Came here because the lake is the motif of Verity Lake in Pokémon series. The view is beautiful and it is worth taking the cruise to explore the lake. Note that the last ride (16:30) does not bring tourists to the island in the middle of the lake.

A picturesque lake with many activities and sights along the shore. Tranquil and relaxing. You can drive around the lake. The southern end has a lot of accommodation and food options. The island in the centre: Nakajima, can be reached by ferry. The monthly fireworks display during summer another draw. In all, this place is definitely worth the trip from Sapporo.

Lake Tōya is one of the most beautiful lakes in Hokkaidō, surrounded by mountains and a peaceful natural atmosphere. The water is crystal clear, shimmering in shades of jade green and deep blue that look stunning in every season. Walking along the lakeside or taking a boat ride offers refreshing views that feel calming and unforgettable. The area is also known for its relaxing hot springs, perfect after a day of exploring. At night, the lake becomes even more magical with spectacular fireworks that light up the sky and reflect beautifully on the water. Overall, Lake Tōya is a perfect destination for both relaxation and breathtaking scenery, day and night.

30/04/2025 Reached about 10.30am at Lake Toya. Took a bus from Toya station. The area was really quiet, with lots of shop closed. I going to assume it is due to Golden Week. Therefore, there wasn't really anything to do other than sightseeing. The wind was rather strong so the Swan boat was not available for rental. There a few free footbath onsen which was nice to have, not particularly hot but do remember to bring a small towel in adv so you can wipe your feet. Lots of tourist bus dropping by and going to the Nakajima island. I didn't venture far but I believe it is a good place to visit during late spring and early summer. The sky cleared mid afternoon and it was more pleasant. I was able to see a clear Mt Yotei and it was beautiful! I suggest staying at least a night here so that you can do more exploration. Mine was a day trip.

Stayed here in winter. Weather wasn’t so great for the first couple of days with snowfall and cloud covering the view but the last day was just holy. Beautiful location.

very peaceful and relaxing location. There is a cruise and swan boats for activities. Very fresh air

Beautiful lake. A must come if you’re in Hokkaido.

Great if you’re looking for a chill and slow hike. It’s costs ¥2000/person for a round trip ticket for the gondola. The gondola intervals are 15 minutes. You can also pay ¥1,100 for a one way trip a you can hike back down but it will be further away from the starting point/carpark. It’s also paid parking (we paid ¥500 - parked around 2pm), but when we got back to the carpark around 4pm - there were no more parking attendants, so maybe you can park for free after 4 but the last gondola leaves at 5.15pm so take note!

After all the great food in Hokkaido, it's good to take a day out for hiking around mount Usu, the active volcano at lake Toya. The walk usually is about half a day and if you are lucky, you can see steam coming out from the mountain. 🚶

Even from far distance you can see the steam coming out from all direction at the Gunnima crater, it is a sight to behold. We went up by cable car so we only went half way down the trail as it leads to the sea side, which is the opposite side to Lake Toya. I suggest others to take the cable car up one way and hike down. Those stairs are relentless as you can see from the photos.

The trail is a good hike, just be prepared for the parking costs and the buses of tourists in the autumn season. Hiking the other side of the mountains is also great and gives you a great chance to see the power of the 2000 earthquake on the houses and roads the passed through the area. There is free parking available on the western side.

We've been here in mid-september 2017. We took the cable car to mount Usu and watched lake Toya and Showa-shinzan from the first viewing platform. From the second viewing platform you can see the summit of mount Usu. From there we took a short hike along the rim of the crater. The walk was absolutely beautiful and the smoking mounting is seen all along the way. From the end of the trail you can also see the stunning view of southern Hokkaido across the bay. Allocate 2-3 hours for the entire trip.

Amazing wide view on this top of mountain. You can rest, take a coffee and relax here.

Scenic ropeway and clear beautiful view on top of Mount Usu, with a terrace facing Lake Toya to relax and appreciate nature. There’s a short walk around, but we did not go further down the boardwalk as it seemed slightly too far for us. Recommended to visit if around the Lake Toya area!

A volcanic lava dome next to Mt. Usu. The peak is now 398meter and still actively smoking. This can be prove by no snow covered the peak as the surface are very hot, snow will melt and not stick on the surface. Had a nice lunch there and walking distance to Showa Shinzan bear ranch.

