From JR Toya Station to Lake Toya Onsen, the Donan Bus takes about 20 minutes. There is space onboard for large suitcases, and you can pay not only with cash but also by QR-code payment (PayPay / au PAY / WeChat Pay). In this guide, Kamonoya—a whole-house rental operator at Lake Toya Onsen—explains how to ride and pay in a way that’s easy even for first-timers, and introduces our nearby rental houses around Lake Toya Onsen.

JR Toya Station → Lake Toya Onsen Bus Terminal: about 20 minutes by Donan Bus

From the bus stop in front of JR Toya Station, board the Donan Bus “Lake Toya Onsen – Toya Station Line” and get off at the Lake Toya Onsen Bus Terminal. The ride takes roughly 15–25 minutes (depending on the service).

• Line: Donan Bus “Lake Toya Onsen – Toya Station Line”
• Boarding point: In front of JR Toya Station
• Destination: Lake Toya Onsen Bus Terminal
• Time: About 15–25 minutes (varies by service)

Services are limited, so it’s reassuring to check the departure times in advance to match your train. For the latest timetable and fares, please check the Donan Bus official site (Lake Toya Onsen – Toya Station Line). You can also look up bus locations and times with “Buskita! Dounan” (db.buskita.com).

Tip: switching the language. On “Buskita! Dounan,” you can change the display language. Tap the “•••” (more) menu at the bottom right of the screen—circled in red below—and change the language setting from there.

Room for large suitcases

At the front of the bus there is a “luggage space (place to baggage)” where you can leave a large travel suitcase. It keeps the aisle clear even when the bus is busy. (Please do not place fragile items there.)

Pay by cash or QR code (PayPay / au PAY / WeChat Pay)

You can pay the fare with cash or by QR-code payment. The supported services are PayPay, au PAY and WeChat Pay. Visitors from Chinese-speaking regions can conveniently pay with WeChat Pay.

• QR payment + QR payment … OK
• QR payment + cash … OK
• Bus card + QR payment … not allowed

*QR-code payment cannot be used to buy bus cards or tickets onboard.

How to ride and pay, step by step

1. Take a numbered ticket when you board

When you get on the bus, first take one numbered ticket (seiriken). The number printed on it indicates the stop where you boarded.

2. Check your fare against the fare board using your ticket number

There is a fare display board at the front, beside the driver’s seat. Match your ticket number with the amount shown below that number to check the fare you need to pay. The amounts update as the bus travels.

3. Pay by cash or QR code

For cash, drop the confirmed amount into the fare box. For QR-code payment, scan the QR code on the poster displayed inside the bus with your smartphone camera.

4. Choose a payment method in the app and enter the amount

Scanning the QR opens the payment screen. Choose your method from PayPay / au PAY / WeChat Pay, enter the fare you confirmed on the fare board into the “order amount” field, and tap Pay.

5. Show the “payment successful” screen to the driver

Once payment is done, show the “payment successful” screen near the driver. When the driver confirms it and says OK, your payment is complete. For safety, always complete the payment process near the driver.

Once you reach Lake Toya Onsen — Kamonoya’s whole-house rentals

Around the Lake Toya Onsen Bus Terminal, Kamonoya (KAMONOYA) runs several whole-house rental properties. They are close enough to walk to with your suitcase right after getting off the bus. With a kitchen in each house, you can buy local ingredients and cook, or relax and watch the lakeside fireworks at your own pace. For where to buy ingredients and local food tips, see our Lake Toya food guide.

• Toya House — A whole-house rental in the center of the onsen town. Up to 8 guests, with BBQ facilities.
• Toya INN-West — Central, with a wood-burning stove. Up to 9 guests.
• Toya INN-East — Central, with a large screen. Up to 11 guests.
• Lake Toya Building 1R — An apartment-type unit for couples and small groups.

For our other properties, please see the list of facilities. Combined with bus access, you can enjoy a stay at Lake Toya Onsen even without a car. See also our guide to enjoying Lake Toya without a car.

Booking directly through our official site is the best-value official rate, with no agency commission (best-rate guarantee). Once your dates are set, start by checking availability. Check availability here.

FAQ

Q. Can I pay with cash?

A. Yes, you can pay with cash—drop the amount shown on the fare board into the fare box. QR-code payment (PayPay, au PAY, WeChat Pay) is also available.

Q. Can I use WeChat Pay?

A. Yes. Scan the QR code inside the bus and choose WeChat Pay as your payment method.

Q. Can I bring a large suitcase?

A. There is a luggage space at the front of the bus where you can place a suitcase. (Please do not place fragile items there.)

Q. Is Kamonoya close to the Lake Toya Onsen Bus Terminal?

A. Several Kamonoya houses are in the center of the onsen town, within walking distance of the terminal. Please see each property page for details.