Hokkaido's Tangyou Series: Top Info on Hot Spring Towns & Classic Fish Market Cuisine

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

As autumn winds blow, the weather in Hokkaido has already turned chilly enough to warrant a jacket. Soaking in warm hot springs and savoring delicious seafood are two of the best ways to experience the essence of Hokkaido this season. In Hokkaido, there are four major hot spring towns—Lake Toya Onsen, Jozankei Onsen, Noboribetsu Onsen, and Shiranuka Onsen—as well as the Hakodate Morning Market seafood N<横丁、札幌二条市场、札幌市中央卸卖市场以及钏路和商市场等4大活力生鲜鱼市场，等著暖活旅人的身子，满足旅人的胃与心。

Hokkaido’s 4 Major Hot Spring Towns

Lake Toya Onsen — Hot Spring Fun Amidst Mountains and Lakes

 

Jozankei Onsen — The Closest Hot Spring to the Airport for Autumn Foliage

 

The name Noboribetsu in the Ainu language, the language of Hokkaido’s indigenous people, means “white and murky river” or “dark river.” What the Ainu regarded as a white and murky river is now ranked among the top three hot spring towns in Japan.

 

The hot spring sources in the Noboribetsu area come from sulfur rising from Mount Yama and Hell Valley, as well as the strong brine springs gushing from Oyunuma and the hot spring district. Through continuous modern development, the area is now dotted with luxury hotels and inns, making it one of the top hot spring destinations in the East. With as many as 11 different spring qualities and a daily outflow of over 10,000 tons, it is a renowned hot spring spot in Japan. Coupled with nearby theme parks, golf courses, and ski resorts, Noboribetsu truly lives up to its reputation as a leisure destination, attracting countless domestic and international tourists every year.

 

[Transportation]

1. Take the limited express “Super Hokuto” (ス0?寻?倍罚┰诘潜鹣鲁担ㄔ疾小时9分) from JR Sapporo Station, then take a bus to Noboribetsu Onsen from JR Noboribetsu Station, arriving in about 13 minutes (buses run 1–4 times per hour).

 

2. Take the limited express “Super Hokuto” (ス0?寻?倍罚┰诘潜鹣鲁担ㄔ急小时3分) from JR Hakodate Station, then take a bus to Noboribetsu Onsen from JR Noboribetsu Station, arriving in about 13 minutes (buses run 1–4 times per hour).

Shiranuka Onsen — A Breathtaking Natural Hot Spring

Take the limited express “Okhotsk” (オホ0?磨?牛┰即0 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station and get off at “Kamikawa,” where you’ll find a Dōhoku Bus bound for Shiranuka Onsen, taking about 30 minutes to arrive, with 11 daily buses.