One of the youngest volcano from 1947. The load leading to the photo spot was quite slippery

Great day trip, the views and landscape are so beautifull, and to see the steam coming out from the mountain is mesmerizing. The ice cream we had from one stall tasted like yogurt instead of milk. Make sure you do the cable car to mt.usu aswell

Volcanic mountain near Usuzun Ropeway at Mt Usu.

Nice view

Active volcano with ropeway and bear ranch below

Earthcache was developed with this mountain. Enjoy Geocaching also!

very pretty scenery, peaceful, and a great place to bring your family or just on a relaxing outing. all the milk products were amazingly creamy and rich! all the flavors are unique and worth a try. the cheesecake was decadent and the cream puff pastry was light while the cream was lightly sweetened. the farm also has a horse (not friendly), a goat (friendly and like taking photos), and bunnies and rabbits.

Walking across the gentle pasture toward the little cottage at Lake Hill Farm, you feel as though you’ve stepped into a pastoral postcard. The gelato counter inside smells faintly of fresh milk, and the cases are lined with rows of creamy delights — melon sorbet, rich chocolate, corn, pumpkin, and more. I opted for two scoops: the corn and rum raisin. The corn flavor was unexpectedly luscious — sweet but not cloying, with that fresh-field-kernel brightness — while the rum raisin paired dark notes of raisin with creamy indulgence. Each bite was velvety, cool, and pure. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Stepping outside, I strolled through flower beds and gazed at the fields and distant Mount Yōtei. The crisp air, the silence, and that ice cream in hand felt like time slowed down just for you. It’s not just dessert — it’s a moment to pause and savor Hokkaido’s gifts. In short: Lake Hill Farm’s ice cream is sublime — fresh, creamy, thoughtfully flavored, and enhanced by one of the most beautiful settings in Hokkaido. It’s absolutely worth a detour if you’re touring around Lake Toya.

This was near our hotel so we came for lunch and ice cream. The small restaurant serves up a limited choice of pizzas and there are also some desserts like cream puffs. The pizzas are average but the vegetable pizza is not to my liking. The cream puffs are good. The ice cream is sold next door to the restaurant and is very popular. There is a queue for the ice cream. There are quite a few flavours to choose from. The ice cream is really good. Outside there is a large empty field and there are some smiles Like rabbits and goats to look at not not much else. Families with kids can let them run around and the place provides some catching games to play with. Overall I recommend that you can pop by for the ice cream if nearby and enjoy a nice view while eating the de cream.

Came day before and had ice cream. Very smooth and tasty. Creamy and milk based better. Chocolate ice cream nothing special. Environment is nice with beautiful grounds and view of Mt Yotei. Came today. Shop opens at 9am but all pastries not ready. Disappointed and had to settle for coffee, hot milk, pudding (nice) and one slice of cheese cake 🙁

Very picturesque cafe. Ample parking. Personally didn’t like the gelato that much, and cone seemed cheap. The milk pie on the other hand was very good, excellent pastry. Nice flowers in front of the stores. A goat named Yuki and some sheep behind also provide good photo opportunities. Good place to stop by for a break.

Lovely place to catch a glimpse of Mt Yotei. We visited during Oct 2025, and they had a sunflower field in the front. Recommended to try their local ice cream flavours like pumpkin, and also their pizza.

What a view! Enjoy a scoop of icecream along with this fantastic view of mountains and clouds infinity and beyond. They have a pretty big lawn area where kids can run around, a small rabbit unit, a pony (who as rightly said isn't very friendly so stay away).

A great stop with a fantastic vantage point overlooking Lake Toya and Mount Yotei. The views are absolutely beautiful and well worth a photo stop. There’s also a souvenir shop with a nice selection of local snacks and yoghurt to try. Plenty of parking available — a convenient and scenic spot to take in the beauty of the area.

Gorgeous view of Lake Toya. Great stop with a big gift shop attached with restrooms and a restaurant upstairs. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed today (Mon 3 Nov 2025). The gift items are quite interesting, ranging from souvenirs to foodstuff and products like horse oil ointment. Outside this big building is a small quaint building with a soba shop ran by 1 man called Soba Lab. The chef is very meticulous in his cooking and the food is delicious. I had the mountain yam while hubby had the mushroom soba. Both were superb. There is also an option to take a helicopter ride to see the lake view but it too expensive for us. Although a good stop for photos and restrooms.

