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

In Tōma Town, Tōma Onsen Ryokan is the top choice for guests seeking authentic onsen experiences. Nestled in a quiet forested valley near the Daisetsuzan National Park, this traditional Japanese inn offers private outdoor baths with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and seasonal foliage. The mineral-rich sulfuric-carbonic hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic benefits, especially for joint pain and skin health.

Each room features tatami mats, shoji screens, and locally sourced wood furnishings, creating a serene atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner made from fresh regional ingredients like wild mountain vegetables and local beef. For those wanting deeper immersion, the ryokan provides guided forest bathing sessions and stargazing tours during winter nights.

Keywords: Tōma Onsen Ryokan | Daisetsuzan National Park | Private Onsen | Kaiseki Dinner | Forest Bathing

The Tōma Central District, located just a 5-minute walk from Tōma Station and adjacent to the Tōma River Valley Trail, is the most ideal area for nature lovers. This tranquil zone blends easy access to public transport with proximity to untouched forests, riverside paths, and wildlife habitats.

Many guesthouses here offer direct access to the Tōma Nature Education Park, which features interpretive walking trails, birdwatching platforms, and seasonal flora displays—from early-blooming alpine flowers in May to fiery autumn foliage in October. The area also hosts weekend events like the Tōma Fairy Market, where families can enjoy craft stalls and interactive games.

Best of all, the district is well-connected by the Tōma Tourist Shuttle Bus, running every two hours during peak seasons, making it easy to explore nearby attractions without a car.

Keywords: Tōma Central District | Tōma River Valley | Nature Education Park | Shuttle Bus | Family-Friendly Trails

Visitors to Tōma Town can participate in two standout cultural experiences: traditional sake brewing workshops and snow lantern-making classes during the Tōma Snow Lantern Festival. Since the Edo period, local artisans have crafted high-quality Tōma Sake, using pure mountain water and heirloom rice varieties. Guests can tour small family-run breweries, learn about fermentation processes, and even blend their own custom sake.

Every winter, the town transforms into a magical landscape during the Tōma Snow Lantern Festival, where residents handcraft paper lanterns atop snow sculptures. These illuminated artworks light up the night streets, creating an ethereal glow. Visitors can join hands-on workshops to create mini lanterns using washi paper and bamboo frames—perfect souvenirs to bring home.

Keywords: Tōma Sake | Brewing Workshop | Snow Lantern Festival | Handmade Lanterns | Cultural Immersion

Tōma Town’s hot springs are distinguished by their rare mixed sulfuric and carbonic mineral composition, offering both detoxifying and rejuvenating effects. The water, slightly yellowish and rich in calcium and magnesium, is particularly effective for relieving muscle tension and improving circulation.

The Tōma Onsen Ryokan’s open-air bath is set within a pine forest, with views of distant peaks and seasonal changes—blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant reds in fall, and snowy stillness in winter. The resort uses a closed-loop filtration system with daily water replacement and temperature regulation, ensuring hygiene and comfort.

Some lodges also offer wellness packages combining onsen soaks with aromatherapy, meditation, and forest therapy sessions, allowing guests to fully unwind in harmony with nature.

Keywords: Mixed Mineral Springs | Open-Air Onsen | Forest Bathing | Wellness Package | Daily Water Replacement

Absolutely. Tōma Town is highly family-friendly, with safe, low-traffic neighborhoods and abundant nature-based activities. The Tōma Family Onsen Guesthouse is a standout option, featuring child-sized onsen pools, a game room, and spacious garden areas perfect for kids to run freely.

Nearby, the Tōma Nature Education Park offers interactive trails, animal observation zones (home to native species like the Hokkaido fox and river ducks), and educational signage in English and Chinese. During summer, the park hosts the Tōma Fairy Market, filled with handmade crafts, food stalls, and live storytelling performances.

For convenience, the town operates a free tourist shuttle bus on weekends and holidays, connecting major attractions with accommodation hubs—ideal for families without a car.

