For an anniversary trip, how about a day spent not touring big attractions, but simply gazing at the lake and taking it slow? Lake Toya is exactly the kind of place where that becomes the main event—perfect for couples’ trips and anniversaries. Kamonoya, which runs 11 whole-house rentals at Lake Toya, shares the pleasures unique to a trip for two, and the private lodgings just right for a small group.

Why Lake Toya suits a trip for two

The charm of Lake Toya is, above all, that “quiet time flows here.” Stroll the lakeside, take a break at a café, watch the fireworks at night. You can have a trip that feels complete without cramming in a schedule.

• The lakeside walk feels wonderful. The lake side of the onsen town has a promenade dotted with sculptures. Even a morning or evening walk becomes a travel memory.
• Easy breaks at hand baths and foot baths. Hand baths and foot baths are dotted around the Lake Toya onsen town, easy for the two of you to drop into mid-stroll.
• Access is surprisingly good. About 2 hours by car from both New Chitose Airport and Sapporo—just right for a spontaneous weekend trip.

On your anniversary night, the nightly fireworks from the best seat

Lake Toya’s signature “Long-run Fireworks Festival” launches over the lake for about 20 minutes from around 20:45 every night during its season, late April to the end of October. Because they are set off while moving, they can be seen from a wide stretch of the onsen town’s lakeshore.

You don’t have to pick a date to “see fireworks on our anniversary”—during the season, they rise every night. That is one of the joys of Lake Toya. If the two of you dislike crowds, we recommend watching leisurely from the lakeside near your lodging. See our fireworks viewing guide for more.

Spots around Lake Toya to visit as a couple

The lake is about 40 km around, a loop of roughly an hour by car. We recommend driving at your own pace, stopping wherever catches your eye.

• Silo Observatory: a classic viewpoint on the west side of the lake, with sweeping views of Lake Toya and Nakajima.
• Usuzan Ropeway & Showa-Shinzan: an area to feel the force of a volcano up close. The view from the summit is spectacular.
• The Lake Toya boat (Nakajima cruise): to Nakajima floating in the middle of the lake. The scenery from the water shows a different face than from land.
• Lake Hill Farm: its farm-fresh gelato is popular—perfect for a break mid-drive.
• Wakasaimo Honpo: a classic Lake Toya confection. Choosing souvenirs is part of the fun too.

Hours and operation of each spot can change by season, so please check the latest on official websites. For one-night and two-night routes, our model course article has details.

Kamonoya’s private lodgings, just right for a trip for two

All Kamonoya properties are whole-house or whole-unit private rentals with full kitchens. As you never share space with other guests, you can spend your time together without a care. For small groups, we have properties like these.

• Lake Toya Building 1R (sleeps 3, from ¥7,000/night): an apartment type in the onsen town center. Compact and just right for a light trip for two, a short walk from the fireworks and the lakeside.
• Lake Toya Building 1R Hokusai (sleeps 3, from ¥8,000/night): another central apartment, with a Hokusai-themed interior that lifts the travel mood.
• Toya Terraced House (sleeps 4, from ¥11,000/night): a small-group lodging in the onsen town center, with roomy comfort for two.
• Toya Tiny Cabin (sleeps 4, from ¥20,000/night): a quiet, hideaway-style whole-house cabin away from the onsen-town bustle. For a couple who want “time undisturbed by anyone.”

With a full kitchen at every property, shopping for local ingredients and cooking together is a lovely way to spend the time. Bringing a cake and drinks for your anniversary and toasting slowly in your room—a way of spending time you would feel self-conscious about at a hotel—is free at a private rental. See the other properties from the list of properties. For where to buy ingredients and local food tips, see our Lake Toya food guide.

Model plan: a one-night, two-day anniversary trip

• Day 1 afternoon: arrive at Lake Toya and check in. Stroll the lakeside and rest at a hand bath or foot bath.
• Day 1 evening: dinner at your lodging, home-cooked or takeout. Watch the fireworks by the lake at night.
• Day 2 morning: a drive to the Silo Observatory or the Usuzan Ropeway.
• Day 2 afternoon: a gelato break at Lake Hill Farm, souvenirs at Wakasaimo Honpo, and head home.

Lake Toya is a place that gently deepens your time together. For your anniversary lodging, booking directly through our commission-free official site is the best value (best-rate guarantee). Check whether your preferred dates are open from the availability search.

FAQ

Q. Can I bring an anniversary surprise (a cake or bouquet)?

As these are private rentals, you are free to enjoy bringing in a cake, drinks and the like. A refrigerator and kitchen are provided at every property. If you would like to discuss a special touch, feel free to contact us.

Q. Can we always see the fireworks?

The Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival is held from late April to the end of October, launched for about 20 minutes from around 20:45 every night during the season. It is not held in winter, and may be canceled due to weather, so please check the latest on the official website.

Q. Can we enjoy it without a car?

It is about 20 minutes by bus from JR Toya Station to the onsen town. At a lodging in the town center (Lake Toya Building, Toya Terraced House, etc.), the lakeside stroll, fireworks and hand/foot baths are all within walking distance. For touring around the lake, such as the Silo Observatory or Mount Usu, a car widens your range.