Shintoku Onsen (新得温泉)

Shintoku Onsen: Railway Nostalgia and Soba Fields in the Heart of Tokachi

Located at the very center of Hokkaido, where the vast Ishikari Plain meets the rugged Daisetsuzan mountains, Shintoku Onsen (新得温泉) is a gateway to the wild interior. Shintoku is famous for two things: its historic role as a major railway hub and its world-class Soba (buckwheat). The onsen here serves as a perfect base for those exploring the Sahoro Resort or the “Bear Mountain” sanctuary. Unlike the coastal springs, Shintoku’s water is mild and refreshing, designed for long, meditative soaks after a day of trekking or skiing. For international travelers, Shintoku offers a unique blend of “Railway Romance”—with its trains cutting through the mountain passes—and the rustic, high-altitude agriculture that defines the Tokachi lifestyle.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Gentle Bath” of Tokachi

The onsen in Shintoku, particularly the ones located near Lake Kuttari, are known as “Simple Springs.” This means they have a lower mineral concentration, making them incredibly gentle on the body. This is the ideal onsen for children, elderly travelers, or those who find the strong sulfur springs of other areas too intense. The water is crystal clear and odorless, but it possesses a mild alkalinity that leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed. The outdoor baths here often overlook the Tomuraushi River or Lake Kuttari, allowing you to soak while listening to the rushing water and the wind through the larch trees. It is a “reset” for the nervous system.

Inbound Traveler Guide: Tattoos, Accessibility, and Logistics

• Tattoo Policy: Shintoku is a very “outdoor-focused” town. The hotels near Sahoro Resort and Lake Kuttari are used to international guests. Small tattoos are rarely an issue. If you have large tattoos, booking a room with a private bath at the Lake Inn or using the quiet morning hours is recommended.
• Language Support: Because of the nearby Sahoro Resort (popular with Club Med), you will find a surprising amount of English support in the Shintoku area compared to other rural towns.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is strong in the main hotel lobbies. Mobile reception is excellent in the town center but can be patchy if you head deep into the Daisetsuzan trails.
• Payments: Major hotels accept credit cards. However, the famous local Soba shops in the town center are almost exclusively cash-only (JPY).

Dietary Needs: The Soba Capital Experience

Shintoku Soba is legendary across Japan. The extreme temperature difference between day and night here makes the buckwheat exceptionally sweet and flavorful.
Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly: Soba is a fantastic choice for plant-based diets.
Pro Tip for Vegans: Order “Mori Soba” (cold noodles) and ask for “Shio” (salt) instead of the fish-based dipping sauce. The Soba-gaki (a buckwheat mash) is also a 100% vegan local delicacy.
Cheese: Shintoku is also home to the award-winning Kyodogakusha Shintoku Farm. Their “Sakura” cheese is world-class for vegetarians who consume dairy.

Walking Guide & Local Attractions

Bear Mountain (Sahoro): A unique sanctuary where you can see Hokkaido’s Ezo brown bears in a natural forest setting from a safe, elevated walkway.
Railway Heritage: Visit the Old Shintoku Station area or watch the “Super Tokachi” express train emerge from the mountain tunnels—a favorite spot for photographers.
Lake Kuttari: A peaceful lake perfect for canoeing in summer or “Ice Sauna” experiences in winter, where you can jump into a hole in the frozen lake after a hot sauna session.

Practical Travel Tips: The Crossing Point

By Train: Shintoku is a major stop on the JR Sekisho/Nemuro Line. Express trains from Sapporo take about 2 hours. This makes it one of the easiest rural onsens to reach by rail.
By Car: It is a central point for those driving between Obihiro and Furano. The Karikachi Pass offers one of the “Three Great Views of Hokkaido,” but it can be dangerous in winter due to ice and fog.
Bus: Free shuttle buses often run from Shintoku Station to the Sahoro Resort and Lake Inn facilities.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Shintoku Onsen introduced a “Lakeside Glamping” program where international guests can stay in luxury tents with direct access to the thermal baths. For 2026, a new “Soba-making Workshop” conducted in English is planned at the Shintoku Soba Hall to help visitors understand the craft behind Japan’s favorite noodles.

Safety & Manners

If you are trekking in the nearby Daisetsuzan mountains before your soak, always check for ticks and wash thoroughly before entering the onsen. Shintoku is a quiet town; please avoid loud behavior, especially in the outdoor baths where the sound carries across the water. In winter, if you are driving over the Karikachi Pass, ensure your tank is full and you have emergency supplies, as mountain weather can change in minutes.