2025 Sobetsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Hotel: The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika Address: 7-1 Lake Toya Onsen, Shogaki-cho, Ariju-gun, Hokkaido, Japan Features: - All rooms face Lake Toya for beautiful views!! ️ - All rooms have private open-air hot springs and balconies😍 - Public open-air bath and large bath Located on the eighth floor of the highest floor, it is an infinity bath with a view of Mount Sheep Hoof (known as: Hokkaido Little Fuji 🤣) - One night two meals, both meals are buffet, super rich!! ️ Breakfast can also eat salmon roe, homemade seafood bowl😋 - Check-in lobby has a mini bar, serving juices, soft drinks, beer drinks and snacks, great🤩 - In summer, there is a fireworks festival, enjoy the fireworks in your room😍 traffic: - Self-drive is recommended for longer stays at the hotel - The hotel also arranges a free shuttle bus for non-self-driving travelers, but reservations are required in advance, shuttle at Odori Park, which is very convenient. 秘️ Remember to book 90 days in advance to enjoy the early bird discount Reference price for one night two meals: 💰About HK1,900/night in early March 2024 💰About HK2,500/night in early December 2024 But it’s well worth it🤩🤩🤩 秘️ This hotel is very popular, often Full Booking🥹 early booking Recommend to friends who go to Hokkaido, be sure to stay one night for this hotel!! ️ It can definitely make you relax and add an unforgettable addition to your journey 😍😍😍 (I have to stay overnight every time I go to Hokkaido...you know how awesome it is 😏😏😏) #March Good Places 2025 #Hot Springs #Hokkaido #Hokkaido Travel #Hokkaido Accommodation #Hokkaido Hotels #Lake Toya #Toya Lake Hot Springs #Hokkaido Lake Toya Accommodation Recommendations

Dreaming of a hassle-free trip to Japan? Look no further! Here's a super detailed 7-day itinerary, complete with 24-hour airport transfer service and a dedicated 1-on-1 concierge to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. -------------------- 🌸Itinerary at a Glance: 7-Day Hokkaido, Japan Tour🌸 DAY 1: ✈️Arrival in Hokkaido—Vacation Mode Activated🏖️ Enjoy 24-hour airport transfer and dedicated 1-on-1 concierge service throughout your trip for a worry-free experience. DAY 2: Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)—Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch—Lake Toya—Usuzan Ropeway Explore the unique Hell Valley, get up close with adorable bears, admire the beauty of Lake Toya, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Hokkaido. DAY 3: Odori Park—Nakajima Park—Hokkaido Shrine—Tanukikoji Shopping Street—Sapporo TV Tower Stroll through parks, offer prayers at the shrine, indulge in some retail therapy, ascend the TV tower for scenic views, and experience the diverse charms of Sapporo. DAY 4: Otaru Music Box Museum—Mount Tengu, Otaru—Funamizaka—Mount Tengu, Otaru (Revisit) Listen to the enchanting melodies of music boxes, hike up Mount Tengu for panoramic views of Otaru, wander along Funamizaka, and revisit the captivating Mount Tengu. DAY 5: Asahiyama Zoo—Shikisai no Oka (Hills of Seasonal Colors)—Forest Sprites Terrace Discover the animal kingdom, admire the ever-changing hues of Shikisai no Oka, and encounter the magical forest sprites. DAY 6: Free Day in Sapporo Suggested itinerary: Shiroi Koibito Park—Odori Park—Sapporo Clock Tower—Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Embark on a sweet chocolate journey and revisit the city's charm. DAY 7: ✈️New Chitose Airport—Departure Conclude your Hokkaido adventure with a convenient airport transfer, leaving with cherished memories. -------------------- Pre-Trip Essentials: 🎒 Don't Forget These Items for Your Trip to Japan! 📞 SIM card, power adapter: Stay connected and powered up for a smoother trip. 🪪 Passport, wallet, visa: Important documents and money are essential; don't forget your visa. 👔 Clothing, charger: Choose clothing suitable for March weather and remember your charger. -------------------- Don't hesitate! Follow this private tour guide to Japan and embark on a hassle-free journey, immersing yourself in the unique charm of Japan.

