The Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Display has become a cherished Hokkaido tradition, drawing countless locals and tourists alike. Held for six months of the year (from April 28 to October 31 in 2024), this pyrotechnic extravaganza showcases the very best of Japan’s craftsmanship and artistry.

So you can make the most of this magical event, we have curated a list of the top 5 hotels where you can enjoy these fireworks as well as special dinners, breakfast, open-air baths, and warm hospitality.

1. Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort: Indulge in Lakeside Serenity and Soothing Hot Springs

Operated under the concept of “Convenience & Choice Spa Resort,” guests of Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort can tailor their stay to their preferences.

The resort offers two distinct facilities for accommodation: the Spa Resort caters to casual guests, while the exclusive Nonokaze Club awaits those seeking a premium experience, complete with rooms featuring stunning views from private baths.

Getting to Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort is a breeze, thanks to the availability of a shuttle bus service. Whether arriving from JR Sapporo Station or New Chitose Airport, transportation is conveniently provided. Enjoy a complimentary ride from JR Sapporo Station, or opt for a one-way transfer from New Chitose Airport for a nominal fee of 1,000 yen (online reservations from 3 days in advance via the official website).

For travelers coming by JR, simply board the Muroran Main Line from New Chitose Airport, and in approximately one hour and 30 minutes, you will arrive at Toya Station. From there, easily access the resort by taking a Donan Bus or a taxi.

Indulge in the splendid lake views at The Lakeview Toya Nonokaze Resort, where every room offers a breathtaking vista of the lake, providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying the fireworks.

If you opt for the “Spa Resort,” we highly recommend the standard twin rooms. These rooms feature a spacious sofa area, accompanied by a large floor-to-ceiling window that offers a panoramic spectacle of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island, and Mt. Yotei.

As the clock approaches 8:50 p.m., the fireworks come alive, and this is the ideal moment to dim the lights, luxuriate in the soothing bath, and immerse yourself in the captivating display unfolding before your eyes.

The second standout feature of this hotel lies in its diverse array of hot springs, providing guests with a multitude of options for relaxation.

Located on the top floor of the Spa Resort building, the expansive public bath named “EZOFUJI” boasts a variety of baths, including fragrant baths, medicinal baths, and standing baths. Moreover, the open-air bath “TENQOO” is ingeniously designed to create an illusion of the hot spring water seamlessly flowing into Lake Toya, offering bathers a unique sensation of oneness with the majestic lake.

On the second floor of the Spa Resort, you’ll find “The Sento: Showa-no-Yu,” meticulously recreated to embody the ambiance of a traditional public bathhouse from the Showa period. Step inside and be transported to a bygone era, immersing yourself in the nostalgic charm of old Japan. Adorning the wall is not a typical mural of Mount Fuji, but a depiction of Mount Yotei, the revered “Ezo Fuji” of Hokkaido.

When it comes to dining, the hotel’s buffet restaurant, “Le Vent,” treats guests to spectacular views of the fireworks through its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

During the evening buffet, a food truck takes center stage, serving delectable dishes such as sushi, steak, and tempura, meticulously crafted by the skilled hotel chefs.

Additionally, the breakfast buffet features the “Onigiri Best Nine” concept, allowing you to choose from a selection of nine ingredients to create your own unique and personalized rice ball, offering a delightful start to your day.

Upon arrival at the Spa Resort’s inviting lobby, guests are warmly welcomed with a refreshing glass of juice during the check-in process. Additionally, a convenient computer corner is available free of charge, allowing guests to research travel information and attend to other online needs.

A satisfied guest shared their experience, saying, “During the bustling peak hours, I sought assistance with moving a large piece of baggage to and from my room, and the staff promptly arrived with a smile to lend a hand. The captivating views, be it from the rooms, the restaurant, or the baths, leave a lasting impression. The rooms themselves exude a remarkable beauty.”

It is evident that many guests are thoroughly impressed by the exceptional hospitality provided by the staff.

The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort ザ レイクビュー ＴＯＹＡ 乃の風リゾート

Address: 29-1 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 049-5721

Nearest Station: Toya Station (Muroran Main Line)

2. Toya Kanko Hotel: Reach the Shores of Lake Toya Within Minutes

Situated along the serene banks of Lake Toya, Toya Kanko Hotel offers a remarkable vantage point overlooking the captivating lake, Nakajima Island, and the majestic Mt. Yotei.

With its prime location just a two-minute walk from Lake Toya, the hotel provides most of its guest rooms with delightful lakeside views, allowing guests to indulge in breathtaking panoramas.

As an added highlight, select rooms offer the unique privilege of enjoying enchanting firework displays, creating unforgettable moments right from the comfort of your own space.

Located on the first basement floor for men and the first floor for women, the spacious and panoramic large public baths at Toya Kanko Hotel offer a remarkable experience with stunning vistas of the lake. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters while being captivated by the picturesque surroundings.

For men, a garden open-air bath awaits, providing a serene outdoor bathing experience. Women can enjoy an open-air bath with a magnificent view, allowing them to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Additionally, a cave bath adds a touch of privacy and tranquility to the bathing experience.

