Guest House Ponkotan — Hotel in Toyako

This is an unusual little hotel in an unusual town. Lake Toya is (to me anyway) an unfashionable resort town that nonetheless has direct buses from Sapporo. The main hotels that look onto the lake are very expensive so there aren't many options for lower budgets. The town itself sits in a beautiful location with volcanoes at the back and the great volcanic lake to the front. I wouldn't get too excited about the skiing however as unless it's very cold the moisture makes the snow claggy and difficult unlike a few miles away at Niseko and Rusutsu. When I went the place was also full of Chinese whose manners were abysmal. Shouting, running, splashing etc in the onsen, tattoos uncovered and so on and so on. Avoid!||The hotel itself is converted worker's accommodation and is like many other hostels in Japan with a half-finished feel. The bathrooms were immaculate for example but the beds were just bunk-beds with wooden partitions.||The common room downstairs was lovely however with big sofas, a large map table and a big kerosene heater. The lady who runs the place had the best English of anyone I've met in four months in Japan who hadn't travelled to the West. Very kind, attentive, really top-notch.||Toya is a funny little place but it very much had an effect on me. Go and have a look before the Chinese and all the other Anglos ruin it like they've ruined Niseko...

I had a wonderful stay here! The owner is incredibly sweet, cute, friendly, and super helpful—she even speaks fluent English, which made communication so easy. She went above and beyond by picking us up from Toya Station when there were no taxis or buses available in the area. The room was very spacious, spotlessly clean, and a fantastic value for money. The whole place is well maintained and peaceful, perfect for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet, comfortable stay. I would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone...

This place is great. I got here late at night when the snow was swirling all around, and this hostel was warm, clean, and had a lively environment. The boss lady doesn't speak much English, but she helped me find a place to eat, and when I got back she kept feeding me snacks. The rooms are warm, the beds are private. I have nothing bad to say about this...