One thing we hope you’ll try at least once when you visit Lake Toya is a sightseeing cruise that lets you take in the scenery from out on the water. Cross to Nakajima, the island floating in the middle of the lake, and you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama right from its center. Kamonoya, which runs 11 whole-house rentals around Lake Toya, shares how to make the most of the cruise and Nakajima from the perspective of a local innkeeper.
What is the Lake Toya cruise? A stroll on the water with Toyako Kisen
The sightseeing ships on Lake Toya are operated by Toyako Kisen, departing from the pier in the onsen town to cruise around the lake. The castle-like ships gliding across the water are a signature sight of Lake Toya, and once you’re out on the lake you can take in Mount Yotei, Mount Usu and the onsen townscape all at once.
Lake Toya seen from the shore and Lake Toya seen from the water are two completely different faces of the same lake. The crisp air of the morning and the lake surface at dusk are especially wonderful—time that photography lovers are sure to treasure. Operating hours, fares and the number of departures vary by season.
What kind of place is Nakajima? Islands floating in the center of the lake
Nakajima is the collective name for the islands floating in the center of Lake Toya. Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed by a massive eruption around 110,000 years ago, and Nakajima was born within the lake through later volcanic activity. The very scene of green islands floating in the middle of the water has become the symbol of Lake Toya.
- The islands are covered in forest, with well-maintained walking trails for enjoying nature
- There is also a museum-like facility on the islands that introduces the nature and history of Lake Toya
- Nakajima is known as home to Ezo sika deer, and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of one
On departures where the cruise stops at Nakajima you can go ashore and explore, but whether landing is possible and how long you can stay vary by season and departure. There are periods in winter when landing is not possible, so if exploring Nakajima is your goal, please check the operating details on the Toyako Kisen official website in advance.
At night, the fireworks-viewing cruise is another option
The Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival is held every night from around 20:45 for about 20 minutes, typically from late April to the end of October. The fireworks are launched from a boat out on the lake, and part of the appeal is the way they rise as the boat moves along the lakeside of the onsen town.
During this period, a cruise for viewing the fireworks from the water is also usually operated. Looking up at the fireworks from close range out on the lake is truly spectacular, and the light reflected on the water is beautiful too—perfect for an anniversary trip. Whether the cruise runs and how to book vary by season. For everything about enjoying the fireworks, see our Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival article for details.
Getting to the pier and planning your sightseeing
The cruise pier is on the lakeside of the Lake Toya onsen town, within walking distance of the inns in the onsen town. It’s about 2 hours by car from both New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, and about 20 minutes by bus from JR Toya Station to the onsen town.
Our recommended plan is the cruise and a Nakajima walk in the morning (allow about 1.5 to 2 hours combined), then Mount Usu or the Silo Observatory in the afternoon, and fireworks at night. A one-night, two-day trip is plenty, but a second night gives you room to add a drive around the lake as well. For a touring plan, take a look at our Lake Toya model course article too.
Stays within walking distance of the cruise pier: Kamonoya whole-house rentals
Every Kamonoya inn is a whole-house or single-unit rental with a full kitchen. At our properties in the center of the onsen town, both the cruise pier and the fireworks are within walking distance. For couples, Lake Toya Building 1R Hokusai (up to 3 guests, from ¥8,000/night) is convenient; for families, Lake Toya Building 2LDK (up to 6 guests, from ¥11,000/night) or Toya House (up to 8 guests, from ¥24,000/night). You can browse all of our properties on the facilities list.
Booking directly through our official site is the best-value official rate, with no agency commission (best-rate guarantee). Check availability here
Frequently asked questions
How long does the cruise take?
A loop around the lake takes around 50 minutes as a rough guide, and if you go ashore to explore Nakajima, it’s safest to allow an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour. The number of departures and the route vary by season, so please check the latest operating information on the Toyako Kisen official website.
Can I land on Nakajima at any time?
Whether you can land on Nakajima varies by season and departure, and there are periods in winter when landing is not possible. The range of walking trails available on the islands may also change depending on the time of year. If exploring Nakajima is the goal of your trip, it’s reassuring to check the operating conditions in advance.
Can families with children enjoy the cruise?
Yes—if you’re simply enjoying the scenery from on board, it’s fine even with small children. The air out on the lake often feels colder than on land, so we recommend bringing a light layer to throw on, even in summer. Children love that you may also come across Ezo sika deer on Nakajima.