Ultimate Oil Bath Experience in Hokkaido! A Guide to Toyotomi: Japan’s Northernmost Hot Spring Village (Spots & Stays)

• Table of Contents
• What is Toyotomi Onsen?
• 5 Must-Visit Spots to Discover in Toyotomi Onsen
• 5 Must-Visit Spots to Discover in Toyotomi Onsen
• Access to Toyotomi Onsen

What is Toyotomi Onsen?

Toyotomi Onsen was opened in 1926. It is known as an "oil bath" that contains oil and natural gas, which is rare in the world.

Toyotomi Onsen: an iodine-containing sodium chloride hot spring (weakly alkaline hypertonic hot spring) and an iodine-containing sodium chloride bicarbonate cold mineral spring (weakly alkaline hypertonic cold mineral spring). Both hot springs contain petroleum and natural gas, and you can bathe in them at hot spring facilities in Toyotomi Town.

Toyotomi Onsen's spring water is easily absorbed by the body, and the baking soda and boron contained in the hot spring water are said to be highly effective in beautifying the skin. This means that the water is said to be effective in beautifying and moisturizing the skin, as well as treating dryness and atopic dermatitis.

In 1992, it was designated as a " National Hot Springs Resort Area ," and people from all over the country came to seek out the therapeutic benefits of Toyotomi Onsen Onsen.

Additionally, Toyotomi Onsen has a catchphrase, "Touji of the Future," which recommends four points to keep in mind when undergoing toji: sleep, exercise, mental nutrition, and diet, in order to fully experience the benefits of toji. To fully enjoy toji and sightseeing at Toyotomi Onsen, it's a good idea to check out these four points.

5 Must-Visit Spots to Discover in Toyotomi Onsen

Toyotomi Town with a thriving dairy industry, with the number of dairy cows exceeding the population. The town's abundant nature and laid-back atmosphere are sure to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for those who want to take their time sightseeing, as well as hot spring enthusiasts who have visited various hot spring resorts.

Here we will introduce five hot springs and gourmet spots that you can experience at Toyotomi Onsen.

"Fureai Center" where you can enjoy the bounty of the northern land

Located in the heart of Toyotomi Onsen, the Fureai Center Center is open from 10:00 to 21:00 (last admission at 20:30) and is a popular place for local residents to relax.

At the Fureai Center, you can enjoy bathing in Toyotomi Onsen. One admission pass allows you to bathe twice a day.

Once you get your stamp at the reception, you can freely enter and exit the facility, so you can take a morning bath and then stop by again after sightseeing.

The Fureai Center has two types of baths with different temperatures. One is a low-temperature hot spring called "Toji-yu," which is about 38-39 degrees Celsius.

This bath is a vestige of Toyotomi Onsen's history as a Toyotomi Onsen resort, and is perfect for those who want to take their time soaking in lukewarm water. The water is heated every morning, and hot spring oil is added to the men's bath.

In order to distribute the crude oil throughout the hot spring, it is tied with ropes and adjusted little by little. The idea is to dissolve the dark brown crude oil evenly into the hot spring water.

The soothing scent of crude oil wafts from the hot spring, and the lukewarm water gradually warms your body. Because the water is close to body temperature, it feels as if your body and the water are one.

The other hot spring is the "general bath" where you can bathe in water that is hotter than the "therapeutic bath." The general bath is larger than the toji bath and is perfect for first-time visitors. The washing area is also spacious, and with the natural light streaming in through the windows, you can bathe in an open and airy atmosphere.
The general baths contain a small amount of crude oil, so they are recommended for those who want to bathe in water with a mild flavor, or for those bathing in Toyotomi Onsen for the first time.

Day-trip admission costs 510 yen for adults and 250 yen for children, so you can enjoy Toyotomi Onsen at a reasonable price.

Once you've fully enjoyed the hot springs, don't forget to fill your stomach at the restaurant " Ajisai " inside the Fureai Center .

At Ajisai, a cafeteria-style restaurant where you purchase meal tickets, you can enjoy freshly made soba noodles, ramen, pork bowls, and more.

One of the most popular dishes is the hearty Jingisukan. You can order portions for just one person, and enjoy grilling your meat and vegetables at your own pace.

The Jingisukan, piled high on the plate, has no unpleasant odor or sinew, making it extremely easy to eat! When eaten with the special sauce that enhances the flavor of the meat, you'll find yourself eating so much that you won't have enough rice.

This is a special stopover spot where you can enjoy the blessings of the northern land through hot springs and food.

Municipal Day-use Hot Spring Facility “Fureai Center”

hot spring, Teshio Toyotomi Town District, Hokkaido, 098-4132

A bathing facility operated by Toyotomi Town. One bathing fee allows you to take two baths in one day.

Hotel Toyotomi: Enjoy hot springs at three different temperatures

For those who want to fully enjoy Toyotomi Onsen, we recommend Hotel Toyotomi, where you can also enjoy the sauna on a day trip. Toyotomi Onsen has a low source temperature and uses the Toyotomi Onsen water as a natural cold water bath for the sauna.

