Toyoura Onsen (豊浦温泉)

Introduction: The Coastal Sanctuary of Strawberries, Scallops, and Saline Healing

Perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the sparkling blue expanse of Uchiura Bay (also known as Volcano Bay), Toyoura Onsen (豊浦温泉) is a destination that captures the lush, bountiful essence of the Iburi coast. Toyoura is famous throughout Hokkaido for two things: being the “Strawberry Capital” and producing some of the world’s most prized scallops. The onsen itself—known by its flagship facility “Toyoura Onsen Shiosai”—is a haven of mineral-rich warmth that has long been a secret among local fishermen and mountain hikers. For the international traveler, Toyoura Onsen offers a profound sensory experience: soaking in “ancient seawater” springs while breathing in the salt-heavy Pacific breeze, tasting the incredible sweetness of high-altitude fruits, and exploring a coastline defined by dramatic sea stacks and hidden coves. It is a place of maritime peace, agricultural grandeur, and a restorative warmth that serves as the perfect gateway between the port of Muroran and the resorts of Lake Toya.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Salt Pack” of the Pacific

The water at Toyoura Onsen is a powerful Sodium-Chloride Strong Saline Spring. Drawn from deep coastal geological layers, this is ancient “fossil seawater” enriched by the volcanic energy of the nearby Mt. Usu range.
The Warming Effect: Because the mineral concentration is hypertonic (higher than human bodily fluids), the salt forms a microscopic “veil” on your skin surface. This veil prevents the evaporation of sweat and body heat, keeping you intensely warm for hours after your soak. This is the definitive “Netsu-no-yu” (Heat Water) of the Iburi region.
The Sensation: The water is crystal clear and odorless, with a notably “thick” or slippery feel. The primary facility, Shiosai, features a spacious indoor bath with panoramic windows and an outdoor Rotenburo where you can listen to the rhythmic crashing of the waves against the Toyoura shoreline. Soaking here at sunset, as the sky turns from gold to deep violet over the bay, is a meditative experience of the highest order.

Top Recommended Stays & Bases

• Toyoura Onsen Shiosai (天然温泉しおさい): The heart of the area’s wellness. This modern, integrated resort offers clean Japanese and Western rooms. The building is designed to look like a ship, and the dining hall is famous for its “Scallop Multi-course” dinners. It is a highly popular base for international road-trippers and photographers.
• Minshuku Toyoura: Several family-run guest houses near the JR station offer a very authentic, low-budget local experience where you can interact with the community that harvests Hokkaido’s best scallops.
• Toyoura Forest Park Campground: Located in the hills above the onsen, this is a favorite for international campers. You can spend the night under the stars and walk down to Shiosai for a morning mineral soak.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Scallops and Coves

Toyoura Harbor: A 10-minute walk from the onsen. Visit in the morning to see the local fishing boats returning with massive hauls of scallops. In summer, the town holds a “Scallop Festival” where you can eat grilled shellfish on the docks.
Indi-misaki (Cape Indi): A short drive away, offering a dramatic coastal trail with views of unique sea-stack rock formations and the turquoise waters of Volcano Bay.
Strawberry Farms: From June to July, the hills of Toyoura are filled with blooming strawberry plants. Many farms offer “all-you-can-eat” picking, a favorite activity for international families.

Local Gastronomy: The Kingdom of Sweetness

Toyoura’s food culture is defined by its extreme freshness.
Toyoura Scallops (Hotate): Considered the sweetest in Japan due to the nutrient-rich volcanic currents of the bay. Try the “Scallop Steak” or “Scallop Curry” at the onsen restaurant.
Toyoura Strawberries: Known for its high sugar content and deep red color. Look for the local strawberry soft-serve ice cream or strawberry-infused sake.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: Toyoura is an agricultural powerhouse. At the onsen restaurant, request the “Vegetable Udon” and specify “Katsuo-dashi nuki” (No fish dashi). The local “Toyoura Potatoes” are world-class—simply steamed with salt, they are a perfect 100% vegan snack. We recommend buying fresh Giant Asparagus at the local “Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Station) in spring.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Toyoura” means “Bountiful Bay,” reflecting the historical wealth of the scallop trades. Historically, the area was a vital territory for the Ainu people. During the Meiji era, it became a center for pioneering agriculture. The onsen was developed to provide a health center for the community and to celebrate the town’s maritime heritage. Today, Toyoura is a model for “Eco-Tourism,” protecting its coastal cliffs while welcoming the world to experience the bounty of the Sea of Japan coast.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Shiosai is a municipal-style resort and is generally welcoming. Small tattoos are ignored; for large pieces, using a waterproof sticker is recommended.
• Language Support: Basic English signs for the bath rules are available. The staff are used to tourists from the nearby Toya and Niseko areas.
• Cash & Payments: The resort accepts major credit cards for room stays. However, the day-trip bath ticket machine and the local harbor shops are cash-only (JPY).
• Access: The **JR Muroran Main Line** is a beautiful scenic railway. Toyoura Station is well-connected, making this one of the few rural onsens easily reachable without a car.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Toyoura Onsen launched the “Scallop Harvester Stay,” where guests can join a boat tour in the morning and return for a specialized mineral bath. For the 2026 season, a new “Strawberry Sunset Deck” is being built at the resort, allowing guests to enjoy fresh fruit desserts while watching the sunset over the bay.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always rinse your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the water is highly saline, rinse off well at the end to prevent the salt from irritating your skin. Finally, respect the quiet of the fishing villages; people start their day at 4:00 AM, so keep noise levels down in the evening.