Abuta District: Volcanic Trails, Hot Springs and Culture

Abuta District in Hokkaido offers a wide range of experiences: around Lake Tōya, the focus is on volcanic landscapes, eruption history and art; in Niseko Annupuri and Rusutsu, seasonal activities shape what is on offer. Hot springs, viewpoints and museums round out the themes.

Volcanic Traces and Eruption History

The Konpira Crater Trail in Toyako Onsen leads to disaster relics. The surviving remains of a volcanic eruption are intended to convey the scale of its power. At the Nishiyama Foot Crater Trail in Izumi, the focus is on damaged buildings and roads: they were damaged during the 2000 eruption of Usu and have been preserved. The two trails therefore offer different perspectives—one on the remains of an eruption, the other on specific damage to buildings and roads.

A bus from JR Tōya Station reaches the north entrance of the Nishiyama Foot Crater Trail in 15 minutes. The Lake Tōya Visitor Center and the Volcano Science Museum use photographs, models and videos to explain the history of Usu, how volcanic eruptions work, the damage they cause and disaster preparedness measures. These topics complement the preserved traces with explanations of volcanoes and their effects.

Lake Tōya: Views and Art

The sightseeing boat on Lake Tōya offers views of the lake’s natural landscape; the pier is in Toyako Onsen. For a different perspective, visit the Silo Observatory in Naruka: the panoramic view extends across Lake Tōya, Usu and Shōwa-Shinzan.

Outdoor art is also part of the lakeside landscape. The sculpture park along the shore in Toyako Onsen features a total of 58 sculptures. Those interested in archaeological finds can see around 200 artifacts from the Irie and Takasago shell mounds at the Irie-Takasago Shell Mound Museum in Takasago. The Lake Tōya Art Museum in Toya is a small museum on the shore; exhibits include works from the Toya Village International Sculpture Biennale, sculptures by Bikki Sunazawa and photographs by Banri Namikawa.

The history of the G8 Summit and visual art come together in various exhibitions. The Hokkaido Toyako Summit Memorial Museum displays the round table used during the summit talks, as well as souvenirs presented and souvenirs from the participating countries. The Toya Classic Car & Gallery is dedicated to classic cars; examples on display include a Rolls-Royce and a Porsche 356.

Seasonal Activities and Outdoor Recreation

The Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area in Niseko has six lifts, including a gondola and quad chairlifts, as well as 13 runs. Lift and run configurations may change. In summer, activities at Annupuri include mountain biking, hiking and hot-air balloon rides. The seasonal focus highlights the difference between winter sports and summer activities.

Rusutsu Resort also offers a summer program, including rafting, canoeing, trekking, horseback riding, fishing and hot-air balloon rides. Activities are seasonal and may change. The options range from trips on the water to horseback rides, hikes and fishing.

For a quieter way to enjoy the landscape, Moonura Forest Nature Park in Tsukiura offers a different setting: it was created on the grounds of the former villa of Viscount Yasuaki Katō and is suited to forest bathing. At the History Park in Irie, you can play golf at the Yuhigaoka Park Golf Course, with views of the sea and Usu.

Hot Springs and Local Highlights

Spring water flows continuously at Fukidashi Park in Kyogoku. Known for its famous water, the park is open 24 hours a day year-round. In Makkari, there is a spot at Yotei Spring where you can collect spring water; the delicious-tasting water is also used to make tofu. Both places put spring water in the spotlight, in different ways.

The singing Hosokawa Takashi Memorial Statue stands in Makari River Park, a tourist attraction in Makkari. In Kutchan, the Kutchan Fudokan, which opened in 2002, introduces visitors to the area's nature and history. The cultural offerings thus range from a memorial statue in a park to a museum focusing on the Kutchan region.

The Niseko View Plaza roadside station is at the intersection of National Route 5 and Iwanai-Toya Prefectural Road. It includes an information building, a building with a farm shop and takeaway snacks, and a restroom building that is open 24 hours a day. You can get tourist information there, and local specialties and souvenirs are also sold. Product availability may change.

You can choose where to stay based on the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Kutchan, Kyogoku, Rusutsu, Niseko, Yoichi District, Isoya District, Sorachi District, Iwanai District.

For the overview of the wider region: Hokkaido.