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.

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 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!

-NA-

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.

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.

I could not use communal space before check-in

The host was the most chillest, hospitable person. She gave me great tips on onsens around the area and let me use the laundry services after hours. The guesthouse and shared female dorm itself was spotless and the decor had a lovely natural feel. The location was a short walk from the lake and a well-priced day onsen. Mama-charis were also available to rent but unfortunately it was raining so I did not go ahead. Highly recommend!

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.

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.

Keiko-san, the host, really made the place. Very hospitable and kind. Although it is not next to the lake, the town is small and everything is in walking distance. Especially the bus depot which is particularly handy when there for the ski season. Plenty of onsens to rejuvenate tired legs for such a quiet town too. A very social hostel with a cozy communal space to mingle with other travellers. Always warm and clean.

A wonderful guest house in a wonderful location. The owner is so kind and the beds are super comfortable. There's a bathroom in every dormitory and each dormitory has only four beds. There's only one shower though and it's shared, but that wasn't a problem at all. The shared kitchen/living room is really cozy as well and I've only met great people while staying here. You can also wash laundry and go up on the roof to watch the stars. I love it so much I want to come back!

Nothing, it's the best hostel I've stayed in in Japan and I've been everywhere in Japan 🙌

The house mom is super nice and welcoming. Easy check in, no check out procedures. Good location in Lake Toya (not that it seems big enough for there to be a bad location). Beds were nice, extra pillows available to grab. Storage felt especially nice for a hostel - big drawer beneath the bed, a little hanging rack/rod for coats etc, and lockable lockers. In room bathroom (toilet only) was also really nice. Towel rental was cheap.

There's only 1 shower, but it wasn't an issue for me.

Loved staying here at Ponkotan. I stayed here for a week after skiing at rusutsu and it was a lovely comfortable stay. Very clean lovely hostel and hostel is super lovely! I would come and stay here again if I visit lake toya again.

Noting.