The best place to view the full panorama of Lake Toya is not from the lakeside, but from a higher vantage point. From the expansive heights of the Silo Observatory, you can take in the entire view of Lake Toya and Mount Usu! Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observation Deck is more conveniently reached by car, as it is a 20-minute drive from the Lake Toya hot spring area. The observation deck is free of charge and features a large Toya landmark for photo opportunities, which looks quite beautiful. The Lake Toya Observation Deck also offers another way to enjoy the view: by taking a helicopter ride over the lake! Just imagining it is cool, though it's not cheap, so we didn't try it, haha.

#February2025 This old hot spring hotel in the first row of Toya Lake views has a grand name, "Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa". It is a historic old hotel, large in scale, with a swimming pool and water park, and a family-friendly resort center. As soon as you step into the lobby, you will be stunned by the nearly 180-degree panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. The lake view is absolutely beautiful! It’s not an exaggeration to take 100 beautiful photos. It’s so stunningly beautiful that you can sit there and relax all day long. The decoration design of the lobby doesn’t look like the style of a traditional old-style hot spring resort hotel? After checking some information, I found out that the lobby on the first floor had just been redecorated. No wonder it was so different from the exterior. The decoration of the room has not been renovated. The double rooms are divided into Western and Japanese styles, with a slightly old-fashioned classical style. The space is 28 square meters, and the only thing that wins is the super healing lake view. The price for two people including breakfast and dinner is NT$5,500, which is a reasonable price. The garden landscape by the lake is quite artistic, and there are several apple trees planted in the garden. The Sun Palace really has a good location and makes good use of the lake view, otherwise the service quality is just average. But for the sake of this beautiful view, it is still quite ok. #HokkaidoTravel #LakeToya

We recommend a unique 6-day hot spring tour in Japan, where you can enjoy a relaxing hot spring experience! Are you tempted? Click to find out more! / 🔖🌟Route Suggestions:🌟🔖 Day 1: Shanghai Pudong - Sapporo - Otaru Fly from Shanghai Pudong to Sapporo, then head to Otaru, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Day 2: Otaru Canal - Kitaichi Glass - Otaru Music Box Museum - Mt. Tengu Visit Otaru Canal and Kitaichi Glass, enjoy the music at Otaru Music Box Museum, and take in the views from Mt. Tengu. Day 3: Showa-shinzan - Showa-shinzan Bear Ranch - Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe - Jigokudani Visit Showa-shinzan, experience the wildness of the bear ranch, enjoy the marine life at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, and challenge yourself at Jigokudani. Day 4: Shiroi Koibito Park - Tanukikoji Shopping Street - Odori Park Visit Shiroi Koibito Park, enjoy shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street, and take a walk in Odori Park. Day 5: Blue Pond - Shirahige Falls - Shikisai no Oka - Forest of the Fairies Visit Blue Pond, enjoy the beauty of Shirahige Falls, take in the natural beauty of Shikisai no Oka, and enjoy the view from the Forest of the Fairies. Day 6: Sapporo - Shanghai Pudong End your trip in Japan and fly back to Shanghai with fond memories. / Tips: 1. Food🍣: Japanese restaurants usually open after 6 pm. The sashimi is delicious, but be careful with the seafood sauce! 2. Souvenirs👜: Want to bring back some souvenirs? Large shopping malls in Japan offer local specialties such as matcha candy and kimonos at reasonable prices. 3. Currency Exchange💱: When traveling in Japan, check the exchange rate between the local currency and RMB, and try to exchange money when the rate is low to save on travel expenses! 4. Hot Spring Etiquette: When visiting a hot spring in Japan, you need to be completely naked. Japanese people consider this a courtesy, so don't wear a swimsuit or underwear. 5. Okonomiyaki🍢: Dotonbori in Osaka has the best okonomiyaki in Japan. Although it's crowded with tourists, it's worth it. 6. Subway Culture🚇: Japanese subway cars are very quiet, so don't make loud noises or talk on the phone to avoid disturbing others. 7. Travel Plans🚶‍♂️: When traveling in Japan, it's best to plan your itinerary in advance to avoid missing out on popular attractions, especially museums and exhibitions. / Make every step of your journey meaningful. This is the beauty of Japan and the reason why you should visit. So, what are you waiting for? 😉

