Haboro Onsen (羽幌温泉)

Introduction: The Sunset Gateway to the Sea Bird Islands

Located on the rugged northwest coast of Hokkaido, along the scenic Ororon Line, lies Haboro Onsen (羽幌温泉). This destination is much more than a thermal retreat; it is the logistical and emotional heart of the northern Rumoi region. Haboro is world-renowned as the “Gateway to the Islands,” providing the only ferry links to the remote and pristine Teuri and Yagishiri islands. It is also Japan’s leading producer of sweet shrimp (Ama-ebi). For the international traveler, Haboro Onsen—centered around the iconic “Sunset Plaza” facility—offers a unique coastal experience where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while watching the sun sink into the Sea of Japan, framed by a massive white windmill and the distant silhouettes of island sanctuaries. It is a place of marine abundance, spectacular rose gardens, and a restorative warmth that embodies the frontier spirit of the Okhotsk coast.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: Ancient Sea Salt and Intense Warmth

The water at Haboro Onsen is a powerful Sodium-Chloride Strong Saline Spring. Pumped from deep coastal sedimentary layers, this is “fossil seawater” that has been enriched by the earth’s geothermal heat. The water is clear but has a distinct salty tang and a mild oceanic aroma. When you submerge, the high salt concentration creates a “mineral veil” on your skin surface. This veil acts as a natural insulator, preventing your body heat from evaporating—a quality known in Japan as “Netsu-no-yu” (Heat Water). It is incredibly effective for warming the body from the core, making it a favorite for travelers arriving from the windy ferry rides to the outer islands. The facility features a large indoor bath with panoramic glass and an outdoor bath where the sea breeze provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hot minerals.

Top Recommended Stay: Haboro Onsen Sunset Plaza

• Haboro Onsen Sunset Plaza (羽幌温泉サンセットプラザ): This is the dominant architectural landmark of the town, shaped like a luxury cruise ship. It offers spacious Japanese and Western rooms, many with spectacular views of the sunset. The hotel is famous for its “Ama-ebi (Sweet Shrimp) Feast” dinners, which are a must-try for seafood lovers. It also features a large rest area and a local specialty shop.
• Minshuku in Haboro Harbor: Several small, fisherman-run guest houses offer a more rustic and affordable alternative, ideal for solo travelers and those who want to be close to the early morning ferry departures.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Roses and Rare Birds

Haboro Rose Garden: Located right next to the onsen, this garden features over 2,000 roses of 300 different varieties. It is most beautiful from late June to July and is free to enter.
Hokkaido Seabird Center: Japan’s only facility dedicated to the research and protection of seabirds like the Spectacled Guillemot. It offers fascinating interactive exhibits in English.
Teuri & Yagishiri Ferry Terminal: Even if you don’t stay on the islands, a day-trip to Teuri (the “Island of Birds”) or Yagishiri (the “Island of Forests”) is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts.

Local Gastronomy: The Kingdom of Sweet Shrimp

Haboro is Japan’s top port for Ama-ebi (Sweet Shrimp).
Ama-ebi Bowl: A bowl of rice topped with dozens of fresh, translucent, and incredibly sweet raw shrimp. The heads are often served in a savory miso soup.
Haboro Oro-men: A local spicy seafood ramen that is a favorite post-onsen meal.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: While Haboro is a seafood town, it is also a producer of Hokkaido Soybeans and Buckwheat.
For Vegans: The onsen restaurant serves handmade Soba. Request “Salt only” or “Ume-shiso” seasoning to avoid the fish-based dashi. The nearby Roadside Station (Michi-no-Eki) sells fresh local corn and roasted potatoes in the summer which are perfect 100% vegan snacks.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Haboro” comes from the Ainu word “Hapur-pet”, meaning “soft river.” Historically, the town was a booming center for coal mining and herring fishing. When the mines closed, Haboro successfully pivoted toward sustainable maritime industries and “Green Tourism.” The onsen facility was built as a symbol of this rebirth, designed to welcome international visitors who come to explore the unique ecological diversity of the northern islands.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Sunset Plaza is an international-style resort and is generally welcoming. Small tattoos are fine; for large pieces, using a waterproof sticker is recommended. There are no private baths, so visiting during the quieter morning hours is a good strategy.
• Transportation: A rental car is the most efficient way to reach Haboro. If using the bus, the “Haboro-go” express bus from Sapporo is reliable and comfortable (approx. 3 hours).
• Cash & Payments: The hotel accepts all major credit cards. However, the ferry terminal and local island guesthouses are often cash-only (JPY).
• Language Support: The onsen hotel has basic English signage and the staff are used to birdwatchers from all over the world.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Haboro Onsen launched a “Sunset Yoga & Soak” program, held on the garden terrace overlooking the sea during the summer months. For the 2026 season, the Seabird Center is introducing multilingual VR tours of the island cliffs, allowing visitors to see the rare nesting sites even if they cannot make the ferry trip.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always wash your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the water is highly saline, rinse off well before drying to prevent the salt from irritating your skin. If you are visiting the islands, respect the nesting birds—do not use flashes or make loud noises. Finally, be aware of the “Strong Sea Breeze”—the wind in Haboro can be intense, so secure your hats and belongings when walking along the coast.