Springtime Escape to Hokkaido's Volcanic Jewel: Lake Toya
A lake cruise boat glided past Mount Yōtei 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 L...