In the high season, lodging prices around Niseko and Rusutsu soar and rooms become hard to book. That is why a “base stay”—staying at Lake Toya and commuting to the ski resorts—has been drawing attention in recent years. Kamonoya, a local whole-house rental operator, explains the appeal of using Lake Toya as a winter base.
Access from Lake Toya to the ski resorts
- Rusutsu Resort — about 30 minutes by car. Commute for the day to one of Japan’s largest-scale ski resorts.
- Niseko (Hirafu, Annupuri, etc.) — about 1 hour by car. The mecca of powder snow is within day-trip range too.
- New Chitose Airport to Lake Toya — about 2 hours by car (via expressway).
*Roads can freeze in winter, so we recommend winter tires and an unhurried travel plan.
The advantages of a “Lake Toya base”
1. Keep lodging costs down
Compared with the Niseko area in high season, lodging prices around Lake Toya are calmer. The difference grows the more nights you stay, and you can put the savings toward lift tickets and lessons.
2. After skiing, “the lake and an onsen”
Lake Toya is one of Hokkaido’s leading onsen areas. Soothing ski fatigue in an onsen and spending the evening by the quiet lakeside is a luxury of a different flavor from the resort bustle.
3. Control food costs with a kitchen-equipped whole-house rental
Eating out in Niseko has grown pricier in recent years. With a kitchen-equipped whole-house rental, you can optimize costs by combining home cooking and eating out. For where to buy ingredients and local food tips, see our Lake Toya food guide.
4. Enjoy your non-ski days too
On rest days during a multi-night stay, you can enjoy sightseeing around Lake Toya (Mount Usu, Showa-Shinzan, the Silo Observatory, and more) and onsen-hopping. It also suits trips that include family members who don’t ski.
Kamonoya properties recommended for winter stays
- Toya Farmer’s House (up to 18) — a large whole-house rental with a fireplace, great for a training-camp style with friends. From ¥25,000/night.
- Lake Toya Base (up to 20) — ideal as a base for a large ski trip. From ¥30,000/night.
- Cloud9 Toya (up to 11) — a wood stove and quiet, for those who want to relax after skiing. From ¥27,000/night.
- Lake Toya Building 2LDK (up to 6) — an apartment type just right for a family ski trip. From ¥11,000/night.
See all 11 properties from the list of properties.
By when should you book for winter?
Over New Year and the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year), lodgings in the Lake Toya area also start to fill with international guests. If you plan to stay on a weekend from December to February, booking 2–3 months ahead is safest. Booking directly through our official site is the best value, with no commission (best-rate guarantee). Check availability from the availability search.
FAQ
Q. Can I get to the ski resorts without a car?
A. In winter, bus services between resorts are limited, so we recommend a rental car. Check the latest transport information on each resort’s official guidance.
Q. Is there space to store ski gear?
A. As a whole-house rental, you can leave gear around the entrance without worry. Please ask about the details of each property.
Q. Can you sightsee at Lake Toya in winter too?
A. Yes. Winter Lake Toya is appealing for its snowy scenery and stillness, and you can enjoy onsen and illuminations. The fireworks festival (late April to end of October) is not held in winter.
Considering a longer stay? The longer you stay, the better the value at our official rates. Please check availability from the availability search.