Toya Onsen

Toya Onsen is centered around the lake of the same name, in the southwest of Hokkaido, part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. A touristy hot spring resort town along the shore of Lake Toya, Toya Onsen is just at the foot of Mount Usu. Several large luxury hotels stand right alongside the lake, offering rooms and hot spring baths with beautiful views of the lake. In front of the hotels runs a pleasant promenade with foot baths (ashiyu), and in the evening from May through October there are daily fireworks. The promenade is also the departure point for sightseeing boat cruises of the lake.

The lake and the surrounding peaks are a popular getaway for Japanese urban dwellers looking for an escape from the city, with hiking, fishing, water sports, hot-spring baths and simply enjoying the great outdoors being the key attractions. The Toya-ko-onsen, which stretches out along the 43-kilometer-diameter crater lake, is one of the best spa resorts in Hokkaido. In 2008 Toya received its most illustrious guests to date when it was chosen by Japan to host the G8 Summit, to showcase Japan’s natural beauty to the world. There are many places of interest around Lake Toya-ko including the Volcano Science Museum where they show visual images of the eruption that occurred in 1977, complete with a special sound system. There are also fully facilitated camping sites located around the lake.

As one of the top-rated Japanese hot-spring in Hokkaido by travelers, Toya Onsen is a popular travel destination to relax and enjoy a quieter side of Japan away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto or Tokyo. Enjoy Toya Onsen after a fully-guided Hokkaido Japan Tour or tailor-made custom vacation package with Japan Deluxe Tours!