Lake Toya is a destination that is “just right for a one-night, two-day trip.” Lake, volcano, onsen and fireworks are packed compactly together, with good access from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. In this article, Kamonoya, a whole-house rental operator at Lake Toya, shares the one-night, two-day itinerary we actually recommend to our guests.
Access guide
- New Chitose Airport → Lake Toya Onsen: about 2 hours by car (via expressway)
- Central Sapporo → Lake Toya Onsen: about 2 hours by car
- By JR: limited express to “Toya Station” → about 20 minutes by local bus to Lake Toya Onsen
Day 1: Enjoy the lake and the volcano
13:00 Showa-Shinzan & the Usuzan Ropeway
Showa-Shinzan, an active volcano formed when a field was pushed upward, and Mount Usu, reached by ropeway, are highlights of Lake Toya sightseeing. From the summit you can look over both Uchiura Bay and Lake Toya. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for the ropeway round trip and a walk around the observation deck.
15:00 Silo Observatory
A classic viewpoint overlooking all of Lake Toya. Drop by before check-in to enjoy the panorama of Nakajima floating in the lake and Mount Usu and Showa-Shinzan.
16:00 Check-in & a stroll through the onsen town
Check in at your lodging in the Lake Toya onsen town. Sculptures are dotted along the lakeside promenade—perfect for a walk at dusk. Free hand baths and foot baths are there to enjoy too.
18:00 Dinner: “cook your own” or onsen-town food
With a kitchen-equipped whole-house rental, buying local ingredients and cooking together can become a highlight of the trip. Enjoying local food at the onsen town’s restaurants is great too.For where to buy ingredients and local food tips, see our Lake Toya food guide.
20:45 Long-run Fireworks Festival (late April to end of October)
During the season, fireworks are launched from the lake for about 20 minutes every night. Walk from your lodging to the lakeside to watch. For details, see the complete fireworks guide.
Day 2: Around the lake
9:00 To Nakajima by the Lake Toya boat (seasonal service)
You can reach Nakajima, floating in the lake, by sightseeing boat. The views of Mount Usu and Mount Yotei from the water are exceptional.
11:00 A drive around the lakeside
The road circling the lake is about 40 km, roughly an hour by car. The north shore opens onto quiet farmland, with seasonal roadside stands and cafés dotted along the way.
13:00 Lunch & souvenirs
Lunch at a café in the onsen town or by the lake. Don’t forget “Wakasaimo,” a classic Lake Toya souvenir.
15:00 Heading home
If you have time, a route home via Rusutsu to enjoy the views of Mount Yotei is also recommended.
A whole-house rental makes the best base
Kamonoya runs 11 whole-house rentals in the Lake Toya area, so you can choose to match your group—from a couple’s trip for 2 to a three-generation trip of 20.
- Couples & small groups: Lake Toya Building 1R (from ¥7,000/night), Toya Terraced House (from ¥11,000/night)
- Families: Lake Toya Building 2LDK (from ¥11,000/night), Toya House (from ¥24,000/night)
- Groups & three generations: Farmer’s House (up to 18), Lake Toya Base (up to 20)
Booking directly through our official site is the best-value official rate, with no commission (best-rate guarantee). Check availability here.
FAQ
Q. Can I enjoy it without a car?
A. The onsen-town area (lakeside strolls, fireworks, onsen) can be enjoyed on foot. For outlying spots like the Silo Observatory and Showa-Shinzan, a car is convenient.
Q. When is the best season?
A. Late April to October, with fireworks and activities, is the classic choice, but winter with its snowy scenery and stillness, and spring with cherry blossoms, each have their own appeal.
Q. Is it worth staying multiple nights?
A. Use it as a base for nearby destinations like Niseko, Rusutsu and Noboribetsu, and you won’t get bored even over 2–3 nights. See our winter base-stay guide too.