Sairo Observatory: Panoramic Perfection in Hokkaido If you're exploring the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan, a visit to the Sairo Observatory (サイロ展望台) is an absolute must-do. Perched strategically overlooking the serene Lake Toya, this observatory offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views you'll ever witness. Getting There Located near the town of Toyako, the Sairo Observatory is easily accessible by car, making it a popular stop for those on a road trip around Hokkaido. There's ample parking available, so you won't have to worry about finding a spot. You'll often find tour buses here too, indicating its popularity as a key scenic spot. The Views That Will Mesmerize You From the moment you step out onto the observation deck, you're greeted with an expansive vista that will simply take your breath away. The shimmering Lake Toya stretches out before you, its deep blue waters reflecting the sky. In the middle of the lake, you'll see the distinct shapes of Nakajima Island, adding to the picturesque scenery. Beyond the lake, the majestic peaks of Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan rise dramatically, a testament to Hokkaido's volcanic activity. The contrast between the tranquil lake and the rugged mountains is truly captivating. Whether it's a clear, sunny day or a moody, misty one, the views are always spectacular and offer fantastic photo opportunities. More Than Just a Viewpoint While the views are undoubtedly the main attraction, Sairo Observatory also offers a few amenities that make your visit more enjoyable: * Souvenir Shop: There's a well-stocked souvenir shop where you can find local Hokkaido products, snacks, and, of course, items related to Lake Toya and its surroundings. It's a great place to pick up gifts or a memento of your trip. * Restaurant/Cafe: If you're feeling hungry or want to grab a coffee, there's a restaurant and cafe on-site. You can enjoy a meal or a hot drink while still taking in those incredible views, often from large windows designed to maximize the scenery. * Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained restrooms are available, which is always a welcome convenience, especially on longer road trips. Why You Should Visit Sairo Observatory is more than just a viewpoint; it's an experience. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience. It's an ideal spot for: * Photographers: You'll be spoiled for choice with the stunning landscapes. * Nature Lovers: Immerse yourself in the vastness of Hokkaido's natural beauty. * Families: Easy access and amenities make it a comfortable stop for all ages. * Anyone looking for a moment of peace: The serene environment is perfect for reflection. Final Thoughts My visit to Sairo Observatory was a definite highlight of my Hokkaido trip. The sheer scale and beauty of the landscape from this vantage point are unforgettable. If you're anywhere near Lake Toya, make sure to carve out some time for this incredible spot. You won't regret it! Have you been to Sairo Observatory? What were your favorite views or memories? Share them in the comments below!

Nice view and a great spot to take photos. Helicopter is for hire too. There’s also a big souvenir shop in the area. Plenty parking spaces

Nice observation deck over lake Toya and the islands. You can find a big souvenir store next to it. I recommend continuing the road 2 min to the lake hill farm (ice creams+ flower fields)

Breathe taking views. But not too accessible by public transport. I rented a car and drove here. Had a picnic next to the lake, was wonderful experience.

Lovely viewpoint, though very crowded and our tour bus mostly used this to get commission from the gift shop. If driving independently, I would head straight for Lake Toya or a similar view at Usuzan Ropeway for a more relaxed experience.

It was nice to be able to see these beauties so up close, but then I’m really not sure what’s the story here. Are these bears being rehabilitated? Are they let back into the wild once they’re well? Or do they live here their whole lives? Which would be really depressing. We did see baby bears as well and they were so adorable. But again they were kept in this glass walled box. So it’s hard to make assumptions about what state these bears actually live in, because I’m not the biggest fan of zoos where animals live in abysmal conditions. I can see if you want to keep few animals for educational or rehabilitative purposes. But to keep so many in each enclosure is not something I’m in favour of.

It is not worth visiting. Bears are kept in small enclosures with no landscape to help stimulate and protect the bears from the changing weather. The entrance fees is a hefty 1000 Yen which you can learn nothing much about bears except their sufferings being kept against their wills. The ranch can be completed within 15 mins if you are not trapped into buying fruits to feed them. Many bears looks malnourished, and the facility seems to want to profit from that by encouraging visitors to spend more to buy overly priced apples and packs of cookies. The cubs were separated from their mothers.any other bears are confined in cages. There are nothing to learn about bears too. Buses of tourists are loaded here, lined with manyany souvenir shops. So it is a commercialized touristy attractions that are not worth your precious resources. I believe there are better places to spend your valuable money.

