Yutorelo Toyako
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 572 reviews
Set on the shores of Lake Toya in Hokkaido, Yutorelo Toyako occupies a compact waterside footprint that balances traditional ryokan character with family-friendly services. The property, which was formerly known locally under a different name, places guests within easy reach of Mount Usu and the Showa-shinzan volcanic area, and provides a complimentary shuttle and on-site parking for regional access. Public areas mix communal seating and a modest lobby with free Wi‑Fi, and the atmosphere leans toward relaxed, practical hospitality rather than boutique design, making it a straightforward choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido.
Accommodation emphasizes Japanese-style rooms with futon bedding alongside some twin layouts; bathrooms are equipped for comfort and selected room types include private bathtubs. The bathing facilities comprise indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and a sauna, with gender-separated onsen that operate on alternating schedules to accommodate different guest flows. Onsite recreation and conveniences extend to table tennis and a small children’s corner, rental yukata for guests, and a reception team used to arranging local transit and meal schedules, which reinforces the property’s practical orientation for families and small groups.
Dining focuses on regional ingredients with set meals and buffet options that highlight seasonal vegetables and local beef; the ryokan’s dining room rhythm reflects the traditional multi-course evening service common in the area. For travellers planning excursions across southern Hokkaido, the property’s location makes day trips to nearby hot-spring towns and ski or nature destinations feasible, while the combination of accessible facilities, shuttle links and hot-spring bathing facilities positions Yutorelo Toyako as a functional, comfortable ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido for visitors wanting a classic onsen stay without extensive frills.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yutorelo Toyako
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen (hot spring) experience
Multiple guests praised the indoor and outdoor onsens as relaxing and well maintained; alternating gender schedules and the availability of two baths were highlighted as strong points.
Complimentary drinks, snacks and sake tasting
Reviewers appreciated the welcome bar and free-flow drinks/snacks (soft drinks, beer, wine, sake, macaroons, mochi) available in the lounge for many hours, which added value and a pleasant atmosphere.
Convenient lakeside location and nearby dining
Many guests noted the hotel is a short walk from Lake Toya and close to restaurants, shops and convenience stores, making it easy to explore the area and view fireworks from some rooms.
Clean, spacious rooms with helpful amenities
Rooms were described as clean and reasonably spacious for a ryokan, with useful amenities provided (toiletries, hairbrush, cotton swabs, robes, chargers available to borrow), good soundproofing and free parking.
Good breakfast and thoughtful welcome touches
The breakfast buffet and traditional Japanese breakfast options were frequently praised as tasty and varied; guests also liked small touches such as welcome drinks, complimentary snacks and special extras in the guest area.
Negative Reviews
Dated interiors and need for refurbishment
Several reviewers felt the property looks aged and could benefit from repainting and interior renovation—comments mentioned an old-fashioned feel rather than a modern or five‑star experience.
Small or worn bathrooms and maintenance issues
Multiple guests reported small, outdated bathrooms and specific maintenance problems (old shower/toilet areas, unclean shower curtain, some lights not working, broken bed frame), which detracted from comfort.
Comfort issues with tatami beds and climate control
Some visitors found sleeping on tatami-style futons and using traditional buckwheat pillows uncomfortable; a few also reported weak or noisy air conditioning/temperature control that affected sleep quality.
Inconsistent dinner quality and reservation limitations
While breakfast was praised, several guests found the included dinner basic or disappointing compared with expectations for a ryokan; others missed out on dinner due to limited availability/reservation procedures and would advise booking meals in advance.
Limited staff availability and local transport constraints
A number of reviewers mentioned reduced staff presence outside check‑in hours (automated processes), and warned that town transport/shuttle/taxi services have limited schedules, so planning ahead for transfers and meal reservations is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: traditional Japanese rooms with futons can accommodate groups (some up to five), while other room types are aimed at 1–2 guests; check the room description for exact maximum occupancy.
Yes; the ryokan offers natural hot spring baths including indoor public baths and an open‑air (outdoor) onsen for guests to use.
The property offers a free shuttle service (typically to/from Toya Station); airport transfers are not regular—the nearest major airport is New Chitose, about 46 miles away—so arrange pickup in advance.
Most guests travel by train or highway bus toward Toya and then use the hotel shuttle or a taxi for the final leg; contact the property to arrange pickup and confirm current public‑transport options.
Staff are reported to be helpful to international guests and have some English ability; if you require fluent English support, notify the property before arrival.
Guests can enjoy onsen bathing and Japanese meals prepared with local seasonal ingredients (including wagyu and regional vegetables), and the hotel often offers sake tastings and small lounge events.
The lakeside at Lake Toya is within a short walk, with sightseeing boats and seasonal fireworks nearby; Mount Usu, hiking trails and other local sights are a short drive from the ryokan.
Free private parking is available on site; local buses and taxis serve the area, and the hotel shuttle can help with nearby station transfers and advice on car rental or bus schedules.
Check‑in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check‑out is from 07:00 to 10:00; guests must arrive by 18:00 to be served dinner, so please inform the property in advance of late arrivals.
Policies differ across listings—some official information indicates pet‑friendly options while major booking channels may list pets as not allowed—confirm directly with the property; the ryokan primarily offers public and outdoor baths, and private/reserved baths (if available) must be requested in advance.