Lake Toya
洞爺湖
Lake Toya is a caldera lake about 43 km around, created by a huge volcanic eruption about 110,000 years ago. The Nakajima Islands, covered in forest, rise from the middle of the lake, and outdoor sculptures stand along the shore. Nearby Mt. Usu is an active volcano, and the area is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. From late April to October, a long-running fireworks festival lights up the night sky over the lake.
Visitor information
- Getting there
About 20 minutes by bus from JR Toya Station, or about 5 minutes by car from Abuta Toyako IC on the Hokkaido Expressway.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- Free parking with 200 spaces.
- Fireworks are held over the lake from late April to October (Long-Run Fireworks Festival).
- The area is a UNESCO Global Geopark, with the active volcano Mt. Usu nearby.
- For information, contact the Toyako Onsen Tourist Association: 0142-75-2446.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- During the fireworks season, 450 fireworks are launched over the lake every night.
- For day-use onsen bathing in Toyako Onsen, hours can change with crowding, so the tourism association recommends contacting each facility before going.
- Natural sites may have few facilities. Bring water, a travel prayer mat and a qibla app, and check the weather; mountains and lakes can be much colder than the city.
- Restrooms for wudu can be far apart on trails. Many Muslim travellers carry a small water bottle for wudu.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Hokkaido and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Hokkaido
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:26
- Sunrise06:14
- Dhuhr11:20
- Asr13:59
- Maghrib16:22
- Isha17:59
Times are calculated for Sapporo. Times may differ elsewhere in Hokkaido.
Places to pray near Lake Toya
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Lake Toya
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): visit-hokkaido.jp, laketoya.com