To enhance your relaxation, the hotel also offers a spacious and private open-air hot spring. Reconstructed from the former women’s bath into two sections, this exclusive hot spring provides a serene escape for guests (50 minutes, 3,300 yen including tax).

Furthermore, a radium rock bath is available, known for its potential to activate cell metabolism, enhance natural healing powers, and restore the body’s natural rhythm (60 minutes, 1,320 yen, including tax, for guests).

The head chef of Toya Kanko Hotel crafts new dinner menus every three months, aligning with the changing seasons. This ensures that guests can relish in fresh and innovative culinary creations.

Depending on the accommodation package booked, guests may even have the privilege of enjoying a personalized meal prepared right in front of them, providing a private dining experience in the comfort of their own room.

For breakfast, guests are treated to an array of local delicacies, including made-to-order omelets, Lake Toya glass noodles, crispy fried Japanese pond smelt, and more.

The hotel has received positive reviews from guests, who have praised the friendly staff and the cleanliness of the rooms. The spacious accommodations offer a pleasant surprise, complemented by fantastic views from the windows.

Additionally, the front desk staff are proficient in English, ensuring seamless communication with international guests.

To reach Toya Kanko Hotel from JR Sapporo Station, board the limited express Hokuto or Super Hokuto trains (bound for Hakodate) for approximately one hour and 50 minutes, disembarking at Toya Station. From there, take the Donan Bus heading to Toyako Onsen (Lake Toya) for about 25 minutes. Alternatively, guests can make use of the free shuttle service from Toyako Station (reservation required by the day before, 15-minute ride).

Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace 洞爺湖万世閣ホテルレイクサイドテラス

Address: 21 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 049-5721

Nearest Station: Toya Station (Muroran Main Line)

3. Zekkei-no-Yuyado Toya Kohantei: Lakeside Views Await at Every Turn

Nestled on the shores of Lake Toya, Toya Kohantei offers an unparalleled location that provides a direct connection to the serene beauty of the lake. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view that stretches across the tranquil waters.

Toya Kohantei is thoughtfully designed to ensure that guests can enjoy the mesmerizing fireworks from every corner, both within the premises and during leisurely strolls in the warm summer months. Furthermore, each Japanese and Western-style room offers captivating vistas of Lake Toya, ensuring that every guest can experience the remarkable beauty that surrounds the hotel.

The large public bath and the open-air bath on the ninth floor offer breathtaking views of Lake Toya! There’s also a footbath (for guests only) in front of the lobby on the first floor, enabling you to enjoy a soak while watching the fireworks.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Hokkaido’s fields, sea, mountains, and lakes at the enticing dinner buffet offered at the hotel.

With a diverse range of approximately 40 to 50 dishes and refreshing soft drinks, the buffet showcases the abundance of seasonal ingredients, ensuring a delightful culinary experience that celebrates the region’s finest offerings. Additionally, the breakfast buffet focuses on the serene beauty of the lake and mountains, presenting a selection of delectable dishes to start your day on a high note.

To facilitate your journey, a complimentary shuttle bus service is provided from JR Sapporo Station to the hotel (advance reservation required, approximately three hours and ten minutes travel time). From New Chitose Airport, a shuttle bus is available for a nominal fee of 1,000 yen per person (one way, approximately two hours and 45 minutes travel time, advance reservation required via the official website).

For train travelers, simply board the limited express Hokuto or Super Hokuto trains from JR Sapporo Station, and in approximately one hour and 50 minutes, you will reach JR Toya Station. From there, a local bus ride of about 20 minutes, followed by getting off at the “Motomachi” bus stop, will lead you to the hotel.

Guests have left positive reviews, with one guest expressing, “The hotel offers excellent cost performance, and I would love to stay here again,” while another raved about the spectacular view from the hot spring.

Toya Kohan Tei 洞爺 湖畔亭

Address: Toyako-onsen 7-8 , Lake Toya, Hokkaido, 049-5721

Nearest Station Toya Station (Muroran Main Line)

4. The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa: View the Fireworks Display from High Above

Perched atop a mountain, commanding magnificent vistas of Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay, The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa emerges as a premier resort destination.

With an architectural design reminiscent of a luxury cruise ship, this exceptional hotel stands out from the rest. Its distinguishing feature lies in its lofty mountaintop location, providing guests with an elevated perspective to admire the serene lake and captivating fireworks display from above.

Depending on the purpose of your visit, you have the option to choose between two distinctive styles. The “premiere style” offers a suite adorned with luxurious amenities and services, ideal for those seeking a sophisticated experience.

On the other hand, the “casual style” presents a more relaxed ambiance, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a leisurely stay.

Opting for the premier style packages grants you complimentary access to the pool and gym facilities, exclusive check-in and check-out privileges at the salon, and delightful drink services.

At the heart of the hotel lies the hot spring sanctuary known as “Yamaizumi.” Embracing the concept of harmonizing with the natural beauty that encompasses Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei, these traditional Japanese-style baths are crafted in the sukiya architectural style, reminiscent of traditional teahouses.

