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Reviews of Toyako Guest House Ponkotan 1 stars

049-5721 Hokkaido, Lake Toya, Toyako Onsen97, Japan

#2 of 22 hotels in Lake Toya

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 149 hostel reviews

8.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.1

  • Comfort

    9.1

  • Location

    9.3

  • Facilities

    8.8

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.1

  • Free WiFi

    9.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 2 September 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    One of my favourite guesthouses ever! Very comfortable bed and nice room with plenty of space for belongings and to hang laundry (coin laundry downstairs). The staff were very lovely and helpful and the location right near the lake, ferry and fireworks was perfect. I was also able to extend my booking easily.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 2 September 2025

    9.0
    Cosy stay near Lake Toya with a delightful owner.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    No view of the lake which is a slight bummer. The place is also clearly a private operation rather than a big corporate chain, which is charming but does mean fewer modern amenities like the big capsule hotels.

    Extremely friendly and helpful host who gave me lots of great information about the area upon checkin. There's a cute cosy shared space on the first floor. The rooms are small so you aren't sharing with millions of other people.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 August 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The building is old but very clearly cared for and well maintained

    Staff were very nice, place is cozy and homey. Quiet

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 7 August 2025

    10
    Very comfortable and affordable stay, totally beyond expectation guesthouse at Tayako onsen
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Like what other comments mentioned, the bed is basically made from wood. It’s quite sensitive to movement. No matter the person in upper or lower bed, or even on the opposite bed, moves, it will create noise. I was so tired with late sleep several nights before and all others stayed in the same room was quite considerate of each other, so it was not much problem for me. But please be aware if you’re light sleeper.

    I stayed there for a night with the purpose to watch firework and enjoy onsen at a nice hotel without breaking the bill, Ponkotan did meet and even exceed many of my expectations for a dormitory accommodation. The location was great, short walk to bus terminal, to the water promenade to appreciate firework, and to many good onsens that you can enjoy day visit at a very good price, near to convenient store as well. The staff was friendly and helpful to answer any questions. Bed and pillow were surprisingly comfortable, and the small fan they provided for each pod helped a lot to keep your sleep cool and at peace in the hot summer night. Plenty of spaces to store things and hanging clothes. Wi-Fi was great, even better than some 4 stars hotel I stayed in this trip. Basically they provided everything beyond what you will expect at this price. And lastly, the small restroom inside each room is a plus and I really really like the smell of fragrance they used, made the entire place very comfortable.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 August 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The beds are a little inconfortable and there’s just a simple blanket to sleep with.

    Nicest staff I’ve encountered ! Facilites are easy to access. It’s really clean.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 August 2025

    10
    Lovely place, lovely people - I will be sure to come back.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great place - super clean and friendly. Rooms have a nice set up - 4 beds to a dorm, plenty of storage space (lockable as well) and air con. 2 shower rooms at top, they were always clean and available during my 3-night stay. Close vicinity to the lake - quick walk to see the daily free fireworks or cycle/ferry to Nakajima island. Staff are friendly and had some great recommendations on places to eat, where to rent a bicycle etc and a good chat in the shared common area.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 July 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Probably should bring your own locks for the lockers

    Keiko chan was a lovely host, she introduced me to many things around town

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 20 July 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Lovely spacious room with heaps of storage space/room to hang clothes to dry. The mattress was very comfortable! Great location close to the lake, combini, bus terminal and soup curry mog mog. The owner was so lovely and helpful!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 July 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nice discussions and informations in english with Gina (German help by the guesthouse). Walk mount Usu, walk to the craters, swim in the lake, look at every days fireworks, enjoy Onsens around...

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 June 2025

    9.0
    A great place to go in Hokkaido, or Japan in general
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    my only (ONLY) gripe was that in my room of beds the aircon unit wasn't working, but I assume it will be fixed in due time. Luckily it wasn't that hot so it was fine.

    Everything, the staff was so kind, very to happy to converse even in basic japanese, recommended me a fireworks show being held at the night of my stay, so worth it.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 June 2025

    8.0
    Lovley guesthouse next to the lake
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything okay :)

    Nice location very close to the lake, comfy beds and living room with kitchen.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 May 2025

    10
    A peaceful, welcoming stay with a kind host, spacious room, and thoughtful touches that made the trip unforgettable.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    -NA-

    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 visiting the area!

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 May 2025

    10
    Comfortable and homey decoration.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The hall and the room are very clean.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I was the only guest while staying there:) the owner was lovely. Super helpful and kind. Recommended an amazing onsen. The location is superb. And it was super clean and quiet.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 March 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The owner is very friendly and helpful. Good location for exploring the area and great value for money!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 March 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Triple Room
    • Stayed 8 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very comfortable and clean!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 March 2025

    10
    Cheap and comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    I could not use communal space before check-in

    The matress was really comfortable! And unlike most hostels like this, the bottom bunk is higher so you can sit on the bed without crouching close to the floor. The ceiling between bottom and top bunk is also higher than most places so I did not hit my head not even once, which I usually do. Heating was good. I like the perfume in the bathroom and hallway. Also each bed has a huge drawer that fits a cabin luggage open, so it was easy to reach my things.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 January 2025

    10
    A comfortable stay with the kindest staff!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff is so kind and welcoming. I really felt at home during my short stay here. The sleeping area was simple but comfortable and has everything you need.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 January 2025

    9.0
    Great stay at Lake Toya
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It wasn’t an issue for me because I went to an onsen, but the shower being on the third floor could be inconvenient, I suppose.

    It is very conveniently located and has a great price. The beds are enclosed and private, and the staff is kind and friendly.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 January 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The only thing to make it more perfect would have been access to a washing machine.

    Spotlessly clean. The manager was extremely kind. Very nice kitchen area and showers that warmed quickly. Every room and hallway had a space heater, perfect for the wintertime I was visiting.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 January 2025

    8.0
    Central and social pod hostel
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Not much to be honest. Was pretty good for a pod-hostel.

    Really good hostel if you want to meet other travellers. Has a very good common area for socialising. Is located in the middle of Toyako town. Lovely hostel staff

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 December 2024

    10
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Convenient location, lovely hosts

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 December 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Excellent location, the staff was very friendly, room was clean and the bed was comfortable. Recommend!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 December 2024

    10
    Thank you Keiko and hope to see you again
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/a

    Keiko was amazing and I had a great stay! Thank you for your kindness and support always

    Stayed in November 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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