Hokkaido is Japan's leading resort for hot springs. The Geopark is dotted with various hot springs, or “onsen”, such as Toyako, Sobetsu, Bankei, Toyoura, Date and Kita Yuzawa Onsens. Each one is unique in its own way. There are many ways to enjoy a hot spring, such as lodging, a day trip, hand baths and foot baths where people can go to ease their weariness.
The Geopark is also a hot spring paradise. There is nothing better than enjoying the beautiful scenery while relaxing in a pool of hot spring water. Thanks to volcanic activity, Toyako Onsen has flourished as a popular hot spring town and sees many tourists throughout the year. The landscape and the hot springs are truly blessings of the earth.
Lake Toya's hot spring town is visited by many tourists in search of a superb view under a relaxing hot bath. Toyako Onsen celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016.
The birth of Toyako Onsen is tied to the eruption of Mt. Usu.
The eruption of Mt. Usu in 1910 raised the underground magma 170 m, giving rise to Meiji-shinzan. This magma heated the groundwater, and the entire area became a hot source. A spring was later found at the lake shore of Mt. Nishimaru.
Seven years later, in 1917, a hot spring inn opened on the lake shore, and Toyako Onsen (originally called Tokotan Onsen) was born. The opening of the Toyako Electric Railway in 1929 immediately brought crowds to the town.
In 2016, the 100th anniversary of the hot spring, a commemorative ceremony was held, and a monument in the form of a postage stamp was set up on the lake shore, making for very unique photo opportunity.
In addition to Toyako Onsen, there are many hot spring spots in each municipality, each offering some form of green forests, the sounds of the river, and superb views of the sea. Many people come to take advantage of these natural blessings.
The only seaside hot spring in the Geopark is Toyoura Onsen in Toyoura Town. A great location where the horizon of the bay of Uchiura-wan can be seen from the open-air bath. The sunset view on a fine evening is amazing.
Date Onsen, located in the center of Date City, has beautiful rows of cherry blossom in spring and red leaves in the fall. A healing hot spring loved by locals.
Along the Osaru River east of Lake Toya, is Bankei Onsen in Sobetsu Town, where you can enjoy the hot springs with peace and quiet.
Upstream, there is Kita Yuzawa Onsen in Otaki Ward of Date City, and here you can find many other resort hotels and hot spring lodgings.
