Hokkaido Summer Road Trip: Lake Toya & Chitose Exploration
Source:
@She Walks the World
11 places in Hokkaido featured in a youtube post by She Walks the World, verified on Google Maps: Lake Tōya, Usuzan Ropeway, New Chitose Airport, and 8 more.
Lake Tōya
Natural feature
4.5
Lake Toya is a scenic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, known for its clear blue waters and surrounding volcanic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing morning stroll along its banks, enjoy the daily night fireworks display in summer, or take a sightseeing boat cruise to explore the lake's islands. The lake is also home to various hot spring resorts like Toyako Onsen Town, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxation.
Usuzan Ropeway
Place
4.2
The Usuzan Ropeway provides convenient access to the summit of Mount Usu, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Toya, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The gondola ride itself is a scenic experience, ascending Mount Usu in just a few minutes. From the upper station, visitors can easily reach several observation decks, including the Usu Crater Observatory and Lake Toya Observatory.
New Chitose Airport
International airport
4.3
New Chitose Airport is the main international airport serving Hokkaido, providing a gateway for domestic and international travelers. The airport offers various facilities including shops, restaurants, and car rental services, making it a convenient hub for travel within the region. It is the departure point for many visitors after exploring Hokkaido's scenic wonders.
Mount Usu
Natural feature
4.6
Mount Usu is an active stratovolcano near Lake Toya, famous for its frequent eruptions and the dramatic changes it has brought to the landscape, including the formation of Mount Showa Shin. Visitors can ascend the mountain via the Usuzan Ropeway to access several observatories offering stunning views of craters, lava domes, and Lake Toya. It's an excellent location for understanding volcanic geology and enjoying panoramic vistas.
Toyako Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.1
The Toyako Visitor Centre provides information about Lake Toya and the surrounding Shikotsu-Toya National Park, with interactive exhibits and detailed maps. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the region's volcanic activity and natural history. While the center offers a free general exhibition area, there is an admission fee for the adjacent Volcano Science Museum.
Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck
Observation deck
4.1
The Lake Toya Observatory offers a perfect vantage point for panoramic views of the picturesque Lake Toya and the unique Mount Showa Shin. It's an ideal spot for photography, capturing the serene beauty of the lake and its volcanic surroundings. Accessible from the Usuzan Ropeway, it provides a different perspective of the caldera and the nearby Showa Shinzan lava dome.
Shōwa-shinzan
Mountain peak
4.3
Mount Showa Shin is a distinctive volcanic dome that emerged from a wheat field between 1943 and 1945, making it one of Japan's youngest mountains. Its unique reddish-brown rock formations and the visible fumaroles offer a dramatic landscape, showcasing the power of volcanic activity. Visitors can observe the mountain from a distance, often as part of a visit to the nearby Mount Usu.
Nakajima Island
Island
4.3
Nakajima Island is a small island located in the middle of Lake Toya, accessible via a short sightseeing boat cruise. Visitors can disembark here to explore the island, enjoy short walks, and take pictures amidst its natural beauty. It's a peaceful spot for a brief escape and to soak in the serene lake environment.
Toya Kanko Hotel
Japanese inn
4.0
Toya Kanko Hotel offers traditional Japanese-style rooms with futon bedding and tatami floors, many boasting stunning views of Lake Toya. Guests can enjoy traditional Japanese dinners with a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood and local produce, and relax in the hotel's onsen (hot springs). The hotel is conveniently located for experiencing Lake Toya's scenic night fireworks in summer, which can be viewed directly from some rooms.
Wakasaimo Honpo Lake Toya main store
Confectionery store
3.9
Wakasaimo is a renowned sweet shop in the Lake Toya area, famous for its signature "Wakasaimo" sweet potatoes, a traditional Hokkaido confection. This shop is a great place to sample local delicacies and purchase souvenirs, offering a variety of Japanese sweets and snacks. Many visitors enjoy the opportunity to try free samples of their popular treats.
Chitose Outlet Mall RERA
Shopping mall
3.4
Rera Chitose Outlet Mall is a large shopping complex near New Chitose Airport, offering a wide array of fashion brands, lifestyle stores, and dining options. It's a popular destination for last-minute shopping or for travelers with time to spare before their flights. The mall features both Japanese and international brands, providing a diverse shopping experience.