When it comes to Erimo Town in Hokkaido, Cape Erimo—famously mentioned in Shinichi Mori’s song—is well-known, but the hidden lake known as the “Heart Lake,” Lake Toyoni, is also not to be missed.
From above, this lake forms a distinct heart shape. Because it is far from airports and difficult to access without a rental car, it is also famous as a hidden, secluded lake.
Additionally, there is a limited autumn helicopter tour where you can view Lake Toyoni from the sky.
This time, we will introduce how to access Lake Toyoni and sightseeing spots in Erimo Town.
What is Lake Toyoni?
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Lake Toyoni truly forms a beautiful heart shape when viewed from above or on a map. In addition to the nickname “Heart Lake,” it is also called “Horseshoe Lake.”
The Mystical Shore of Lake Toyoni
The area surrounding Lake Toyoni preserves untouched nature. Rare wildlife such as the Ezo pika, considered a survivor from the Ice Age when the Earth was much colder, lives here, and a mystical landscape spreads out around the lake.
From the shore, you cannot see the heart shape, but it is still a lake worth visiting. Please make sure to follow basic rules and manners when visiting. Also, this area is a habitat for brown bears, so don’t forget bear safety measures, such as attaching a bell to your bag.
Lake Toyoni Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour that lets you view Lake Toyoni from above is held around October in the fall (unfortunately, it was canceled in 2020).
In a typical year, you can enjoy the heart-shaped lake and the surrounding autumn foliage from a helicopter, which you rarely get to ride in daily life.
The takeoff and landing point is the garden of “Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Fureai-kan.”
Details such as fees and operating periods can be found here (external site).
Recommended Gourmet Around Lake Toyoni: “Tsubu Curry”
If you get hungry after the Lake Toyoni helicopter tour, head to “Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Fureai-kan.” Here, the recommended dishes are “Tsubu Curry” made with the local specialty whelk (sea snail) and the hearty “Salmon Fry Set Meal.”
The building of “Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Fureai-kan” is a renovated former Meguro Elementary and Junior High School.
Inside, you can also find exhibits of Erimo Town’s landscape photographs and animal taxidermy, making it the perfect facility to learn about Windy Town Erimo.
Name: Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Fureai-kan (Former Meguro Elementary and Junior High School)
Address: 214-6 Meguro, Erimo Town, Horoizumi District
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.town.erimo.lg.jp/kankou/pages/k9mfea0000001hxe.html
Access to Lake Toyoni
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The nearest airport to Lake Toyoni is Tokachi Obihiro Airport.
If you are coming from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport, it takes about 4 to 5 hours via Shizunai, Urakawa, or Samani, so it is safer to stay overnight around Shizunai or Urakawa.
Because Lake Toyoni is located deep in a remote area, access by public transportation is difficult.
If driving a rental car from Sapporo is too tiring, you can take the Express Pegasus or Yushun Hidaka bus to Shizunai and rent a car there.
Along National Route 336, there is a sign indicating the road to Lake Toyoni—use it as a landmark to reach your destination.
◎ Summary of Lake Toyoni
Around Lake Toyoni in Erimo Town, there are little-known tourist spots such as “Hyakunin-hama Auto Campground,” “Hiren-numa”—a marsh tied to a sad legend of the Ainu people—and “Cape Erimo,” which became famous through the songs of Shinichi Mori and Chiyoko Shimakura.
For sightseeing in the vast Hidaka region, renting a car is convenient.
Be sure to take a journey across the great land of Hokkaido.