As you soak in the rejuvenating waters, you can relish the serene view of the expansive garden through the misty steam, creating a tranquil and immersive experience.

Indulge your palate with the incredible dining options available at the hotel, boasting nine restaurants and patisseries. Discover a world of culinary delights, including teppanyaki-style iron griddle meals, French cuisine, traditional Japanese fare, sushi restaurants, and Chinese delicacies. With such a diverse selection, every guest can find a culinary experience to suit their preferences.

For breakfast, guests can savor a delightful array of choices. Select your preferred main dish, such as an egg cocotte, waffles, or souffle omelets, and complement it with a buffet-style selection of side dishes, including yogurt, soup, juice, cereal, and bread. The breakfast experience offers a satisfying start to your day.

Guests have praised the attentive and friendly staff, with one guest sharing their positive experience, stating, “The staff was very helpful and friendly. The view from our room was very nice, and both breakfast and dinner were delicious.”

When traveling by car, the hotel is conveniently accessible within approximately two hours from New Chitose Airport, Bifue Pass, or the Hokkaido Expressway. For those arriving by train, the journey takes about two hours from JR Sapporo Station on the limited express Hokuto via the JR Chitose Line and Muroran Main Line.

From New Chitose Airport, take the JR Rapid Airport and transfer at Minami Chitose Station to the limited express Hokuto for an approximately one hour and 30-minute train ride. To ease your arrival, a shuttle bus service operated by the hotel is available from JR Toya Station (advance reservation required by 6:00 p.m. the day before).

The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa ザ・ウィンザーホテル洞爺 リゾート＆スパ

Address: Shimizu, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 049-5722

Nearest Station: Toyoura Station (Muroran Main Line)

5. Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace: Indulge in Opulent Hot Spring Baths

Nestled within the picturesque Toyako hot spring resort area, this long-established hotel exudes timeless charm with its brick-colored exterior. A variety of room types are available to suit every guest’s preference, including the central building lakeview twin room, central building superior twin room, east building mountain side western-style room, and west building mountain side single room.

For those seeking the epitome of luxury, premium rooms featuring a private hot spring bath and scenic views are also offered. The lakeside rooms are particularly favored by guests desiring an unforgettable experience of the fireworks display.

Located on the top floor, “Hoshi-no-Yu” invites you to immerse yourself in a serene bathing experience. The highlight of this spacious public bath is its open-air bath, where you can harmonize with the captivating beauty of Lake Toya.

Discover a range of hot spring baths that cater to your preferences, including a generously sized indoor bath reflecting the sky onto its tranquil waters, a lie-down bath for stargazing during the nighttime, a small and intimate single-person bath crafted from Lake Toya’s serene azure, and a sitting and lying bath offering splendid views of the lake.

For an equally captivating bathing experience, venture to “Tsuki-no-Yu” on the first basement floor. This meticulously designed public bath was curated by landscaping experts, sauna specialists, and seasoned professionals from various fields. Here, you can unwind in the sauna or relax in the open-air bath while admiring the picturesque garden vista.

Indulge in a delightful dining experience at The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa. Choose between the buffet restaurant, where Hokkaido’s seasonal ingredients shine in a variety of dishes, or the exquisite “Shunsai Wabo Nanakamado” dining hall, offering a Japanese course meal to tantalize your taste buds.

On the hotel’s basement floor, you’ll discover the charming “Blossom Coffee” book cafe. Lose yourself in a collection of over 300 books while relishing a delectable menu featuring croissant sandwiches and refreshing fruit cocktail smoothies.

Traveling to the hotel is made convenient with the “Express Toya” shuttle bus service available from Sapporo Station (1,100 yen per person one-way, 2,200 yen per person round-trip, reservation required). If traveling by train, take the limited express Hokuto from JR Sapporo Station to JR Toya Station, transfer to the Donan Bus bound for “Toyako Onsen,” alight at the final stop, “Toyako Onsen Terminal,” and enjoy a pleasant five-minute stroll to reach the hotel.

Guests expressed their delight, stating, “We thoroughly enjoyed the picturesque views of Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei from our guest rooms and bathrooms.” Another guest shared their satisfaction, saying, “The dinner buffet offered a fantastic variety of dishes, and we were pleased with the size of our room and the stunning view of fireworks over Lake Toya. The staff went above and beyond, displaying a friendly and helpful demeanor.”

Toyako Manseikaku Hotel Lakeside Terrace 洞爺湖万世閣ホテルレイクサイドテラス

Address: 21 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 049-5721

Nearest Station: Toya Station (Muroran Main Line)

The “Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival” is held daily for about six months out of the year! Treat yourself to hot springs and meals while watching the beautiful fireworks display. We hope this article inspires you to take a trip to Lake Toya!

Please contact each hotel for information on rooms with fireworks display views.

*This article was originally published in April 2023 and updated in May 2024. Please check the official websites for the latest information.

Via Live Japan

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