The Shōwa-Shinzan Bear Ranch is an interesting place to visit — we were happy to see so many bears up close, and they are really cute. It was fun giving them cookies and watching how they interacted, which made for a unique experience. However, we also felt a bit sad because there are quite a lot of bears kept in a relatively small and caged area. It would be much better if the management could provide a larger, more natural space for the bears to live more comfortably. Overall, worth visiting to see the bears, but there is room for improvement in how they are cared for.

Visited in mid-June and found the bears rather lethargic—perhaps due to the weather. They lounged about with little interest, even as visitors tossed biscuits their way. Amusingly, crows were far more energetic, often swooping in and beating the bears to the treats! While the farm offers a close-up look at these magnificent creatures, the overall atmosphere felt a touch melancholic. Worth a brief stop if you’re nearby, but manage expectations.

Cute to feed the bears. However, spaces are somewhat tight and they lack nature. Some bigger areas with bigger pools, trees, some grass, whatever additional space would be much better. The park is surrounded by so much nature so hopefully they can expand in the near future.

Good if your kid loves watching bears on TV, lol. Entrance fees are expensive for the experience. It has 4 different units, with a lot of bears (8-10) in a single unit. They seem to trained to ask for food so that's fun to watch but I hope they are not starved so we can see this. Its not a ranch, more like a zoo, caged zoo. Overall not a good spot, not recommended.

My family and I who are tourists visited this "bear ranch" - or "bear zoo" - today when we were also in the area for the Mount Usu Ropeway. Whilst initially we were "excited" to see some Hokkaido bears "up close", we later "mixed feelings" if such an attraction was a good thing in terms of wild(?) animal welfare, because seeing the bears "begging" for food from visitors was to us, quite sad in that the bears have been conditioned in such a way. So, I am sure if it is a good idea to recommend this attraction to anyone.

Forrest, road, great plans....It is majestic.

(Translated by Google) Take a sightseeing boat to reach Nakashima. There are two types of sightseeing boats. One is a castle-shaped boat, and the other is a general boat Yotei. The boarding time is different. It is recommended to leave more time to go to the island for a walk. If you want to take the trail, you should be early because it is only open to 15:00. The trail is very easy to walk and well planned. It is suitable for all ages. Currently, you can only go to the broken tree and then turn back. When you reach the top, there is a large grassland where you can overlook Mount Yotei. It is really relaxing to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are giant trees and many mushrooms along the road. I heard that there are deer on the mountain, but I didn’t see any, only small squirrels. After going down the mountain, I sat on the beach and watched the seagulls boarding the boat. There is a cafe on the island, and you can also go in to drink coffee and enjoy the scenery. , a great place worth spending some time in (Original) 搭乘觀光遊覽船到達中島，遊覽船有兩種一個是城堡造型，一個是一般船羊蹄號，搭乘的時間不一樣，建議多留一點時間登島散步，要走步道要早一點，因為只開放到15:00，步道很好走，規劃的很不錯老少皆宜，目前只能走到斷樹處就要折返，走到上面有一個大草原可以眺望羊蹄山，坐在哪裡欣賞美景真的很放鬆，沿路都是巨木還有很多菇類，聽說山上有鹿但是沒看到只有看到小松鼠，下山後坐在海邊看海鷗登船來，島上有一間咖啡廳，也可以進去喝咖啡看風景，很值得花一些時間停留的好地方

(Translated by Google) Four islands in the middle of Lake Toya. Comprised of four islands - Oshima, Kannonjima, Bentenjima, and Manjujima - Oshima is the largest and can be reached by sightseeing boat from Toyako Onsen town. Oshima is home to a shrine, a sacred tree said to bring good luck in matchmaking, a museum and cafe, and you can also experience the great outdoors on a trekking course. It is a tourist attraction on Lake Toya. Lake Toya is divided into Toyako Town and Sobetsu Town, and the inner islands are also divided, with the sightseeing boat pier and shrine located in Sobetsu Town. (Original) 洞爺湖の真ん中にある4つの島。 大島、観音島、弁天島、饅頭島の4つから構成されていて最も大きく洞爺湖温泉街からの遊覧船で上陸できるのが大島です。大島には神社や縁結びの御利益がある御神木、博物館にカフェもありトレッキングコースで大自然を味わうことも可能。洞爺湖の観光名所です。洞爺湖は洞爺湖町と壮瞥町に分かれていますが中の島も分かれていて遊覧船の桟橋や神社などがある場所は壮瞥町です。

