Datesi(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ida City, recommend staying at Ida Onsen Resort Hotel, a family-oriented inn blending traditional Japanese design with modern comfort. Located near Ida City Museum and the scenic Kitami River Trail, the hotel offers private onsen baths in every room, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. Free bicycle rentals allow easy access to nearby farmland and the famous Ida Rice Paddies. The hotel serves breakfast featuring fresh local ingredients like Hokkaido rice and handmade tofu—ideal for experiencing authentic rural life.

The central district of Ida City is the most convenient and ideal location for lodging. It’s close to Ida Station and main shopping streets, allowing easy access to Ida City Hall, Citizen Plaza, and popular eateries like Higashiya Dining Hall, known for its signature Ida Pork Donburi. This area offers a peaceful, safe environment perfect for travelers seeking an authentic small-town experience. From here, it's also a short trip to nearby attractions such as Furano’s Hillside Fields and Four Seasons Forest Park.

Yes! Try Sakura no Yado Ida Onsen, a century-old ryokan offering "onsen + traditional tea ceremony" experiences. Each room features an outdoor bath overlooking the Ida Plain and distant mountains. Guests can participate in daily tea ceremony workshops led by master tea masters, learning Japanese tea etiquette and appreciation. The inn hosts seasonal festivals like the Spring Cherry Blossom Party and Autumn Red Leaf Night Illumination, immersing visitors in local traditions and community spirit.

Must-try dishes in Ida City include Ida Pork Donburi, made with locally raised black pork; Hokkaido potato soup ramen; and rich desserts crafted from Furano milk. Visit Azayama Market, where local farmers sell fresh vegetables, homemade jam, and seasonal produce. For a deeper experience, join the "Farm Family Dining Experience", where you’ll help prepare meals using farm-fresh ingredients and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family—perfect for tasting real Hokkaido countryside cuisine.

Photography lovers should visit Akita River sunrise views and spring rice planting scenes in Ida City. Stay at Ida Lake View Photo Lodge, a unique boutique inn built beside Ida Lake with floor-to-ceiling windows for capturing stunning reflections of sky and water. The lodge offers professional photography tours, including early-morning wetland bird photography and golden-hour farmland silhouettes. Monthly "Photographer’s Night Events" bring together amateur and pro photographers for creative exchange and inspiration.

Summer in Ida City shines during the annual "Ida Summer Festival" held in July, featuring traditional taiko drumming, fireworks displays, and a rice field light show. The downtown plaza transforms into an open-air market selling handmade crafts, local produce, and limited-edition drinks. Join the "Summer Rice Paddy Boat Experience"—row through green paddies on bamboo boats while enjoying cool breezes and bird songs. Some hotels, like Ida Farm Inn, offer a "Stargazing Camping Package" with tents and telescopes for night sky viewing.

Winter in Ida City is magical, especially the snow-covered rice fields, creating a dreamlike silver landscape ideal for minimalist photography. Stay at Yuki no Mori Villa, a wooden retreat with large windows and heated floors, offering panoramic views of snow-laden fields. The inn provides guided snowshoe hikes and ice carving workshops, letting guests create their own ice sculptures. Additionally, the monthly "Onsen Tour Journey" links five distinct hot spring inns, showcasing the unique therapeutic charm of Hokkaido’s winter wellness culture.

Yes! Try Ida Art Loft Inn, a creative residence housed in a restored grain warehouse, designed specifically for writers, painters, and photographers. Each room has a large workspace and abundant natural lighting, with walls adorned by local art. The inn runs a "Residency Program" for international creators, offering free studio access. Monthly "Creative Dialogue Nights" invite renowned designers and poets to share their journeys. Guests can also attend workshops in pottery or woodblock printing, deepening their connection to Hokkaido’s artisan heritage.

Ida City boasts rich biodiversity, especially around the Kitami River Wetland Conservation Area, a key habitat for migratory birds. Join the "Eco-Tour Guided Walk" led by expert naturalists to spot egrets, eagles, and waterfowl. At Green Field Nature Stay, enjoy a "Night Firefly Exploration" hike in late June to early July, walking through forest trails lit by glowing fireflies. You can also take part in "Rice Ecology Workshops", learning the full cultivation cycle—from seedling to harvest—and even try your hand at planting rice in the paddy fields.

On Day 1, check in at Ida Onsen Resort Hotel, then visit the Ida City Museum to explore local history and agriculture. Enjoy lunch at Higashiya Dining Hall with their famous Ida Pork Donburi, followed by a relaxing soak at the hotel’s onsen. On Day 2, head to the Akita River for sunrise photography, then join the "Farm Family Dining Experience". In the afternoon, explore Azayama Market for souvenirs like potato chips and artisanal jam. Return to the station in the evening—this compact itinerary blends culture, cuisine, nature, and relaxation perfectly.