Hokkaido visit, Ironman Japan

We're looking at places to stay for 3 days after the Ironman Japan race at Lake Toya in August. Any recommendations would be welcome! We've booked a couple of nights at Noboribetsu before the race, then moving to Lake Toya. we will have a hire car, and don't want to be in a city. Flying home from Chitose. Thanks for any help!

There are many worthwhile destinations between Toya-ko and Sapporo. For more lake scenery there is Shikotsu-ko and Kuttara-ko. For Ainu culture there is Poroto Kotan/Shiraoi Ainu Museum. For seafood there is the town of Tomakomai. Niseko has beautiful countryside vista and by staying a night there you can enjoy gorgeous sunrise view with Mt. Yotei as a backdrop. The Shakotan Peninsula offers spectacular coastal features. The Niki/Yoichi region is popular during summer for fruit farm/orchard visits and u-pick activities. Not far from Sapporo is the popular onsen destination of Jozankei. And of course not forgetting Otaru which is considered a must for any first time visit to Hokkaido besides Sapporo.

If you don't mind a slightly longer drive north, Furano and Biei are also highly recommended as the region is best explored if you have your own wheels. Although by late August lavender would have past its prime there are still lots of colourful flowers to be seen and Biei has the best countryside scenery in Hokkaido, IMO.

Thanks for the information! I'll be busy this weekend researching places mentioned. It really does look an amazing island!

Right then! The Shakotan peninsula looks fantastic, shall I book somewhere to stay, or do you think we can find something on the drive around? Jozankei looks good too, especially for recovery after the Ironman race, so many places to go.we'll be spoilt for choice!

Although late August may not be as crowded as July and early August, it is still advisable to book your accommodation beforehand.

While in Shakotan, don't forget to try out its specialty of sea urchin which is considered to be the best in Hokkaido. Below is some driving information around the peninsula.
http://www.hokkaido-drive.jp/english/course/04.html

Forget to mention another scenic spot not far from Toya-ko and Noboribetsu - Chikyu Misaki in Muroran.
http://hokkaidoguide.com/city/muroran/interest/places_to_visit.php#cap...
http://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/travelPlanner/details.php?code=61010010000...