Nakajima

What it is

• A cluster of four islands located within the waters of Lake Toya.
• Formed from volcanic eruptions that occurred approximately 50,000 years ago.
• The islands are part of the towns of Sobetsu and Toyako.
• Oshima is the largest island with a circumference of 9.6 kilometers.

What to see

• The Toyako Forest Museum located on the island interior.
• A population of sika deer descended from three individuals introduced in the 1950s.
• Tonoshikenupuri peak which rises 455 meters above sea level.
• The remains of a 350 year old spruce tree that fell during a 2004 typhoon.

Getting there

• Sightseeing boats depart from Toyako Onsen for the islands.
• The boat journey across the lake takes approximately 30 minutes.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.