Toya

One of Hokkaido's three major scenic attractions, Lake Toya features three islets (Kannon-jima, Benten-jima & Manju-jima) and a main island (Ojima) in the middle of the lake. In addition, the Toya is the third largest caldera lake in all of Japan, with a maximum depth of 179.7 meters, a circumference of nearly 43 kilometers, and comprising an area of 70.4 square kilometers in a naturally round caldera. The area is also designated as part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Lighting the skies and shaking the ground below from late April through October, Lake Toya's nightly firework displays are unique throughout Japan. A moving and unforgettable experience, whether seen from a hot spring resort hotel or on the water aboard a fireworks sightseeing cruise.

On the evening of December 28th, 1943, a wheat field on the western edge of the sleepy farming town of Sobetsu began to rise and gave birth to earthquakes and an active volcano that would continue to erupt 17 times over the next 2 years. One of the world's most unique volcanoes, Showa Shinzan was designated as a special national treasure in 1957.

Gazing down on Lake Toya below as the face of Mt. Usu looms ahead is truly a memorable experience. Looking down from the Lake Toya Observation Deck, visitors are offered stunning views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan. Pressing on only slightly further to the Usu Crater Basin Overlook, one can catch a glimpse of Uchiura Bay. From this vantage point, visitors can truly appreciate the power of nature as steam constantly rises from the Ginnuma Crater, seemingly ready to erupt at any minute.