Hokkaido, I am so good at choosing hotels. The hot spring is really comfortable. One night with two meals, including one night stay + unlimited buffet dinner, breakfast, and hot spring. Much better than the hotels I haven't been to for around 500 AUD (such as Queenstown in New Zealand, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Shangri-La in Sydney, etc.)! Cost performance, scenery, service, one night with two meals, private hot spring in the room, open-air public hot spring are indeed impeccable! Every room faces the lake view, you can enjoy the lake view when you wake up and before you go to bed. Staying here is the most beautiful trip. Hokkaido Toyako Lake, The Lake Suite Ko no Sumika

Although it was drizzling when we arrived at this place, and the weather looked gray and gloomy, the original beautiful scenery remained the same, but the colors were not as colorful. The air is very good and the view is very broad. It is very suitable for walking around and enjoying the phytoncides and natural scenery. #beautifulaspoetry

address- 7-1 Toyako Onsen, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Sobetsu, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, 049-5731 Features- Each room has a private open-air bath ❤️ If you go in winter it's snowing outside Then soaking in the hot spring ♨️ is super relaxing Although it takes a lot of courage to go down 🤣 Price per person- $2500 a night Dinner and breakfast included It's self-service 👍🏻 Rating - 8.9/10 Another thing is to want his buffet more choices 🤣 Actually, his CP value is very high 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 As far as I know it is picked up by a tour bus But we were on a self-drive tour so we didn't use it #hot spring hotel #Hokkaido # Lake Toya #Private Bath

#japanhotel The most anticipated hot spring hotel of this trip chose to stay in Lake Toya instead of Noboribetsu, because once I saw the lake of Lake Toya is heart-warming 😍 Lake Toya is the annex of the Toyako Sun Palace Hotel, not open for a long time so the overall is very new The big difference is that annex guests can soak in the annex hot spring in addition to the main sanctuary hot spring, but in turn the main dormitory guests can only soak in the main den, can not soak in the annex Lake nobi room type is relatively new hotel style, no choice of traditional tatami rice table, etc., the bed is not floor plan, suitable for my place 😆 In addition to the private bath facing the view of Lake Toya, there is also a small terrace outside can sit / stand for guests to enjoy the lake and mountains In addition, the hot spring hotel is less than one night two meals, just talked about Lake Sushi is more hotel style, so the buffet form of dinner and breakfast need to enjoy the restaurant # Original image directly out of nofilter #Hokkaido # Lake Toya #hot springs #Private Bath #hot spring hotel #Japanese hot spring hotels

We spend a night at The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika for new year celebrations! This onsen resort is just amazing, the interior design is great and cozy! Their signature sky onsen is just stunning, overlooking the famous Lake Toya, it’s just so gorgeous! Breakfast and dinner are included in the package, food are high quality and good variety as well! Really enjoy your stay here! Definitely will want to be back in the near future! #newyearadventure

Toya Lake with private hot spring One night two meals Luxury accommodation Lake Sushi Room terrace with open-air private hot spring all you can soak in super cool, the view is great. Breakfast and dinner were buffet style, were very rich, and of high quality. Regret only staying one night!

This onsen hotel is so beautiful! Especially the stunning Lake Toya view from the your room terrace and public onsen! It’s just amazing! The check in was fast and easy. All the staff LS are super friendly and helpful too! There is a mini bar open from 3-6pm at the lobby lounge that serve coffee, soft drinks and beers. The beer come in smaller can, so you can try other beers! Room is nicely designed with modern amenities and a touch of traditional Japanese style. Very spacious and spotless! Dinner and breakfast are serve in the sister hotel next door, taste was good and huge variety too! Highly recommend this onsen hotel for a relaxing getaway! #spamagic

This luxury onsen resort is los yard beside Lake Toya, one of the most famous tourist attraction at Hokkaido! The resort is quiet and yet relaxing with a touch of luxury. The staff are so polite and nice, Our package come with dinner and breakfast, both are buffet style, food quality was really good and taste very nice too! The room is just so cozy and comfortable, the outdoor private onsen is just awesome…especially the beautiful Lake Toya view! We stayed for two nights and you can see the fireworks at room. The view at the public onsen area has very good view of Lake Toya too! Highly recommended this onsen resort! #resortstyle

