Shikotsu Toya Nationa Park

Shikotsu Toya National Park (Kokuritsu Koen) is located in southwest part of Hokkaido. It's easy to access from Sapporo-city. There are two well-known caldera lakes named Shikotsuko (Lake Shikotsu) and Toyako (Lake Toya). Shikotsuko is located about 25 miles south of the center of Sapporo-city, and Toyako is located about 30 miles southwest of Shikotsuko. These lakes are well-known fall foliage destinations. Toyako Onsen on the south shore of Toyako is a nice hot spring resort. There are two volcanoes, Mt. Usu and Showashinzan, located close by. Windsor Hotel Toya in Toyako-town has been chosen as the main venue of the 2008 G8 summit.

There are more great hot springs in the area, such as Jozankei Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen. Especially, Jozankei Onsen is popular among visitors to Sapporo-city. It takes about 75 minutes by bus from Sapporo Station to Jozankei Onsen.

Mt. Youtei is located about 30 miles southwest of the center of Sapporo-city near Niseko-town. Since the beautiful mountain is similar to Mt. Fuji, it's called Ezo Fuji.

Access to Toyako Onsen: It takes about 2 hours from Sapporo Station to Toya Station by JR limited express trains. Also, it takes about 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Toya Station by JR trains. From Toya Station to Toyako Onsen, it takes about 25 minutes by Donan Bus.

Access to Noboribetsu Onsen: It takes about 80 minutes from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station by JR limited express train. Also, it takes about 70 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu Station by JR trains.

Access to Shikotsuko Onsen: It takes about one hour from New Chitose Airport or takes about 80 minutes from Sapporo Station Terminal to Shikotsuko by Hokkaido Chuo Bus.