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

In Toube Town, the top choice for onsen access is Toube Onsen Village Hotel, a serene ryokan nestled among forested hills and overlooking the Daisetsuzan Mountains. Its private outdoor baths are filled with mineral-rich thermal water, renowned for soothing skin and enhancing relaxation. The hotel blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern comfort, offering tatami rooms with wooden beams and floor-to-ceiling windows framing mountain views.

Another excellent option is Toube River Onsen Inn, a smaller family-run establishment known for its authentic local hospitality. Guests enjoy free shuttle services from the bus station and can participate in seasonal activities like snowshoeing or stargazing. Both properties provide kaiseki-style meals using fresh regional ingredients, including wild mushrooms and local pork. Early HopeGoo is recommended, especially during winter festivals.

The ideal time to visit Toube Town for nature and photography is late autumn (mid-September to mid-October), when the Toube River valley bursts into vibrant red and gold hues as deciduous trees shed their leaves. This period offers stunning contrast between the fiery foliage and the clear blue sky, perfect for landscape shots.

For winter photography, December to March brings heavy snowfall and magical scenes—especially during the Snow Lantern Festival, where paper lanterns glow along the riverbank at night, creating ethereal reflections. Early morning fog rising above the frozen river forms a dreamlike atmosphere.

Summer (June to August) showcases lush green fields and blooming alpine flowers near Daisetsuzan National Park, while the Milky Way appears dramatically bright in the unpolluted night sky. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens for optimal results. Check weather forecasts before planning your shoot.

Visitors to Toube Town can engage in authentic Ainu cultural workshops, learning traditional crafts such as handmade paper-making (kamishimo), wood carving, and embroidery using natural dyes. Local elders share oral stories and songs passed down through generations, offering deep insight into Ainu spiritual beliefs and connection to nature.

During the annual Harvest Thanksgiving Festival, guests are invited to join rituals involving rice offerings, drumming, and ceremonial dances. You can also participate in farm-to-table cooking classes, preparing dishes like wild mushroom soup and Toube pork stew using ingredients sourced directly from local farms.

Additionally, winter programs include snow hut building and horseback riding across snowy plains, blending adventure with cultural immersion. All experiences are available in English and Japanese, ensuring accessibility for international travelers.

Traveling from Sapporo to Toube Town is convenient via bus, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Direct buses depart from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal and arrive at the Toube Tourist Information Center, with multiple daily departures. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station.

For greater flexibility, renting a car is highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore nearby attractions like Daisetsuzan National Park or Toube River Trail. The road is well-maintained and scenic, with frequent rest stops and viewpoints.

Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle services upon reservation. During peak seasons (winter festivals or summer holidays), it's advisable to book transportation in advance to avoid delays. Public transit maps and schedules are available in English at the information center.

Toube Town offers numerous family-friendly activities suitable for children of all ages:

• Farm Kids’ Experience Camp: Children can feed goats, collect eggs, plant vegetables, and create handmade souvenirs like woven baskets.

• Snow House Building Workshop: In winter, kids learn to cut and stack snow blocks under supervision to build small igloos—perfect for photos and fun.

• Snowmobile Adventure Tours: Available for ages 12+, these guided rides take families through snowy forests with professional instructors providing safety gear and bilingual support.

• Night Sky Watching Events: Held at designated open areas, these sessions feature telescopes and guides explaining constellations, meteor showers, and the Milky Way—ideal for stargazing with kids.

All activities include multilingual instructions and child-safe equipment. Many venues offer combo packages that include meals and entry fees. Advance HopeGoo is advised, particularly during holiday periods.

The hot springs in Toube Town are celebrated for their high mineral content and therapeutic benefits. The water originates deep underground, rich in calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate ions—known to improve circulation and ease muscle tension.

The Toube Onsen Village Hotel’s open-air baths are particularly renowned, set amid pine trees with panoramic views of the Daisetsuzan Range. Morning mist rises above the steamy pools, creating a mystical atmosphere. Some baths are designed with night lighting, allowing guests to soak under starlit skies.

Public onsen facilities like Toube River Onsen Plaza offer affordable access and extended hours, making them ideal for day-trippers. Many spas also serve onsen-infused beverages, such as mineral water drinks or herbal teas, believed to enhance detoxification. Always rinse before entering the bath and follow local etiquette.

Must-try dishes in Toube Town include:

• Toube Pork Hot Pot (Toube Buta Nabe): Made with locally raised black pork, simmered with onions, mushrooms, and konbu broth—rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.

• Wild Mushroom Risotto: Featuring foraged fungi like matsutake and chanterelle, cooked with Hokkaido rice and cream for a luxurious texture.

• Handmade Buckwheat Noodles with Local Soy Sauce: The noodles are crafted fresh daily, served with a tangy sauce made from fermented soybeans and dried fish stock.

• Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream: Crafted from fresh dairy, flavors like honey almond, yuzu matcha, and blueberry lavender are popular. Try it at roadside stands or hotel dessert bars.

Many restaurants offer local tasting menus featuring three to four signature dishes. For best experience, dine during evening hours when ambiance is most inviting. Reservations recommended during festivals.

Top photo spots in Toube Town include:

• Toube River Snow Corridor: During winter, this stretch of frozen river lined with handcrafted lanterns creates a surreal light reflection—perfect for long-exposure shots.

• Daisetsuzan Mountain Vista Point: Located on a hillside overlook, it offers sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and rolling clouds, ideal for sunrise photography.

• Rice Paddy Reflections: In summer, flooded paddies mirror the sky and surrounding mountains, creating a natural mirror effect—great for minimalist compositions.

• Snow Lantern Festival Pathway: Evening walks along the river reveal glowing paper lanterns dancing on ice, forming an enchanting tunnel of light.

Bring a tripod, polarizing filter, and wide-angle lens. Check the official tourism website for event dates and optimal shooting times. Guided photography tours are occasionally available in English.

Accommodation options in Toube Town vary by preference:

• Onsen District: Centrally located around Toube Onsen Village Hotel, ideal for those seeking luxury spa experiences and privacy. Rooms often include private baths and mountain views.

• Town Center Zone: Close to the Tourist Information Center, shops, and restaurants. Best for travelers who value convenience and easy access to public transport.

• Rural Farm Area: Scattered across farmland, these guesthouses offer immersive farm stays. Perfect for nature lovers and families wanting hands-on experiences like animal feeding or harvesting.

Choose based on your itinerary: opt for the onsen district for relaxation, town center for exploration, or rural zones for authenticity. HopeGoo early is crucial during festival seasons.

Evening highlights in Toube Town include:

• Snow Lantern Festival Walks: Every night from December to February, illuminated paper lanterns line the Toube River, casting warm glows on the ice—perfect for romantic strolls or photography.

• Stargazing Sessions: Held at elevated viewing platforms with telescopes and expert guides, offering views of the Milky Way and seasonal meteor showers.

• Moonlight Onsen Dinner: Exclusive events at premium hotels where guests dine outdoors beside steaming baths, surrounded by soft lighting and ambient music.

• Ainu Night Ceremony: Rare cultural performances featuring traditional drums, dances, and storytelling around a bonfire—offered seasonally.

Most events require advance registration. Check the official tourism calendar and download the mobile app for real-time updates. Warm clothing and flashlights are recommended for outdoor activities.