This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Lake Toya Showasinzan. To help you make friends with Lake Toya Showasinzan before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
Lake Toya Showasinzan, Japan, is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Iburi Subprefecture in Hokkaido. It is a volcanic caldera lake covering a surface area of approximately seventy square kilometres. In the early twenty-first century, the scenic lake was chosen as the location of the G8 summit. Lake Toya is the northernmost lake in Japan that never freezes over even if the temperatures drop drastically in winter. Lake Toya has four islands of various sizes in the middle. The island group is called Nakajima. The largest of the four islands, Oshima, measures around ten kilometres in circumference. On the island, you can find the Lake Toya Forest Museum and a pier for pleasure boats. Nowadays, the islands do not have any permanent residents; however, you can find many Yezo sika deer.
By the lake, you can find numerous hotels and guesthouses and campsites are in the area, as well. However, the number of Lake Toya Showasinzan, Japan hostels is very limited. The quality of the facilities at your Lake Toya Showasinzan, Japan hostel is good, but do not expect friendly staff. Generally, the accommodations are clustered in the small settlements around the lake. If you are flexible and you have a car, you can check out the numerous accommodations such as hostels in nearby Niseko.
Fishing is allowed and it is a popular sport in the region. You can find native fish such as Japanese dace, bullhead, Salvelinus leucomaenis, and trout. Showa Shinzan is a bit south of Lake Toya. The name was chosen to honour Emperor Showa, also known as Hirohito and it is one the youngest mountains in Japan -- Showa Shinzan suddenly rose in the mid-twentieth century, accompanied by earthquakes. The region around the lake is perfect for tourists who love nature and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a big city. The so-called "Toyakokisen" operate on Lake Toya. These pleasure boats take you on a tour around Ohima Island where Yezo sika deer live. There are four different types of pleasure boats available.
Written by local enthusiast for Lake Toya Showasinzan hostels
