Rules for non-powered vessels (Canoes, SUPs etc)
As of July 2021, there are new rules and official advice in place for non-powered vessels on Lake Toya. Here’s our translation below (original Japanese here).
Lake Toya Non-powered Vessel Rules (Canoes, SUPs etc)
On Lake Toya, accidents due to rough weather and lack of skills are on the increase. In particular, there has been an increase in the number of life-threatening accidents involving paddlers heading to the central island, Nakajima. When using non-powered vessels, please observe the following to avoid accidents.
Users failing to follow the rules for using Lake Toya will be ordered to leave the parking lot you are using. In addition, your use of vessels on Lake Toya may be prohibited.
Rules for using Lake Toya
- Life jackets must be worn. SUP users must be equipped with a leash cord.
- In the event that you have been drinking alcohol or are otherwise impaired, you are prohibited from operating a non-powered vessel.
- It is prohibited to enter routes used by sightseeing ferries.
- It is prohibited to disturb or impede the activities of commercial non-powered vessel tours (commercial vessels are equipped with flags).
- Other activities that disturb public order and standards of decency are prohibited.
- Use the lake at your own risk – paddlers must be proficient at self-rescue, and must have the sufficient skills to deal with a capsize themselves.
- Avoid using the lake alone – travel in groups.
- Carry communication equipment (such as a cell phone with a waterproof pack) to ensure a communication system in case of emergency.
- Check weather forecasts and lake information, and if the weather changes suddenly, head to shore immediately.
- There have been incidents of life-threatening accidents involving paddlers attempting to paddle to Nakajima island. In order to prevent incidents, paddling to Nakajima Island is not recommended.
- Wear wetsuits and clothing suitable for the day’s air and water temperature.
- If you encounter or witness an accident, promptly report it to the fire department or police.
Emergency contacts
Date Fire Station Toyako Branch Office – TEL: 0142-76-2119 (119 emergency)
Date Police – EL: 142-22-0110 (110 emergency)
Main Rules and Manners Guidebook Translation
The above leaflet only applies to paddlers. From here, we’ll cover the main 18-page guidebook, which focuses more on powered vessel use (but does mention non-powered craft too).
Access the official published Japanese version (July 2021) in PDF here on the Toyako Town website (backup).
Official Contact
Office for the Lake Toya Liaison Council for Promotion of Appropriate use 洞爺湖適正利用推進連絡協議会事務局
Toyako Town Office, Tourism Promotion Office 洞爺湖町 観光振興課
TEL: 0142-75-4400
FAX: 0142-75-4704
Email: kankou@town.toyako.hokkaido.jp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toyako.kankou/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toyakokankou/
Maps of exclusion zones
NOTE 1: HokkaidoWilds.org created this map based on plain images in the Japanese Manual (Hokkaido Wilds backup). You should use this map below as reference only. The pink line in the map we’ve provided below is between 275m and 350m from shore.
NOTE 2: The prohibition on landing on Nakajima Island only applies to motorized vessels. Non-motorized vessels are discouraged, but not prohibited, from paddling to Nakajima Island.
PDF Topomap with water-depths
Here’s a PDF topographical map with some of the Rules & Manners details, plus water depths. We created this map here at HokkaidoWilds.org. Locations and areas indicated are approximate. It’s a GeoPDF, so using an app such as Avenza Maps, you can use it to see where you are on the map.
Map on AvenzaMaps: https://link.avenza.com/2XkG
Lake TOya RUles: Unofficial English Translation
We’ve translated the July 2021 rules as a service to our fellow outdoor-loving, adventure-seeking Hokkaido lovers. If you notice something strange, or think the translation needs improving, please let us know in the comments below.