Sobetsu Waterfall

壮瞥滝
AdmissionFree
Opening HoursOpen 24 hours
Contact-
NotesSightseeing spot , parking available, short walking trail
Location /
Getting There
12 minute drive from Toyako Onsen on the southern edge of Lake Toya
Takinomachi, Machi Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0101

The path up past the shrine.

Sobetsu Waterfall can be found on the southern edge of Lake Toya. It is a beautiful waterfall, where you can take a nice walk to its base. You can get some great photos and experience the waterfall up close. To get to the waterfall you need to follow the road down on route 2 keeping Sobetsu river on your left (coming from Toyako Onsen). At the bottom of the hill, make a U-turn and cross over the river and follow the small road keeping the river on your left. There will be parking on the left hand side. Once parked, simply follow the winding path until you reach the waterfall.

 

 

 

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The flowing stream

The walk to the waterfall is a nice stroll and it takes about 8 minutes to get there. On the way you can enjoy the flowing stream and the surrounding trees creating a picturesque scene. The path crosses over the river twice over small bridges. On the way to the falls you can also find a small Buddhist Shrine on the left. With the falls in the background, this small shrine is also a good spot to get some photos. The path reaches a small wooden viewing platform about 10 metres from the falls. This wooden platform can get slippery so make sure you hold on to the rail. Sobetsu Waterfall is a beautiful spot to visit.

 

 

Funsui Hiroba Fountain Square

AdmissionFree admission
Opening HoursAll day
Closed-
Contact0142-75-2446
NotesWalking esplanade, foot spas, ferry point, photo spot, fireworks viewing point
Location /
Getting There
Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, between the lake and the hotels
049-5721 Hokkaido, Abuta-gun, Toyako, Tōyakoonsen, Route 2

 

Nice walk along the path

The Funsui Hiroba Park (also known as Fountain Square), acts as a park for kids to play in, and also as a boardwalk that hugs the southern shore of Lake Toya. From the park, the path runs along the lake for about 500 meters. The park is dotted with splendid statues, and during the evening it is where you can view the Lake Toya firework display that is held nightly throughout the whole summer and autumn (from the end of April to the end of October). Along the path, there are plenty of places to stop and admire the lake.


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Perfect spot to take rest

As the path can take you on a long stroll, there is a place along the way to rest those weary feet. There is a small foot bath, the ‘Toron Foot Spa’ where you can take a seat, bathe your feet in the hot spring and take in the views of the lake. The footbath is free to use. It is also, along this road, you can take the ferry to the inner island of Lake Toya, known as ‘Nakanoshima’. The ferry makes the short journey across every thirty minutes. There is also a boat rental spot on the waters edge if you feel like exploring the lake a little further.



Tomiyama Wine Shop

Opening Hours10:00 - 20:30
Closed
Contact-
NotesLocal wine & spirits store
Location /
Getting There
Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, in the Toyako Onsen district
65 Tōyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 049-5721

 

Local wines for sale

The Toyako Onsen district is famous for its onsens (hot springs), and its beautiful views of Lake Toya. Lake Toya is a popular spot for tourists and there are plenty of places to buy souvenirs. When it comes to buying something alcoholic to savor, then this is a nice little shop to check out. If you are looking for some good local wine, then you can find Tomiyama Wine Shop, a small local liquor store that is located on the main street that runs through the middle of town. It’s run by one of the locals and has been in the town for a long time. It is here you can walk among the spirits and wines and peruse at your leisure.


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Plum wine

There are other souvenir spots to pick up a treat in town, such as Select 108, which also has local wines among other things. But there is something nice about getting down to the roots of a small town, finding not only locally produced wines, but also Japanese sake, and other locally produced spirits. The Tomiyama Wine Shop also sells plum wine, known as ‘Umeshu’, which is a delicious drink. It has a sweet and sour flavor with a fruity aroma and is worth a purchase. If you are looking for something with more of a heated bite, then the wine shop also has Japanese whiskeys, as well as overseas brands.



Tōyako Echigoya

Opening Hours9:00 - 20:30
Closed
Contact0142-75-2158
http://toyako-bokutou.com/
NotesSouvenir store and local goods store
Tax free
Location /
Getting There
Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, along the central street through Toyako Onsen district.
71 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721

 

Wood craft goods

Located across from the Hotel Lakeside Terrace, Tōyako Echigoya is a large store excelling in Japanese products. The store is tax free and is popular for tourists and locals alike to admire the handiwork, and to possibly pick up a souvenir while in the Lake Toya district. The shop sells items relating to Hokkaido and Lake Toya. They have been handling and selling souvenirs and they have something for any occasion. A lot of their goods are beautiful wood carvings such as bear carvings, and Ainu goods.


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The engraved Bokken

They also specialize in ‘Bokken’ which is a wooden Japanese sword. For thirty years, Tōyako Echigoya has had experienced skilled craftsmen engraving these swords in the shop. There are many different sizes to choose from. The prices of these swords range from ¥3000 to ¥20,000. Other items include confectionary, t-shirts, handbags, and Japanese style teapots and cooking items. Everyday products can also be found here. The second floor of the building has a sweets and toy cafe.



