onsen Lodging Listings

In other parts of Lake Toya there are smaller hotels as well as lots of holiday houses. Those to the north are closer to Rusutsu and Niseko.

Lake Toya Accommodation Listings

If you really want to spoil yourself, you can stay at the 5 star Windsor Hotel Toya Resort and Spa, which sits near the western shores of the lake.