Usu District travel guide and discussion

#photospots圈 Taking photos at Mount Usu in Hokkaido feels like stepping into a postcard. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking—wide open landscapes, dramatic volcanic terrain, and in winter, everything is covered in soft, powdery snow that makes every shot look magical. What makes it even more special is the panoramic view from the top. You can capture the stunning contrast between the snowy mountains, the deep blue of Lake Toya, and the endless sky. Every angle feels like a perfect photo spot, whether you’re taking portraits or scenic shots. It’s one of those places where you don’t need to try too hard—just stand there, snap a picture, and it already looks amazing. Truly a must-visit for anyone who loves photography and nature! 📸✨

One of the funniest stops on our Hokkaido trip! 🐻🇯🇵 We visited Showa-Shinzan Bear Park, where you can see Hokkaido brown bears surprisingly close up. I expected big, fierce bears… but instead we got bears sitting like humans, waving their paws and patiently waiting for snacks. 😂 Besides the bears, there are also some cute photo spots around the park, including the bright red Bear Shrine ⛩️. It’s not a huge attraction, so you don’t need to spend half a day here. I’d recommend it as a fun short stop if you’re already exploring the Lake Toya / Showa-Shinzan area. 📍 Showa-Shinzan Bear Park, Hokkaido 🐻 See Hokkaido brown bears up close 📸 Cute & funny photo opportunities ⏰ Around 45–60 minutes is enough for most visitors Highlight: Definitely the bears casually sitting there like they own the place. 😂 #Hokkaido #ShowaShinzan #BearPark #HokkaidoTravel #JapanTravel #LakeToya #JapanTrip #TripMoments

#NovemberDestinations2025 #Hokkaido #LakeToya #LakeSumi #LuxuryHotelInJapan The Lake Suite Ko No Sumika (ザ・レイクスイート湖の栖) Welcome drinks are available right next to the check-in counter; the service is excellent. Each room has a semi-open-air outdoor bath, offering excellent privacy. The large public bath is a different kind of enjoyment, directly facing Lake Toya and offering views of Nakajima Island. The rooms are also quite comfortable, spacious, and have fantastic views. The restaurant is shared with the adjacent Taiyo Palace Hotel, so guests staying at Lake Sumi can also use their bathtub. #HotSpringHotel #SnowSeason

#November Destinations 2025 ✓ Departure — Our Base and the Magical Ropeway When visiting Lake Toya, I would say the Usuyama Ropeway is a must-see! We set our navigation to Showa Shinzan; parking is a one-time fee, which is very convenient. After passing through the bustling gift shop district, you'll quickly reach the ropeway entrance. Riding this ropeway, which runs approximately every 30 minutes (2000 yen for adults), is an incredibly magical experience—it takes us from the foot of the mountain to the summit in a very short time, and the view expands instantly. From the top, the magnificent silhouette of Showa Shinzan unfolds before your eyes, with Lake Toya in the distance resembling a blue gem embedded in the earth. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Yotei in the distance. ✓ Summit Stroll — Scenery and Warmth are Key Stepping out of the ropeway, the view from the summit observation deck is truly breathtaking, almost like a bird's-eye view. However, in early July, although the wind is cool and comfortable, the perceived temperature is quite low, so be sure to dress warmly. Walking along the comfortable PU (Polymer) trail, reminiscent of an elementary school playground, you'll reach the main observation deck after about 500 meters, offering even closer views of the Usu Mountains. If you still have energy, the adjacent small staircase path is worth a challenge. ✓ Ultimate Enjoyment — Couple's Seating and Balcony Cafe However, what truly makes it unforgettable is the ingeniously designed "balcony cafe" next to the cable car station! The seating arrangement here is practically made for relaxation: there are plenty of comfortable sofas, and even more impressively, several rounded couple's seats where you can lie down completely! If you can snag a good spot, order a coffee, and truly realize your dream of spending an entire afternoon gazing at the mountains, the sea, and the sky. This slow-paced, ultimate enjoyment makes the Usu Lake Toya Observatory a truly unforgettable journey that broadens your horizons.

