National Park Day Hike from Sapporo by Private Car

Enjoy a short rest stop at Nakayama Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Yotei, often called “Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji.” Don’t miss the local specialty, “Age-imo,” deep-fried potato skewers beloved by travelers.

Lake Toya is a scenic caldera lake located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with four small islands, the lake is known for its clear waters and hot spring towns along the shore. On this tour, you will visit the Sairo Observatory, the best viewpoint to admire the lake’s full panorama and Mt. Yotei in the distance.

Formed in 1943 when farmlands were uplifted by volcanic activity, Showa Shinzan is one of Japan’s youngest mountains. Standing beside Mt. Usu, it remains a rare example of a landscape born within living memory, where visitors can feel the raw power of the earth up close. The contrast between the red-brown mountain surface and the surrounding greenery makes it a striking sight.

The Mt. Usu Ropeway offers a scenic 7-minute ride to the summit. From the observation deck, enjoy sweeping views of Showa Shinzan below, the sparkling waters of Lake Toya, and the vast Pacific Ocean stretching into the horizon. On clear days, you can even see Mount Yotei, often called “Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji.”