The staff was really kind and helpful- he reassured us that there was enough time to do the full hike and still catch the last ferry out. Glad that we took his advice because the view was lovely. The hike took about 3 hours and I found it a bit tiring as there was some climbing uphill and the path was uneven in some parts. That said, the weather was lovely and the hike was still very enjoyable.

Nakajima Island, located in the center of Lake Toya, is a perfect destination for a peaceful hike surrounded by beautiful scenery. Upon arriving on the island, the first thing you'll see is the Nakajima Mizunomori Museum, which serves as the visitor center and the trailhead. Before starting your hike, it is mandatory to register. You'll need to write down the name of your party's leader, contact information, the number of people, and your estimated hiking time on a logbook and take a number tag. The trail is a loop of about 5.5 miles (9 km) with a moderate elevation gain of around 800 feet (245m). The path is very well-maintained, and the sound of the lake's waves, resembling the ocean, accompanied by the fresh scent of the pine forest, makes for a truly healing experience. Along the trail, you'll find interesting signs that explain the island's natural history, such as a reforestation area recovering from typhoon damage in 2004, and a large grassy plain called 'Ōhira-gen' where pine trees once failed to thrive due to soil conditions. Our hike took about 2 hours at a comfortable pace. We narrowly missed our ferry back by just 5 minutes, but it wasn't a major issue as the next one was only 30 minutes later. This gave us a pleasant opportunity to rest and eat the lunch we had packed. Tips for Hikers: • Registration is a Must: Don't forget to sign in at the museum before you start. • Last Ferry: Be mindful of the time. The last ferry departing from the island is at 4:50 PM. Plan your hike accordingly so you don't miss it. • Pack Accordingly: Bringing water and some snacks is a great idea, especially if you have to wait for the ferry. Overall, it was a fantastic and highly recommended experience for any hiking enthusiast visiting the Lake Toya area.

+3

It was a great place with many natural scenes that are rare. It starts with a boat trip to the center of the island, the we see the mangrove trees. At the dock, there are beaches and a huge oak tree. Further inside was an ancient forest which do no get lost. Also there is a beehive in the entrance so beware

+3

Avoid visiting for hiking after 2:00 PM - Misleading Information I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with my experience at Nakajima Island today. I took the ferry specifically to hike the forest trails, arriving at the island at 2:50 PM. Upon reaching the trailhead, I was shocked to find the gate already locked. A sign there stated that the hiking trail closes at 2:30 PM. There is zero information online—not on the official tourism websites nor at the ferry terminal—mentioning this 2:30 PM cutoff. The last ferry doesn't even leave the island until 4:50 PM, so there is no logical reason for the trail to close more than two hours early without clearly notifying tourists beforehand. I wasted my time and ferry fare only to be stuck on the island with nothing to do but wait for the return boat. If you plan on hiking, do not trust the ferry schedule as a guide for your activities. The management needs to update their digital information immediately to prevent others from wasting their day.

We didn't visit the museum itself but really enjoyed our visit to Oshima Island. Nakajima is the name of the group of four islands in Lake Toya, of which Oshima is the largest. A pleasant journey across the lake, and then we took the shortest walking route through the larch forest. I suppose if you don't stop, it takes 45 minutes, but it's so picturesque that we kept stopping to take photos and look for birds. The track can get a bit muddy and steep in sections, but for this short track, ordinary trainers would be fine. Everyone has to register at reception as you leave and check in when you return and take a numbered tag on a lanyard, but there are no staff out on the tracks. We were back by lunchtime but didn't visit the cafe as we'd bought a picnic. There are comfortable chairs and little tables under the trees looking out to the lake - an ideal spot. Together with the ferry trip, it was a lovely morning activity and I'd say very suitable for children too.

+3