The sauna room is small and can fit about 4-5 people, but you can enjoy the premium feeling of soaking in natural cold water and hot spring water.

The large public bath has a unique semicircular shape, and the glass windows let in plenty of sunlight. The bath is filled with three types of hot spring water: hot spring water, boiled fresh water, and cold water for the sauna, and you can enjoy the different temperatures of each.

"Fresh boiled water" is the perfect temperature for warming the body. The water has a gentle, slightly viscous texture that makes you want to pour it over your body multiple times. Just a few minutes in the water will moisturize your skin and keep your body warm.

The refreshing scent of crude oil further enhances the hot spring experience. The natural scent of cypress is sure to relax both your body and mind.

Day-trip bathing is available from 11:00 to 20:00, with the last admission time at 19:30. Bathing costs 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.

Hotel Toyotomi

1510-2 Kamisarobetsu, Toyotomi Town, Teshio District, Hokkaido 098-413...

This hotel has the most guest rooms in Toyotomi Onsenkyo. It offers both overnight stays and day-trip bathing, and is the only hotel in the hot spring resort with a sauna.

New Onsenkaku Hotel: Daytime bathing available in the early morning and late at night

New Onsenkaku Hotel is located on the main street of Toyotomi Onsen . Here you can enjoy the hot springs in the early morning and at night.

Day-trip bathing hours are 7:00-8:30 and 13:00-21:00. You can stay overnight, enjoy a day trip to the baths early in the morning, or simply drop in after activities or sightseeing.

The hotel's front desk has a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel like you've returned to the Showa. After checking in, you pass a shop lined with Toyotomi's famous products, and it's finally time to take a bath.

The indoor bath is heated every day to a comfortable temperature and is a luxurious free-flowing hot spring. It is a relaxing space where you can enjoy a relaxing bath while enjoying the fluffy steam and the scent of crude oil.

I enjoyed a superbly relaxing time while watching the hot spring minerals floating in the murky brown and yellow water.

The special spring water, which contains crude oil and natural gas, has a high penetration rate into the skin, and has many beneficial effects for people with skin problems. If you soak in it for a long time, you will be able to experience the moisturizing and heat-retaining effects that are unique to Toyotomi Onsen.

New Onsenkaku Hotel

hot spring, Teshio Toyotomi Town District, Hokkaido, 098-4132

A hotel where you can take a day trip to the baths in the early morning or late at night. The nostalgic reception desk will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Showa, and the indoor baths allow you to stretch out your arms and legs in comfort.

A Large-scale Grassland Ranch where you can relax and watch the daily lives of cows

Located about 30 minutes by car from Wakkanai Airport, this is a Large-scale Grassland Ranch with a total area of ​​1,500 hectares, making it one of the largest in Japan.

More than 1,000 cows are grazing on a grassland the size of 320 Tokyo Domes, and anyone can freely observe and photograph the cows.

The endless rolling hills are a magnificent location that will lift your spirits just by looking at them. The sight of the cows relaxing in the midst of them gives you a sense of pastoral pleasure.

You can drive around as you please and enjoy the heartwarming sight of the cows from the car window. If it's a nice early morning or during the day when it's easy to walk, you can park your car at the farm's management building and take a walk.

Large-scale grassland ranch

Toyohoro, Teshio Toyotomi Town District, Hokkaido, 098-4134

This is a large grassland where dairy cows graze from May to October. If you're lucky, you might be able to observe the cows grazing nearby or even watch them from the car window.

Sarobetsu Wetland Center: Enjoy a stroll surrounded by seasonal flowers

Located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Toyotomi Onsen is the Sarobetsu Wetland Center. It is an information facility at the gateway to the Sarobetsu Plain, which is said to cover an area of ​​20,000 to 24,000 hectares.

The facility also has a museum where you can learn about the geological history of how the marsh was formed, as well as the ecology of wild animals, and is full of ideas to keep both adults and children entertained.

From the Sarobetsu Wetland Center, there is a boardwalk with a circumference of 800m to 1km, and anyone can freely explore the marsh for free.

The boardwalk runs through the vast marshland, and if you look down you can see sphagnum moss and many floating water lily flowers.

The best time to visit is from late June to early July, when the Ezo Daylily, the flower of Toyotomi Town, is in full bloom. The bright yellow flowers that spread across the marshland, along with the blue sky, are a spectacular sight you'll want to burn into your memory.

If the weather is good, you might even be able to enjoy the view with Mt. Rishiri across the sea.

Eating, drinking, smoking, and bringing pets are prohibited on the boardwalk, but you can spend your time however you like, such as taking photos or relaxing on a bench.

Additionally, at Rest House Sarobetsu , located next to the Sarobetsu Wetland Center , you can purchase souvenirs from Toyotomi Town and enjoy freshly made hot snacks, making it the perfect place to take a break.

The popular deep-fried sweet potato is perfect as a light snack when you're feeling a bit hungry or as a companion on a drive.

Why not visit this place when you want to relax your body and mind and enjoy the spectacular views of this majestic land and the seasonal flowers and plants?

