Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Poroto, Upopoy—meaning “singing in a large group” in the Ainu language—is Japan’s first national center devoted to the revival and development of Ainu culture. This symbolic space promotes understanding and respect for the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and serves as a place to learn about their deep-rooted history and rich cultural heritage.

At the heart of the facility is the National Ainu Museum, Japan’s first national museum focusing on the Ainu. Nearby, the National Ainu Park offers a hands-on, immersive experience of Ainu traditions. The park also includes a solemn memorial site, designed with dignity for Ainu ancestral commemoration.

Visitors to the National Ainu Park can enjoy authentic Ainu traditional dance performances, and join in a variety of interactive programs. From playing indigenous instruments such as the mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (five-stringed zither), to participating in cooking and tasting Ainu dishes rooted in traditional knowledge of nature, the experiences are engaging for both adults and children—making it a perfect destination for families.

After exploring, you can browse a curated selection of Ainu crafts, museum goods, and books at the gift shop, or relax at the on-site restaurant or café, where you can savor flavors from Ainu food culture. Spend a fulfilling day surrounded by the stunning scenery of Lake Poroto, immersed in the spirit of cultural harmony.

A rare natural footbath spot nationwide near Noboribetsu Onsen's Jigokudani, where you can directly soak your feet in a river flowing with hot spring water.
Walking for about 30 minutes on the promenade from the Noboribetsu Park Service Center next to Jigokudani, you arrive at a river flowing with cobalt blue hot spring water. While walking along the promenade, surrounded by forest greenery, you can enjoy forest bathing in a quiet space where sunlight filters through the trees. The chirping of birds and rustling of leaves echo, and the fresh scent of the forest drifts. Upon reaching the river, transparent cobalt blue water flows continuously, and its beauty captivates the eye. When you soak your feet, warm hot spring water envelops your entire feet, the smooth texture of stones on the riverbed feels pleasant, and the sound of flowing water gently resonates in your ears.
Natural hot spring water from the source flows continuously without restraint, and the scent of sulfur creates an atmosphere unique to hot spring areas. Free to use, the ease of simply taking off your hiking boots and putting your feet in the river is also attractive. In nature where the surrounding forest, hot springs, and river flow become one, you can directly experience the abundant hot water volume and geothermal blessings of Noboribetsu Onsen, spending healing time that cannot be tasted elsewhere.

One of Japan's leading hot spring areas, known as the "department store of hot springs," a globally rare phenomenon with nine types of spring water and abundant water volume.

Stepping into the hot spring town, you are enveloped in a unique atmosphere where the scent of sulfur tickles your nose and white steam rises. The greatest attraction of Noboribetsu Onsen is that nine types of spring water, including sulfur springs, salt springs, iron springs, acidic iron springs, alum springs, mirabilite springs, and sodium bicarbonate springs, gather in one place. From this diversity, it is called the "department store of hot springs," and hot spring hopping to enjoy different spring waters at each inn and hotel is popular. Gentle water on the skin, water that warms from the core of the body, and water with expected beautifying effects - each spring quality provides a different bathing experience.

Around the hot spring town, magnificent scenery created by nature spreads. In Jigokudani (Hell Valley), hot water and steam vigorously spout from rough rock surfaces, and the scent of sulfur drifts more strongly. From the pale blue water surface of Oyunuma, steam rises, creating a mystical atmosphere. At Sengen Park, you can observe geysers bubbling up close, and at the Oyunuma River Natural Foot Bath, while soaking your feet in hot spring water overflowing from the pond, you are healed by the forest scent and the murmuring of the river. Demon monuments are scattered throughout the hot spring town, making exploration while searching for them enjoyable.

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.

The Mount Usu Ropeway, departing from Kazan Mura at the foot of Showa-Shinzan, heads to the summit station of Mount Usu in an approximately 6-minute aerial tour.
As the gondola ascends, the reddish-brown slopes of Showa-Shinzan spread below, with the blue surface of Lake Toya shining beyond. Further in the distance, Mount Yotei rises into the sky with its beautiful Fuji-like shape. In autumn, autumn foliage dyes the mountains red and yellow, creating breathtakingly beautiful color contrasts. After arriving at the summit station and walking about 7 minutes to the Crater Plain Observatory, you can see the rough terrain of the crater plain spreading below and mountain ranges continuing into the distance.
Continuing along the walking trail, you can proceed to the Ginnuma Crater and Mount Usu Outer Rim Observatory while viewing Usu, Ko-Usu, and Usu-Shinzan. On the walking trail where wind blows through, the distinctive sulfurous scent of volcanoes drifts, and bird calls can be heard in the distance. While feeling the breath of an active volcano, you can experience Hokkaido's magnificent nature.

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.