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

In Wakkanai Town, stay at Wakkanai Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn offering private open-air baths with views of snow-capped mountains and forests. During winter, guests can join local snow festival events and participate in skiing excursions to immerse in genuine Hokkaido winter life. Located near Wakkanai Station, it’s an ideal base for exploring nearby Tokachi Plain and Biei Hills. Enjoy regional dishes like Tokachi beef and hearty miso soup during your stay, deepening your connection with Hokkaido’s culinary heritage.

The central district of Wakkanai Town is the optimal choice for lodging, close to Wakkanai Station and main shopping streets. You’ll find restaurants, supermarkets, and onsen facilities within walking distance. This area also hosts multilingual guided tours through the Wakkanai Tourist Association, perfect for first-time visitors. Nearby agricultural experience farms allow guests to engage in winter farming activities, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Stroll along the Tokachi River Path at night to enjoy serene snowscapes and tranquil moments.

Don’t miss the live performances at the Tokachi Folk Museum, showcasing the traditional lifestyles of the Ainu people and early settlers. The annual Wakkanai Snow Lantern Festival in December features massive snow sculptures illuminated by artistic lights, narrating local history. Also try handmade soba noodle workshops, using locally grown buckwheat flour to craft authentic Hokkaido flavors. These events take place at the Wakkanai Cultural Square, making them easy to access and integrate into your itinerary.

Stay at Tokachi River Onsen Resort, a family-oriented spa hotel featuring children’s baths, playrooms, and outdoor snow slides. Family suites with kitchenettes and tatami rooms accommodate multi-generational stays. The resort offers a snowy walking trail and stargazing platform, where you can observe the clear night sky of Hokkaido. Just 15 minutes from Wakkanai Station, it's convenient for families seeking comfort and adventure.

Spring in Wakkanai Town features the stunning blend of cherry blossoms and rapeseed fields. At Wakkanai Cherry Garden, around 300 Yoshino cherry trees bloom alongside golden rapeseed, creating a vibrant photo-worthy landscape. Additionally, spring marks peak season for Tokachi milk and dairy farm exhibitions. Visit Wakkanai Dairy Farm for milking demonstrations and sample fresh dairy products. Rent a bike to ride along the Tokachi Greenway, enjoying the refreshing spring air.

Summer is perfect for exploring Wakkanai Town’s natural beauty. Head to the Tokachi Great Plains for picnics and birdwatching—over 80 species, including rare white egrets and redshanks, inhabit this area. Try guided river trekking along the Wakkanai River, where experienced guides lead you through crystal-clear streams in search of wild trout. In the evening, join a stargazing lecture at Wakkanai City Park, where local astronomers explain constellations like the Big Dipper and Milky Way under Hokkaido’s pristine dark skies.

Visit Tokachi Wagyu Yakiniku, a must-try restaurant serving premium locally raised beef grilled tableside with rich aroma and flavor. Another highlight is Wakkanai Local Kitchen, specializing in kaiseki cuisine made with Tokachi rice and mountain vegetables. Meals are served in a garden tea room, blending dining with seasonal scenery. Don’t miss the weekend Wakkanai Station Night Market, featuring steaming Sapporo ramen and sweet anko daifuku, perfect for tasting local street food culture.

Autumn in Wakkanai Town is famed for its maple leaves intertwined with golden rice fields. The Upper Tokachi Rice Terraces offer breathtaking views as rice paddies turn gold while maple trees shift colors. From Wakkanai Mountain Overlook, enjoy panoramic vistas of the valley in full autumn splendor. The annual Harvest Festival in late October includes traditional dances, sake tastings, and craft pottery markets. Evening bonfire gatherings add warmth and community spirit to the season.

While Wakkanai Town is remote, transportation is well-developed. Take a bus from Sapporo New Chitose Airport (~2 hours) to Wakkanai Station, or rent a car for scenic drives across the Tokachi Plain and Hokkaido Mountains. Road conditions are maintained year-round, including winter plowing, making driving safe. For non-drivers, Wakkanai Town Tourist Buses run multiple routes covering key sites like the Tokachi Folk Museum and Wakkanai Onsen, providing convenient access without a car.

Wakkanai Town’s winter is cold with heavy snowfall, averaging -10°C to -5°C. Choose hotels with underfloor heating and double-glazed windows for comfort. Traditional ryokans like Wakkanai Onsen Ryokan use thick wooden walls and kotatsu heaters to retain warmth, ensuring cozy stays. Some hotels even provide snowshoe rentals and heated shuttle services, enhancing safety and convenience. Bring thermal clothing—down jackets, snow boots, and gloves—to fully embrace the authentic Hokkaido winter experience.