Lake Toya & Mt. Usu: Small Group Volcano Hike with Pickup

Summary

Volcano hiking, lake views & Toyako’s living geology in one day

You’ll hike up Mt. Usu with a local guide in a small group (max 4), feel volcanic heat underfoot, eat lunch overlooking Lake Toya’s blue water, and visit the geopark center to hear real stories from past eruptions. Expect moments that stay with you long after you’ve left Hokkaido.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell faintly of sulfur even before we started hiking up Mt. Usu — it’s like the mountain wants you to remember it’s alive. Our guide, Satoshi, grinned when I asked if that was normal. “It means she’s awake,” he said, tapping his walking stick on a patch of mossy rock. The trail wound through these quiet forests where sunlight flickered in and out, and every so often you’d hear a crow or just the crunch of our boots on damp ground. There were only four of us, so nobody got left behind or rushed along — honestly, I’m not sure I’d have made it otherwise.

Reaching the crater rim felt weirdly peaceful for a volcano that erupted just a couple decades ago. You could see steam drifting up from cracks below, and then there was Lake Toya — this perfect blue circle way down in the valley, almost too calm compared to everything else around here. We sat on some rocks for lunch (sandwiches from a local bakery — surprisingly good) and watched clouds slide across Uchiura Bay in the distance. Satoshi pointed out scars from the 2000 eruption; he told us about families who had to leave their homes overnight. It made me think about how people here live with change all the time.

Afterwards we stopped at the Toyo-Usu Geopark Center by Lake Toya itself. There were old photos of lava flows swallowing roads and stories about how locals rebuilt after each disaster — it’s humbling stuff, honestly. The last stop was this viewpoint above the lake where everything looked unreal: Mt. Usu behind us, water below, craters still visible if you squinted right. I tried to say “Toyako” properly and Satoshi laughed — apparently my accent is hopeless.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike Mt. Usu and visit Lake Toya

• Drive to Mt. Usu trailhead
• Hike through forest to crater rim
• View crater and Lake Toya
• Have lunch and rest
• Hike back to car
• Visit Toyo-Usu Geopark Visitor Center
• Go to Lake Toya viewpoint

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lake Toya & Mt. Usu tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip booking.

How difficult is the Mt. Usu volcano hike?

The hike requires moderate fitness but isn’t technical; small groups mean you can go at your own pace.

What does lunch include on this day trip?

You’ll get a sandwich (usually from a local bakery) and a drink as part of your tour.

How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to four guests for safety and a relaxed pace.

Will I learn about volcanic eruptions on this tour?

Yes, your guide shares stories during the hike and at the Geopark Center near Lake Toya.

Are hiking poles provided if needed?

Yes, hiking poles are available upon request at no extra charge.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

The hike needs moderate fitness; not recommended for young children or those with health concerns.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, an English/Japanese-speaking guide who knows Mt. Usu inside out, entry to the Toyo-Usu Geopark Visitor Center by Lake Toya, sandwiches and drinks for lunch (with vegetarian options), plus hiking poles if you want them before heading back to your hotel in comfort.