In Hokkaido, Japan, within the embrace of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, lies a captivating sight: Lake Toya (洞爺湖, Tōya-ko⭐⭐), a volcanic caldera lake formed over 110,000 years ago by a mighty eruption. Crystal-clear waters, fed by hot springs and hidden underground streams, fill this nearly circular lake, which stretches 10 kilometers east to west and 9 kilometers north to south. Mount Usu, a stratovolcano gracing the southern rim, adds a dramatic touch to the landscape.
In the heart of the lake lies Nakajima Island, home to the fascinating Tōya Lake Forest Museum. Numerous parks, walking trails, and onsen (hot spring baths) pepper the lakeshore, while the Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival explodes with color for a mesmerizing 187 days, from April 28th to October 31st.
Toya Nonokaze Resort: Immerse yourself in the splendor and elegance of Hokkaido (YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
Between April 18th and 20th, 2024, I visited Lake Toya after spending time in Noboribetsu (登別). The weather during my stay was mostly cloudy, obscuring the peak of Mount Yōtei (羊蹄山), also known as Ezo Fuji (蝦夷富士) or 'Hokkaido's Mount Fuji'.
A lake cruise departed from the Toyakokisen ferry terminal during my visit, but it didn't stop at the Tōya Lake Forest Museum on those days. While many tourist groups opted for the cruise, I decided to explore the lakeshore for its scenic views and relaxation.
Numerous sculptures dot the lakeshore, adding artistic flair to the scenic view
Seen against the backdrop of Nakajima Island, the lake cruise offered a sense of the lake's immensity
The hotel lobby displayed a photo showcasing the full grandeur of Mount Yōtei
The clouds cleared, letting the setting sun peek through briefly
Like a shy maiden, Mount Yōtei veiled itself in clouds, revealing only a sun-dappled shoulder
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
TL;DR: T‑10 is gone — Barcelona now uses the T‑mobilitat system. The best tourist ticket is the T‑Casual (10 rides, Zone 1), but it does not cover the Airport Metro (L9 Sud) or the Aerobús. If you land at T1, skip buying transit tickets at the airport and take the Aerobús into the city first. Once you reach the city center and drop your bags, buy your T‑Casual from any Metro station vending machine and start using it for all your Barcelona travel. How to Buy and Use Barcelona's NEW Contactless Transport Cards (YouTube link) Barcelona has officially retired the old T‑10 paper ticket . Since 2020, the city has transitioned to T‑mobilitat , a modern contactless system used across the metro, buses, trams, FGC, and RENFE trains. If you’re reading older guides, you’ll still see references to the T‑10 — but as of 2026, the T‑Casual and other T‑mobilitat tickets have fully replaced it. For most visitors, the T‑Casual remains the easiest and most affordable way to get around Barcelona. Th...
