Hokkaido is now home to Japan’s first Dusit Collection property with the opening of WE Hotel Toya in July.
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Originally launched in 2018, the hotel has now been rebranded to join Dusit’s portfolio in Japan, the group’s third property in the country after ASAI Kyoto Shijo and Dusit Thani Kyoto.
Tucked away on the shores of Lake Tōya on Japan’s northernmost island, WE Hotel Toya’s design blends contemporary architecture and natural materials to reflect the calm of the surrounding forests and lake. Offering panoramic views, the scenic caldera lake is famed for its hot springs and volcanic landscape.
Welcoming guests to one of Japan’s most serene locations, it offers 55 rooms, each with a lake view and private open-air bath overlooking Lake Tōya. Travellers seeking more space can opt for one of the three spacious two-storey villas, designed for families and groups.
Wellness and relaxation
The hotel's Deverana Wellness spa offers treatments alongside sweeping lake views. Guests can receive a range of therapeutic care for muscle pain, sprain, joint and nerve pains as well as bruises. Guests can also explore Japanese onsen culture with the hotel’s Onsen by Lake Tōya. The "uchiburo", Japanese for indoor bath, overlooks Lake Tōya.
Onsen, or natural hot springs, across Japan come in different varieties, distinguishable by the minerals dissolved in the water to offer health benefits. A soak can relieve muscle pains and even boost dry or wrinkly skin.
"Japan is an important strategic market for Dusit, and the arrival of Dusit Collection represents another exciting milestone in our journey to bring our unique style of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to destinations with distinctive character and strong cultural appeal," said Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO of Dusit International.
"WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection perfectly embodies the spirit of the Dusit Collection brand, demonstrating how thoughtful design, local connections, and personalised service can come together to create experiences that truly reflect their destinations."
Food and drink
When it's time to say “itadakimasu”, typically exclaimed in Japanese before taking the first bite of a meal, WE Hotel Toya’s EZO Cuisine dining concept is guided by the mantra of "delicious local blessings”.
It prioritises food locally sourced from the province, including Hokkaido's fresh fish, meat and vegetables. While at breakfast time, there are options of Japanese or Thai set menus. To drink, seasonal juices and herbal teas are also on offer.
Thai flavours are also the star of The Noodle Bar restaurant, which serves up spicy aromatic Tom Yum noodles and Khao Soi, a rich, coconut-based curry noodle dish from northern Thailand.
Named after the Japanese word for wooden cask, the stunning TARU Bar serves a curated selection of beverages, including organic Japanese teas from Dusit’s tea garden in Kyoto.
Although located in one of Hokkaido’s quieter corners, the hotel offers more than just a peaceful retreat. Guests can also spend their downtime in the games or karaoke rooms without having to travel far for entertainment.