The Windsor Hotel Toya Vignette Collection by IHG will introduce a new Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) experience on Lake Toya starting May 2026. This activity takes place on Japan’s third-largest caldera lake, offering guests the opportunity to engage with the Hokkaido wilderness from a unique perspective on the water.
Experience the ‘Water Mirror’ of Lake Toya
On calm mornings, the surface of Lake Toya transforms into what is known as a “water mirror,” reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains with high clarity. This phenomenon provides a serene atmosphere for paddlers to glide across the crystal-clear waters. The activity is designed to highlight the natural stillness of the caldera before the day’s regular lake traffic begins.
A Scenic Journey Through Hokkaido’s Volcanic Landscape
The tour provides views of Hokkaido’s dramatic geography, including Mount Usu, Showa Shinzan, and the iconic Mount Yotei—often called Ezo Fuji for its symmetrical profile. Led by instructors certified by the SUP Association of Japan (SIJ), the tours are tailored to various skill levels. Four daily sessions are available, including an exclusive early morning slot reserved for hotel guests to enjoy the lake before breakfast.
Exclusive Perks: Drone Photography and Private Transfers
The experience includes round-trip transfers from the mountaintop hotel to the lakeshore. As part of the service, guests receive professional drone photography and video footage of their excursion as a complimentary gift. The Windsor Hotel Toya, a former host of the 2008 G8 Summit and a 5-star recipient in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido, continues to expand its outdoor offerings with this seasonal lake activity.
Property details
- Property
- The Windsor Hotel Toya Vignette Collection by IHG
- Access
- Round-trip transfers provided from the hotel to the lakeshore
- Official site
- https://www.windsor-hotels.co.jp/en/
- Opened
- SUP tours launching May 2026
