1. Enjoy both stunning scenery and fantastic entertainment! "Toyako Sun Palace"

First, I'd like to recommend Toyako Sun Palace as a spot that's especially great for families.

This hotel is well-known in Hokkaido for its catchy slogan, "An amusement park of baths," and for its TV commercials.
In the wave pool, large waves appear at regular intervals, allowing you to experience surfing like you're in the ocean. There are also plenty of other attractive attractions, such as the Splash River where you slide down a slide on a specially designed large inner tube, and water slides where you can choose the height at which you start sliding.

There are areas with shallow water and a kids' area with mats and play equipment, so even toddlers can enjoy themselves.

The view of Lake Toya from the hotel is one of the attractions of Toyako Sun Palace.
You can enjoy beautiful views from the lobby on the first floor, the open-air bath on the basement floor, and the relaxation lounge and garden after your bath.

The post-bath lounge also offers complimentary soft drinks, so you can relax and enjoy the view of Lake Toya while sipping on a beverage.

2. 450 fireworks will be launched over the lake at the "Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival".

If you're staying in this area during the summer, I recommend the Toyako Onsen hot spring resort area.

Every day during the event period, a fireworks display will be held for 20 minutes starting at 8:45 pm, with approximately 450 fireworks being launched.

Since it can be seen from anywhere in the Lake Toya hot spring resort area, there are many ways to enjoy it, such as viewing it from a sightseeing boat on the lake, or from the open-air baths or guest rooms of your hotel.

3. It's a municipal aquarium, so you can enjoy it at a low price! "Muroran Municipal Aquarium"

If you take the expressway from Lake Toya to Muroran, it takes about 40 minutes from the Abuta-Toyako Interchange to the Muroran Interchange.
After exiting the Muroran Interchange, cross the Shiratori Bridge and head towards Muroran city center.

The Shiratori Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan, spanning Muroran Port.
With a total length of 1380m, you can enjoy a scenic drive while taking in magnificent ocean views on both sides.

After descending the Shiratori Bridge, you will arrive at Muroran Aquarium in just a few minutes.
This aquarium has a nostalgic atmosphere and is attached to a small amusement park with attractions such as a merry-go-round and a Ferris wheel.

What's great is the low price, typical of a municipal facility; 300 yen for adults and free for junior high school students and younger is quite unusual, isn't it?
It's not a particularly large facility, but the exhibits are quite extensive for the price.

Visitors can enjoy shows featuring Marine the sea lion performing tricks, as well as events like penguin walks. In addition, the exhibits showcase rare northern jellyfish, harbor seals, walleye pollock, and wolf eels.

4. How about doing your summer vacation research project here?! "Muroran City Youth Science Museum"

The Muroran Youth Science Museum is located about 4km from the Muroran Municipal Aquarium, in the building next to the Muroran City Hall.

With a planetarium, 3D simulators, exhibits about space, and displays about local industries and companies unique to Muroran, an industrial city, the museum offers a wide range of easy-to-understand exhibits that elementary school students and older can thoroughly enjoy.

Furthermore, even young children can learn about science while playing, such as stacking marbles or playing with blocks.

During the three days of summer vacation, the "Summer Science Festival" will be held, featuring experimental science classes and craft workshops. Why not use this opportunity to finish your summer research project?

5. Noboribetsu Marine Park: Plenty of events in the summer

Photo by Flickr: Noboribetsu Marine Park NIX/MINe
Noboribetsu Marine Park is located about 30 minutes from Muroran city center along National Route 36 towards Tomakomai.

The "Nix Castle," modeled after a real castle in Denmark, serves as the exhibition space, displaying approximately 400 species and 20,000 individual animals.

The crystal tower at the entrance, the escalator that goes over the large aquarium, and the aqua tunnel are all magnificent and luxurious, befitting a castle.

Every year during the summer holidays, special events are held, such as photo opportunities with penguins and opportunities to interact with tortoises.

6. For a café break in the Noboribetsu, Toyako, and Muroran area, check out "Miyakoshiya Coffee MUTEKIROU".

This cafe is located on a small hill near Muroran Port. It's a franchise of Miyakoshi Coffee, which has its main store in Sapporo.

The interior of the shop is bright and open, with glass walls on three sides.
The location is absolutely fantastic; you can see the sea from every window, and at night you can enjoy the illuminations of the Shiratori Bridge and the night view of the surrounding factories.

Coffee is definitely recommended, but sets including side dishes like croque de monsieur, cookies, and cakes are also popular.

If you are traveling with small children, please try requesting a private room.
From the private rooms, you can enjoy spectacular views of places like the Shiratori Bridge.

7. What are the temperatures like in the Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and Muroran areas during the summer? What should I wear?

The Noboribetsu, Toyako, and Muroran area is known for its pleasant climate even in summer.
This article will discuss the summer weather and the best clothing choices for traveling during this time of year.

Looking at statistical data from 1981 to 2010, even in August, the hottest month in the Noboribetsu, Toyako, and Muroran area, the average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius. This climate is cool enough for visitors from Honshu to find comfortable.

Short sleeves are comfortable during the day, but temperatures drop in the mornings and evenings, and it can feel chilly along the coast and lakeside if you're only wearing short sleeves.
Be sure to bring a light jacket, such as a windbreaker or hoodie.

Also, since many outdoor facilities are exposed to direct sunlight, we recommend taking precautions against UV rays, such as wearing a hat, scarf, or UV-cut jacket.

Summary

This time, with the theme of spots that families can enjoy during summer vacation, we've compiled a list of recommended summer tourist spots and events in Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, and Muroran.
You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Toya, fireworks, and the sea, or have a blast at the pool or aquarium – there are so many ways to have fun!

It's less than a two-hour drive from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport via expressway, so please do come and visit!

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