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

Getting to Lake Toya

Covered by: Japan Rail Pass(except bus)

All limited express trains between Hakodate and Sapporo stop at Toya Station along the way. The one way trip from Hakodate takes roughly 100 minutes, costs 5,920 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass. Seat reservations are mandatory.

From Toya Station, Lake Toya (Toyako Onsen bus terminal) is reached in a 15 minute bus ride (340 yen, about one bus per hour). The buses are operated by Donan Bus and are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

It should take under three hours to reach Lake Toya from Hakodate along National Route 5 and the Doo Expressway (to Abuta-Toyako Interchange). Expressway tolls amount to around 3500 yen one way. Taking toll free roads instead increases travel time by approximately half an hour.

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.