The Windsor Hotel Toya, Venue of the Hokkaido Toyako Summit

From July 7 to 9, 2008, the G8 Summit was held at Lake Toya in Hokkaido, Japan.
The venue chosen for this international conference, where the leaders of the then eight major advanced economies gathered, was The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa.
This article introduces the background of the summit’s selection, the events held at the hotel, and the commemorative exhibitions related to the summit.

■ Overview of the Toyako Summit and the Role of The Windsor Hotel Toya

The summit is an international conference where leaders of advanced countries convene to discuss various challenges facing the global community.
Lake Toya in Hokkaido was selected as the venue for the 34th summit due to its rich natural environment and high safety standards.

The Windsor Hotel Toya served as the accommodation for dignitaries from both Japan and abroad as well as the main conference site.
Its state-of-the-art facilities and expansive grounds were highly regarded for ensuring privacy protection and security measures.
During the summit, under strict security protocols, the leaders engaged in discussions surrounded by the serene and magnificent nature of Hokkaido.
The conference focused primarily on environmental protection and economic issues, with particular emphasis on climate change countermeasures as a key theme.
The leaders attending the 34th Toyako Summit included President George W. Bush of the United States, Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada, Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy, and Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda of Japan.
Additionally, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, also participated.

■ Banquets and Interactions between Leaders and First Ladies at The Windsor Hotel Toya

During the summit period, the hotel hosted a variety of events including official banquets.
At the banquets, unique Japanese-Western fusion cuisine, prepared under the leadership of then Executive Chef Katsuhiro Nakamura, who had expert knowledge of local Hokkaido ingredients, was served to the heads of state and their spouses.
Key Hokkaido ingredients included Rishiri Island’s bafun sea urchin, asparagus and winter-stored potatoes from Biei, Okhotsk Monbetsu hairy crab (served as soup), cheese from Shintoku, honey from Furano, kink fish from Abashiri, and lamb from Shiranuka.
The banquets provided an opportunity for the leaders to deepen friendly exchanges in a relaxed atmosphere.
On the third day, a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Fukuda’s wife was served at the hotel’s top-floor teppanyaki restaurant, overseen by current Executive Chef Masaaki Nara.
These various dining events during the summit offered a valuable opportunity to showcase Japan’s rich culinary culture to the world.
Additionally, social events for the First Ladies were organized, featuring cultural exchanges, art exhibitions, and introductions to traditional crafts.

洞爺湖を一望するサミットテラス

A commemorative exhibition dedicated to the Toyako Summit is displayed in a corner of the hotel lobby.
Photos and related materials from the summit are exhibited, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the event.
Also, just outside the lobby, the Summit Terrace overlooks Lake Toya and features plates engraved with the names of the participating leaders.
Guests can take commemorative photos at the same spot where the international leaders were photographed against the majestic backdrop of Lake Toya.

Harmonizing with the nature of Hokkaido’s northern landscape, The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa not only successfully hosted this important global event but also remains a place where every guest can create special memories.
Continuing to uphold its history and prestige, the hotel strives to remain beloved by many visitors.
Guests staying at the hotel are encouraged to reflect on the history of the summit while fully enjoying the abundant blessings of Hokkaido during their stay.