Experience Ainu Culture and Explore Hokkaido’s Premier Hot Springs

Experience Ainu Culture and Explore Hokkaido’s Premier Hot Springs
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Days required
3 days and 2 nights
Main methods of transportation
Car

Starting from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo Okadama Airport, your journey begins at Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Cultural Center), Hokkaido’s first national museum dedicated to the Ainu. This interactive cultural space offers a fascinating insight into Ainu history, traditional crafts, and dance performances—perfect for families and first-time visitors eager to experience authentic indigenous culture.


Next, immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s famous hot spring towns. In Noboribetsu Onsen, stroll through streets lined with rising steam and feel the natural energy of the area. At Toyako Onsen, enjoy lakeside views while relaxing in spacious hot springs, letting the serene environment soothe your body and mind.


This itinerary blends culture, nature, and relaxation, making it an ideal introduction to Hokkaido’s rich heritage and rejuvenating hot springs for first-time travelers.

  • * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Start
Day1
About 40 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport

Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Experience Ainu Culture Through All Your Senses

Panoramic view:image photo

restaurant (Image provided by The Foundation for Ainu Culture)


Upopoy, featuring Hokkaido’s first national museum, serves as a central hub for learning about and preserving Ainu history and culture. Inside, visitors can explore traditional crafts and exhibits, gaining an up-close understanding of the richness of Ainu heritage.


The on-site restaurant offers traditional Ainu dishes as well as creative cuisine that highlights local ingredients and cooking methods, allowing you to experience Ainu culture through taste as well.


Note: Advance reservations are required for museum entry and exhibitions (reservations open 14 days prior to your visit).

Address
白老郡白老町若草町2-3
Telephone Number
0144-82-3914
Open
9:00-17:00 (Depends on the season)
Closed
Mondays, New Year holidays, early March
About 30 minutes by car

[Accommodation] Noboribetsu Hot Spring

Experience a Variety of Healing Hot Springs

Noboribetsu Hot Spring is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, boasting nine different types of hot springs. The sulfur-scented waters and diverse mineral compositions make it a popular destination nationwide, attracting travelers seeking both relaxation and rejuvenation.


Take your time exploring the variety of springs and enjoy a soothing experience for both body and mind.

Address
登別市登別温泉町
Telephone Number
0143-84-3311
Day2

Strolling Through Noboribetsu Hot Spring Town

Experience the Charm of the Hot Spring Streets on Foot

In Noboribetsu, you can enjoy wandering through souvenir shops, exploring the dramatic landscapes of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), and relaxing at the natural foot bath along the Oyunumagawa River.


Scattered throughout the town are playful demon statues, making the stroll a fun treasure hunt. By venturing a little further, you can also visit attractions like Noboribetsu Bear Park, creating an ideal course for families and couples alike.

About 50 minutes by car

Strolling Around Lake Toya

Enjoy the Natural Beauty of the Lake and Mountains

Take a leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Toya, or experience a variety of activities such as canoeing to enjoy the scenery from the water. A short 10-minute drive brings you to the Usuzan Ropeway, where you can admire sweeping views of Lake Toya and the surrounding mountains, showcasing the grandeur of Hokkaido’s natural landscapes.


Combining lakeside walks with fun activities, this spot is perfect for creating unforgettable memories unique to a Hokkaido trip.

Address
洞爺湖町・壮瞥町
Telephone Number
0142-75-2446
About 5 minute by car

[Accommodation] Lake Toya Hot Spring

Relax with Lake Views and Hot Springs

Some accommodations at Lake Tōya offer hot springs with spectacular lake views, allowing guests to enjoy the changing scenery from morning to evening. From summer to autumn, the Lake Tōya Long-run Fireworks display lights up the night sky, delighting overnight visitors and creating a magical experience.


Combining soothing hot springs, stunning lakeside scenery, and seasonal fireworks, this is the perfect place to fully indulge in a luxurious Hokkaido getaway.

Address
虻田郡洞爺湖町洞爺湖温泉
Telephone Number
0142-75-2446
Day3
About 60 minutes by car

Niseko Konbu Onsen Kanro no Mori

Enjoy Relaxation and Skin-Beautifying Hot Springs

This serene hot spring is rich in metasilicic acid, which helps promote collagen production and keeps your skin smooth and hydrated. A gentle hint of sulfur in the air adds to the relaxing atmosphere.


Surrounded by nature, Kanro no Mori offers a luxurious Hokkaido experience where you can unwind and rejuvenate away from everyday life.

About 10 minutes by car

Niseko Takahashi Farm

Fresh Dairy Treats and Scenic Lunches

At Niseko Takahashi Farm, you can enjoy Baumkuchen and ice cream made with fresh milk from their own cows. The on-site restaurant serves pizzas topped with farm-made cheese and a buffet of fresh local vegetables.


While dining, take in breathtaking views of Mt. Yotei, making it the perfect spot to savor Hokkaido’s flavors and stunning natural scenery at the same time.

About 140 minutes by car

New Chitose Airport Hot Spring

Relax and Unwind Before Your Flight

Known as one of the closest hot springs to Hokkaido’s sky, New Chitose Airport Hot Spring lets travelers refresh after a long journey. Spacious indoor baths and open-air baths help melt away travel fatigue, while a relaxation room provides a comfortable space to unwind before boarding.


Even with some time before your flight, you can enjoy a serene hot spring experience within the airport, making it a perfect way to end your Hokkaido adventure.

Goal
  • Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
  • [Accommodation] Noboribetsu Hot Spring
  • Strolling Through Noboribetsu Hot Spring Town
  • Strolling Around Lake Toya
  • [Accommodation] Lake Toya Hot Spring
  • Niseko Konbu Onsen Kanro no Mori
  • Niseko Takahashi Farm
  • New Chitose Airport Hot Spring

Please note that Google Maps may not display properly if the number of Google Maps page loads exceeds the daily limit.

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