One of the joys of a trip to Hokkaido is a BBQ—grilling fresh local ingredients over an open flame. A “BBQ with just your own group,” impossible at a hotel, is easy to enjoy at a whole-house rental. In this article, Kamonoya, a whole-house rental operator at Lake Toya, explains how to choose a BBQ-friendly property and how to make the most of it.
Three things to check before having a BBQ at your lodging
1. BBQ equipment: is it provided, and what kind?
Check in advance whether a grill, charcoal and grate are provided or whether you need to bring your own. A property with a covered BBQ space means you are fine even in light rain.
2. Where to buy ingredients
There are supermarkets in and around the Lake Toya onsen town where you can buy meat, seafood and vegetables. In summer, freshly picked vegetables from local farm stands are a Lake Toya specialty. For where to buy ingredients and local food tips, see our Lake Toya food guide.
3. Hours and etiquette
Even at a whole-house rental, there may be guidance on BBQ hours at night out of consideration for neighbors. Please confirm when booking.
Kamonoya whole-house rentals where you can BBQ
- Toya House (up to 8) — a rare location in the onsen town center where BBQ is possible. Raise a glass in the garden until fireworks time. From ¥24,000/night.
- Toya Farmer’s House (up to 18) — plenty of space for a large-group BBQ, surrounded by farmland scenery. From ¥25,000/night.
- Cloud9 Toya (up to 11) — a private BBQ at a hideaway in a quiet setting. From ¥27,000/night.
- Toya Tiny Cabin (up to 4) — a camping-style BBQ for a small group. From ¥20,000/night.
For details of BBQ equipment at each property, see the property page or contact us.
Ideas to enjoy a Lake Toya BBQ even more
- Start in the evening and pair it with the fireworks — from late April to the end of October, the long-run fireworks begin around 20:45 every night. Finishing a BBQ with fireworks by the lake is the classic Lake Toya evening (fireworks guide).
- Make Hokkaido ingredients the star — Genghis Khan lamb, scallops, sweetcorn, potatoes with butter. The local supermarket alone can furnish a full Hokkaido BBQ.
- Consider a morning BBQ — on a multi-night stay, a morning BBQ in the fresh lakeside air is a treat.
A backup plan for rainy days
If rain catches you at a property without a covered space, the strength of a whole-house rental is switching to indoor grilled meat or a seafood hotpot in the kitchen. Check the property page for equipment such as a hot plate.
The official site is the best value
BBQ-friendly properties are limited in number, and booking directly through our official site means no agency commission and the best value (best-rate guarantee). Weekends in BBQ season fill up fast, so please check the availability search early.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to bring charcoal and a grate?
A. It depends on the property. Please check the equipment section of the property page, or contact us, before booking.
Q. Can I BBQ in winter?
A. Outdoor BBQ during the snow season depends on the property and the weather. In winter we recommend indoor cooking at properties with a wood stove or fireplace, such as Farmer’s House or Cloud9 Toya.
Q. How do we dispose of rubbish?
A. We ask you to sort it according to the guidance at each property. Please refer to the information provided at check-in.