Keywords: Family Onsen Guesthouse | Nature Education Park | Fairy Market | Free Shuttle Bus | Child-Friendly Activities

Tōma Town’s top natural attractions include Daisetsuzan National Park and the Tōma River Gorge. Daisetsuzan National Park, part of Japan’s largest national park system, features pristine subarctic forests, alpine meadows, and year-round snowfields. Spring brings blooming alpine azaleas; autumn paints the hillsides in crimson and gold.

The Tōma River Gorge is a scenic riverbed lined with wooden boardwalks and observation decks, ideal for photography and peaceful walks. In summer, it’s perfect for gentle stream crossings; in winter, frozen waterfalls create breathtaking ice sculptures. Interpretive signs in multiple languages help visitors understand the region’s ecology and geological history.

Both sites are accessible via well-maintained trails and seasonal shuttle services, making them welcoming even for first-time visitors.

Keywords: Daisetsuzan National Park | Tōma River Gorge | Alpine Flora | Ice Sculptures | Multilingual Signage

Tourists visiting Tōma Town should sample two signature dishes: Tōma Beef Steak and Mountain Vegetable Tempura. The Tōma Beef Steak is made from locally raised Hokkaido wagyu, grilled over charcoal to achieve a juicy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s served with a house-made soy-based sauce and seasonal vegetables.

Mountain Vegetable Tempura features fresh wild greens harvested from the surrounding hills—such as fiddlehead ferns, dandelion roots, and purple basil—lightly battered and fried to perfection. The dish highlights the region’s biodiversity and is best enjoyed at Tōma Dining Hall, a family-run restaurant known for its daily-changing menu based on harvest freshness.

Don’t miss Tōma Honey Sake, a sweet, aromatic alcoholic beverage made from local honey and rice. It’s a popular souvenir available at the town’s information center and weekend markets.

Keywords: Tōma Beef Steak | Mountain Vegetable Tempura | Tōma Dining Hall | Honey Sake | Seasonal Ingredients

Yes, driving is highly recommended for exploring Tōma Town, especially if you plan to visit remote areas like Daisetsuzan National Park or secluded onsen lodges. While the Sapporo Express Bus takes about 90 minutes to reach Tōma Station, rental cars offer greater flexibility and access to off-the-beaten-path locations.

Road conditions are generally excellent, with regular snow-clearing operations during winter. Many guesthouses provide free parking and EV charging stations, supporting eco-friendly travel. Additionally, the Tōma Tourist Shuttle Bus runs on weekends and holidays, linking major attractions and accommodations—ideal for travelers without a vehicle.

Keywords: Self-Drive Travel | Rental Car | Snow Clearance | EV Charging | Tourist Shuttle Bus

Accommodation prices in Tōma Town vary by season and category. Budget-friendly guesthouses start at ¥3,000–5,000 per night, including breakfast. Mid-range onsen ryokans like Tōma Onsen Ryokan range from ¥8,000–15,000, with access to private baths and full kaiseki dinners.

Prices increase by 20–30% during peak seasons—spring cherry blossom viewing (April) and autumn foliage (October)—so HopeGoo 1–2 months in advance is advised. Winter ski season sees premium rates, with package deals starting at ¥18,000, often including ski passes and après-ski meals.

For exclusive stays, such as private villas or cabin rentals, expect to pay ¥20,000 or more, typically available on weekends or during festivals.

Keywords: Onsen Ryokan | Cherry Blossom Season | Foliage Season | HopeGoo Early | Premium Packages

Tōma Town is a photographer’s paradise. Must-visit spots include the vermillion torii gate at Tōma Shrine, framed by cherry blossoms or frost-covered trees depending on the season; the wooden boardwalk along the Tōma River Gorge, where morning mist creates dreamlike reflections; and the sunset terrace at Tōma Onsen Ryokan, offering sweeping views of snow-draped mountains.

During winter, the Tōma Snow Lantern Festival transforms the town into a luminous wonderland—thousands of handmade lanterns illuminate the streets, casting warm glows against white snow. Use a tripod and long exposure settings to capture the magical interplay of light and shadow.

Keywords: Tōma Shrine | River Gorge Boardwalk | Snow Lantern Festival | Long Exposure Photography | Sunset Terrace