| population | 7,823 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 180.87 km² |
| population density | 43.3 peoples/km² |
Located in the southwestern part of central Hokkaido within the Iburi Subprefecture, Toyako Town is blessed with stunning natural surroundings — the serene Lake Toya, the active volcano Mount Usu, and the Uchiura (Funka) Bay. Part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, it is one of Japan’s premier resort destinations, famous for hot springs, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation. In 2008, Toyako hosted the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, earning global recognition. Today, over 2.5 million tourists visit annually to experience its lakeside onsen, volcano museums, and panoramic landscapes. The area also thrives on agriculture—its fertile volcanic soil produces potatoes, corn, rice, and the renowned “Toyako Water Source Pork.” Traces of Ainu heritage remain woven into the culture and language, giving the town a distinctive identity where nature, history, and hospitality blend harmoniously. Traditional festivals like the Toyako Summer Fireworks and Winter Snow Festival showcase the spirit of its people and the beauty of Hokkaido’s four seasons.
Culture and Traditions
Toyako Town’s culture is deeply tied to the volcanic forces that shaped its land. The influence of the indigenous Ainu culture remains evident in place names (for example, “Abuta” derives from “Apta,” meaning “inlet”). Locals often speak in the warm and rhythmic Hokkaido dialect, reflecting their strong community ties and rural way of life. While tourism is the main industry, agriculture and fishing are also vital—especially scallop, sea urchin, and flounder harvesting in the Uchiura Bay. Toyako is home to numerous cultural festivals: the Toyako Summer Festival lights up the lake with nightly fireworks, while winter brings the Toyako Onsen Winter Festival and Illumination Street, where snow and light transform the town into a wonderland. These events, passed down through generations, express gratitude to nature and celebrate life in harmony with the land.
Local Specialties
- Toyako Water Source Pork: Premium local pork raised with the pure spring water of Lake Toya. Known for its tender texture and sweet, delicate flavor, available at local shops and Michi-no-Eki Toyako.
- Toyako Wine: Produced at Tsukiura Winery, Toyako’s cool climate grapes yield elegant wines with bright acidity and a smooth finish, representing Hokkaido’s new wine culture.
- Sweet Corn from Toyako: Grown in rich volcanic soil, Toyako’s corn is celebrated for its exceptional sweetness and fragrance. Fresh corn can be found at local markets and farm stands during summer.
- Soft Ice Cream from Lake Hill Farm: A popular destination offering rich, creamy ice cream made from freshly produced milk. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake while savoring its famous desserts.
- Toyako Honey: Collected from bees in the pristine forests and meadows surrounding Lake Toya. Its floral aroma and mild sweetness make it perfect for pairing with bread, yogurt, or tea.
Annual Events
- Toyako Long-Run Fireworks Festival: Held nightly from late April to late October over Lake Toya. For about 20 minutes each evening, fireworks illuminate the lake and sky—one of Japan’s longest continuous fireworks events.
- Toyako Marathon: Every May, runners from across Japan gather to compete along a scenic full marathon course that circles the lake. The starting point is the Toyako Cultural Center.
- Toyako Onsen Winter Festival: Held every February in the hot spring district, this event features ice and snow sculptures, illuminated displays, and winter fireworks over the frozen landscape.
- Toyako Manga & Anime Festival (TMAF): Taking place in June, this town-wide cosplay and pop culture event attracts thousands of fans. Local shops, streets, and the lake area turn into a creative stage for artists and cosplayers.
- Tsukiura Wine Festival: A harvest celebration held in October near the winery. Visitors can taste freshly pressed wines and local dishes while enjoying live music and autumn scenery.
Access
- By Air: New Chitose Airport connects to major cities across Japan. The drive from the airport to Toyako Onsen takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes (approx. 120 km).
- By Train: Take the JR Limited Express “Hokuto” from Sapporo to Toya Station (about 2 hours). From there, local buses run to Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal in 20 minutes.
- By Bus: Highway buses operate from Sapporo, Noboribetsu, and Hakodate to Toyako. The trip from Sapporo takes about 3 hours.
- By Car: From Sapporo, drive via National Route 230 or the Dōō Expressway to the Abuta-Toyako IC, about 2.5 hours in total.
- By Ferry: Travelers from Honshu can use the Tomakomai Port ferries (to Sendai or Aomori) and drive approximately 90 minutes to Toyako.
Tourist Attractions
- Toyako Onsen – A major hot spring resort along the lake. Visitors can enjoy open-air baths, footbaths, and nightly fireworks during summer.
- Sairo Observatory – Offers panoramic views of Lake Toya and Mount Usu. The café and gift shop make it a popular stop for photographers and tourists alike.
- Nakajima (Lake Islands) – A cluster of islands within Lake Toya accessible by sightseeing boat. The largest island features walking trails and wild Ezo deer.
- Showa Shinzan – A volcano that emerged suddenly during the 1943 eruption. Steam still rises from its slopes, revealing Earth’s living energy.
- Mt. Usu Ropeway – Takes visitors to a summit observatory with breathtaking views of Lake Toya, Uchiura Bay, and Mount Yotei.
- Toyako Visitor Center & Volcano Science Museum – Offers interactive exhibits and multimedia displays about volcanoes and the geology of Toyako.