I took the JR train from Sapporo to Lake Toya just to see these two active volcanoes: Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan. The former is an ancient active volcano, while the latter is a new volcano that emerged from flat land. Here, I experienced Hokkaido's most awe-inspiring field lesson on volcanoes. 🔴 Showa Shinzan · Elevation: 398m. It is a parasitic lava dome of Mount Usu and a volcano whose birth from flat land was fully witnessed by humans. It is designated as a "Special Natural Monument" of Japan. · Origin story: Before 1943, this area was a flat wheat field. After frequent earthquakes, the ground continued to rise. Over the course of two years, a reddish-brown volcanic peak was forced up from the wheat field, taking its final shape in 1945. Masao Mimatsu, the postmaster of Sobetsu at the time, meticulously recorded the mountain's daily growth, leaving behind invaluable geological records. · Appearance: The entire mountain consists of exposed reddish-brown lava with almost no vegetation, and wisps of white smoke can still be seen rising from the summit today. 🌋 Mount Usu · Elevation: 737m. It became active about 20,000 years ago and remains an active volcano today. · Eruption history: It had 4 major eruptions in the 20th century, making it one of the most thoroughly observed and documented active volcanoes in the world. · 1910 eruption: Meiji Shinzan was born, and the source of Lake Toya Onsen gushed out; · 1943–1945 eruption: The wheat field at the foot of the mountain rose, and Showa Shinzan was born; · 1977 eruption: The volcanic plume reached 12,000 meters high; · 2000 eruption: For the first time, the Japanese government officially issued an emergency volcanic warning before an eruption. Over 16,000 residents were evacuated in advance, achieving zero casualties, which became a textbook case of modern volcanic disaster prevention. 🚠 Unique experience: Take the ropeway directly to the Mount Usu crater Take the Mount Usu Ropeway to reach the summit observation deck in 6 minutes. At the foot of the mountain, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Toya spread out, with Nakajima island floating quietly in the center. The reddish-brown Showa Shinzan nearby and Mount Yotei in the distance are clearly visible. Pick up a simple hiking stick at the ropeway station entrance and walk along the summit trail to the crater observation deck. Seeing the white sulfurous smoke still slowly rising and smelling the faint scent of sulfur in the air, you can truly feel the "breath" of the active volcano at that moment. Through years of continuous monitoring, humans have gradually learned to coexist with the restless earth. Perhaps we can never control volcanic eruptions, but through prediction, we can minimize the damage. Practical tips ▪ Location: Sobetsu, Hokkaido, on the south shore of Lake Toya ▪ Transportation: Take the JR train from Sapporo to Toya Station, then take a bus from the exit to "Lake Toya Onsen." The total journey takes about 3.5 hours ▪ Duration: Ropeway + summit trail 2 hours ▪ Accommodation: It is recommended to stay one night in the Lake Toya Onsen area ▪ Recommended itinerary: Lake Toya Onsen, Lake Toya sightseeing cruise, Volcano Science Museum, Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch

Every room features a private hot spring bath, enjoying the changing face of Lake Toya right from your room. The luxury of simply gazing at Lake Toya. Every room features a private hot spring bath, an inn where you can have the beauty of Lake Toya all to yourself without leaving your room. The tranquil and refined interior, a comfort that makes you want to stay for a long time. For dining, charcoal-grilled shishamo, authentic nigiri sushi made with fresh seafood, and salmon roe with a quality that makes it "hard to believe it's a buffet." Soaking in the hot springs, admiring the lake, and enjoying delicious food to your heart's content. I felt that this moment itself was worth coming here for. Check the link for the latest rates! ✨

The Usuyama Ropeway (有珠山ロープウェイ) is located on the shores of Lake Toya in Hokkaido. The one-way trip takes approximately 6 minutes and offers stunning panoramic views of Showa Shinzan and Lake Toya. Scenery along the way: Panoramic views of Showa Shinzan, Mt. Yotei, and Lake Toya. Summit highlights: After arriving at the summit station, you can visit the "Mt.USU Terrace" observation deck and café, or walk approximately 7 minutes to the Crater Plains observation deck for a close-up view of the Usuyama crater. Transportation: 1. Public Transportation: Take the JR train to "Toya Station," transfer to the Donan Bus to Toyako Onsen, and then take a bus to the ropeway station. 2. By Car: Approximately a 10-minute drive from the Toyako Onsen town. Paid parking is available on-site (approximately 500 yen).