Sarobetsu Wetland Center

8662 Kami-Sarobetsu, Teshio Toyotomi Town District, Hokkaido, 098-4100

This information center is located at the gateway to the Sarobetsu Genya, which is said to cover an area of around 20,000 to 24,000 hectares. There is a boardwalk that stretches 800m to 1km in circumference, and anyone can walk freely for free. The best time to see the scenery is from late June to mid-July, when the yellow Ezo Day Lilies are in full bloom.

5 Must-Visit Spots to Discover in Toyotomi Onsen

This time, we stayed at Kawashima Ryokan, the oldest inn in the Toyotomi Onsen area. It opened in 1927, one year after the hot springs were discovered, and underwent a complete renovation in 2016 to take on its current form.

This wood-style inn has a homey atmosphere that is welcoming to people of all ages, including solo travelers, families with children, and parents traveling with their children. Original scones, after-bath puddings, and flavored butters are also available at the front desk.

At Toyotomi Onsen Kawashima Ryokan Onsen.

If you soak in the water up to your neck, you can enjoy the open-air bath while staying nice and warm even in winter.
The open-air bath can be reserved for private use at certain times. If you stay in a deluxe room in the hotel, you can bathe in the private open-air bath directly from your room.

The aroma soothes the tiredness of travel, the smooth water, and the relaxing stone space make for a cozy bath that brings a smile to your face.

This time I stayed in a single room. The pleasant aroma of natural wood filled the air, creating a comfortable atmosphere that made my heart beat faster the moment I stepped into the room.

The toilets and washrooms were shared, with one on each the first and second floors.

The long-awaited dinner will be served in the dining room in a course format.

When making a reservation, you can choose from a variety of courses, including the "All-Butter Plan" which offers plenty of high-quality butter, the "Chef's Choice Plan" which is packed with the bounty of Hokkaido, or the hearty "Business Plan."

This time, we had the "Business Plan" dinner, which has a menu that changes every time we visit.

The menu for this day consisted of eight dishes, including flounder and yellowtail sashimi, fried pufferfish, and roast chicken.

The table is decorated one after the other with dishes such as yellowtail, with its exquisite melting fat, and fried pufferfish, with its delightful contrast between its crispy batter and fluffy flesh.

All the dishes were excellent and went perfectly with the shiny, freshly cooked rice, and we all enjoyed the bounty of the earth to our heart's content.

For dessert, we had Kawashima Ryokan's special "After-Bath Pudding." With its smooth texture and rich flavor, we were left feeling completely satisfied until the very end.

The breakfast menu is served buffet style, with pickles, stir-fried vegetables, and salads all served on colorful Japanese tableware.

A Japanese breakfast of white rice and miso soup is good, but if you're staying at Kawashima Ryokan, why not try their original "flavored butter"?

Flavored butter is a blissful butter made by mixing salty butter with flavors such as honey, salmon, and truffle. It goes well not only with bread, but also with white rice, like furikake or pickles.

If you find a flavor you like, you can purchase it as a souvenir or have it delivered.

Enjoy a special meal in Toyotomi Town, where food is abundant. Get enough spiritual nourishment and sleep at a homely inn. Then, take a therapeutic bath in a chic stone hot spring.

Kawashima Ryokan is the perfect inn for those who want to enjoy a satisfying hot spring cure and recharge their mind and body. If you're planning a premium hot spring trip, why not check it out?

Kawashima Ryokan

Onsen, Toyotomi Town, Teshio District, Hokkaido, 098-4132　(1988-65 Ka...

Opened in 1927, this is the oldest inn in Toyotomi Onsen. It boasts a stone-made indoor bath and the only open-air bath in Toyotomi Onsen.

Access to Toyotomi Onsen

There are two ways to get to Toyotomi Onsen: by rental car or by public transportation.

Accessibility varies depending on the season, purpose of sightseeing, and number of people, so we will introduce it in detail.

Rental car use

If you are planning to rent a car, it is best to first go to Wakkanai Airport. There are several rental car shops near Wakkanai Airport, so make sure to reserve a car at your preferred shop.

It takes about 40 minutes by car from Wakkanai Airport to Toyotomi Onsen. However, there is snowfall from November to April every year, so those who are not used to driving on snowy roads should be careful.

Renting a car is recommended for those who want to sightsee freely without time constraints, or for those traveling in large groups.

Traveling by public transport

If you are using public transportation, you can access the area from either Wakkanai Airport or New Chitose.

If you are departing from Wakkanai Airport, take the airport bus to JR Wakkanai Station, which takes about 30 minutes.

From there, take the JR line to Toyotomi Station, which takes about 45 minutes. Finally, take the Engan Bus from JR Toyotomi Station, which takes 10 minutes, to Toyotomi Onsen. The journey takes about an hour and a half, depending on connections.

If you are coming from New Chitose, take the JR line to Sapporo Station. From Sapporo, take the direct Engan Bus Express Haboro, which will take you there in about five hours.

Alternatively, you can take the JR Soya Main Line to JR Toyotomi Station and transfer to a Engan Bus to get to Toyotomi Onsen.

Using public transportation is a recommended means of transportation for those planning to stay at Toyotomi Onsen spring therapy.