Abuta District: Volcanoes, Lakes and a Variety of Experiences
Accommodation in Abuta District
In Abuta District, travel experiences range from ski slopes and summer activities to volcanic landscapes, museums and spring water. At Lake Tōya, trails and exhibitions tell the story of Usu’s power; in other towns, sports and regional attractions shape your stay. When choosing a vacation rental, you can start by asking what you want your trip to focus on: activities at Annupuri, summer offerings in Rusutsu, or culture and nature around Toyako.
Active Holidays in Different Seasons
The international Niseko Annupuri ski area is located in Niseko. It has six lift facilities, including a gondola and quad chairlifts, as well as 13 runs. In summer, activities at Annupuri include mountain biking, hiking and hot-air balloon rides. Niseko therefore offers both a ski area and warm-weather activities to guide your trip planning.
Rusutsu Resort in Rusutsu offers a different kind of summer experience: activities there include rafting, canoeing, trekking, horseback riding, fishing and hot-air balloon rides. The selection spans water and land activities, as well as rides in the air. When looking for a vacation rental, you can match your preferred type of holiday with the name of the town, rather than treating all the offerings as one single excursion area.
Lake Tōya, Volcano Trails and Culture
In Toyako Onsen, the Konpira Crater Trail leads to remnants of a volcanic eruption and conveys its immense power. The Nishiyama Crater Trail preserves buildings and roads damaged by the 2000 eruption of Usu. You can reach the north entrance to this trail from JR Tōya Station by bus in 15 minutes. The two trails have different emphases: one conveys the force of an eruption, while the other makes the damage from 2000 tangible through the buildings and roads that remain.
Art and history are also represented at the lake. The open-air sculpture park around Lake Tōya features a total of 58 sculptures along the lakeshore. The Irie-Takasago Shell Mound Museum in Takasago displays about 200 artifacts from the Irie and Takasago shell mounds. The Lake Tōya Visitor Center and the Volcano Science Museum use photographs, models and videos to explain Usu’s history, eruption mechanisms, damage and disaster-prevention measures. Those interested in recent international history can visit the Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum to see the round table used for the G8 talks, along with souvenirs presented and items from the participating countries.
In Kutchan, the Kutchan Fudokan, which opened in 2002, introduces the nature and history of the surrounding area. For a different perspective on the region, visit the Silo Observation Deck in Naruka: its panoramic view stretches across Lake Tōya to Usu and Shōwa-Shinzan. In Toya, a small art museum on the lakeshore displays works from the Toya Village International Sculpture Biennale, sculptures by Bikki Sunazawa and photographs by Banri Namikawa, among other works.
Spring Water and Regional Stops
Fukidashi Park in Kyogoku is known for its famous water. Spring water flows continuously there, nourished by nature and Mount Yōtei; the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. In Makkari, there is a place to collect spring water at the Yotei Spring. This water is also used to make tofu. The Makari River Park is home to a commemorative statue of Takashi Hosokawa that sings.
For local specialties and souvenirs, stop at Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station, which also offers tourist information and takeaway snacks. It is located at the intersection of National Route 5 and Iwanai-Toya Prefectural Road; the toilets are open 24 hours a day. The reasons to travel here vary widely, from spring water and volcano exhibits to outdoor activities. When searching for a vacation rental, first focus on the part of Abuta District whose experiences best suit your planned stay.
For the broader travel overview: Hokkaido.
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