Noboribetsu Bear Park | Review by WANG

We boarded the white Lake Toya sightseeing boat and set off. The boat slowly pulled away from the pier, leaving a long trail of white spray across the deep blue lake. Standing on the deck in the cool breeze and watching the lakeshore scenery surrounded by fall colors slowly pass by felt so relaxing.

After the boat reached Nakajima in the middle of the lake, we went ashore and walked along the Nakajima National Forest trail in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The trees had already turned golden yellow and orange-red, with their tall trunks stretching straight up toward the sky, and flocks of birds often flew overhead. Walking along the path covered in fallen leaves, it was so quiet that all I could hear were my footsteps, and my whole pace slowed down.

On the way back, I stood on the top deck and watched the sun gradually set. Golden light spread across the shimmering surface of the lake, and the distant mountains looked especially soft. This relaxing trip of enjoying the scenery from the boat and walking around the island let me fully take in the views of the lake.

Lake Toya in October is perfect for renting a car and taking a leisurely drive, enjoying a slower pace without the pressure of rushing through an itinerary. Along the lakeside road, the trees on both sides are painted in rich golden yellow and vivid orange-red fall colors. Everywhere you stop, there’s a view that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Toward evening, the sun gradually begins to set, casting a warm golden glow over the entire lake and the distant mountains. Sitting by the lake and watching the sun slowly go down, with the orange-red sky reflected on the shimmering water, it’s so quiet that all you can hear is the wind and the rippling water. It instantly puts your mind at ease.

After dark, the highlight is Lake Toya’s famous fireworks show over the lake. There’s no need to squeeze through crowds. You can simply sit in your room at an onsen hotel or soak in an open-air bath, relaxing while looking up at the brilliant fireworks blooming across the night sky. The colorful sparks reflected on the dark lake create an unforgettable scene.

Staying at an onsen hotel by the lake, enjoying a relaxing soak and a good meal, and leisurely spending time at a slower pace in Hokkaido is truly one of life’s great pleasures.

Standing by the ropeway station getting ready to head up the mountain, I was already surrounded by autumn leaves turning red and cool air. As the ropeway slowly climbed, the forest below looked like a huge colorful carpet spread out beneath my feet. As we went higher, Otaru Port and the blue sea in the distance came fully into view, and the scenery opened up tremendously.

After reaching the summit, you can first take a walk around the small and charming Tenguyama Shrine. Fallen leaves completely covered the ground around the rustic torii gate, making a rustling sound underfoot, while the area had a very quiet and mysterious atmosphere.

Finally, I walked to the outdoor observation deck, where the densely packed houses of downtown Otaru and the beautiful curves of the harbor stretched out before me. Standing there and looking at the scenery below really makes you want to stop and stay for a long time, and before you know it, your mind begins to feel calm too.