Hotel Cocoa

My friend and I were visiting Lake Toya when we got stuck around 10 kilometers from our accommodation. It was about 35F outside, and there were no taxis available nearby. We walked to Hotel COCOA hoping to use a phone, but the hostess at reception called a taxi for us herself. She also gave us tea and let us warm up after the walk. We’ll always be grateful for her help and hospitality to us as travelers.

There’s no supermarket close by, so pick up food first or head into town for shops and restaurants. Lake Hill farm is nearby too, and its ice cream is worth trying. The hotel sits above the lake and mountains, quiet and away from the crowds. It’s around a 15-minute drive from Lake Toya and town, and the drive is pleasant if you have a car. Our room was roomy, with a big comfortable bed and a surprisingly spacious, convenient bathroom. The staff were friendly. It snowed all night during our stay. The view of the snowy mountains in the morning was amazing 😳. Our car got stuck, but the hotel rents equipment to help clear the snow, which came in handy.

Don’t arrive too late in the afternoon. The road gets tricky in the dark, and you’d miss the lake view before sunset. In the morning it can be a little too sunny, so I’d make sure to catch the afternoon view. The panoramic view of Lake Toya was stunning, and you can see Mount Uzu from the parking area. We paid 3,100 baht, about 15,000 JPY, and for us the view alone made it worthwhile. Our room was very clean and huge, with a king bed and a single bed for the two of us. The toilet area was very big too, with a large tub that had lights, bubbles, and heated water, plus a stool for showering. There aren’t shops nearby, so grab food from the convenience shop down below before you come. There are only a few food vending machines, though the hotel has a microwave, hot water, tea, coffee, and utensils.

You’ll probably want a car since restaurants and other amenities are a short drive away. There’s lots of parking, and Lake Hill farm is close by for ice cream, pudding, and cream puffs. The room was clean and spacious, the price was affordable, and the lake view was good.