basic information

When Mount Usu erupted in March of 2000, several new craters opened up on the west side of the mountain, expelling huge amounts of smoke several kilometers into the sky and destroying nearby buildings and roads.

The still smoking craters can be seen while exploring the walking trails in the area. There are also several destroyed buildings, disrupted roads and broken phone poles that have been left as they were so that visitors can see the effects of the destructive power of a volcano.

One walking trail leads from the west crater to the summit of Mount Usu, from where you can descend to Showa Shinzan by ropeway. The walk takes about an hour one way.

Main crater

Destruction caused by the eruption

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

how to get there

The Usuzan West Craters are a five minute car or bus ride from Toyako Onsen. Buses between JR Toya Station and Toyako Onsen stop nearby. Get off at "Nishiyama Yuhodo Iriguchi" bus stop.

How to get to and around Lake Toya

hours and fees

Hours:	7:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 in October and early November)
Closed:	Early November to mid April
Admission:	Free

travel community

Users who have been to Lake Toya: 36
Users who have been to Usuzan West Craters: 5

4th of 4 most visited sights in Lake Toya.
355th of 414 most visited sights nationwide.