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

In Komabetsu Town, the top choice for families is Hana no Yado Koma-betsu Onsen, a traditional ryokan nestled amidst forested hills with private onsen rooms and open-air baths overlooking the surrounding nature. The hotel offers child-friendly amenities like yukata dressing workshops and multi-course kaiseki dinners made with local ingredients. Located near the Komabetsu River and Kitami Mountains hiking trails, it’s ideal for nature-loving families. During winter, guests can enjoy snow-covered gardens and misty onsen views under starlit skies. Another excellent option is Koma-betsu Town Public Onsen Hotel Kouno-sho, featuring a retro-modern design with cozy rooms and easy access to the Komabetsu Station, perfect for first-time visitors exploring regional agriculture and wildlife. Both hotels provide warm hospitality rooted in Hokkaido’s rural charm.

The best area for accommodation in Komabetsu Town is the Town Center (Chōchūshin), located just steps from Komabetsu Station. This district offers convenient access to supermarkets, restaurants, and the Tourist Information Center, making it ideal for planning day trips. Most lodgings here feature wooden-style guesthouses blending traditional aesthetics with modern comfort, such as Koma-betsu Onsen Kaikan, which hosts exhibitions on Hokkaido’s agricultural heritage. From the town center, you can reach the Komabetsu River Trail in 10 minutes—perfect for summer firefly viewing or winter snow walks. Its central location makes it a gateway to both natural beauty and cultural experiences, offering a balanced stay for all travelers.

Komabetsu Town’s hot springs are renowned for their natural sulfur-rich waters, known for their clear, slightly yellow hue and therapeutic benefits for skin and joint health. What sets them apart is the presence of forest-open-air baths, like "Sōfū no Yu" at Hana no Yado, set deep within pristine coniferous forests where the sounds of birds and flowing streams accompany your soak. Some hotels even offer nighttime onsen tours, where lantern-lit pools glow against snowy backdrops, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Locals believe the waters possess spiritual cleansing properties, leading to weekly ritual purification ceremonies held every Saturday. Staying at select lodgings grants guests free admission and traditional ceremonial robes, allowing deeper immersion into Ainu spiritual traditions.

Must-try intangible cultural experiences in Komabetsu Town include the Ainu Traditional Weaving Workshop and Hand-Carved Wooden Art Classes, hosted by the Kitami Regional Cultural Preservation Society at the Komabetsu Folklore Museum. These hands-on sessions teach participants to use natural plant dyes and traditional looms to create intricate patterned textiles, as well as carve small dolls and sacred figures using age-old techniques. The annual Yukihotoki Festival in autumn is another highlight—a community gathering centered around bonfires, traditional dances, and ancient chants. Guests staying at partner hotels receive complimentary entry tickets and rental of ceremonial attire, enabling full participation in this living heritage celebration.

Farm-themed guesthouses in Komabetsu Town focus on authentic dairy farming experiences, exemplified by Koma-betsu Farm House, run by a working dairy farming family. Guests can join morning milking sessions, operate automated equipment, and taste fresh milk and homemade cheese. The property includes a Dairy Education Room explaining Hokkaido’s modern dairy industry, from feed cultivation to packaging. Dinner features a "Farmer’s Table Feast" using only ingredients from the farm—seasonal potatoes, beets, and unpasteurized butter. Some rooms have farm-view windows, allowing guests to observe cows resting at night, fostering a deep connection with rural life. It’s an ideal retreat for those seeking slow living and genuine agrarian insight.

Top winter activities in Komabetsu Town include snow trekking and ice crystal exploration. Join the Shirayuki Pathway Tour organized by the Kitami Snow Forest Association, walking along snow-laden trails beside the Komabetsu River, where frozen tree branches form stunning ice sculptures. Guides explain how alpine plants survive extreme cold. At Koma-betsu Onsen Kaikan, try the Snow Hut Camping Experience—stay in a specially built snow cabin, enjoy hot soup and grilled fish, and participate in traditional ice fishing using bamboo nets on frozen rivers. For stargazers, visit the Star Hill Observatory, where dark-sky conditions make aurora viewing highly likely. Many hotels offer aurora alerts and photography tips, ensuring unforgettable northern lights moments.

Must-try local dishes in Komabetsu Town include Koma-betsu Potato Noodle Soup and Grilled Hokkaido Beef Skewers. The former, made with locally grown high-quality potatoes simmered into a rich broth, is served with handmade noodles and fresh vegetables—popular at street stalls near the Komabetsu Central Market. The latter, crafted at Kouno-sho Dining Hall, uses premium black-haired Wagyu beef grilled over hardwood charcoal, served with a house-made sauce and herb salt—tender and melt-in-the-mouth. Don’t miss Ainu Traditional Dumplings, round pastries made from buckwheat flour and honey, passed down through generations. Most ryokans offer full-board meals including these specialties, letting you savor the true flavor of the region’s terroir.

For a meaningful visit, plan 2 to 3 days in Komabetsu Town to fully experience its natural and cultural richness. On Day 1, check into a town-center inn, visit the Agricultural Memorial Monument and Town Library, then hike the Komabetsu River Trail before enjoying an open-air onsen at dusk. Day 2 focuses on immersive experiences: join a dairy farming workshop and a Ainu weaving class, plus explore the Regional Cultural Preservation Society. On Day 3, opt for a snow trekking tour or aurora watching, and shop for souvenirs like potato chips, cheese, and honey at the Central Market. This balanced itinerary blends relaxation, discovery, and cultural depth—ideal for families, couples, and culture enthusiasts seeking authentic rural Hokkaido.

Yes, transportation in Komabetsu Town is surprisingly convenient despite its rural setting. The main hub is Komabetsu Station, served daily by JR Hokkaido’s Sekihoku Main Line trains connecting Asahikawa and Kitami, with a journey time of about 1.5 hours. A shuttle bus runs from the station to onsen areas and farm zones, and many guesthouses offer free pickup services. For self-drivers, take Route 4 via the Dōō Expressway, reaching the town in roughly 2 hours—passing through scenic grasslands and forests. The Tourist Information Center provides multilingual maps and digital guides. Additionally, the town promotes eco-travel with electric bike rentals for safe, low-impact exploration around the Komabetsu River and farming zones.

The best times to visit Komabetsu Town are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Spring brings cherry blossoms and rhododendrons blooming along the Komabetsu River, ideal for light hiking and photography. This season also marks the start of new calf seasons, with special events like the Newborn Calf Welcome Ceremony. Autumn offers vibrant fall foliage and harvest festivals—perfect for visiting farms during potato harvesting and honey wine brewing. Winter, while cold, draws visitors for frequent aurora displays and unique snow-based activities. Summer sees fewer tourists but may bring sudden rains and mosquitoes. Spring and autumn strike the ideal balance between pleasant weather, rich cultural events, and stunning natural scenery.