This restaurant is highly recommended. Not only is the Wagyu beef melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but the owner can speak English and is super nice. He also helped us find a nearby day-trip hot spring ♨️ and kept chatting with us. He also said that his two sons who are in high school really want to go to Taiwan, but their plans have been delayed due to the pandemic. The owner and lady boss are great, and the meat is really delicious! ! ! The price is also very cheap! ! Push push push 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Address: 73-25 Sobetsuonsen, Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0103 Japan

Mount Usuzan via Usuzan Ropeway. Love this fiery and Live volcano especially winter . To go up the mountain that you can ride the Usuzan Ropeway or hike up the mountain. As tourist and I need to save time I choose the Ropeway . The Usuzan Ropeway brings you close to the volcano's summit. The upper station's observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Toya and neighboring Showa Shinzan. Once the rope way brought you near the summit , a staircase hike of half an hour is required to go near the craters. Magnificent sights and view. Very beautiful place even during winter time. The mountain and also the crater including lake Toya from mountain view. Made my hike worthwhile.#bucketlistreboot #MustDo

"Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa" in Toyako Town, Hokkaido This hotel offers breakfast and dinner buffets, so you can enjoy Hokkaido cuisine to your heart's content 😋 For breakfast, you can enjoy luxurious dishes such as salmon roe rice bowls and sukiyaki! You can stay here for about 10,000 yen, including accommodation and two meals ^_^ #buffet #stayhome #greatviews #gourmettrip

One thing that needs a lot of planning when you do self driving road trips in Hokkaido is which route you should take and how much the ETC costs. Taking toll roads can be very expensive in Hokkaido and thus, if you choose to take many toll roads during your trip, it would before cost effective if you buy the HEP Hokkaido Expressway Pass instead. For us, during our 8 days self drive trip, I used ChatGPT’s help to calculate the tolls and surprisingly, as we didn’t take many toll roads and also that some toll roads take the same time you will need to take if you use general roads and thus, there is no need to take toll roads to save up the money for another sushi feast. Below is the driving route we took during our trip: Day1 : Arrival & Furano - Arrive at New Chitose Airport (~13:40) - Pick up rental car - Route: Enter Chitose-higashi IC → Exit Shimukappu IC - Stop: Shizentaikan Shimukappu Roadside Station → Drive Route 237 to La Vista Furano Hills Hotel - ETC Toll: ·1,330 Day2 : Explore Furano - Explore flower fields and farms (e.g., Farm Tomita, shikisai no oka) - Local driving only - ETC Toll: ·0 Day3 : Furano → Tomamu - Drive from Furano to Tomamu The Tower by Hoshino Resorts - Use local roads only - ETC Toll: ·0 Day4 : Tomamu → Otaru (with stops) Part 1: Tomamu → Abira d51 rest stop → Mitsui Outlet Park - Enter Tomamu IC → Stop at Abira D51 (no exit) → Exit Kitahiroshima IC - ETC Toll: ~*2,800 Part 2: Hill of the Buddha → Otaru - Enter Sapporo-nishi IC → Exit Otaru IC - Hotel: Unwind Hotel & Bar Otaru - ETC Toll: ·400 Day5 : Otaru - Lake Toya - Use local roads to Lake Toya - Hotel: The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika - ETC Toll: ·0 Day6 : Lake Toya → Hakodate - use local general road - Hotel: Tokyu Stay Hakodate - ETC Toll: *0 (if using local roads) Day7/8 : Explore Hakodate - Visit: Mt. Hakodate, Morning Market, Red Brick Warehouses, Goryokaku Park - Local driving only - ETC Toll: ·0 Summary: ETC Toll Breakdown 1,330+ 2,800 + 400 Total ETC Toll: ~$4,530 v • No HEP needed — ETC-only is cheaper than 4-day HEP (·7,700) We did not get HEP as paying through ETC is cheaper than getting the pass and therefore, do enough research before your trip to save you some money! #japan #hokkaido #furano #tomamu #otaru #hakodate#laketoya #couplestrip

Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa felt like a slice of serenity tucked away by the tranquil shores of Lake Toya. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, I was struck by the panoramic view of the lake—it was breathtaking, especially with Mount Usu standing quietly in the distance. The check-in was smooth, and the staff were welcoming, even offering little touches like warm towels and tea. My room had a balcony that faced the lake, and waking up to that view was something I’ll remember. The room itself was clean, modern-Japanese in style, with just enough traditional touches like tatami flooring and a low table for tea. I appreciated how the space balanced comfort and aesthetic simplicity. The highlight was definitely the onsen. There’s an outdoor rotenburo that overlooks the lake, and soaking there as the sky turned orange during sunset was almost meditative. They have both indoor and outdoor baths, separated by gender, and everything was meticulously clean and well-maintained. Dinner was part of the half board plan, and it didn’t disappoint. It was buffet-style but very high quality—fresh sashimi, snow crab, grilled seafood, wagyu beef, and a good spread of desserts. Breakfast the next day was equally impressive, mixing Japanese and Western options. What made Toya Sun Palace feel special was how peaceful it was. It wasn’t crowded or overly commercial. Just calm, scenic, and rejuvenating. If you’re looking to slow down and take in nature, this place is a solid choice. I left feeling both rested and refreshed. #summervacay #LakeToya #HokkaidoRetreat #OnsenGetaway #ToyaSunPalace #JapanTravel #ScenicEscape #RelaxInNature #HotSpringHeaven #HokkaidoResort #TravelJapan #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #japan #japantrip

📍Address: Toyako no Habitat Superb Various wild foods

#cityplaybook Lake Tōya in Hokkaido is one of those places where every step feels calming. The view of the still water, the gentle mountain air, and the quiet charm of the lakeside town all add up to the perfect slow-paced getaway. I began my day with a visit to Tōya Shrine, a small but peaceful spot surrounded by trees and silence. Not far away, Abuta Shrine offered another moment of stillness and a beautiful view of the lake from its grounds. To see the lake from a different angle, I hopped on a Lake Tōya cruise. Floating across the wide, glassy surface with mountains all around was incredibly relaxing—just sit back and breathe it all in. And of course, no trip is complete without good food. I stopped by Tōya Sun Palace Resort for their buffet, which had everything from fresh seafood to warm desserts. The best part? Enjoying it all with a view of the lake. Why I recommend Lake Tōya: ・It’s a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy nature, local shrines, and quiet walks ・The lake views—whether from the shore, a cruise, or a restaurant—are unforgettable 📍Lake Tōya area, Hokkaido, Japan #LakeToya #Hokkaido #ShrineWalk #ToyaCruise #NatureEscape #PeacefulViews #SlowTravel #OnsenTown #CityGuide #ToyaBuffet

Toyako Tsuruga Resort Hikari no Uta enjoys the beauty of Lake Toya and the essence of Ainu culture. The architectural style cleverly incorporates Ainu elements, highlighting the ethnic characteristics. Visitors can participate in traditional Ainu dance lessons and experience handicrafts such as wood carving and weaving. After nightfall, you can enjoy the traditional bonfire show by the lake. The hotel makes good use of the lake view and offers activities such as boat tours and lakeside fishing. It perfectly combines natural landscapes with cultural experiences, attracts many tourists to gain an in-depth understanding of local culture, and drives the development of the tourism industry around Lake Toya. Designer | Kengo Kuma: Famous for his "negative architecture" concept, he is good at integrating nature and architecture. His representative works include the "Bamboo House" at the foot of the Great Wall, the Nezu Museum in Tokyo (which uses glass and green plants to eliminate the boundaries of buildings), and the "National Stadium", the main venue of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which uses a wooden structure to echo the environmental protection theme. It has won the Japan Institute of Architects Award, the International Stone Architecture Award and other honors.

Located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park is Japan's oldest mountain, Mt. Usu, which is 20,000 years old. Nearby is Japan's youngest active volcano. The volcanic eruption began in 1943. Originally a wheat field, it rose repeatedly in just two years, reaching an altitude of 407 meters and is still active today. There are many scenic spots around Lake Toya, including Mount Su, Showa Shinzan and Bear Ranch, which can be visited on foot. If you purchase a one-day experience tour, it will be more convenient with a bus and a tour guide. Showa Shinzan is still active and growing. After the rain, white smoke continues to erupt from the reddish-brown mountains, making it feel like you are looking at a primitive volcano. If you want to see the whole view of Showa Shinzan, you can take the Usuyama Ropeway directly to the top of Usuyama, from where you can see Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, Usuyama and the Flaming Bay.

