Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark

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Recommended routes | Photography

Recommended routes for Photography Let’s get that camera rolling!

Photoshooting! Lots of opportunities everywhere.

There are a lot of spots where you cannot resist having a camera in your hand and just releasing the shutter. Let’s take a look at some select spots at the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark.

Sunrise & Sunset That wonderful glow. Blink and you’ll miss it.

Get up early to see the sunrise. Go all the way to that one spot to see the sunset. See the glow with your own eyes. Preserve that wonderful moment in a photo. It is worth spending a day just to see these stunning scenes.

Information

Other Photo Spots Please inquire at each camping site for detailed information such as their facilities, equipment, prices, and business hours.

Admire the color of the sky.
The hues change by the minute.

Seasons Special The best spot for pictures this season!

The rich nature dramatically transforms with every season. Just as food has its ideal times, so does the scenery. You will find some memorable views here.

Information

Other Photo Spots Please inquire at each camping site for detailed information such as their facilities, equipment, prices, and business hours.

Glass-like ice sculptures.
Natural-style artwork.

Sample Routes Need some route suggestions?

Here are some suggested routes to enjoy photo shooting at the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark area.
Please inquire at each facility or shop for detailed information such as their business hours and prices.

  1. Route A

    Only in summer!
    A colorful photogenic route.
  2. Start!
  3. New Chitose Airport
    JR Sapporo Station
  4. Silo Observatory
    Take a photo of the clear Lake Toya from the Silo Observatory. If you are lucky enough, there will also be a sea of clouds in the early summer morning.
  5. Lake Hill Farm
    The view of the flower garden and goat barn along with Mount Yotei in the backdrop looks like a scene from a picture book. Be sure to try some gelato too!
  6. Toyako Guide Center
    Take photos from the canoe while floating on the lake! If conditions are right, you stand on barely surfaced “kameiwa” turtle-like rocks to take your shot.
  7. Sobetsu Sunflower Field
    From mid-July to the beginning of August, sunflowers fill the field in front of the rest house! The contrast of green, blue, and yellow is stunning.
  8. Usu Lovers’ Beach
    A calm beach facing the bay. On clear days, Komagatake Mountain can be seen.
  9. Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display
    The Long Run Fireworks Display is the summer feature of Lake Toya. Lots of fireworks color the night sky for months.

  1. Route B

    Only in winter!
    A pure white world of snow and ice.
  2. Start!
  3. New Chitose Airport
    JR Sapporo Station
  4. Coast of Lake Toya
    On cold days, the snowy Lake Toya gives off a serene view with the silhouettes of trees standing out more than usual.
  5. Chikara-Iwa Observation Park
    Lake Toya does not freeze. In winter, when the temperature drops zero, you can see splash ice on the shore. It is mysterious and beautiful, like some kind of art.
  6. Otaki ice stalagmites cave tour
    The ice pillars called Nyoro-nyoro are impressive! Be sure to join the guided tour, as parts of the course are on private property and trespassing is prohibited.
  7. Orofure Pass
    Around January and February, the forest trees 3 km before the Orofure Tunnel are covered with silver snow. Their mystical figure is breathtakingly beautiful.
  8. Illumination Tunnel
    The winter feature of Toyako Onsen. You cannot miss this romantic tunnel of lights.

  1. Route C

    Enjoy the taste of each season.
    A scenic route for photos.
  2. Start!
  3. New Chitose Airport
    JR Sapporo Station
  4. Morning island visit
    Enjoy the scenery from Chinkojima early in the morning. Under the light of dawn, the mysterious view of Lake Toya changes its expression by the minute.
  5. Ukimido Park
    One of the eight beauty spots of Lake Toya, the red and unique two-story tower of Ukimido sits on the shore, inviting visitors take photos from many angles.
  6. Gurutto Chokoku (sculpture) Park
    A lot of sculptures are laid out around Lake Toya. Find your favorite, and take an artistic shot with the nature of Lake Toya as the backdrop.
  7. 100th Anniversary Toyako Onsen Monument
    Wait for the sightseeing boat to come by, and you’ve got the perfect shot of this monument!
  8. Toyako Echigoya
    See over 30 years of history of profound wooden swords crafted by skilled artisans.
  9. Kamuy Chashi Historical Ainu Park
    Climb up the steep stairways, walk along the path, and you will be on a hill overlooking the bay of Uchiura-wan!
  10. The sunset view from Roadside Station Abuta
    This location has a great view of the bay of Uchiura-wan. Make it here on time, and you can see the sunset beyond the horizon.

Other Routes