1. A lakeside course embraced by nature!
Surrounded by Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Race along the shores of Lake Toya, renowned for its beauty and officially recognized as one of "Japan's 100 Scenic Views" and one of "Japan's 500 Most Beautiful Walking Paths." The course features the crystal-clear waters of Lake Toya, fresh greenery, and the scenery of lingering snow on surrounding mountains like Mount Usu and Showa Shinzan. While there are some small ups and downs, the course is mostly flat and easy to run, offering endless enjoyment of the scenery.
2. The full marathon has a time limit of 5 hours and 30 minutes.
To avoid congestion on the course, this year's race will assign start blocks based on runners' declared times, improving the race environment for a more comfortable experience.
3. Expect mid-March weather despite being mid-May
Toyako Town's average May temperature is 10.4°C (37.8°F). This is about 8°C (36°F) cooler than Tokyo in May, equivalent to late March weather.
4. Head to the hot springs after the finish line♪
After the race, use your "free hot spring bathing ticket" to enjoy the unique hot springs of Toyako Onsen Town, one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring resorts! Repeat participants love being able to wash away their sweat before heading home. With events like the pre-race festival (paid, advance registration required), this is a race where the warm welcome.
Discover the Charm of the Host City
| 写真出典元： |
洞爺湖観光 （一社）洞爺湖温泉観光協会 HTO北海道観光機構 （一社）登別国際観光コンベンション協会 |
|---|
Why Toyako (Lake Toya)?
Lake Toya is a beautiful volcanic lake in Hokkaido, famous for its round shape, active volcanoes, and relaxing hot springs. It's part of a UNESCO Geopark, offers stunning scenery in every season, and is easy to reach from Sapporo.
- What is Lake Toya? — A Caldera Lake Born from Volcanoes
- ・ A large, almost perfectly round caldera lake in Hokkaido
- ・ Was created by a massive volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago
- ・ Never freezes, even in winter, because of geothermal activity
- ・ At the center sits Nakajima Island, formed by later eruptions
- A Landscape Where Volcanoes and Peaceful Water Coexist
- ・ The area is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark
- ・ Visitors can see the serene lake surface, active volcano Mount Usu, steam vents and dramatic landscapes created by past eruptions
- ・ This contrast—calm lake + active volcano—is something many foreign visitors find unforgettable
- Easy Access from Sapporo
- ・ About 2 hours from Sapporo by train or car
- ・ Close to other major attractions like Noboribetsu Onsen
Pre- or Post-race Excursion
Toyako Town Sightseeing Spots
1. Toyako Onsen
Relax with a lake view, perfect for experiencing Japanese onsen culture. A hot spring resort town on the lakeshore. Many hotels offer open-air baths with lake views. Footbaths and public baths are available for casual visitors.
2. Windsor Hotel
At the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit in 2008, attended by heads of nations as Japan, US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Russia, this hotel was used as the main venue. Tourists can literally stand where world leaders gathered and feel depth of their trip, i.e. nature, culture and global history in one place.
3. Lake Toya - the heart of the region
It is a peaceful lake surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes; a large, round caldera lake created by ancient volcanic eruptions. Never freezes even in winter. Offers boat cruises, lakeside walks, and stunning scenery year-round.
4. Mount Usu
An active volcano, rare chance to safely see an active volcano up close. Mount Usu is an active volcano next to Lake Toya in Hokkaido. Visitors can ride a ropeway to the summit for crater views, walk through landscapes shaped by recent eruptions, and safely experience the power of nature in a UNESCO Global Geopark. Visitors can take the Usu Ropeway to reach the summit in minutes.
5. Silo Observatory
A must-visit spot for the iconic lake view. You can see the whole Toyako, Mt Usu, Nakajima island, Showa-shinzan and Toyako town Nishiyama Crater etc. In addition, the Yohteizan called Ezofuji to the west side. Rushuthushiribetu Niseko mountain range. You can also admire the mountains such as Kurogatake. Café (including soft ice cream) and souvenir shops are available.