#cityplaybook There’s something special about traveling solo—especially when the destination is as peaceful and stunning as Lake Tōya. Surrounded by mountains and sky, this crater lake in Hokkaido feels like a secret retreat from everyday life. I started my visit with a Lake Tōya cruise, drifting across glassy water with panoramic views all around 🚢 Even though I was alone, I never felt lonely—just quietly content. One of the best surprises? The nightly fireworks, held from April to October 🎆 Watching them reflect off the lake, with cool air and wide open skies, was pure magic. I stayed at The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika, and it was everything I needed. Spacious, serene, and right by the water. Sitting by the window with a warm drink and that view? Unmatched. Why I recommend Lake Tōya: ・It’s the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with yourself ・Between the lake, mountains, and nightly fireworks, the scenery never stops impressing 📍Lake Tōya, Hokkaido, Japan #LakeToya #Hokkaido #SoloTravel #JapanGetaway #FireworksByTheLake #CraterLakeViews #LakeCruise #KoNoSumika #NatureEscape #PerfectDay

The early bird catches the McGriddle After checking out, we drove for about an hour and arrived at the Noboribetsu Sakuragi Tunnel at 0955. The cherry trees were already very withered. The weather was very good and I suddenly wanted to visit Jigokudani. The sky was cloudless and I felt particularly refreshed. At 1100, we took a short break at "Usuyama SA". There was a large group of middle school students resting here, sitting on the grass, looking at (from left to right) Usuyama, Showa Shinzan, Toyako Nakajima, and Mt. Yotei. What a carefree life. It takes 40 minutes by car to reach Uju Zenkoji Temple. The cherry blossoms in the temple are in full bloom. Many Japanese people come here to enjoy the cherry blossoms. We arrived at Aoba-gaoka Park in Mori-machi at around 13:30 along the toll road. There were dense cherry blossoms, mainly Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. Unfortunately, the cherry blossom season had passed, otherwise the snow-white cherry blossoms would have been stunning. The Sakura Festival also has performances and street markets, so there must be a constant stream of tourists. We were a bit rushed for the cherry blossom viewing in Hakodate this time, and wanted to skip some of our original itinerary, but luckily we did not miss "Michi-no-Eki YOU・遊・もり", which is less than a 5-minute drive away. The very large Michi-no-Eki Park is planted with many Somei Yoshino cherry trees, Oshima cherry trees, Horii Hizakura trees, and Yae red weeping cherry trees. With the breeze, the legendary scene of cherry blossoms blowing in the snow is hard to erase from our minds. From the observation deck, we can also see the scene of Hokkaido Komagatake and cherry blossoms in the same frame. This is a place in southern Hokkaido that cannot be missed for cherry blossom viewing. After driving for more than two hours, we arrived at Matsumae Castle, one of the top 100 famous castles in Japan at 1615. This is the northernmost castle tower in Japan and the only feudal castle in Hokkaido. It is of great significance. Although it was rebuilt after the disaster, you can still experience the grand occasion of the year. It is also a place to enjoy cherry blossoms. Combined with the tranquility of Matsumae Castle, the cherry blossoms are particularly beautiful. On the way back, the sun set. We went to the nearby Shirakami Cape, the southernmost observation square in Hokkaido, and looked out at the Tsugaru Peninsula on the other side. It was very peaceful and comfortable to listen to the sound of the waves and watch the sunset. However, we had to return to Hakodate before sunset, so we chose a charcoal grill restaurant for dinner. "Charcoal-grilled meat, Izumi-tei", high cost performance, good quality meat, ordered a stone pot scallop crab meat pot rice, and two plates of Matsusaka beef (a total of more than 3,000 yen) Accommodation: "Yunokawa Ferry Hotel"

