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G8 Summit Special: Hokkaido Visitors Guide

Toyako, Hokkaido

Toyako (Lake Toya), the host of this year's G8 summit, is a resort town at the foot of Mount Usu, an active volcano that last erupted in 2000. Its superlative scenery and renowned hot springs make Toyako one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist destinations.

Hokkaido scenery

G8 trivia quiz
What is the biggest concern developing countries like India and China have against adopting the 'sectoral approach,' capping emissions according to industry?
Toyako Area Attractions
  • Lake Toya Ranch
  • The Lake Toya Ranch offers horseback riding through scenic Toyako. The wide-ranging trail menu includes lake treks, hill treks and winter treks through the snow. Riding lessons are available for beginners.

  • Lake Hill Farm
  • Try your hand at milking a cow, and turn that milk into a delicious butter or fresh ice cream at this local, hands-on dairy farm.

  • Toya Takarada Nature Experience House
  • This center was established by the Ministry of the Environment in 2004 to promote the nature of Lake Toya. Seasonal programs might include the chance to make your own soba or udon noodles, wooden birdcalls or even a canoe. Other activites include rock hiking, fishing and strawberry picking.

  • Glass Cafe Gla Gla
  • Sculpt your own ornaments at this glass blowing studio, or buy one of the studio's artisanal blown glass creations.

  • Toyako Volcanic Science Museum
  • Telling the story of the area's active volcano, this science museum exhibits rocks from previous eruptions, as well as documentaries about the fiery mountain that provides the area with its beloved hot springs.

  • Toyako hand and foot spas
  • Twelve free hand and foot spas around the center of Toyako Onsen offer visitors the chance to relax their weary toes in the hot spring water, for rejuvention and increased circulation.

  • Mount Usu Eruption Memorial Park
  • Toyako has many reminders of the 2000 eruption of Mount Usu, but none more photogenic than this verdant park just west of the hot springs. (147, Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho)

  • Nishiyama promenade
  • A national highway before Mount Usu blew its top in 2000, this winding promenade now offers an up-close view of the crater formed by the recent eruption.

Toyako area hot springs
Sapporo area attractions

Japan's fifth most populous city is a two hour bus ride from Toyako, and draws over 14 million visitors per year.

  • Sapporo Beer Museum
  • Learn about Japan's beer industry and the history of one of the Big Three brewers in Japan's largest beer museum.

  • The Historical Museum of Hokkaido
  • A full 2 million years' worth of Hokkaido history is crammed into this beautiful red brick museum on the edge of Nopporo Forest Park. Exhibits follow the cultural and environmental development of Japan's northern island.

  • Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Park
  • A popular Japanese chocolate maker, Shiroi Koibito (lit: White Lover) offers a peek at its production process, as well as cafes and souvenir shops for the sweet-toothed visitor.

  • Historic Village of Hokkaido
  • In the suburbs of Sapporo, this open-air museum really is a village-full of attractions. From 19th century shops and houses to a traditonial shrine and horse-drawn transport, this is how Hokkaido looked 150 years ago.

  • Sapporo Maruyama Zoo
  • Visit kangaroos, polar bears, reptiles, giraffes and hippos among the 1,000 inhabitants of the largest zoo in Hokkaido. There are plenty of hands-on experiences to enjoy, from petting small creatures to trying some falconry.

Further afield
  • Otaru Aquarium
  • Otaru, a port and hot spring resort just north of Sapporo, is also home to around 5,000 aquatic creatures in Otaru Aquarium. Seals, dolphins and Stellar sea lions perform regularly.

  • The Ainu Museum
  • This outdoor museum in Shiraoi, an hour by train from Sapporo, has been introducing visitors to the history and culture of Hokkaido's indigenous people since 1976.

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