| Pricing Guide | ¥1420 adults ¥710 children ¥1280 adults ¥640 children (groups of 15 or more) Extra ¥200 for firework viewing tour |
| Operating Hours | 8:30 - 16:30 Ferry leaves every 30 minutes 9:00 - 16:00 (during the winter) |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | 0142-75-2137 http://www.toyakokisen.com/price/price01.html |
| Notes | Last cruise from Nakanoshima is at 15:00, free parking available (large-size vehicles allowed), firework tour unavailable in winter |
| Location / Getting There | Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, between the lake and the hotels. Found at Funsui Hiroba Fountain Square. 049-5721 Hokkaido, Abuta-gun, Toyako, Tōyakoonsen, Route 2 |
Local ferry
In the centre of Lake Toya , there is a large island called Nakanoshima. This beautiful area can be accessed via the local ferry that leaves from the southern shore of the Toyako Onsen district. The ferry leaves the port every thirty minutes. The last ferry to leave from the island of Nakanoshima is at 15:00, so don’t miss it! Once on the island you are free to walk around and follow the well kept trails. The forest here is a beautiful escape, and is a popular spot to take in the greenery.
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One of the small swan boats for hire
For those who don’t want to visit the central island in Lake Toya, there is a small cruise package available. The cruise goes around Nakanoshima and takes fifty minutes (an additional thirty minutes if passengers are alighting at the island). There is a summer cruise and a winter cruise, both offering beautiful views. The summer cruise operates slightly longer than the winter schedule. From April 28th to October 31st there is a special fireworks cruise. The departure time is at approximately at 20:30 and from the boat you can enjoy the spectacular firework display that lights up the lake.
| Podcast time | Every Thursday from 10:00 |
| Contact | voicesinjapan@gmail.com |
| Website access | http://podcast.voicesinjapan.com |
| Notes | Podcast is in English |
Tune in
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The masters, Ben & Burke
The podcast is great for those living in Japan (or thinking about it), traveling to Japan, or even for anyone who wants to practice their English listening skills! The podcast can be accessed on their site http://podcast.voicesinjapan.com. For more information on Voices in Japan, you can access them at https://twitter.com/voicesinjapan, https://www.facebook.com/voicesinjapan/, and on their instagram account https://www.instagram.com/voicesinjapan/. So, to learn more about Japan and to get some perspective on its deep culture, take a listen to Voices in Japan!
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0166-94-3355 |
| Notes | Wifi available Parking - 165 vehicles Coffee shop & restaurant Restrooms (wheelchair access) Park golf Shopping area |
| Location / Getting There | It takes about 20 minutes by car from JR Biei Station. A 2 and a half hour drive from Sapporo. Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235 |
Huge park area next to facilities
Whilst on the road and taking in the sightseeing spots in Biei, the Biei Shirokanebiruke Roadside Station is a nice spot to have a rest, do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or to enjoy the park and its facilities. The rest area is just down the road from the Blue Pond, and also the Kaiku Kiln Museum, which are some good spots to visit while in Biei. There are about half a dozen new buildings at the site, which is surrounded by a large park that incorporates a park golf course.
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Souvenir shop
Besides the park golf course, you can find restrooms here for some relief. For those looking for a quick bite to eat, there is a nice little hamburger shop called Between the Bread. Here you can eat inside their restaurant, or have lunch in the park. The park is full of sculptures and there is a table tennis table plus some instruments(interestingly), and seating. The other buildings include a souvenir shop that has information about Biei and the surrounding areas, plus an ice-cream shop, and a North Face outdoor equipment store.
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:30 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0158-29-2730 |
| Notes | Souvenir shop Toilets open 24 hours Tea house & road stop Takeout food stall |
| Location / Getting There | 5 minute drive from Takinoue city center. Located on route 273. Asahimachi, Takinoue, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido 099-5602 |
First floor
Located on highway 273, the Aroma Village serves as not only a rest area, but it’s a top spot in Takinoue to buy some souvenirs or something for the home. The first floor of this large building has plenty of things to buy, jams, cutting boards from local wood, agricultural products, serving wear and cutlery, plus a large variety of herbs. All the items are locally produced. If you are stopping in for a snack, then the Aroma Village has a small eatery and coffee on the first floor, which has some herbal teas on the menu.
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Ice cream & noodle shops
The small eatery also has some delicious sandwiches, with homemade sausage and cassis or rhubarb jam. They also have fresh cream cheese, fromage blanc, mitarishi dumplings, and zenzai (a sweet bean soup). On the second floor of Aroma Village they have local information on all the sightseeing spots and things to do in Takinoue. Next to the Aroma Village you will find two small huts. One serves up ice cream, the other has a variety of soba and udon noodles. They also have a steak sandwich, with cheese!
