Toya-onsen Hotel Hanabi
8/10 Excellent - Based on 917 reviews
Toya-onsen Hotel Hanabi sits on the shore of Lake Toya in Hokkaido and presents itself as a lakeside ryokan with onsen in Lake Toya, combining panoramic water views with straightforward, traditional hospitality. The property’s public spaces and many guest rooms face the lake, and several room types—Japanese, Japanese-Western and western twin layouts—offer balconies or seating areas to appreciate morning light and the seasonal landscape. The hotel operates a mix of communal facilities across multiple floors, and its position in the town places it within easy reach of nearby attractions such as the volcanic features around Mount Usu.
Bathing facilities include a large indoor hot-spring bath and an outdoor open-air bath that draw on local thermal sources; day-use access and regular opening hours are published by the property and the main baths are organized to accommodate both early-morning and evening bathing. The ryokan’s bathing areas are communal rather than private, with separate spaces for men and women and periodic cleaning schedules; guests should expect dress-code and etiquette common to Japanese onsen. From late spring through autumn the hotel runs a nightly lakeside fireworks schedule that can be viewed from upper rooms and some balconies, adding a regular evening event to the lakeside experience.
Meals are served buffet-style and highlight regional and seasonal ingredients, typically including local seafood selections alongside familiar Japanese courses; dining takes place in a dining room oriented toward lake views. Practical amenities include a 24-hour front desk, on-site parking and luggage storage, and straightforward access from nearby transport links for visitors arriving by train or car. The hotel’s scale and public onsen make it a practical choice for travellers seeking a classic Hokkaido lakeside stay with accessible bathing facilities and scenic vantage points.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Toya-onsen Hotel Hanabi
Positive Reviews
Outstanding lake views and fireworks from rooms
Numerous guests highlight the spectacular views of Lake Toya from rooms and balconies, and many enjoyed watching the nightly fireworks directly from their balcony or the hotel terrace.
Excellent lakeside location and accessibility
Reviewers appreciated the hotel’s position right on the lake, convenient access to nearby attractions, easy parking and proximity to the Motomachi bus stop — making walking to sights straightforward.
Onsen and outdoor spa praised
Many guests enjoyed the onsen experience, describing the outdoor hot spring as satisfying, spacious and a highlight of their stay.
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviews mention courteous and attentive staff who provided good service, helping with check‑in, dining and general assistance.
Spacious rooms and good buffet options
Several visitors noted rooms are large by Japanese standards with useful layouts (tables, chairs and space for luggage). Many also praised the buffet dinners and breakfasts for variety and specific items (eg. beef) being well done.
Negative Reviews
Property and rooms feel dated
A recurring comment is that the hotel and some room equipment are a bit old or worn, giving an overall dated impression that could benefit from renovation.
Comfort issues with beds and pillows
Multiple guests reported hard beds and firm pillows; some requested mattress toppers but still found the sleeping surfaces uncomfortable.
Cleanliness and odor concerns
There are reports of dust, cobwebs, insect remains in lighting fixtures, musty smells from old mats and occasional toilet odors, indicating inconsistent housekeeping in some rooms and public areas.
Bird droppings on balconies/porch
Several reviews specifically mention bird (seagull) droppings on balconies or porch areas, which detracted from enjoying the outdoor spaces.
Food quality and onsen access issues
Some guests found the buffet food average, poorly replenished or served at lukewarm temperatures, and one review noted an extra fee for access to the baths — perceptions that lowered value for some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary: special rooms 2–4, Japanese rooms 2–4, Japanese‑Western rooms up to 6, twin rooms 1–2, and single rooms for 1; the hotel has 76 rooms in total.
Yes — the hotel features a large communal hot‑spring bath and an open‑air bath with scheduled morning and evening public bathing hours; day‑use bathing is also offered, so check with reception for the current timetable.
The property advertises communal and open‑air baths but does not list private or in‑room onsens; contact the hotel directly if you need a private or family bathing option.
The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle; guests typically travel by train or airport/express bus to JR Toya Station and then take a local bus or taxi to the hotel.
The hotel is roughly 74 km from New Chitose Airport; common routes are train or express bus toward Lake Toya/JR Toya Station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the hotel.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (final check‑in is around 22:00) and check‑out is at 10:00; please inform the hotel in advance of any late arrival.
The hotel has an on‑site restaurant offering buffet breakfast and buffet dinner that highlight local and seasonal ingredients; notify the hotel ahead of time for special dietary needs.
The hotel accommodates families and room types support multiple guests, but cots and extra beds are not available; choose a room type that matches your party size when booking.
English information is available on the hotel’s English web pages and the front desk operates 24 hours and can assist in English to some extent; rooms include yukata and traditional Japanese room options for an authentic ryokan experience.
The hotel sits on the Lake Toya waterfront with easy access to lake views, seasonal fireworks (run nightly during the late‑April to October season), Mt Usu and other local attractions, plus shops and restaurants along the lakefront within walking distance.