(Translated by Google) Nakajima is a lava dome formed by a volcanic eruption about 50,000 years ago, and is one of four islands. We boarded a sightseeing boat and, while feeding the seagulls, arrived in no time. Apart from the area around the dock, the island is undeveloped and quiet, with a small cafe and a small museum with an exhibition room, but no souvenir shops or leisure facilities. Perhaps because of this, the water seemed clearer than Lake Shikotsu, and it became the most beautiful and favorite place of this trip. (Original) 中島は約5万年前の火山噴火で形成された溶岩ドームで、四つの島で構成されておりそのうちの一つだそうです。遊覧船に乗りカモメにエサをあげているとあっという間に到着。 船着場周辺以外は未開発の静かな島でちょっとしたカフェと展示室のある小さな博物館はありますが、お土産屋さんやレジャー施設はありません。そのためか支笏湖より水が綺麗な印象で、今回の旅行で一番美しくお気に入りの場所になりました。

If you would like to enjoy hiking, make sure you pass the hiking gate inside a building before 2.30pm to enjoy hiking. They do not allow people to get in after that for the safety reason. I had one hour after arriving the island but there was little to look around as the gate closed. However, the round trip with ferry was worthy. The view on the board was spectacular.

(Translated by Google) A collective name for the four islands floating in Lake Toya: Oshima, Bentenjima, Kannonjima, and Manjujima. A lava dome appears on the surface of Lake Toya, a caldera lake. Oshima can be reached by sightseeing boat or motor boat (landing is prohibited from November 1st to early April). (Original) 洞爺湖に浮かぶ大島、弁天島、観音島、饅頭島の4島の総称。 カルデラ湖の洞爺湖から溶岩ドームが水面に現れたもの。 大島には遊覧船やモーターボート等で行くことができる（11月1日〜4月初旬までは上陸禁止）。

(Translated by Google) If you take a sightseeing boat in Lake Toya, you can land on a solitary island in the middle of the lake. It seems like it would take about 3 hours to go around the whole place. If you just want to take a walk, it will take about 30 to 60 minutes. Even so, you can fully enjoy the island. There is a vast pine forest behind the hut. You can enjoy forest bathing while breathing in the beautiful greenery and fresh air. There are swans around the lake. A fun place to enjoy Lake Toya to the fullest. (Original) 洞爺湖の遊覧船に乗ると、湖の真ん中にある孤島に上陸出来る。全体を周ろうとすると３時間位かかるらしい。ちょっと散策するだけなら、30分から60分位。それでも充分島を満喫出来る。 小屋の裏に広大な松林がある。 美しい緑と新鮮な空気を吸いながら、森林浴が出来る。 湖の辺りには白鳥がいる。 洞爺湖を満喫出来る楽しい場所。

(Translated by Google) In addition to Showa Shinzan, I learned that there are Meiji Shinzan and 2000 Shinzan. I also learned that there is active volcanic activity here, and that if an earthquake continues, an eruption will always occur. (Original) 昭和新山の他に、明治新山や2000年新山があることを勉強しました。ここは火山活動が活発で、地震が続くとその後に必ず噴火が起こることも学びました。

(Translated by Google) This museum is located in Showashinzan, Sobetsu Town. You can see explanations about Mount Usu, which has been designated a geopark and has experienced repeated eruptions since ancient times. The best part is that it's free to visit. (Original) 壮瞥町昭和新山にある資料館。 大昔から噴火を繰り返しジオパークにも指定された有珠山についての説明を見られます。無料で見られるのが嬉しいところ。