#cherryblossom25 When people think of *sakura* in Japan, Kyoto or Tokyo might come to mind first—but my recent trip to **Lake Toya (Toyako)** in Hokkaido proved that the north holds its own magical cherry blossom charm. With its volcanic landscapes, serene lakeside views, and late-blooming cherry trees, Toyako offered a peaceful and unique *hanami* experience away from the crowds. ## **🌸 Why Toyako for Cherry Blossoms?** Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms bloom later than mainland Japan (usually **late April to early May**), making it perfect for those who miss the peak season elsewhere. Toyako’s combination of *sakura*, hot springs, and stunning nature created an unforgettable spring getaway. ## **🌿 Cherry Blossom Spots Around Toyako** ### **1. Toyako Onsen Cherry Blossom Road (洞爺湖温泉さくら通り)** A short walk from the lakeside hotels, this charming street is lined with cherry trees that glow softly at night. The contrast of pink blossoms against the backdrop of **Lake Toya** and **Mount Usu** was breathtaking. I loved strolling here in the evening with a soft-serve ice cream in hand! ### **2. Nakajima Island (中島)** A small, forested island in the middle of Lake Toya, accessible by boat. While not a traditional *sakura* hotspot, the island’s wild cherry trees and peaceful hiking trails made for a secluded *hanami* picnic with panoramic lake views. ### **3. Usuzan Ropeway & Sakura Outlook (有珠山ロープウェイ)** For a bird’s-eye view, I took the **Usuzan Ropeway** up Mount Usu. From the observation deck, I could see the lake, the town, and scattered cherry blossoms dotting the landscape—a different but stunning perspective. ## **♨️ Beyond the Blossoms: Hot Springs & Fireworks** Toyako is famous for its **onsen**, and soaking in a lakeside *rotenburo* (outdoor bath) under the *sakura* was pure bliss. The town also hosts **nighttime firework displays** (April-October) over the lake, which I watched from a *yukata* while enjoying local Hokkaido treats like *jingisukan* (grilled lamb). ## **🍜 Food Adventures** Hokkaido’s fresh seafood is a must! I indulged in: - **Toyako Shrimp Donburi** (洞爺湖エビ丼) – Sweet, delicate shrimp from the lake. - **Hokkaido Dairy Soft Serve** – Creamy and rich, best enjoyed under the blossoms. - **Ishikari Nabe** – A comforting salmon hot pot, perfect for cooler spring evenings. ## **📅 Best Time to Visit** - **Late April to early May** for cherry blossoms. - **May** also brings fresh greenery and fewer crowds. ## **Final Thoughts** Toyako was a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing—less touristy, more serene, and full of natural beauty. Whether drifting on the lake, relaxing in an onsen, or simply sitting under a *sakura* tree with a warm drink, it was the perfect spring escape. If you’re looking for a unique *hanami* experience with hot springs, volcanoes, and fireworks, **Toyako is a must-visit!**

This time, we will introduce Toya Sun Palace in Hokkaido! This hotel was perfect in every way, with hot springs, a pool, and even a buffet! The buffet in particular was great, with a full range of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine! They even had Japanese home cooking for foreigners, which was great! They also served welcome drinks, so we had time to relax after arriving at the hotel! The hotel has glass walls so you can see the lake! If you're visiting Hokkaido, why not give it a try? #0yentravel

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Tickets for the Usuyama Ropeway, a famous ropeway in Hokkaido, allow you to see the landscape of the Toya crater, the Usu Volcano World Geopark, and every changing landscape caused by the volcanic eruption Explore the history of this famous volcano and the eruptions that rocked the surrounding area in the 20th century. It only takes 6 minutes to reach the top by cable car. The view includes Lake Toya, Mt. Yotei and Uchiura Bay. 😍 At the top of the mountain, there is a hiking trail outside Mt. Usu, where you can see the crater of the volcano, the Ginnuma crater, and the Flaming Bay connected to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you can visit the terrain that was raised by the volcanic eruption earthquake, which is very special.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 After visiting Lake Toya, we went to Showa Shinzan. There was still thick smoke on the mountain. We took a cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoyed the clear Lake Toya🤩 and the endless Pacific Ocean. There is also an information center introducing volcanoes and geological landscapes. You can experience the amazing power of the volcano in the "Volcano Eruption Experience Hall" as if you were actually in a volcano🌋 In addition, there is Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch nearby, where you can get close to the bears. It's quite interesting to see them feeding and standing up to wave.