With its thriving dairy farms and agriculture, the Lake Toya area has surprisingly high “sweets potential.” Gelato made from fresh farm milk, long-loved local confections, and sweet treats to discover in the onsen town. Kamonoya, which runs 11 whole-house rentals at Lake Toya, guides you through the area’s sweetest spots—centered on Lake Hill Farm, a favorite that even our local staff visit often.
Lake Hill Farm | A celebrated gelato shop run by a dairy farm
At the top of any list of Lake Toya sweets is Lake Hill Farm, a gelato shop run by a dairy farm just outside Lake Toya. Made with the farm’s own fresh milk, the gelato comes in a wide range of flavors—from classic milk-based options to ones using seasonal ingredients—so there is always something new to choose no matter how often you visit.
The location is another draw. Set against an open, expansive pasture, it lets you savor your gelato in the fresh outdoor air on fine days. Paired with the view toward Mount Yotei, it is scenery that makes you want to reach for your camera. As a stop on a Lake Toya drive, it has become a firm favorite among locals and visitors alike. Please check the official website for the latest opening hours and seasonal flavors.
Wakasaimo Honpo | More than just a famous confection
Known for the Lake Toya specialty “Wakasaimo,” Wakasaimo Honpo is another essential stop on a sweets stroll. Alongside the ever-popular Wakasaimo, a classic souvenir, the shop is also a place where you may come across other confections and sweets to enjoy on the spot. Dropping by while wandering the onsen town makes for a perfect snack along the way (the product lineup may vary by season).
A half-day model plan | A Lake Toya sweets stroll
Here is a half-day plan built around sweet treats. The loop around Lake Toya is about 40 km—roughly an hour by car—so you can easily combine it with a scenic drive.
- Morning: Set off from the onsen town and drive along the lakeside. Take in a full view of Lake Toya from the Silo Observatory.
- Late morning: A gelato break at Lake Hill Farm. Relax and soak up the pasture scenery.
- Afternoon: Head back to the onsen town and stop at the hand baths and foot baths on your way to Wakasaimo Honpo. Pick up souvenirs and sweets to snack on as you go.
- Evening onward: Take a breather at a lakeside café, or return to your lodging for dessert time. In season, cap it off with the Long-run Fireworks (typically late April to end of October, about 20 minutes from around 20:45 every night).
For putting together your whole trip, see our “Lake Toya sightseeing model course,” and for how to enjoy the fireworks, see the “Lake Toya Long-run Fireworks Festival guide” as well.
Only at a whole-house rental: your own “takeaway dessert time”
To round off a sweets stroll, we recommend taking the confections and fruit you have bought and savoring them slowly at your lodging. Every Kamonoya property is a kitchen-equipped whole-house or whole-room rental. Brew some coffee or tea, lay out the sweets you gathered during the day, and your room turns into a “private café.” No need to worry about anyone around you—enjoy as much as you like, whenever you like. This is a pleasure unique to a whole-house rental.
- Lake Toya Building 1R (up to 3 guests, from ¥7,000/night) — In the heart of the onsen town. A great base for a couple’s sweets trip.
- Toya Terraced House (up to 4 guests, from ¥11,000/night) — For small groups. Just the right size for a girls’ trip tea party.
- Toya Tiny Cabin (up to 4 guests, from ¥20,000/night) — A quiet hideaway for a dessert time no one will interrupt.
- Toya INN-East (up to 11 guests, from ¥30,000/night) — On a group trip, throw a sweets party while watching a film on the big screen.
Make Lake Toya your base for a sweets trip
Farm gelato, long-established confections, and snacking your way through the onsen town. The best part of Lake Toya’s sweets scene is that you can enjoy it all together with the lake’s scenery. Find the lodging that suits your travel style from our list of properties.
Booking directly through our official site is the best-value official rate, with no agency commission (best-rate guarantee). Check availability here.
FAQ
Q. Is Lake Hill Farm open in winter too?
Opening hours and the like may change by season. Please check the official website for the latest opening information before you head out.
Q. How far is Lake Hill Farm from the onsen town?
Lake Hill Farm sits on the opposite shore of the lake from the onsen town, so a car is the usual way to visit. The Silo Observatory is right nearby, so we recommend working it into a lakeside drive around Lake Toya (about 40 km, roughly an hour by car) and visiting the two together.
Q. Can I eat the sweets I’ve bought at my lodging?
Yes. Every Kamonoya property is a kitchen-equipped, whole-house-style rental, so you are free to refrigerate items and prepare tea as you like. For details on tableware and the like, please check each property page or contact us.