Odaito Onsen: The Gateway to the Notsuke Peninsula and the “Ice Horizon” of the East
Odaito Onsen is a destination that captures the ethereal, shifting beauty of Hokkaido’s eastern coast. Located on the shores of Odaito Bay and looking across to the massive sand spit of the Notsuke Peninsula, this hot spring area is defined by its dramatic maritime vistas and its status as the gateway to the “Ice Horizon” (Ryuhyo-no-Chihei-sen). Since its development in the mid-20th century, Odaito has been a sanctuary for nature photographers, birdwatchers, and seafood gourmets. Known for its high-heat sodium chloride springs and its world-class jumbo scallops, Odaito offers a thermal experience that is inextricably tied to the rhythm of the sea. Whether you are watching the first sunrise of Japan from a seaside bath or taking a winter boat tour to see the steller’s sea eagles gathering on the drift ice, Odaito Onsen provides a restorative escape at the very edge of the northern frontier.
Key Information
| Address | 〒086-1641 北海道野付郡別海町尾岱沼 / Odaito, Betsukai Town, Notsuke District, Hokkaido |
| Google Maps | View on Google Maps |
| Spring Quality | Sodium-Chloride Springs (High-Heat Saline Springs) |
| Benefits | Neuralgia, chronic fatigue, skin diseases, joint pain, and sensitivity to cold (Hiesho) |
| Access | 22 min by car from Nakashibetsu Airport; 1 hour by car from JR Kushiro Station |
| Number of Ryokans | Approximately 4-6 properties including seaside hotels and authentic fisherman’s inns |
| Day-trip Bathing | Available at Hotel Odaito and Seaside Hotel Bekkai |
The Healing Waters: Maritime Minerals and the “Salt Pack” Science
Odaito Onsen’s waters are scientifically remarkable for their temperature and salinity, gushing from deep coastal fissures at over 50°C. Classification-wise, these are sodium chloride saline waters, often called “Netsu-no-yu” (Heat Water). The high salt concentration creates a fine mineral film on the skin after bathing, acting as a natural biological insulator that prevents the evaporation of moisture and sweat. This ensures that your core body temperature remains elevated for hours—a crucial benefit in a region where winter temperatures reach -15°C. Many bathers also report a “Skin-Softening” effect, a result of the bicarbonate influence found in some of the town’s deeper wells, which helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and promote blood circulation.
Top Recommended Ryokans & Stays
- Hotel Odaito (Heritage/View): The premier hotel in the area, offering expansive views of the Notsuke Peninsula and Kunashiri Island. Its baths are famous for their transparency and mineral purity, and the dinners feature the world-renowned Odaito jumbo scallops.
- Seaside Hotel Bekkai (Scale/Convenience): Located near the port, this hotel offers spacious rooms and large communal baths. It is an ideal base for group travelers and families seeking standard amenities.
- Bekkai-area Minshuku (Authentic/Fisherman): For a truly local experience, several small family-run lodges near the harbor offer direct access to local hot spring sources and “dock-to-table” seafood meals that are unparalleled in freshness.
- Nakashibetsu Onsen Hotels (Nearby Base): Staying near the regional hub of Nakashibetsu allows easy day-trip access to Odaito while being close to the airport.
Must-Visit Public Baths (Soto-yu)
Odaito is a quiet town where “Soto-yu” activities are integrated into the seaside inns. Hotel Odaito offers a popular day-trip bathing pass for approximately 800 yen, allowing non-guests to experience their legendary rock-lined outdoor pools that overlook the bay. For a quick and free experience, the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center provides a “Hand Bath” (Te-ayu) where you can feel the warmth of the coastal springs while learning about the region’s rare periglacial landforms and wildlife.
Walking Guide & Scenic Spots
Exploration starts with the Notsuke Peninsula (Nature’s Treasure Chest); a drive or bus tour along this 28-kilometer sand spit takes you to the surreal “Todowara” (withered fir forest). In winter, the most spectacular activity is the Ice Horizon Mini-walk, where the frozen bay surface creates a massive “white world” where the sky and ice meet without a visible boundary. For birdwatchers, the Notsuke Bay Coastal Path is essential to see the rare steller’s sea eagles and the white-tailed eagles that gather in huge numbers from January to March. For a maritime view, take the Odaito Bay Sightseeing Boat to see the seals basking on the sandbars.
Local Gastronomy & Souvenirs
Odaito is the “Scallop Kingdom” of Japan. You must try the Odaito Jumbo Scallops (Hotate), which are prized for their immense size and sweetness. Another local specialty is the Hokkai Shima-ebi (Striped Shrimp), which are harvested using traditional “Utase-bune” sailboats to protect the delicate eelgrass beds. For souvenirs, look for Rishiri Kelp products and “Flowering Bean” sweets. The Fukko Market near the port also sells world-class fresh seafood and dairy products that represent the best of the Betsukai region.
Cultural & Historical Context
The name “Odaito” comes from the Ainu word ota-nay, meaning “a river with sand.” Historically, the Ainu utilized these shores for sustainable fishing and used the thermal sands for spiritual purification. The town’s modern identity was forged as a pioneering hub for fishing and dairy farming, evidenced by the vast pasturelands that surround the onsen area. Today, Odaito is a leader in Sustainable Ecotourism, preserving the fragile ecosystem of the Notsuke Peninsula while serving as a gateway to the northern Okhotsk frontier.
Practical Travel Tips
Seasonality: Summer (July-August) is best for the “Utase-bune” sailboats and birdwatching; February is for those seeking the “Ice Horizon” and the clearest night skies. Transportation: A car is highly recommended for exploring the Notsuke Peninsula efficiently. Ice Horizon Tours: The Notsuke Peninsula Ice Horizon Tour for 2026 is scheduled for February, but advance booking is mandatory as spots fill up months in advance. Cash: This is a rural area; small eateries and fishing lodges often only accept Japanese Yen.
2025-2026 Latest Updates
In February 2026, Odaito will host the **Notsuke Peninsula Ice Horizon Mini-walk Bus Tour** on select dates, providing a safe way for international tourists to reach the frozen bay. Additionally, starting in late 2025, the **Betsukai Town First Sunrise Viewing Party** (January 1, 2026) will feature expanded local food markets and bonfire events to welcome the new year at the edge of Japan.
Safety & Manners
In the onsen, always rinse thoroughly before entering the communal tub to protect the mineral purity. When walking on the frozen bay, stay strictly within the marked “Safe Zones” to avoid unstable ice near the current channels. Please respect the local fishing harbor by not entering commercial zones where heavy machinery is operating. Finally, take all your trash back to your hotel to help keep Odaito the cleanest maritime sanctuary in eastern Hokkaido.