I recently stayed at "The Lake Suite Kono Sumika" in Toyako Onsen! The moment you enter the lobby, the water terrace that unfolds before you is breathtaking, with its infinity design that makes it seem as if the water surface and Lake Toya are seamlessly connected ✨ All rooms have private open-air hot spring baths, and you can enjoy the tranquil surface of Lake Toya and the sunset view all to yourself from the balcony. Furthermore, at night, you can watch the "Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival" up close from your room or terrace, which was incredibly moving 🎆 With its luxurious and extraordinary atmosphere, this hotel is a must-recommendation for any Hokkaido trip! 📍Spot Name: The Lake Suite Kono Sumika (Lake Toya Onsen) 💰Budget Estimate: Approximately 30,000 yen/person per night (including 2 meals) 💡Recommended Points: Water terrace in the lobby, private open-air hot spring baths in all rooms, and nighttime viewing of the Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival!

Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark offers a unique hiking experience that takes you deep into the remnants of the 2000 volcanic eruption of Mount Usu. This volcanic activity created over 65 craters, dramatically altering the landscape and impacting nearby residential areas, roads, and national highways. Notably, due to early evacuation, there were no casualties, setting a precedent in global disaster management. During the tour, participants will have the opportunity to explore the remains left by the eruption, including sand control dams, the largest crater, and damaged terrain. The hiking trail also passes through the restricted area of the old National Route 230, allowing you to witness firsthand the effects of natural disasters. Visitors will gain insight into the lessons learned from this event and the thoughts of the affected communities, making this not only a physical journey but also an educational experience. This exploration of resilience and recovery in the face of disaster is both thought-provoking and inspiring. Open from mid-April to mid-November.

The terrace has an infinity design (a sense of no boundaries), offering direct lake views. During the Lake Toya long-running fireworks display (late April to late October), you can watch the fireworks up close from the terrace – super romantic! The minibar in each room has the hotel's original blend coffee (Lake Summer Original Blend). Some rooms or plans include hand-coffee making equipment (dripper, grinder, etc.), allowing you to grind your own beans and enjoy the lake view while relaxing on the terrace. · The lounge (after check-in or after a bath) offers free coffee, tea, beer, juice, etc., including hand-coffee or coffee machines. Many guests say, "The hand-coffee in the lounge is delicious; drinking while watching the lake is super relaxing." The hotel is very thoughtful for anniversaries, celebrations, and birthdays! Common Surprises: · If you inform us in advance of your wedding anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, etc., we will send you **wine** or sparkling wine to your room (many people have shared "There was a surprise wine in the room, it was so touching!"). · Some plans, such as "Jalan Award Commemoration" or "Sparkling Wine Included," include wine directly, or a free upgrade, plus a bouquet of flowers and a message card. · Reviews on TripAdvisor, ikyu.com, etc., often mention "anniversary trip, wine surprise in the room" or "a wonderful surprise for our wedding anniversary, wine and flowers" → Our staff will prepare according to your request (we recommend noting it when booking or mentioning it at check-in). · Not all plans include these automatically, but anniversary plans or special offers often do (for example, the plan with sparkling wine costs several thousand yen, but it's great value). #Hot spring #Beautiful view of Lake Toya #Hokkaido

📅 Itinerary – 9d8n Family Relaxing Trip Day 1: Land at New Chitose Airport (CTS), grab your ride at Kobe Car Rental Service, then hit the road! 🚗💨 It's a scenic 1hr+ drive straight to Noboribetsu. Road trip energy is real! Day 2: Wake up and walk through Hell Valley (Jigokudani). In the afternoon - plenty of time to spend in onsen and swimming pool Day 3-4 : mostly around lake Toya. Book nonokaze on official website. It’s much cheaper Day 5-6: mount Yotei, Otaru. Unfortunately the aquari is closed but we managed to go to mount Tengu. Super nice night view Day 7-8 : drive all the way to Furano. Ample time for Asahiyama zoo, Aoi pond and you should definitely spend enough time in this hotel! 🏨 Accommodation Takimotokan Nonokaze Resort otaru Torifito La Vista Furano Hills Natural Hot Spring 📌Tips Book takimotokan and nonokaze on its official website. It’s much cheaper there. The rest just go with trip.com. Car rental offer is also much better on trip.com compared to Klook

Mt. Usu and Lake Toya stand side by side, one serene, the other dynamic, showcasing Hokkaido's most vibrant natural landscape. A cable car ride to the summit of Mt. Usu offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan, with volcanic steam still rising gently from the crater, as if you could feel the pulse of the earth. After descending the mountain, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside or take a boat trip, gazing at the mountains reflected on the water, the scenery changing with the shifting light. If you choose to stay in the evening, you can admire the golden glow of the sunset on the lake's surface. Spending the night in the Lake Toya onsen (hot spring) area, soaking in the hot springs while gazing at the lake and fireworks, is the perfect way to experience Hokkaido's natural tranquility.

