Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Nestled along the peaceful shores of Lake Poroto, Upopoy—meaning “singing in a large group” in the Ainu language—is a vibrant center celebrating the revival of Ainu culture. This unique destination offers visitors a chance to learn about the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and experience their history and traditions up close.

The National Ainu Museum showcases the Ainu’s rich heritage, while the National Ainu Park lets you walk through traditional Ainu houses (chise) in a recreated village (kotan), giving a glimpse of life in the past. Listen closely to the gentle sounds of the mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (five-stringed zither) as they fill the air.

At the experience hall, watch the energetic performances of Ainu traditional dances, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You can also observe wood carving, embroidery, and other crafts, and even try your hand at them. In the park’s cafés and food corners, taste dishes inspired by Ainu food traditions, made from local ingredients.

With scenic Lake Poroto all around, Upopoy is the perfect place for families and travelers to immerse themselves in Ainu culture, enjoy hands-on experiences, and connect with Hokkaido’s natural beauty.

Located in the heart of the Noboribetsu Onsen area, the Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath offers a rare opportunity to experience the raw energy of a living volcano by soaking your feet directly in a naturally heated river.

Steam rises from the Oyunumagawa River as mineral-rich water, flowing from a volcanic crater lake at about 130°C, cools to a perfect temperature while winding through a lush primeval forest. The air is filled with the refreshing scent of greenery mingled with the earthy aroma of sulfur, distinctive of this world-famous hot spring resort. As you walk along the forest path, the gentle rustle of leaves and the melodic chirping of wild birds create a serene soundtrack to your journey.

Take a seat on the wooden decks along the riverbank and immerse your feet in the warm, cobalt-blue current. You can feel the smooth texture of river stones beneath your soles while the geothermal heat of the earth gently spreads through your body. Listening to the continuous, rhythmic sound of the flowing water, you will find yourself lost in a luxurious moment of relaxation. This dynamic, open-air bath is a gift from the earth, providing a unique sensory experience that only the volcanic landscapes of Noboribetsu can offer.

Discover one of Japan’s most renowned spa destinations, celebrated as a “hot spring department store” for its rare variety of nine mineral-rich waters and abundant natural flow.

As you step into this historic hot spring town, the scent of sulfur fills the air and clouds of white steam rise from the ground, creating a dramatic atmosphere that stirs the senses. Noboribetsu Onsen’s greatest appeal lies in the remarkable concentration of diverse spring types found within one area, including sulfur, salt, iron, acidic iron, alum, mirabilite, and sodium bicarbonate springs. This diversity makes hot spring hopping a highlight of any visit, allowing guests to enjoy different baths at traditional inns and hotels, from gentle waters that soothe the skin to mineral-rich soaks that warm the body and offer well-known skin-beautifying benefits.

The surrounding landscape reflects the raw power of nature. At Jigokudani (Hell Valley), boiling water and steam burst from rugged rock faces, while the pale blue surface of Oyunuma Lake creates a mystical, otherworldly scene. Visitors can witness geothermal energy up close at the geyser in Sengen Park or relax at the Oyunuma River natural foot bath, where forest scents and the gentle sound of flowing water provide a peaceful retreat. As you explore, keep an eye out for playful oni (demon) statues scattered throughout the town, adding charm and discovery to this unforgettable hot spring destination.

Exhibiting artifacts from Japan’s prehistoric age, the Hakodate Jomon Culture Center brings the Jomon Period (14,000 – 300 BCE) back to life. Drawn from extensive archaeological excavations throughout Hokkaido, the museum’s collection recreates Jomon life and highlights the deep relationship between humans and the natural landscape that surrounded them. As you marvel at clay tablets with impressions of children’s feet and tools constructed out of bone and stone, be sure to check out the Chuku-Dogu, a beautifully decorated hollow clay figurine that was the first item from Hokkaido to be designated a national treasure in 2007.

This hot spring area, said to have opened in 1247, boasts the oldest history in Hokkaido. Known for its various benefits, such as healing burns and gastrointestinal diseases, it has long been cherished as a therapeutic hot spring. The solitary inn nestled in the vast nature features five naturally occurring hot spring sources, offering a variety of spring qualities. The two separate indoor baths for men and women are proud of their robustly built rock baths, with layers of petrified hot spring deposits 'yunohana' as a testament to its history. In recent years, the inn has added more barrier-free rooms and also accepts day-trip visitors.

