Lake Toya Caldera Loop — Hokkaido VolcanicLakeshore.

Distance

110 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

900 m

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Lake Toya Caldera Loop — Hokkaido Volcanic Lakeshore.

Lake Toya is a near-perfect circular caldera lake formed by a volcanic collapse 110,000 years ago. The adjacent Showa-Shinzan lava dome rose 160m out of a wheat field between 1943 and 1945 while the farmer who owned it kept a diary of its growth. A short loop connects the lakeside onsen, the still-steaming Usu volcano, Showa-Shinzan dome, and the famous Jigokudani (Hell Valley) geothermal area at Noboribetsu — all active volcanoes within 30km of each other. Best May–October.

Quick facts

SurfacePaved

Distance110 km

Days1

Total climb900 m

DifficultyEasy

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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

6 stops

Toyako Onsen — Lake ToyaStart · Start at the lakeside onsen resort town of Toyako. The lake is 11km across — the near-perfect circular caldera holds two inhabited islands (Nakajima). Ferries cross to the islands; the road circuits the lakeshore in 40km.

Usu Ropeway ViewpointScenic Point · Usu-zan last erupted in 2000, destroying roads and buildings that are preserved as a 'volcanic disaster park'. The ropeway summit gives 360° views of Lake Toya, the Pacific coast, and the surrounding volcanic peaks.

Showa-Shinzan Lava DomePhoto Spot · The 398m dome that rose from a flat wheat field in 1943–45 while its owner Masao Mimatsu secretly kept a scientific diary. Designated a Special Natural Monument. Walk around the base for views of the still-steaming flanks.

Noboribetsu JigokudaniScenic Point · Hell Valley: 11 types of spring water boil up from a 450m-wide crater, creating steaming vents, mud pools, and a sulphurous landscape that looks like another planet. Oni (demon) statues guard the valley — they are Noboribetsu's mascots.

Noboribetsu Onsen TownRestaurant · Noboribetsu is Hokkaido's most famous onsen resort. The Dai-ichi Takimotokan has 35 different mineral baths. Try Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) lamb barbecue for lunch — the regional speciality.

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