Sightseeing Spots nearby Lake Toya
Near Lake Toya, visitors can enjoy famous hot springs like Noboribetsu, clear lakes such as Lake Shikotsu, samurai theme parks, ski resorts, ocean cliffs, and fruit farms. The area offers nature, culture, and fun activities all within an hour's drive.
1. Noboribetsu Onsen
One of Japan's top onsen destinations with dramatic volcanic scenery. Noboribetsu Onsen is an extremely rare place with a wide variety of springs all in one place. Many of these onsen come from Jigokudani (Hell Valley), which was created by volcanic activity about 10,000 years ago. Noboribetsu Onsen has been healing many people from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the present day.
2. Date Jidaimura - Samurai Theme Park
A samurai- and ninja-themed historical park in Noboribetsu. Visitors can watch live action shows, explore Edo (period from 1603 to 1868) -style streets, try ninja activities, and even wear traditional costumes. It's a fun and immersive way to experience old Japan. It feels like stepping into a samurai movie set. Visitors can try and enjoy Ninja star (shuriken) throwing, Samurai armor try-on, traditional games and crafts.
3. Muroran - Ocean Views & Industrial Night Scenery
Muroran is a coastal city in Hokkaido, known for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful ocean views, and unique mix of nature and industry. It's a compact city, easy to explore in one day, and famous for its scenic capes and steel-making history.
- ・ Cape Chikyu (Earth Cape): A stunning viewpoint where you can see the curve of the Earth on the horizon. One of the best photo spots in Hokkaido.
- ・ Hakucho Bridge: A large white suspension bridge, beautifully illuminated at night. It's often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge for its elegant shape.
- ・ Factory Night View: Muroran is a historic steel city. At night, the factories create a glowing industrial landscape that many visitors find surprisingly beautiful.
- ・ Tokkarisho Cliffs: Wild, rugged cliffs shaped by the Pacific Ocean. The name comes from the Ainu language, meaning "seal rock."
- ・ Dolphin Watching: From spring to autumn, dolphins can often be seen near the coast. Boat tours are available.
4. Noboribetsu Bear Park
Noboribetsu Bear Park is a mountaintop sanctuary where visitors can see Hokkaido's native brown bears up close, feed them safely, and learn about Ainu culture. It's easily reached by ropeway and is a fun stop near Noboribetsu Onsen. It's one of the few places in Japan where you can see Hokkaido's iconic brown bears so closely. You can observe bears from above or behind protective glass. Bears often wave, stand up, or make gestures hoping for food. Visitors can feed bears using a special "bear cookie" system.
Gourmet Information
Lake Toya offers fresh vegetables grown in volcanic soil, local freshwater fish, high-quality Toya beef, and unique hot-spring-steamed dishes. Visitors can also enjoy lakeside cafés, onsen sweets, and fruit from nearby orchards.
1. Lake Toya Local Vegetables
Volcanic soil makes the vegetables sweet and flavorful such as potatoes, sweet corn, asparagus, and tomatoes.
2. Freshwater Fish from the Lake
Simple, clean-tasting dishes that reflect the purity of Hokkaido's nature such as Himemasu (kokanee salmon) and Wakasagi (smelt).
3. Toya Beef - Local Premium Beef
Toya Beef is a high-quality local brand raised in the Lake Toya area. It is known for its tender texture and fine marbling. Enjoy it as steak, grilled beef, or even gourmet burgers.
4. Onsen Manju (Hot Spring Steamed Buns)
A classic treat in any hot spring town. Soft buns filled with sweet red bean paste—perfect for snacking while walking around.
5. Lakeside Cafés & Bakeries
The Lake Toya area has many small, charming cafés and bakeries, where visitors can enjoy coffee with a lake view, sandwiches made with local vegetables and homemade cakes and pastries.
It's a very exciting race event. We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the race venue.