(Translated by Google) The amount of information in the small facility is large, and the display method is very direct. It's like a newspaper or a photo, and with no staff explanation, it's hard for casual visitors to understand what a geopark is. Small, perhaps regrettable, but still a foothold, presenting local scenery and distinctive features (keyword: volcano). ⸻ It's a small facility, but packed with information. The exhibits are simple, centered around posters and photos. There's no guide, so it might be a little difficult for those who don't know what a geopark is. But the characteristics of the volcano are clearly conveyed. ⸻ Small but packed with information — mostly posters and photos, no staff explanation. It might be hard for casual visitors to grasp what a geopark is, but it does show the volcano's features well. (Original) 小小一間其實資訊量很大，展示手法很直接，就是海報、照片這樣，加上無人解說，一般遊客可能連何謂地質公園都不了解，小小可惜，但也足夠呈現地景特色了（關鍵字：火山）。 ⸻ 小さな施設だけど情報は充実。展示はポスターや写真中心でシンプル。 解説員がいないので地質公園って何？という人には少し難しいかも。でも火山の特徴はしっかり伝わります。 ⸻ Small but packed with info — mostly posters and photos, no staff explanation. Might be hard for casual visitors to grasp what a geopark is, but it does show the volcano features well.

(Translated by Google) Showa Shinzan It can be seen from the town of Tomakomai. You can see the newly formed volcano, and the steam rising from near the crater shows that the activity is still continuing. It seems to become more active every 20 to 30 years, but it is impossible to predict where an eruption will occur. In other words, Toyako Town itself lies on top of the magma. The Mimatsu Masao Memorial Museum, which is internationally famous for its observation results by a private observer, ``MimatsuDiagram,'' is also nearby, so be sure to check it out. You will be welcomed by the director of Showa Shinzan, who is a descendant of the landowner. (Original) 昭和新山 苫小牧の町からもその姿が望める。 出来立ての火山が見え、火口付近から上がる湯けむりは活動が今も続いているのが見える。20〜30年の間隔で活動が活発になる様だが、何処に噴火が起こるか予想出来ない。つまり、マグマの上に洞爺湖町そのものがあるのである。 民間の観察者で国際的にその観測結果「MimatsuDiagram」で有名な三松正夫記念館もすぐ側にあるので行ってみて下さい。「昭和新山」の地主であり、御子孫の館長が迎えてくれます。

(Translated by Google) It can be viewed for free. As a museum, it is very small, the size of an information booth you would find at a roadside station. However, I was able to obtain incredible information that Showa Shinzan is privately owned. (Original) 無料で回覧できます。 博物館としてはとても小規模であり、道の駅とかで良くある情報ブース的なサイズです。 ただ、昭和新山が個人の所有物だという、とんでもない情報を仕入れることができました。

(Translated by Google) This is a small, free, unmanned, and well-maintained museum that was set up near the Mt. Usu Ropeway to help people deepen their understanding of Mt. Usu, the first world geopark in Japan, and Lake Toya. While quite a few local product stores have closed and are now in ruins, I paid the 500 yen parking fee and visited Showa-Shinzan, looking out at the mountain and thinking it was one of the few valuable facilities along with the bear farm and the ropeway. I thought. (Original) 世界ジオパーク国内第一号の有珠山、洞爺湖について理解を深めて欲しい目的で有珠山ロープウェイ付近に設置された無料無人ですが綺麗に手入れの行き届いたこじんまりとした博物館。付近のかなりの数の物産館等が閉店廃墟同然となっている中、500円の駐車料金を払い昭和新山を訪れた際には山を眺め、熊牧場、ロープウェイと並び数少ない貴重な施設だと思いました。

(Translated by Google) Admission is free and there are no staff. I feel like you can feel free to do as you please. The history of eruptions in the area is introduced using boards and other materials. I wanted an Usuzan tote bag, but it's not for sale. There is an explanation that the Mt. Usu lava plate is good for baking pizza. (Original) 入場料無料で係員もいません。ご自由にどうぞという感じです。辺り一帯の噴火の歴史について、ボードなどを使用して紹介しています。 有珠山トートバッグが欲しかったですが非売品。 ピザを焼くなら有珠山溶岩プレートが良いとの説明あり。

Paid parking at 500 Yen per entry. The cable car departs every 15 minutes. The ride is quite short, but the views are amazing on a clear day. The ventilation inside the car is poor and can get stuffy. There is a commentary in Japanese and English during the journey. There is a video on the eruption of Mt Usu when you return. Highly recommended. Worth the visit and ride. Thumbs up!

