Noboribetsu to Lake Toya: How to get to and around Lake Toya

Getting to Lake Toya

Covered by: Japan Rail Pass(except buses)

The one way trip by limited express train between Toya and Noboribetsu Stations takes 40 minutes and costs around 2970 yen (seat reservations are mandatory). By local trains, the trip takes about twice as long but costs only 1290 yen. Trains between Toya and Noboribetsu are covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Both Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Onsen are located a 15 minute bus ride from the railway stations. Buses between Toya Station and Toyako Onsen operate about once per hour and cost 340 yen one way, while buses between Noboribetsu Station and Noboribetsu Onsen operate once or twice per hour and cost 350 yen one way. Both routes are run by Donan Bus and are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Lake Toya and Noboribetsu Onsen are connected by an attractive mountain road via Orofure Pass. Driving between Toyako Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen takes about one hour. Note that the road gets closed during winter. The alternative route between the two towns leads via the coastal roads.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

The lakeside resort of Toyako Onsen at the foot of Mount Usu is where you will find most of the area's hotels and shops, a visitor center, the sightseeing boat pier and the bus terminal.

Toyako Onsen bus terminal is served by both the local buses to JR Toya Station (15 minutes, 340 yen, every hour, via the Usuzan West Crater) and Usuzan Ropeway (15 minutes, 350 yen, 4 buses/day), as well as by long-distance buses to Sapporo and other destinations.

Due to the infrequent bus connections inside the park and the absence of a public transport connection to nearby Lake Shikotsu, a rental car is the recommended means of transport for exploring Shikotsu-Toya National Park.