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

For scenic countryside views, stay at Higashi-Kawa Forest View Inn, nestled beside the Higashi-Kawa Grassland. This eco-friendly lodge features large floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic vistas of rolling meadows and distant mountains. Each room blends traditional Hokkaido wooden architecture with modern comfort, including heated floors and private verandas. Guests can enjoy sunrise photography sessions or morning walks through the fields, while nearby Dairy Farm Tours offer authentic farm experiences. The inn also hosts seasonal events like "Farmers' Night" with local music and handmade cheese tastings.

The Central District of Higashi-Kawa Town offers the most family-friendly lodging options, such as Higashi-Kawa Family Lodge, which provides spacious rooms, kids’ play areas, and on-site childcare services. Located just a 5-minute walk from Higashi-Kawa Park and Children’s Farm, it’s ideal for families exploring nature. The hotel arranges guided tours to Dairy Farms and Snow Sculpture Exhibitions, and serves hearty breakfasts featuring fresh milk and organic vegetables from local farms. Free shuttle buses connect guests to major attractions, ensuring hassle-free travel.

Higashi-Kawa Town offers immersive cultural experiences like local dairy farming workshops, where visitors can learn cheese-making techniques directly from farmers at Higashi-Kawa Dairy Farm. Attend the annual Equestrian Festival, showcasing traditional horseback riding and herding dog trials. In winter, join the Snow Lantern Ceremony, a peaceful ritual held near Onsen Village, where locals light paper lanterns around warm pools, sharing stories and regional folklore under the stars. These events reflect the town’s deep connection to nature and heritage.

Savor authentic flavors at Higashi-Kawa Market, home to Hokkaido Cheese Buns, made with locally produced cheese and sold hot daily. Try the Milk Hot Pot, a creamy stew blending fresh cow’s milk, root vegetables, and wild herbs, served at Onsen Dining Hall. Don’t miss Wild Honey Pastries, crafted with nectar from native alpine flowers—perfect as souvenirs. For a full culinary journey, book a Farm-to-Table Dinner Experience, where chefs prepare meals using ingredients harvested that morning from surrounding fields and orchards.

Visit Higashi-Kawa Grassland, a vast open field stretching across miles, perfect for sunrise photography and quiet strolls. In spring, the Canola Flower Fields bloom in golden waves between April and May, creating a breathtaking landscape. During winter, head to Snow Sculpture Park, where intricate ice art and illuminated installations transform the forest into a magical wonderland. For panoramic views, hike up to Mount Tokachidake Observation Deck, accessible via a well-marked trail, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding alpine region.

Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing along the Tokachi River Trail, explore Snow Cave Adventures, or take a thrilling snowmobile tour through untouched forests. For culture and warmth, visit Higashi-Kawa Snow Lantern Stay, where you can participate in candlelit ceremonies and soak in an open-air onsen surrounded by snow-laden trees. Guided herding dog demonstrations and ice fishing excursions are also available, offering unique insights into rural Hokkaido life during the coldest months.

Travel from Sapporo Station via the JR Super Kamui express train, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach Higashi-Kawa Station. Trains run frequently and offer comfortable seating with Wi-Fi. From the station, free shuttle buses connect to major hotels and tourist spots. For greater flexibility, rent an electric car or bicycle at the station to explore the Higashi-Kawa River Greenway, a scenic route winding through farmland and forests. Many lodges also provide complimentary pickup services upon request.

Higashi-Kawa Town is a paradise for photographers: capture the golden sunrise over the grasslands at dawn, the ethereal glow of snow lanterns in winter, or the surreal beauty of ice sculptures under floodlights. The Higashi-Kawa River Valley offers dramatic long-exposure shots of flowing water beneath frozen bridges. Don’t miss the shepherd’s procession—a daily ritual where farmers guide cattle through misty fields. Bring a telephoto lens for wildlife shots of deer and foxes in the forest edges, and always carry a tripod for low-light conditions.

Stay at Higashi-Kawa Onsen Resort, a premium wellness retreat featuring three natural hot spring pools with mineral-rich waters known for skin rejuvenation. The resort combines Japanese ryokan traditions with modern amenities—each room includes a private outdoor bath and tatami flooring. Enjoy treatments like milk bath therapy and forest aromatherapy massage, inspired by local ingredients. Evening rituals include tea ceremonies and storytelling sessions by the firepit, allowing guests to unwind deeply amidst serene mountain surroundings.

Yes, Higashi-Kawa Town is ideal for solo travelers craving peace and connection with nature. Stay at Higashi-Kawa Forest Cabin, a secluded wooden cabin with no Wi-Fi but abundant silence and star-filled skies. Daily meditation circles, guided forest walks, and quiet reading corners are offered at the Higashi-Kawa Zen Retreat Center. The town’s slow pace, kind locals, and lack of crowds create a safe, introspective environment perfect for reflection, journaling, or simply breathing deeply in the clean mountain air.