The view is breathtaking, we able to see the lake and mountain view at once. To travel from City to The Lake and Usu spent about 2 hours so its recommend to visit this place earlier and check the cable car closing time.

Mt Usu was probably one of the highlights of our trip. It was a very cold day but we were lucky it was also sunny so the view was just stunning. This was our 2nd ropeway during our Hokkaido road trip and as compared to Daisetsuzan, Usuzan is way better. It was newer, faster and felt smaller so we weren’t so squeezed. The views at the top were just amazing anywhere you looked. We decided to go on the crater walk. It was pretty steep at parts but the paths themselves were easy to walk on. We did wish the signs were clearer - we weren’t sure if it was a loop or you had to go back. Turns out it was not a loop. After the strenuous climb back to the ropeway, we stopped at the Cafe to get a Perilla soft serve, which we enjoyed on sofa seats overlooking the stunning lake view.

We arrived about 3pm and we're able to buy tickets immediately. A short wait and we were inside the cable car. It was a short and smooth ride. From the station, turn left to go to the crater lookout. Quite a steep climb up with many steps. It was super windy and cold (3 November); about 7° but with the wind, it was likely 4°. Love the smoking craters clearly seen from the observation deck. Hubby walked about 20min to get to the scenic shot spot. It was a very hilly hike. The observation deck on the right side of the station was a short walk only. The view was of the town and Lake Toya. Very pretty too. We spent about an hour and enjoyed the view and took many pictures. I didn't know the station had long puffy (orange) jackets which visitors can borrow before exiting the station. Very practical and useful. If you haven't layered enough, do borrow the jackets.

Tickets are cheaper on klook but have to book a day in advance. We went 10+ on Sunday/Nov2 and had no wait. There is the terrance side and crater side. Both were beautiful. On the crater side, you do need to climb. It was cold with the wind but the view make up for it. Recommended!

Breaking after a long sloppy walk of 30min up the slopes. But it was very worth the walk.. just tiring. Spent a good 40min enjoying the view and fighting for places to take photos.

Southern Rim Trail walking is a must if you are managed to come up with ropeway and are strong enough to endure 600 steps. It’s a unique hiking course alongside graters.

Nice, clean, and comfortable airport. It’s not huge, but has a good selection of restaurants and shops for travelers. We arrived early, so many eateries were still closed—most open at 9:00. Facilities are well-maintained, and signage makes it easy to get around. Security and check-in were smooth. There are souvenir shops selling Hokkaido specialties like Shiroi Koibito cookies and Royce chocolates, great for last-minute gifts. Seating is comfortable, with plenty of charging spots. There’s also a kids’ play area and an on-site hot spring. The airport feels organized and relaxed, making it a pleasant place to start or end a trip.

New Chitose Airport is a great example of how a regional hub can feel both modern and welcoming. The terminal is impressively clean with a warm, airy design — lots of natural light, wood accents, and an inviting layout that makes waiting for flights less stressful. Before departure, the airport really shines. There are plenty of food options, from casual Hokkaido specialties like soup curry, ramen, and seafood bowls, to popular cafés and bakeries, plus well-stocked souvenir shops filled with local chocolates and dairy products. It’s easy to enjoy a proper meal or pick up last-minute gifts before your flight. However, once you pass through customs and security, the choices narrow considerably. The post-immigration area has only a few shops and dining spots, which can feel underwhelming compared to the lively pre-departure zone. Travelers who want variety are better off eating or shopping before crossing into the secure area. Overall, though, New Chitose is a very good airport: clean, efficient, and friendly, with a touch of Hokkaido charm. It provides a smooth travel experience, especially for those connecting between domestic and international flights, and makes a great final stop before leaving the island.

Probably the best airport I've been to and I've been to a lot. It's not the newest or the most architecturally stunning airport but it has the most to offer. Countless places to gwt some great food at a good price, a beer or even some unique souvenirs at a great price which is rare at airports. One architectural point of note is the long arc of the terminal, which allows one a view of the planes and runway at any gate. Tip: if it's too busy near your gate, just walk away to a quieter spot and get a seat and a view. Just make sure you get to your gate on time!

