Dog-Friendly Canoe Tour on Lake Toya Take photos of yourself standing on the lake!

Dog-Friendly Canoe Tour on Lake Tōya

Take photos of yourself standing on the lake!

Period: April – October

Time: Early morning / Midday / Evening

Departure & Return: From Lake Tōya

Operator: Tōya Guide Center

Highlights

Why not try canoeing with your beloved dog? The views from the canoe are truly breathtaking! Your dog will wear a life jacket throughout the tour, ensuring complete safety. Additionally, life jackets for dogs are available for rent (additional fee).

Even beginners can easily join the tour. If the lake conditions are good, you might get the chance to stand on the famous Kameiwa rock and take stunning photos as if you’re walking on water! Surrounded by nature, your dog is sure to feel refreshed and happy!

Pet-Friendly Policy / Short Canoe Tour on Lake Toya (1.5 Hours)

Pet Fees

• 1,500 JPY per pet
• Life jacket rental: 500 JPY per pet

Breed and Number Restrictions

• Dogs up to approximately 30 kg
• Number of dogs and total weight must be agreed upon in advance

Pet Amenities

• Dog-friendly kayak tour for water-loving dogs
• Dogs can relax in areas surrounded by nature

Notes

• Pets must be accompanied by owners (2 adults required)
• Only healthy dogs with up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, are allowed
• Please bring a leash
• All participants, including pets, must wear life jackets while on the canoe
• Bringing your own dog life jacket is recommended; rental is available for an additional fee if the dog’s weight is appropriate

Tour Period: April 26 to October 31, 2025

• 07:50 – Meeting Point

Meet at the Ukimido Park parking lot on the northern shore of Lake Toya. (Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts.)

Meeting Point Notes:

The meeting location may change depending on the weather on the day of the tour.

A safe location, protected from waves and wind, will be decided the evening before, and you will be contacted accordingly.

Reception & Equipment Preparation

Please fill out the health survey and consent form at the reception. This is also a good time to use the restroom.

• 08:00 – Equipment Setup & Safety Briefing

Once the necessary procedures are completed, we will provide and prepare all required equipment. Put on your life jacket and waterproof bag, and check your valuables and car keys one last time.

We will explain:

• How to use the equipment correctly
• What to do in case of an emergency
• General tour procedures

Dogs must wear life jackets while canoeing.

Canoe Lesson

Before heading out onto the lake, you can practice canoe paddling on land. Our staff will provide friendly instructions on paddling techniques. Additionally, a guide in another canoe will accompany you on the lake, so you can feel safe and confident throughout the tour.

08:15 – Canoeing with Your Dog!

Head out onto Lake Toya with your dog! The lake features striking cobalt-blue waters and exceptional clarity. Formed from a volcanic eruption approximately 110,000 years ago, it is a caldera lake with four small islands scattered across its surface.

Simply paddle your canoe across the lake, and it will glide smoothly as you continue your journey.

Enjoy the Changing Seasonal Scenery During Your Trip!

Hokkaido welcomes spring slowly, with a variety of flowers beginning to bloom around early May. How lucky would you be to see cherry blossoms from the lake?!

As summer approaches, there are more and more days perfect for capturing beautiful photos under the deep blue sky. Children often jump into the water and have fun!

When the short summer ends, autumn arrives, bringing vibrant fall foliage. You can enjoy canoeing while admiring the colorful trees along the lake.

We will guide you along routes that are best suited to the season and current weather conditions.

It Feels Like Walking on Water! Try Standing on Kameiwa Rock!

Lake Toya has flat-topped rocks, and during the summer, the water level rises so that it almost touches the rock surface. If you stand on the rock for a photo, it will feel as if you are walking on water like a ninja!

This is only possible when the weather and season are favorable, but it is one of the unique charms of Lake Toya that we highly recommend you experience.

09:25 – Return to Shore

The most important thing to remember is to be careful when getting off the canoe! Be sure to follow the staff’s instructions carefully until the very end.

09:30 – Return Rental Equipment / End of Experience

Thank you for joining us! Wishing you a safe journey to your next destination!

Things to Check Before Booking

Participation Restrictions:

• Participants must be at least 4 years old (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
• Only healthy dogs that have received rabies vaccinations are allowed to join.
• Dogs that ride with you must weigh no more than 30 kg.
• Please bring a leash and keep your dog on it at all times.
• All participants, including pets, must wear life jackets while on the canoe.
• Pregnant women (including those in regular menstrual cycles) and individuals at risk of pregnancy cannot join the tour due to insurance reasons.

Requirements:

• The meeting location may change depending on the weather on the day of the tour. We will contact you the evening before to confirm.

Group Information (Number of People, Vehicles, Time, etc.):

• Please register for this activity in units of 2 to 4 people.

What to Wear and What to Bring

During this tour, you will wear a life jacket over your clothing.

[Recommended Summer Clothing]

• Quick-dry shirts and pants (e.g., long-sleeve rash guards, quick-dry leggings; many people wear swimsuits underneath)
• Pants that are comfortable even when wet, such as polyester
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, etc.
• Water-friendly shoes, easy-to-clean sneakers, or slip-on sandals with a wedge heel (Crocs-style sandals are available for free rental on-site)

Please avoid:

• Jeans (heavy and restrictive when wet, can be dangerous)
• Skirts
• Leather shoes
• Non-waterproof watches

[Recommended Items to Bring]

• Camera, drinking water, hat, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen
• Extra clothes in case of falling into water; swimsuits recommended for summer for more comfort
• Eyewear straps (provided by the company)
• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend switching to glasses

[For Those Prone to Motion Sickness]

• Canoes float on water and may rock with body movements
• Even on calm lakes, some people may feel motion sickness simply from watching the water
• If concerned, please bring motion sickness medicine

[Recommended Clothing for Spring & Autumn]

• Quick-dry undergarments
• Fleece vest or jacket
• Pants that stay warm even when wet (e.g., polyester)
• Raincoat or other windproof/waterproof clothing
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses
• Water-friendly shoes: easy-to-clean sneakers or slip-on sandals (Crocs-style sandals available for free rental on-site)

[Other Notes]

• Tour schedules may change or be canceled due to weather, traffic, etc.
• Each canoe rental includes an 8-liter waterproof bag for valuables
• Approximate capacity:
• Handbag for two people
• Wallet, non-waterproof smartphone, car keys, compact digital camera, etc.
• Note: Only for light carrying; impacts or drops may damage contents
• Please take care of your canoe and belongings during the tour

[Pet Policy & Canoe Capacity]

• If other guests are participating at the same time, we will coordinate to ensure there are no issues (for allergy and safety reasons)
• Maximum on canoe: 2 adults + 1 dog
• For safety, 1 adult + 1 dog only is not allowed
• We recommend bringing your dog’s own life jacket, but rental is available for a fee if your dog meets the weight requirements