Select 108

Opening Hours7:00 - 22:00
9:00 - 18:00 Coffee shop
Closed
Contact
NotesSouvenir store and coffee shop
Location /
Getting There
Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya.
Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721

 

Modern Design

Select 108 is a very large and new shopping area located on the main street in the suburb of Toyaka Onsen. It is a spacious area that is on the ground floor. The select shop gathers selected items from all around Hokkaido and it is here you can find some fantastic souvenirs and gifts to take home with you. Many of the items here are beautifully crafted, whether from stone, clay, ceramics, glass or wood. These pieces are well presented for the shopper to take a stroll through store and peruse at leisure.


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Special wines

Among the ornaments and crafts, Select 108 also sells clothing. Here you can find some great Japanese ‘yukatas’ (casual style of a kimono, usually worn during the summer and at onsen hotels). They also sell some fantastic wines, sweets and other snacks that are home to Hokkaido. Select 108 also has a small cafe on its premises, with plenty of outside seating in which to enjoy a cup coffee, or one of their delicious cakes. After shopping, there is a nice restaurant across the road, Toya Arts & Crafts that you can have a nice lunch.



Toya Kanko Hotel

Cost per night¥5000 - ¥19,000 per person (depending on plan)
Check-in 14:00
Check-out10:00
Contact0142-75-2111
http://www.toyakanko.com/ for reservations
Restaurant Yes & bar facilities
Wi-fiYes
NotesOnsen available, souvenir shop, lake views
karaoke room, games room, banquet hall, smoking & non smoking rooms, western & Japanese rooms
Parking available
Location Located in Toyako Onsen on the southern side of Lake Toya
33 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
049-5721


 

The foyer area

The Toya Kanko Hotel is located in the Toyaka Onsen district which is on the southern shore of Lake Toya and offers beautiful views over the lake. The Toya Kanko Hotel is one of the older hotels in this area and it also serves as a an onsen (hot spring) for guests and the public alike. The hotel has western and Japanese rooms to stay in. They offer ten different plans for guests depending on your style of stay. During the summer season Lake Toya is busiest so early reservations are best.


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Cooking-oriented planThis plan focuses on seasonal cooking such as 'Seasonal Wagyu (Nagomi)' which changes the menu every 3 months between spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Cheap planThis plan includes a set menu at the restaurant, plus a discount for the hot springs. A ¥1000 coupon is available for eating out on the town.
Plan with private bathThis plan is suitable for children and couples. This plan includes a private bath. You will need to reserve a time to use the bath via email or phone. Dinner is delivered in room.
Bedrock bathing planDinner depends on room. This plan includes a private bedrock bath. Reservation time needed.

Plan with sightseeing ticketThis plan includes tickets for tourist facilities and sightseeing spots nearby.
Plan for couplesDinner served in room. This plan is recommended for couples including private baths, cuisine.
Family plansDinner served in room. A popular plan for families. Reasonable price plus sightseeing ticket included.
Business trip or solo planPlans for business travelers and those traveling alone. Options include overnight breakfast and meal vouchers that allow you to eat in town.

Foyer area

All the rooms have a TV, refrigerator, bath, toilet with washing machine, air conditioning. The foyer has a souvenir shop which is open from 7:30 to 22:00 (until 21:30 in winter). This shop also sells items that can be used for the onsen. The hotel also has a karaoke and movie room, a restaurant “Lakeside” for guests, and a variety of banquet halls for functions. As the area is close to the volcano Mt. Usu the area is famous for its hot springs. Hotel Kanko has an onsen that can be used by guests as well as the public.

Panoramic outdoor bath13:00 - 10:00 (all night) Enjoy the views in this outdoor hot spring
Cave bath13:00 - 23:00 Indoor hot spring shaped into a cave formation. Includes sauna with TV
Open air private hot spring 13:00 - 24:30 ¥3000 for 50 minutes. Reservations only. get key from front desk before entering
Radium bedrock bath13:00 - 23:00 ¥1200 for 60 minutes. A bedrock bath does not use water, just lying on a floor with stones. Mixed for couples
Day trip bath for public7:00 - 10:00 (panoramic baths) ¥520 Adults ¥310 children
13:00 - 21:00 ¥720 Adults ¥410 children

*Private baths and bedrock bath can be used though fees apply

How to get to the hotel. Using JR train, from Sapporo station, take the Limited Express Hokuto/Super Hokuto (bound for Hakodate) and get off at Toya Station. It will take 1 hour and 50 minutes. From Chitose airport transfer at Minami Chitose Station and take the Limited Express Hokuto/Super Hokuto (bound for Hakodate), and get off at Toya Station. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. From JR Toya station take the Donan Bus (to Toyako Onsen). It takes approx. 25 minutes at ¥320, or it’s a 15 minute taxi ride.
The hotel does offer a shuttle service but need to contact them first.


By car, it is a 1 hour 50 minute drive on national route 230 from Sapporo. By bus, from Sapporo station take the Donan Bus (express) to Toyako Onsen via Nakayama Pass. The bus station is in front of Bic Camera at Sapporo station. The travel time is 2 hours and 40 minutes. One way is ¥2700, round trip will cost you ¥4790.