Camping in Hokkaido? Try Glamping at Lake Toya

Want to camp in Hokkaido, but don’t want to pack tents and sleeping bags by yourself?

Let me share with you the glamping site that solved the exact problem for me.

In summer 2025, I stayed at Lake House Toyako Glamping, a peaceful, family-run site right on the shores of Lake Toya.

It was my first-ever glamping stay, and it totally loved it because of this glamping site.

The stay was so cozy, clean, and completely hassle-free, because everything I needed was ready.

If you’re traveling from abroad with limited luggage space and limited time, this is the easiest way to enjoy the camping experience in Hokkaido without sacrificing comfort.

I’ll walk you through my experience and what to expect for your stay.

This stay was in collaboration, but as always, all opinions are my own!

Highlights of My Stay at Lake House Toyako Glamping

Here’s what I loved and you’ll love too:

A Family-Run Glamping Site With Heart

This site is run by a couple, Yohei and Kerstin, who put lots of love and care into everything here. The wooden decks at each tent are even handmade by Yohei himself! Their warmth made the place feel welcoming.

They both speak English, so you don’t have to worry about communication.

Everything Ready, No Gear Needed

Tent, beds, BBQ set, etc… everything is prepared for you. As I was traveling from Switzerland (my current base) to Hokkaido this time, it was a huge plus that you didn’t need to pack or rent bulky camping gear.

Peaceful Private Access to Lake Toya

The site sits right by the lake, so you can enjoy the beautiful lakeside just a few steps away.

And from this angle, you don’t see any buildings or houses, which is rare around Lake Toya. It feels quiet, peaceful, and almost like you have the whole lake to yourself.

You can also try SUP (stand-up paddle board) or canoeing here.

Perfect for Families With Kids

I traveled solo this time, but I kept thinking how great this place would be for my son!

There’s a trampoline, toys, table tennis, and plenty of safe open space for kids to play. The hosts’ daughter also likes to play here with her friends.

Along the lakeshore, there’s a flat forest trail which is perfect for an easy family walk.

Where Is It? & How to Get There

This glamping site is located right by Lake Toya (Google Maps). Lake Toya is famous for its clear water, hot springs, and the nearby volcano Mount Usu. It’s a popular destination especially in summer.

But you won’t see any crowds around this glamping site. It feels quiet and really tucked away from touristy areas across the lake.

Because of its remote setting, you’ll need a car to get there, as there’s no public transportation access.

• 2 hours from Sapporo or Otaru
• 1.5 hours from New Chitose Airport
• 45 mins from Niseko

If you are traveling in Sapporo and around, it’s very easy to add Lake Toya into your itinerary and spend a night in nature here.

Where You’ll Stay & What You’ll Find

Stylish Tents and a Private Dome Stay

The site offers several cotton bell tents that can accommodate from 2 up to 6 people. Each one is set with a wooden deck (handmade by the owner!), where you can relax or enjoy a BBQ night.

There’s also a Geodome tent for up to 4 people, and that’s where I stayed. It sits on a small hill slightly apart from the other tents, so it gave me a really private and special feel.

Inside both the tents and the dome, the space felt cozy, stylish and clean. And I was surprised that the bed was super comfortable, like you would never imagine from a typical camping stay.

During my stay, I rented a fire pit to set up beside my deck, and I just loved sitting by the fire, surrounded by quiet nature there.

When the weather is cool, you can also rent heaters to use inside the tent so you can stay warm and cozy at night.

Clean and Comfortable Shared Facilities

The toilets, showers, and kitchen are shared, and they were all new and clean, which again you don’t always find at regular campsites. The shower water was hot (very important!), and body soap and shampoo were also provided.

At the kitchen, you can find all the essentials like pans, pots, a kettle, knives, cutting boards and more. You can also charge your devices here, as there’s no electricity inside the tents.

Lake Activities

One of the big perks about staying here is that you get to play on the lake! At Lake House Toyako Glamping, you can rent a SUP (stand-up paddle board) or a canoe to enjoy the lake even more.

If you like sauna, a small wood-fired sauna is free for guests to use.

There’s also an easy walking trail along the lakeshore, going through a forest, passing over a stream, and stopping by a little observatory.

Food Options: BBQ, Convenience Stores, and Dining Out

You’ll get a BBQ set with everything you need: grill, charcoal, tongs, gloves, paper plates, cups, etc. So, you just bring your own ingredients and you’re ready for a BBQ night!

Since the nearest supermarket is 30 mins away by car, I recommend picking up groceries on your way.

They also offer a BBQ food set upon reservation, including local meats, seasonal vegetables, and rice, prepared by a local restaurant. The price of the 2025 season is 8,000 JPY for 2 people and might change slightly in the future.

I didn’t get to use the BBQ this time since I was traveling solo, so instead, I grabbed takeaway for dinner on the way to Lake Toya and picked up breakfast the next morning from the nearby Seicomart convenience store (just a 5-minute drive away).

If you feel like eating out, the onsen town on the opposite side of Lake Toya has many restaurant options.

Final Thoughts: Is Lake House Toyako Glamping Worth It?

Would I recommend Lake House Toyako Glamping? Absolutely!

For me, it was the perfect balance of being outdoors without the hassle of dealing with camping gear by myself.

What I loved about this glamping site is…

• The warm hospitality from the hosts
• How easy it felt for families with safe space and toys
• The remote setting with direct access to the lake.

What you should note is…

• You’ll definitely need a car, as there’s no public transport access.
• There are only a handful of tents, so availability might be limited in the high season (book early!).
• There’s no Wi-Fi here (but you probably won’t need it, as there’s so much to do in nature. It feels like a chance to disconnect and slow down).

Interested in staying here?

I can’t wait to go back there next time with my family!