Toyako Visitor Center — Attraction in Toyako

A fantastic place to visit for anyone interested in the nature and powerful volcanic history of Lake Toya and Mt. Usu! This building actually houses two separate attractions, and it's helpful to know the difference.

Toyako Visitor Center (Free Admission) Run by the Ministry of the Environment, this section is completely free and offers a wonderful introduction to the local nature, the active volcano Mt. Usu, and the animals that live here. There are great displays, a giant aerial map, a library, and computer stations to explore. It's a perfect way to get acquainted with the area.

Volcano Science Museum (Paid Admission) Inside the same building is this museum, which has an admission fee (Adults: ¥800, Children: ¥400). This part focuses specifically on the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Usu, especially the major events in 1977 and 2000. It uses incredible videos and interactive exhibits to show the power of the volcano. It's well worth the price!

A Helpful Tip: I highly recommend visiting here before you go to see the nearby volcanic remains (like the Konpira Crater Remains or the Nishiyama Crater Trail). The information you learn here will give you a much deeper understanding and appreciation for what you're seeing at the actual sites.

Important Information to Note: Opening Hours: They change with the season. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April to September) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (October to March) Closing Days: Please be aware that the center is now closed every Monday. It is also closed for the New Year holidays (Dec 29 - Jan 3).

Hope this helps you plan your...

中文/English/日本語

北海道火山科學館位於洞爺湖町，是一個專注於火山知識與自然現象的教育中心。這裡展示了有珠山的火山活動歷史，包括2000年的噴發事件，並透過影片、互動裝置和地質樣本，讓訪客深入了解火山的形成與影響。館內還展出了一些火山噴發後的實物，例如受損的建築物和車輛，生動地呈現自然災害的威力。火山科學館也是洞爺湖有珠山地質公園的一部分，遊客可以步行探索周邊的地熱區，親身感受火山活動對地貌的影響。這裡是學習與自然互動的理想場所，適合家庭與地質愛好者參觀。

The Volcano Science Museum, located in Toyako Town, Hokkaido, serves as an educational hub focusing on volcanoes and natural phenomena. It features the volcanic history of Mount Usu, including the eruption in 2000, through films, interactive displays, and geological samples. Visitors can also see artifacts such as damaged buildings and vehicles, vividly showcasing the power of volcanic eruptions. As part of the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark, the museum connects to nearby geothermal areas where visitors can explore the impact of volcanic activity on the landscape. It's an ideal spot for families and geology enthusiasts to learn and engage with...

The visitor center at Lake Toya is quite informative and interesting to explore. Entrance is free, but there's also a paid museum which we did not visit.

It's worth checking out to gain some knowledge about the area. We spent about 30 minutes here but didn't fully read all the exhibits. On a Monday at noon, it wasn't very crowded, but it wasn't completely...