Tag: Central Hokkaido
Cafe Bidama
Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1200 - ¥2000 |
Opening Hours | 11:00 - 19:00 |
Closed | Mondays |
Contact | 011-611-2121 http://www.biidama.jp/ |
Notes | Cafe & Restaurant, seating 40, coffee & alcohol served, private rooms available, Japanese menu only (with pictures) |
Location / Getting There | 5 minute walk from Maruyama Koen subway station. Near Maruyama class shopping centre. 26-chōme-2-36 Minami 2 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0062 |
The suburb of Maruyama is a nice area with lots of coffee shops and restaurants. Cafe Bidama is a large coffee shop located in the heart of Maruyama, right by Maruyama class shopping centre, making it easy to access. It has inside as well as outside seating making it a pleasant place to have a coffee, lunch, or a few drinks. The cafe/restaurant has two floors, with private rooms located on the second floor. Cafe Bidana has select coffee, teas, and they even have beer on the menu.
[the_ad id=”4264″]
The food menu has quite a lot to choose from that especially suits for a brunch. There is french toast with fruit, eggs benedict, a butter chicken curry with toast, and a cheddar cheese & maple syrup french toast. Cafe Bidama have their own style of okonomiyaki (a popular pan-fried dish that consists of batter and cabbage). They have a shrimp & avocado type, and a prune type okonomiyaki. There are lunch sets as well including a hamburg set which comes with miso, salads, and rice. At cafe Bidama, you can pick up a magazine there, settle in to a nice chair and enjoy a lunch & coffee.
Tomiyama Wine Shop
Opening Hours | 10:00 - 20:30 |
Closed | – |
Contact | - |
Notes | Local wine & spirits store |
Location / Getting There | Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, in the Toyako Onsen district 65 Tōyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 049-5721 |
The Toyako Onsen district is famous for its onsens (hot springs), and its beautiful views of Lake Toya. Lake Toya is a popular spot for tourists and there are plenty of places to buy souvenirs. When it comes to buying something alcoholic to savor, then this is a nice little shop to check out. If you are looking for some good local wine, then you can find Tomiyama Wine Shop, a small local liquor store that is located on the main street that runs through the middle of town. It’s run by one of the locals and has been in the town for a long time. It is here you can walk among the spirits and wines and peruse at your leisure.
[the_ad id=”4264″]
There are other souvenir spots to pick up a treat in town, such as Select 108, which also has local wines among other things. But there is something nice about getting down to the roots of a small town, finding not only locally produced wines, but also Japanese sake, and other locally produced spirits. The Tomiyama Wine Shop also sells plum wine, known as ‘Umeshu’, which is a delicious drink. It has a sweet and sour flavor with a fruity aroma and is worth a purchase. If you are looking for something with more of a heated bite, then the wine shop also has Japanese whiskeys, as well as overseas brands.
Tōyako Echigoya
Opening Hours | 9:00 - 20:30 |
Closed | – |
Contact | 0142-75-2158 http://toyako-bokutou.com/ |
Notes | Souvenir store and local goods store Tax free |
Location / Getting There | Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, along the central street through Toyako Onsen district. 71 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721 |
Located across from the Hotel Lakeside Terrace, Tōyako Echigoya is a large store excelling in Japanese products. The store is tax free and is popular for tourists and locals alike to admire the handiwork, and to possibly pick up a souvenir while in the Lake Toya district. The shop sells items relating to Hokkaido and Lake Toya. They have been handling and selling souvenirs and they have something for any occasion. A lot of their goods are beautiful wood carvings such as bear carvings, and Ainu goods.
[the_ad id=”4264″]
They also specialize in ‘Bokken’ which is a wooden Japanese sword. For thirty years, Tōyako Echigoya has had experienced skilled craftsmen engraving these swords in the shop. There are many different sizes to choose from. The prices of these swords range from ¥3000 to ¥20,000. Other items include confectionary, t-shirts, handbags, and Japanese style teapots and cooking items. Everyday products can also be found here. The second floor of the building has a sweets and toy cafe.
Toya Kanko Hotel
Cost per night | ¥5000 - ¥19,000 per person (depending on plan) |
Check-in | 14:00 |
Check-out | 10:00 |
Contact | 0142-75-2111 http://www.toyakanko.com/ for reservations |
Restaurant | Yes & bar facilities |
Wi-fi | Yes |
Notes | Onsen available, souvenir shop, lake views karaoke room, games room, banquet hall, smoking & non smoking rooms, western & Japanese rooms Parking available |
Location | Located in Toyako Onsen on the southern side of Lake Toya 33 Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 049-5721 |
The Toya Kanko Hotel is located in the Toyaka Onsen district which is on the southern shore of Lake Toya and offers beautiful views over the lake. The Toya Kanko Hotel is one of the older hotels in this area and it also serves as a an onsen (hot spring) for guests and the public alike. The hotel has western and Japanese rooms to stay in. They offer ten different plans for guests depending on your style of stay. During the summer season Lake Toya is busiest so early reservations are best.