Experience ultimate luxury at "Lake Suite Kono Sumika," featuring lake-view rooms and private open-air hot springs. "Lake Suite Kono Sumika" is a hidden gem for adults located in Hokkaido's Toyako Onsen. Every room is a suite with a private open-air hot spring overlooking Lake Toya, offering an indulgent retreat. From the terrace of your room, you can enjoy the sunrise over the lake in the morning and a sky full of stars reflecting on the water at night. This exclusive privilege of enjoying the ever-changing scenery in privacy is unique to this inn. The facility also features an infinity open-air bath and a footbath corridor, allowing you to immerse yourself in the waters as if becoming one with the lake. Dinner is a creative Japanese-Western fusion course meal, showcasing seasonal Hokkaido ingredients, including seafood and premium beef. This luxurious hot spring resort is perfect for special occasions or a well-deserved getaway. ℹ️ Basic Information 📍 Name: Lake Suite Kono Sumika 📮 Address: 7-1 Toyako Onsen, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido 🚉 Access: About 20 minutes by bus from JR Toya Station / About 1 hour 40 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport ♨️ Hot Springs: Toyako Onsen (Private open-air baths in rooms & infinity public baths) 🍽️ Dining: Japanese-Western fusion course meals (using Hokkaido ingredients) 🕒 Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM

If you're visiting the Lake Toya area and skip the Mount Usu Ropeway, it's like you haven't truly been there! Mount Usu, an active volcano that has erupted multiple times, offers not only the thrill of its volcanic activity but also stunning views that will leave you in awe. The journey to the summit Getting to the top of Mount Usu is incredibly easy thanks to the Usuzan Ropeway, which takes you up in just six minutes. As the cable car ascends, the scenery below gradually unfolds, revealing lush green forests interspersed with black volcanic rock formations. The most exciting part is catching a glimpse of the volcano's crater, which still emits faint smoke. Spectacular viewpoints At the upper station, there are two main viewpoints: Viewpoint 1 (Toya Caldera and Lake Toya): This spot offers the clearest and most beautiful view of Lake Toya, a large lake surrounded by mountains. The serene and majestic landscape showcases the grandeur of nature. You can also see the four small islands in the middle of the lake clearly from here. Viewpoint 2 (Usu Volcano Crater): This viewpoint lets you truly appreciate the awe-inspiring power of Mount Usu. You can closely observe the crater formed during the 1977 eruption and also see Showa Shinzan, a smaller volcano that emerged during the eruptions of 1943-1945. Showa Shinzan continues to emit smoke, creating a mesmerizing scene that feels like standing on the edge of the world. Taking the Mount Usu Ropeway is an unforgettable experience. Not only do you get to enjoy stunning views, but you also witness the incredible power and wonder of nature. It's easy to see why volcanoes are called "living mountains." For nature lovers seeking a unique perspective, Mount Usu is undoubtedly the perfect destination.

The open-air bath with a view offers a spectacular sight. I've stayed at Toyako Onsen several times, but this inn is above average in every aspect: food, baths, rooms, and views. I want to come back at least once a year.

#springwander If you’re looking for a stunning plum blossom spot in spring, Sobetsu Park in Hokkaido is a must-visit! This park offers breathtaking views of Lake Toya, and during the plum blossom season, the entire area is covered in delicate pink and white flowers. The contrast between the colorful blossoms and the deep blue lake creates a picture-perfect scene. Walking through the park, I was amazed by the sweet fragrance of the blossoms and the peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing springtime stroll, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way! Why You Should Visit: ✔ Gorgeous plum blossoms with a view of Lake Toya ✔ A peaceful and scenic spot for a springtime walk 📍 Address: Sobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan #Hokkaido #Japan #PlumBlossoms #SpringVibes #LakeToya