A new garden has opened on the grounds of Lake Toya Tsuruga Resort Hikari no Uta in Toyako, Hokkaido, as of July 16, 2026. Named the Hikari to Kaze no Garden (literally, "Garden of Light and Wind"), it is divided into several distinctly themed sections where visitors can stroll among seasonal flowers and trees and enjoy photography at their own pace. The garden is open to hotel guests and the general public alike.
Hikari to Kaze no Garden Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | July 16, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Hours | May–Aug: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Sep–Oct: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Nov–Apr: Closed for winter |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Dedicated parking available for garden visitors |
Operating season and hours are subject to change.
Garden Highlights
The garden includes several themed areas, each with its own atmosphere: the Rose Garden, known for its arch of climbing roses; the Herb Garden, a photo spot featuring a brick wall with a large round window; and the Chess Garden, where visitors can play with life-size chess pieces. Other highlights include the distinctive Hobbit's House, built from brick, wood, and stone, and a hilltop photo spot overlooking Showa-Shinzan. The garden's appearance changes with the season and time of day. A garden event is also planned for August 30, 2026.
About Lake Toya Tsuruga Resort Hikari no Uta
Lake Toya Tsuruga Resort Hikari no Uta is part of the Tsuruga Group, which operates hot spring inns across Hokkaido. The resort opened in Toyako in April 2023 as a base for adventure tourism. Its 56,000-square-meter grounds are filled with flowers and trees, reflecting Hokkaido's nature and four seasons under a "new kind of Hokkaido resort" concept. After enjoying regional activities, guests can warm up in the resort's abundant hot springs and dine on French or Japanese kaiseki cuisine featuring ingredients gathered from around Lake Toya.
