Going Solo in Japan (Lake Toya) - 1995

When we went to Sapporo, Hokkaido for the first time for a conference, our new friend from Maizuru had requested a local doctor in this area to meet us. We had arrived early for the meeting, so on the very first day afternoon we met him. He took us for a drive in near by Toya Shikotsu National park. Lake Shikotsuko (支笏湖) and nearby Lake Toyako are the two most prominent features of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Both lakes are caldera lakes, which were formed from collapses in the earth after volcanic activity.Most of Shikotsuko is little developed except for Shikotsu Kohan, a small, touristy town with a visitor center some lodgings along the lake's western shores. From there, visitors can rent boats, bicycles or scuba gear to enjoy the natural surroundings or join a sightseeing cruise of the lake in glass-bottomed boats or speed boats from late April to early November.Lake Shikotsuko is encircled by mountains, one of which is Mount Tarumae. Tarumae ranks among Japan's most active volcanoes and most recently erupted in 1981. The mountain can be climbed in a steep but short ascent in less than an hour and offers impressive views of the deserted crater landscape and over Lake Shikotsuko. At the northern shores of the lake stands Marukoma Onsen, a ryokan with unique hot spring baths that are also open to non-staying visitors. The baths are located right along the lake shore and are connected to the lake by small canals, allowing for a certain exchange between the pools' hot water and the lake's cool water. Moreover, their water level changes according to the lake's water level and can be uncharacteristically high for onsen pools outside of winter. The ryokan has also conventional hot spring pools, all of which are gender-segregated.

The Lake Tōya is nearly circular, being 10 x 9 kilometers in size. Also it is the northernmost lake in Japan that never ices with competing claim by nearby Lake Shikoku and the second most transparent lake in Japan. Nakajima Island (not to be confused with another island of the same name in Lake Kussharo) is a recursive island in the middle of the lake. After visitng lake Toya he took us to a place named Noboribetsu where we saw Polar bears kept in the cage

Lake Shikotsu (支笏湖, Shikotsu-ko) is a caldera lake in Chitose, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is a part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

There was very little conversation with him as he didn’t speak English.

During the conference there was a special program for ladies – and we were taken for a drive to Lake Toya. It was a scenic drive. We were taken for lunch at a prestigious hotel The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa. Very recently at a G8 Summit a conference was held at this hotel.

Later on we went to Sapporo several times and visited lake Toya again.

The lake is known for its stunning scenery, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.

A boat cruise on Lake Toya you can enjoy the stunning scenery and get a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains and Nakajima Island.

Another attraction that Lake Toya is known for is impressive fireworks displays, especially during the summer months. The displays are often held in the evening and are reflected beautifully on the lake.

When we went again we stayed at a hotel located right on the shore of lake. There were many tourists.