[the_ad id=”4264″]
Cooking-oriented plan | This plan focuses on seasonal cooking such as 'Seasonal Wagyu (Nagomi)' which changes the menu every 3 months between spring, summer, autumn and winter. |
Cheap plan | This plan includes a set menu at the restaurant, plus a discount for the hot springs. A ¥1000 coupon is available for eating out on the town. |
Plan with private bath | This plan is suitable for children and couples. This plan includes a private bath. You will need to reserve a time to use the bath via email or phone. Dinner is delivered in room. |
Bedrock bathing plan | Dinner depends on room. This plan includes a private bedrock bath. Reservation time needed. |
Plan with sightseeing ticket | This plan includes tickets for tourist facilities and sightseeing spots nearby. |
Plan for couples | Dinner served in room. This plan is recommended for couples including private baths, cuisine. |
Family plans | Dinner served in room. A popular plan for families. Reasonable price plus sightseeing ticket included. |
Business trip or solo plan | Plans for business travelers and those traveling alone. Options include overnight breakfast and meal vouchers that allow you to eat in town. |
Panoramic outdoor bath | 13:00 - 10:00 (all night) Enjoy the views in this outdoor hot spring |
Cave bath | 13:00 - 23:00 Indoor hot spring shaped into a cave formation. Includes sauna with TV |
Open air private hot spring | 13:00 - 24:30 ¥3000 for 50 minutes. Reservations only. get key from front desk before entering |
Radium bedrock bath | 13:00 - 23:00 ¥1200 for 60 minutes. A bedrock bath does not use water, just lying on a floor with stones. Mixed for couples |
Day trip bath for public | 7:00 - 10:00 (panoramic baths) ¥520 Adults ¥310 children 13:00 - 21:00 ¥720 Adults ¥410 children *Private baths and bedrock bath can be used though fees apply |
How to get to the hotel. Using JR train, from Sapporo station, take the Limited Express Hokuto/Super Hokuto (bound for Hakodate) and get off at Toya Station. It will take 1 hour and 50 minutes. From Chitose airport transfer at Minami Chitose Station and take the Limited Express Hokuto/Super Hokuto (bound for Hakodate), and get off at Toya Station. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. From JR Toya station take the Donan Bus (to Toyako Onsen). It takes approx. 25 minutes at ¥320, or it’s a 15 minute taxi ride.
The hotel does offer a shuttle service but need to contact them first.
By car, it is a 1 hour 50 minute drive on national route 230 from Sapporo. By bus, from Sapporo station take the Donan Bus (express) to Toyako Onsen via Nakayama Pass. The bus station is in front of Bic Camera at Sapporo station. The travel time is 2 hours and 40 minutes. One way is ¥2700, round trip will cost you ¥4790.
The Brick Bar
Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥600 - ¥1000 |
Opening Hours | 16:00 to late (winter) |
Closed | - |
Contact | 0136-225-764 https://www.thebrickbarniseko.com/ |
Notes | Seating 20 Beer & wine bar Group reservations available Sunday - Martini night Wednesday - Games night Happy Hour 16:00 - 18:00 |
Location / Getting There | Located in central Niseko. 2 minute walk from main street. 170-273 Yamada, Kutchan-chō, Abuta-gun, Hokkaidō 044-0081 |
The Brick Bar is a cool bar located on Sakura-Zaka street, in the heart of Niseko. It is just a two minute walk down from the main street and can be found among the many hostels found in that area. The inside was designed by the Niseko Photography & Guiding team, which is a local business situated under the Brick Bar, on the ground floor. The illustrations are by French artist, Primat. It is here, in these great surroundings, that you can enjoy a beer, a fine wine, or a delicious cocktail. All served by the friendly and helpful staff.
[the_ad id=”4264″]
The selection of wines, both red & white, range from ¥600 to ¥1100 a glass, and for a bottle, ¥2400 to ¥4500. If you are looking for something a little more celebratory, then the Brick Bar also has Prosecco, Brut, and Moet & Chandon champagnes. For a slightly stronger drink, look no further than the cocktail menu. Here, you can find some fantastic cocktails, some with a Japanese twist to them, which are a must try! Sapporo Classic is on tap, plus there are some Japanese bottled ales to swig on after a day on the slopes. Of course, don’t forget ‘Happy Hour’ has ¥400 beer and shots! Open until late, the Brick Bar is a cozy bar to enjoy a good night out!
Toya Classic Car Gallery
Admission | Free |
Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
Closed | Tuesdays |
Contact | 014-275-3088 |
Notes | Access from Smile Garden Cafe |
Location / Getting There | Southern edge of Lake Toya. Located in central Toya Onsen district. 35-17 Tōyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 049-5721 |
Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Porches. Not what you might expect to see while down at the scenic lake of Toya. On the southern edge of Lake Toya, there is a small town known as Toyako Onsen. This area has hot springs, hotels, and restaurants. Here, on the main street that runs through Toyako Onsen, you can find the Toya Classic Car Gallery. As the gallery faces the street, you can peer in and see some great cars. Whether replicas or the real deal, you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy the beauty and care that has obviously gone into these cars.
[the_ad id=”4264″]
The car gallery is free to get in. Finding your way in may seem tricky as there is no obvious entrance. To actually get into the showroom you will need to enter the large white building next door, and head into the Smile Garden Cafe. The staff here will direct you to the entrance which is on the left hand side at the back. Once in, you are free to wander around and take a look at automobiles here. You can see a 1974 Morgan, a lovely 1972 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1965 Triumph TR series, a Porsche 356, the 1987 Ferrari Testarossa, and a 1961 Mercedes Benz to name a few.