WE Hotel Toya, Hokkaido
One of those places that I can’t stop thinking about.
Found this little gem during a winter trip to Hokkaido while I was searching for accommodation and somehow never documented it here. Almost 2 years later, I still remember waking up to Lake Toya outside the window, so I suppose this place deserves its permanent spot here.
WE Hotel Toya, you were ridiculously beautiful 🥹
48 hours around Lake Toya
FROM THE CAMERA ROLL, JANUARY 2025
> The Drive
Rented a car for a tiny 2D1N escape from Sapporo. Half the joy was getting there, familiarising with snow driving, frozen landscapes and pre-bookmarked spot that says “WOW OMG” moments along the way.
📍Butsuganji Temple, Sapporo
30mins drive from the city center
A super peaceful and zen temple, where it seems like many people came here to wish for a romantic partner.
butsuganji temple, sapporo
Butsuganji temple, sapporo
Second spot: Hill of Buddha
Less than 10mins drive, and you will be greeted by another serene temple.
📍Hills of the Buddha
hill of the buddha, entrance
Hill of the buddha
The Hotel
It took almost another 2hours to reach the hotel because of the snow. Quiet, beautifully designed over looking Lake Toya, the kind of hotel where you walk in and starts snapping away without touching your luggage.
Fair warning: WE Hotel Toya is really in the middle of no where.
I booked it entirely for the views, but with indoor/outdoor onsens. A private tub in the room and an incredible omakase dinner and buffet breakfast. No reason to leave this hotel 😂
Come morning…The views 🤩🤩
Half screaming at myself, why did I not set an alarm to watch the sunrise 🥹
panaromic view from our window
Waking up to Lake Toya looking like this made 2D1N feel wildly too short.
I would love to just live here. Morning’s hot soak, black coffee may not be my first choice, but enjoying the warmth in the cold is a yes!
We went down to Ukimido
Hokkaido really had the finest and fluffiest snow, since no one was around, I just had to get nearer to the Lake. Though I can’t say the same for Paula. She’s less fan of the cold compared to me 😂
All in all, do I recommend driving in Hokkaido’s snow? Fuck yeah! Rented cars already come with snow tyres so it was pretty stress free (coming from a not-so-seasoned driver) and no need to worry about trains/busses.
view of the hotel at the lake
Fin.
(like finally 😂😂)