Esashi Oiwake Kaikan

In Esashi, a historic port town in southern Hokkaido, the Kaikan showcases the region’s famous folk song, Esashi Oiwake, born from melodies sung by Edo period (1603–1868) merchant sailors and herring fishermen. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the song’s profound lyrics and heritage. Crucially, the hall offers live performances of Esashi Oiwake from late April to October, usually three times a day. This is the best way to hear the melancholic, soulful melody firsthand. Hands-on singing lessons are also available.

Esashi Yama Kaikan

Home to Hokkaido’s oldest festival (370 years), the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival runs from August 9 to 11. This spectacular event features 13 magnificent, multi-tiered floats (called yama), built by wealthy merchants and reflecting cultural influences from Kyoto and Edo. At the Yama Kaikan, visitors can see two of these exquisitely decorated yama displayed on rotation. Large screen footage allows you to experience the festival's exhilarating atmosphere, even outside the August dates.

Located adjacent to each other, these two halls offer a vivid, integrated glimpse into Hokkaido's deep-rooted culture. Step away from the major cities and immerse yourself in the authentic history and soul of Esashi.

Lake Toya’s stunning beauty was forged by the dynamic activity of Mt. Usu. To fully appreciate it, start your visit at the Lake Toya Visitor Center. The center introduces the region’s rich natural environment through easy-to-explore panels and real-life specimens, offering a hands-on experience perfect for visitors of all ages.

Next, visit the Volcanic Science Museum to discover the history and mechanisms of Mt. Usu’s powerful eruptions. The museum features striking exhibits, including trucks damaged in past eruptions. Seeing the rusted metal and scorched surfaces up close lets you feel the sheer force of nature and understand how people coexist with it.

After exploring the exhibits, take time to enjoy the lake’s serene surroundings. Relax in nearby hot springs or sample Hokkaido’s fresh cuisine, from local seafood to regional specialties. As you stroll along the lakeshore or soak in an onsen, you can sense the earth’s energy that continues to shape this breathtaking landscape.

Experience Lake Toya for yourself and witness the power of nature firsthand. Combining knowledge, exploration, and relaxation, your visit here promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Take a 6-minute aerial ride to witness a dynamic, extraordinary landscape shaped by volcanoes and serene lakes.

Your adventure begins at "Volcano Village" (Kazan Mura), located at the foot of Mt. Showa-shinzan. As you board the gondola and ascend, an otherworldly landscape unfolds beneath you. The rugged, reddish-brown slopes of Mt. Showa-shinzan contrast beautifully with the shimmering sapphire-blue waters of Lake Toya expanding to the horizon. Upon reaching the summit, the "Mt. USU Terrace" offers a luxurious escape. Sink into a comfortable sofa at the open-air cafe, feel the refreshing mountain breeze on your skin, and gaze out at the majestic peak of Mt. Yotei in the distance.

A short 7-minute walk from the summit station leads you to "USU360", a circular observation path opened in 2025. This trail provides a stunning 360-degree panorama, featuring the towering peaks of O-usu and Ko-usu, alongside the massive Ginnuma Great Crater. As you walk, you can sense the quiet energy of the earth vibrating beneath your feet, while the faint scent of sulfur reminds you that this is a truly active volcano. In autumn, the entire mountain transforms into a vibrant canvas of gold and crimson, creating a breathtaking contrast with the desolate beauty of the volcanic terrain. Come and experience the grand scale of Hokkaido that can only be found here.

A revolutionary entertainment hub integrating world-class baseball with gourmet dining, unique accommodations, hot springs, and nature-inspired activities.

Located on a 32-hectare site in Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido Ballpark F Village is a premier destination that transcends sports. Its centerpiece, ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO, is the home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Even on non-game days, parts of the stadium remain open. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the fresh breeze and the vast northern sky over the manicured green field.

The iconic landmark, TOWER 11, honors legendary players Yu Darvish and Shohei Ohtani. This facility features the world’s first natural hot spring and sauna with a direct view of the field. At the "Totonoe Terrace," you can soak in an open-air bath while watching a live game. Watching the field from a sauna or cold plunge pool offers a one-of-a-kind experience available only at F Village.

After relaxing, visit the bar zone for craft beer brewed right inside the stadium. Savoring a drink by a bonfire after your bath is a signature F Village experience. From snowy winter events to lush summer scenery, the park offers seasonal charms year-round. Combining sports, food, and relaxation, F Village is a "destination ballpark" that promises unforgettable memories for all generations.