When the long winter finally lets go, Lake Toya slips into its most comfortable season of the year. Spring in Hokkaido arrives about a month later than on Honshu, and the cherry blossoms are usually at their best around Golden Week. At almost exactly the same time, the Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival opens for the season and the lakeside bursts into life. Kamonoya, which runs 11 whole-house rentals around Lake Toya, shares the highlights of springtime here from a local’s point of view—cherry blossoms, the opening of the fireworks, and the fresh green of early summer.
Spring weather and what to wear
Even when the days feel pleasant, spring mornings and evenings at Lake Toya can turn sharply cold. In April you will often still want a coat, and even in May the lakeside can feel chilly after dark. A light long-sleeved layer for the day and a jacket or fleece you can throw on at night will keep you comfortable. If you plan to watch the evening fireworks or take a walk along the lake, bring one extra layer to be safe.
Early April, as the snowmelt gets underway, is a time when road conditions can change quickly. If you are coming by rental car, it is worth checking the latest road information before you set off.
Cherry blossoms are usually at their best around Golden Week
The cherry blossoms around Lake Toya generally reach their peak around Golden Week. Being able to enjoy “one more round of hanami” after the blossoms have finished on Honshu is one of the joys of a trip to Hokkaido. Strolling slowly along the lakeside while taking in the lake, the cherry blossoms, and snow-capped Mount Yotei all at once is a luxury unique to this time of year.
Bloom timing shifts from year to year depending on the weather, so please check the latest blossom forecast when planning your trip.
The Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival opens
The biggest news of spring at Lake Toya is, without question, the opening of the Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival. From late April through the end of October each year, fireworks are launched from the lake for about 20 minutes from around 8:45 pm every night. An onsen town where fireworks go up every single night for half a year is rare anywhere in Japan, and it has become one of Lake Toya’s signature attractions.
You can enjoy the fireworks from anywhere along the lakeside, but we have gathered the best viewing spots in our Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival viewing guide, so do take a look. If you stay somewhere in the heart of the onsen town, it is wonderfully convenient to watch the fireworks from the lakeside just a few steps away and then head straight back to your room.
Fresh-green lakeside walks and drives
Once May arrives, the trees all bud at once and the lakeside is wrapped in fresh green. The loop around Lake Toya is about 40 km, a drive of roughly an hour. Along the way, it is a classic move to stop at the Silo Observatory, which overlooks the whole lake, or at Lake Hill Farm, known for its gelato. Venture as far as Showa-Shinzan or the Mount Usu Ropeway and you can take in the geopark scenery where volcanoes and lake come together.
Free hand baths and foot baths are dotted around the onsen town, so pausing for a rest between walks is a great idea too. The Lake Toya Marathon is also held each May, filling the lakeside with runners. If you are unsure in what order to visit the sights, our Lake Toya model course is a helpful reference.
Recommended stays for spring at Lake Toya
Every Kamonoya property is a kitchen-equipped, whole-house or whole-unit rental. In a private space where you never share with other guests, you can take your time and savor Lake Toya in spring.
- For a family spring trip: Toya House (up to 8 guests, from ¥24,000/night). A whole-house rental in the heart of the onsen town, perfect as a base for the fireworks and lakeside walks.
- For couples and small groups: Lake Toya Building 1R (up to 3 guests, from ¥7,000/night). An apartment-style unit in the town center, ideal for an easygoing spring getaway.
- For those who want to soak up the fresh green in peace: Cloud9 Toya (up to 11 guests, from ¥27,000/night). A whole-house rental set a little apart from the bustle of town, where a wood stove gently warms the chilly spring nights.
You can see our other properties on the list of facilities.
Booking directly through our official site is the best-value official rate, with no agency commission (best-rate guarantee). Check availability here.
FAQ
Q. Can I enjoy the cherry blossoms and the fireworks at the same time in spring?
If the timing works out, yes. The cherry blossoms are usually at their best around Golden Week, and the Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival typically opens in late April, so around Golden Week you may be able to enjoy the luxury of cherry blossoms by day and fireworks by night. Please check the latest official information for bloom conditions and the fireworks schedule.
Q. How do I get to Lake Toya in spring?
About 2 hours by car from New Chitose Airport, and about 2 hours by car from Sapporo. By JR, it is about 20 minutes by bus from Toya Station to the onsen town. Snow can remain on the roads until early April, so please drive with care if you are in a rental car.
Q. Are the nights still cold in spring?
Yes, mornings and evenings are chilly. Even when the days are warm, the lakeside often feels cold at night, so bring a jacket, fleece, or another layer you can throw on for watching the fireworks. Every Kamonoya property is a whole-house or whole-unit rental, so if you get cold you can head back to your room and warm up right away.