Toyako Onsen developed from the hot waters that gushed after an eruption in 1910. To this day, the nearby Mt. Usu continues to erupt at intervals of 20 to 30 years.

According to the history of Abuta Town, the hot spring inn was established in 1917 with the birth of Toyako Onsen, a sodium and calcium-chloride spring.

This ideal, nature-rich location is full of attractions you can only find here, including the Konpira Crater Disaster Remains Walking Trail, which allows you to see the aftermath of Mt. Usu's eruption years later, and Showa Shinzan, which is still active to this day.

From Sapporo
・By Bus: Take a direct bus from JR Sapporo Station to Toyako Onsen (Est. travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes)
・By Train: Head from JR Sapporo Station to JR Toya Station, and transfer to local bus (Est. travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes)
・By Car: Take Route 230 Sapporo-Jozankei-Nakayama Pass to Toyako Onsen (Est. travel time: 2 hours 10 minutes)

From New Chitose Airport
・By Train: From New Chitose Airport Station, take JR Chitose Line Rapid Airport to Minami Chitose Station, then transfer to Hokuto Limited Express to Toya Station. From there, take a local bus to Toyako Onsen (Est. travel time: 2 hours)
・By Car: Take Chitose I.C. on the Expressway to Abuta Toyako I.C (Est. travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes)

Tourists love Toyako Onsen for its proximity to Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. It's just two hours away! There's also a hot spring town with plenty to see and do. Here are five popular places to stay in Toyako Onsen!

Yutorelo Toyako is located 15 minutes from JR Toya Station by bus and 15 minutes from Hokkaido Expressway Toya IC. It is the closest inn to the source of the springs and has a warm, charming atmosphere brimming with nostalgia.

The inn has a total of 62 rooms, which include 11 Western-style rooms, 46 Japanese-style rooms, 1 Japanese-Western-style room, and 4 other rooms. Depending on the size, most can accommodate 3-5 guests.

Dinners are served in your room, where you can indulge in Japan's traditional kaiseki cuisine, prepared with delicious local ingredients, in complete, undisturbed peace. Thanks to the land's abundant waters, you can enjoy a variety of local cuisine, including locally-grown fruits and vegetables, seafood from Uchiura Bay, and Wagyu beef from Lake Toya.

Yutorelo Toyako's springs are the closest to the source, with a taste and color that varies by day. The water's PH value is the same as body lotion and is very gentle on the skin, making it a spring that's popular with men and women alike!

The Large Communal Bath Toshin no Yu feels just like a sauna, and uses pure, hot spring water and granite from Hokkaido. It also has a large cypress bath, and an open-air bath with a bamboo garden. All hot water in the tubs are replaced every 2 hours or so, guaranteeing you the freshest water with every soak.

Day Trip Bathing
・Admission:
Weekdays: Adults: 500 yen / Children: 250 yen (ages 3-12) / Children under 2 years: Free
Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays:
Adults: 1,000 yen / Children: 500 yen (ages 3-12) / Children under 2 years: Free
Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Last entry 8:00 p.m.)

Pick-up
・Free pick-up from Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal or JR Toya Station (reservations are required at least one day in advance)

Reviews from Tourists
"It was a fulfilling way to experience Japanese culture. The building's interior was very clean, and the staff service was excellent!" (China)

Multilingual support
・In Facility: Japanese only
・Website: English / Chinese

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 62
・Baths: Open-air baths: 1 (men & women) / Indoor baths: 1 (men & women)

・Check-in from 3:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 10:00 a.m.

The Lake Suite Konosumika is 20 minutes by car from JR Toya Station. As the closest hotel to Lake Toya, you'll enjoy an unobstructed view of the landscape as you immerse yourself in the expansive, open atmosphere.

There are four types of guest rooms, all with views of the lake, and 80 rooms with open-air hot spring baths. The guest room open-air baths employ a hot water switch, so you can enjoy a fresh hot spring soak each time you use it. Rooms also have a terrace of about 10 m2 in area, so you can relax while looking at the lake and feeling the seasonal breeze.

During the Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival, you'll have your very own front-row seats to the event from any of the guest room terraces. It'll be like having your own private VIP booth! (Scheduled from late April to late October.)

The open-air bath on the top floor protrudes out toward the lake, suspended in mid-air. This expansive infinity-design tub appears to extend right out into the lake! You'll feel as if you're floating on the lake itself as you soak your cares away.

The restaurants are situated closest to the lake, and the visual effects of the water basin create a sense of oneness with its waters. For dinner, dine amongst the nature of Toya on the water terrace of The Toya, where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki course meal. Or, head for the next-door buffet at the Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa. Both are included in your accommodation plan.

