Toya Sun Palace

Average: $250 per night
I rate it: 4/5

I was wowed by photos online and was not disappointed when I arrived at the huge hotel, which has a great location right on Lake Toya, the main attraction in the small town.

The spacious rooms come with a big window which overlooks the lake, a most pleasant sight.

Hotel feels luxurious with helpful concierge staff on standby and there is a big convenience store at the lobby which stocks a lot of famous Japanese snacks.

Hotel is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and huge water amusement park. That being said, a lot of tourists and locals flock to the hotel everyday, thus it becomes very crowded and noisy all the time, especially more so because the onsen opens till late everyday.

Free WiFi only in the lobby.

Special mention to the free shuttle to Sapporo which takes 2 hours each way, a nice bus journey through the mountains and little towns.

Breakfast and dinner buffet is usually included in the booking. Big spread but overrated, as the food is not the most delicious in my honest opinion.

Would only recommend if you want to take a long walk around Lake Toya, but be sure to check the weather carefully prior to booking. We spent 3 days at this hotel but was met with gloomy weather in winter and the lake was hardly visible.