I would like to thank staff at the Tourist Information Centre. We landed in Chistose from Brisbane and went to an English speaking staff member on the day we landed and she saw our drafted itinerary with day trip from Sapporo. The lady that helped us was kind and very helpful, she helped us organise our Otaru and Cape Kumari day trip. Where we were thinking of paying over 3 times on a taxi, she organised our Shako Shuttle Bus to Cape Kumai from Bikuni and saved a lot of money. The shakotan peninsula was beautiful and she reserved our seats and gave us a time to leave Otaru to Bikuni. We are most grateful to her for scheduling our shuttle bus.

Love the vibes here! Make sure you come earlier, there’s so many resto, foodcourt and shops and even onsen spa. It’s Just like little Japan in one place. But they close pretty early like 7-8pm.

I really love CTS Airport—everything is convenient and easy, from arrivals to getting into town. There are convenience stores, ATMs, restrooms, and money exchange counters readily available. Most of the staff can speak English, which makes the experience smooth and stress-free for international travelers. It’s a well-organized and welcoming airport that leaves a great first impression of Hokkaido.

This is not a normal airport. It was an airport which had shops for you to buy a lot of things as souvenirs. The largest inside the airport provide a variety of food for you to choose from. And the views you could see from the windows was spectacular

Small local domestic airport. It’s really a minimum what an airport should have. A runway, a collection belt and couple of essential shops like convenience store and car rental stores. However there is no customs counters here.

Small airport but has a good amount of amenities. Friendly workers, good food choices, fast trip through security and easy drop off/pickup. Clean bathrooms and a good number of them from which to chooae. Cannot speak to parking or rental car as I did neither of those.

Domestic and international flights. There are stores for gifts, restaurants, and cafes.

This airport is really good! Modern and functional! As a small local airport, it’s highly ranked in my list haha. There are many souvenirs shops, lounge, massage place and so on! It’s so comfortable even just spending time! Hakodate city is really nice place, and at the same time this airport welcomes you to this great city! I love here!

Clean , modern and not very crowded.

You can never imagine that at such an international airport, the customs officers can’t understand even simple English, like “him” and “me”🤬🤬🤬 It definitely affects the promotion of high quality tourists 😭😭😭

I believe this is one of the most effective and well designed compact rural airport. Sufficient number of shops and restaurants and everything is well designed.

On May 7, 2025, my wife and I came. Our mood changed as the cloudy sky turned sunny. The view especially with the light house story was great.

Great viewpoint for the ocean and lighthouse. We visited in mid-October and the lighthouse was closed for renovations. You can climb the open air observation deck and ring a bell, but beware as people line up to constantly ring it loudly and ruin the peaceful view.

Cape Chikyu is definitely worth visiting — the scenery is absolutely stunning, especially on a clear day when you can see far out over the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse area is clean and well maintained, and the ocean breeze makes it a peaceful place to just pause and take in the view. There were only a few people when I visited, so it felt calm and relaxed. Parking and access were easy, and there was no waiting time at all. The only small downside is that the weather can change quickly, so visibility isn’t always perfect — but when the sky is clear, it’s magical.

Cape Chikyu, a day excursion from Noboribetsu First stop was the Cape Chikyu, an observatory of sorts, great views, topped by a “Happiness” bell, a favourite with tourists! #sapporo #Japantravels #MarketAdventures #gourmettravels #selfdrivingholidays #hokkaido #noboribetsu #cosmostinn

Nice quick visit to see panoramic views of the ocean and the landscapes around it. The lighthouse adds to the picturesque nature of the place.

fun place nothing special except a lighthouse but the japs still find ways to make it interesting

Cape Chikyu offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region, making it a must-visit for anyone in search of natural beauty. The winds can be strong, but they only enhance the sense of openness and awe as you take in the stunning vistas of the coastline and ocean. On a clear, sunny day, the view is absolutely spectacular, with the sparkling sea stretching out to the horizon. Best of all, Cape Chikyu is easily accessible, with free parking and no entrance fee, making it a great spot to visit without any hassle. Whether you’re there to enjoy the view, take photos, or simply feel the wind on your face, this cape provides a refreshing and tranquil escape. For the best experience, be sure to visit on a sunny day when the skies are clear, allowing the beauty of the surroundings to truly shine.