All dishes are fresh and made with seasonal, locally produced and consumed ingredients. You can taste the chefs' skills and commitment to their craft in each and every dish.

Day Trip Bathing
・Not available

Pick-up
・Available (Via reservation system)
A free shuttle bus operates between Sapporo City, Chuo-ku Odori, Nishi 4-chome Dogin Building 1F (back of bldg., South Side) and The Lake Suite Konosumika.
*Pre-departure reception in Dogin Building B1F. Access from Odori Subway Station Exit 9 stairs.

Reviews from Tourists
"The room directly faces Lake Toya, and the balcony is really spacious. The open-air bath on the top floor also had an amazing view!" (China).

Multilingual support
・Mostly Japanese

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 80
・Baths: Open-air baths: 1 (men & women) / Indoor baths: 1 (men & women)
・All guest rooms equipped with open-air hot spring & infinity-style terrace.

・Check-in from 3:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 11:00 a.m.

The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa is 40 minutes by shuttle bus (free of charge, reservations required) from JR Toya Station and 25 minutes by car from Abuta Toyako IC on the Hokkaido Expressway. At this hotel, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay from an altitude of 625m, as well as special meals and exciting outdoor activities at the golf and tennis courts.

Guest rooms include the suite-style Premier Style (58-174 m2, available in 9 variations) and the Casual Style (33-58 m2, available in double, twin, and triple). Each spacious room offers a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean or Lake Toya. Whichever room you choose, you'll be guaranteed a wonderful stay!

For dinner, you can choose from a variety of Windsor gourmet dishes at nine restaurants, patisseries, and boulangerie. There are so many options, even long-term guests will find something new to try every day! You'll also get a good start to your day with the delicious Japanese and Western dishes served for breakfast, too.

Yamasen is a sukiya-zukuri-style hot spring full of traditional Japanese flair. A lovely garden sits just outside the window, and if you look into the distance, you'll also see the vast nature of Toya spreading as far as the eye can see! Such gorgeous views can only be experienced at the hilltop Windsor Hotel Toya. Book a stay at this hotel, and rejuvenate yourself, body and soul, as you become one with nature.

Day Trip Bathing
・Not available

Pick-up
・A free shuttle bus operates between JR Toya Station and the hotel

Reviews from Tourists
"The hotel is located on top of a mountain, so you have great views from the room and lobby. The service was great, and there were lots of food options. The beds were really comfortable, and the interior was also very clean." (Singapore)

Multilingual support
・Available languages include: English / Korean / Chinese / Nepali / French / Finnish

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 386
・Baths: Open-air baths: Men: 1, Women: 1 / Indoor baths: 1 (men & women)

・Check-in from 3:00 p.m.
・Check-out at noon

Toya Onsen Hotel Hanabi is 20 minutes from JR Toya Station by bus and 15 minutes by car from Hokkaido Expressway Abuta Toyako IC. The hotel recently reopened on April 1, 2022.

All 8-10 tatami Japanese-style rooms face Lake Toya and can accommodate 2-6 guests. Western-style Twin and Single Rooms face the mountainside.

For dinner, enjoy a wide selection of dishes from the Japanese, Western, and Chinese buffet, which offers everything from standard meals to seasonal dishes made with local Hokkaido ingredients.

In the summer, you can even have a barbecue (reservations required)! Choose from the jingisukan (Japanese-style lamb dish) set or the seafood set. Whether grilled lamb or scallops from Funka Bay, everything tastes delicious when eaten in the great outdoors!

You'll lose track of time as you soak your cares away in the large open-air bath, which is a 100% natural hot spring. The indoor bath is also quite spacious and covers two floors, with views of Lake Toya from the tub. However, be careful not to become too entranced by the relaxing waters and scenery - you don't want to soak for too long!

Day Trip Bathing
・Admission: Adults: 700 yen / Children: 350 yen / Infants: Free
・Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. / noon to 8:00 p.m. (Last entry 7:30 p.m.)

Pick-up
・Not available (Hotel is only one minute from Motomachi Bus Stop on foot)

Reviews from Tourists
"This is a traditional Japanese hot spring hotel. Reception also provides a lot of information about the surrounding areas. The view of the lake is wonderful!" (Russia)

Multilingual support
・Chinese-speaking staff sometimes available in hall. (Please note that Chinese support is not 24/7)

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 76
・Baths: Open-air baths: 1 / Indoor baths: 5 (men & women)

・Check-in from midnight
・Check-out at 6:00 a.m.

Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace is located 20 minutes from JR Toya Station by bus, and 15 minutes by car from Hokkaido Expressway Abuta Toyako IC. Located in the central Toyako Onsen area on the southern coast of Lake Toya, this humongous hotel boasts a total of 246 guest rooms!

The building is divided into the West Building, Central Building, and East Building. There are three types of rooms: Western-style, Japanese-style, and Japanese-Western style. Rooms can accommodate parties of 1-5 guests. For in-room front-row seats to the Long-Run Fireworks event, be sure to book a room facing the lake!

The buffet restaurant is a live kitchen that offers nearly 90 kinds of fresh and delicious Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, including homemade cheese and seasonal meals. There's also the Library & Cafe BLOSSOM COFFEE, a cozy space where you can choose from nearly 300 books to enjoy as you sip on your hand drip coffee.

The bathhouse on the 8th floor offers a lovely view of Mt. Yotei, which sits behind Lake Toya. This clean and spacious boathouse includes indoor and open-air baths, as well as foot baths, around the clock. Soothe your travel fatigue with a soak in these rich waters, produced by an active volcano.

Day Trip Bathing
・General Admission:
Adults: 1,100 yen / Children: (3 years to elementary age) 550 yen
Toya no Hi (Toya Day)
Adults: 1,000 yen / Children (3 years to elementary age): 500 yen
Bath Days
Adults: 700 yen / Children (3 years to elementary age): 350 yen
・Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Last entry 8:00 p.m.)

Pick-up
・Shuttle bus operates between Sapporo and hotel (One-way: 1,100 yen)

Reviews from Tourists
"I had a lot of fun during my stay! I could really feel the sincerity and professionalism of the Japanese staff". (France)

Multilingual support
・English / Chinese

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 246

・Baths:
Hoshi no Yu: 2 outdoor baths, 2 indoor baths (self loyly sauna, cold water bath)
Tsuki no Yu: 2 outdoor baths, 1 indoor bath (auto loyly sauna, outdoor bath)
Note: Bath times alternate between men and women in mornings & evenings

・Check-in from 3:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 10:00 a.m.

The nature-rich area of Toya also offers plenty of things to see and do. In the summer, enjoy canoeing or exploring the forest of towering trees. In the winter, try one of the popular snowshoe tours. And if you're feeling adventurous, check out Toyako Sky Cruising, known as Toya's 'ultimate activity'!

This helicopter tour departs from and arrives at the Silo Observatory special heliport, and offers several courses that let you see Lake Toya, Mt. Usu, and Mt. Showa Shinzan up close. The Toyako Course is reasonably priced at 3,800 yen (per person) for 3 minutes. Tours operate from early April to early November.

Takumi Aviation Co., Ltd.
・TEL: 080-9502-4505
・Address: 3-5 Narika, Toyako Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido
・Event Period: Early April - early November (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Every year on the last Saturday and Sunday of June, Lake Toya's Toyako Manga/Anime Festa is held. At this time, the entire Toyako Onsen town transforms into an exciting cosplay venue, with 'itasha' (cars decked out in anime designs) exhibitions and keyword rallies.

There's plenty to see and do at this event, including voice actor talks, doujinshi sales, and itasha displays. Call forth your inner anime fan, and enjoy Cool Japan to the fullest!

The Toyako Long Run Fireworks Festival is held from April 28 to October 31 every year. During this period, Lake Toya is lit up with fireworks each night from about 8:45 p.m. for about 20 minutes. While you may be able to watch the spectacle from some hotel rooms and open-air baths in Toyako Onsen town, we also recommend checking out the Fireworks Viewing Boat that sets out at the same time as the display.

The Illumination Tunnel is a winter event that starts on November 1 and lasts until March 31 of the following year. Every day from 5:00-10:00 p.m. (sometimes 6:00-10:00 p.m., depending on the time of sunset), nearly 400,000 lights brighten up the bustling plaza in the center of Toyako Onsen. Bundle up and step outside to enjoy this dazzling, snowy world!

In July 2008, the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit was held. And it's thanks to this event that the name Toyako Onsen became even more widely known! With beautiful natural landscapes, including Mt. Yotei and the volcanoes, there's plenty to do, all year round!

Whether you come for the Long Run Fireworks, the cosplay events, the outdoor activities, or the winter light-ups, you're guaranteed an exciting visit to Lake Toya that will make you want to come back again and again!

Text by:Masakazu

*Information in article as of October 2022. Please see official websites for the latest updates and information.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki