Dusit International Strengthens Japan Luxury Expansion Strategy with First WE Hotel Toya Dusit Collection Opening in Hokkaido, Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates as Landmark Lakeside Retreat

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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July 1, 2026 9:45 PM

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Dusit International, a major Thailand-based hospitality and real estate development group, is reinforcing its long-term presence in Japan through a new luxury milestone with the introduction of WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection, a tranquil lakeside property in Hokkaido shaped by the architectural vision of Kengo Kuma & Associates.

Set to officially join the Dusit Collection portfolio on 1 July 2026, the property becomes the first Dusit Collection hotel in Japan and the group’s third operational address in the country. This expansion follows the successful positioning of ASAI Kyoto Shijo, a lifestyle-focused urban hotel, and Dusit Thani Kyoto, a high-end luxury property recognised for its cultural interpretation of Kyoto’s heritage environment.

The Dusit Collection brand represents the company’s premium and luxury tier, designed for carefully selected hotels that reflect strong individuality, deep cultural identity, and a meaningful sense of place. Each property under the collection is chosen for its ability to deliver experiences shaped by local landscapes, traditions, and community narratives rather than standardised hospitality formats.

Lakeside Location in a UNESCO Geopark Setting

WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection is located along the shoreline of Lake Tōya, a volcanic caldera lake positioned within the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark in southwestern Hokkaido. The property sits approximately 100 minutes by road from New Chitose Airport, placing it within convenient reach of international arrivals while remaining immersed in a quiet natural environment.

The region is widely known for its volcanic formations, geothermal activity, natural hot springs, and dramatic seasonal changes. This setting positions the hotel as a retreat-oriented destination focused on nature-based travel, wellness, and slow luxury experiences.

Architecture Inspired by Nature and Japanese Craft

Originally launched in 2018, the resort was designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, an internationally recognised architectural practice responsible for landmark projects such as Japan National Stadium in Tokyo and V&A Dundee in Scotland.

The design philosophy draws directly from Hokkaido’s surrounding environment. Natural wood, soft textures, and organic forms are used to create a continuous visual and spatial flow between indoor spaces and the external landscape of forests, mountains, and the lake. The architectural approach prioritises material honesty and traditional Japanese craftsmanship, reinterpreted through a contemporary design language.

Accommodation Focused on Privacy and Lake Views

The property offers 55 lake-facing guestrooms, alongside three two-storey private villas designed for extended comfort, privacy, and group stays.

Each guestroom measures approximately 37 square metres and includes a private open-air bath facing Lake Tōya. This feature allows guests to experience traditional Japanese onsen-style bathing in complete privacy while overlooking the water and surrounding volcanic scenery.

A shared large public bath is also available, offering wide panoramic views of the lake and reinforcing the wellness-driven concept of the resort. The bathing facilities are designed to integrate relaxation with the natural environment, supporting a restorative travel experience.

Culinary Direction Blending Japan and Thailand

As part of its integration into the Dusit Collection brand, the hotel has refreshed its food and beverage concepts to reflect a cultural exchange between Japanese culinary tradition and Thai heritage influences.

EZO Cuisine

The main restaurant, EZO Cuisine, focuses on Hokkaido’s seasonal produce and local food culture. It highlights partnerships with regional farmers and producers, using Japanese cooking techniques combined with subtle international refinement.

Breakfast service includes Japanese and Thai-inspired set menus featuring local vegetables, Hokkaido dairy, premium rice, seasonal juices, and herbal tea blends. Dinner menus shift according to seasonal availability, emphasising precision, freshness, and regional identity.

The Noodle Bar

This venue introduces authentic Thai street-style noodle dishes to the Hokkaido setting. Signature offerings include Tom Yum noodles, known for their spicy and sour profile, and Khao Soi, a coconut-based curry noodle originating from northern Thailand.

TARU Bar

Named after the Japanese word for wooden barrel, TARU Bar reflects Japan’s heritage of ageing and craftsmanship. The bar serves curated organic teas sourced from Dusit’s tea garden in Kyoto, alongside sake, whisky, and artisanal liqueurs.

Toya Bar

The final outlet, Toya Bar, delivers a relaxed evening setting with signature cocktails, premium spirits, and lakeside ambience designed for slow-paced social experiences.

WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection therefore positions itself as a culturally layered luxury retreat, combining architectural artistry, natural landscapes, and dual culinary identities within one integrated hospitality concept.

“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, 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.”

Bookings are now officially open at WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection, marking the launch of the newly rebranded lakeside property. Guests can now secure stays at the refreshed retreat with an exclusive introductory deal designed to highlight its upgraded hospitality concept.

The promotional offer applies to stays between 1 July and 30 September 2026, providing travellers with a 20% discount on half-board accommodation, which includes two daily meals. The package is positioned to encourage longer, more immersive stays at the scenic lakeside destination, combining comfort, dining, and nature-focused relaxation under the Dusit Collection brand experience.