Makubetsu Onsen (幕別温泉)

Makubetsu Onsen: The Birthplace of the “Moor” Peat Spring and the Gateway to Tokachi’s Bounty

Located on the eastern edge of Obihiro in the heart of the Tokachi Plain, Makubetsu Onsen (幕別温泉) holds a prestigious title: it is the recognized birthplace of the “Moor” (peat) hot spring culture in Japan. While other areas like Otokoyama or Shikaribetsu are famous for volcanic waters, Makubetsu offers a “fossil spring” derived from the deep layers of ancient vegetation. This is a place where the landscape is flat, the sky is infinite, and the water is as dark and rich as a fine porter ale. For international travelers, Makubetsu Onsen serves as a sophisticated base for exploring the “Food Valley” of Hokkaido. It combines deep geological history—including the era of the Naumann Elephant—with modern wellness facilities and some of the best dairy and beef in the world. If you want to experience the true “earth power” of Hokkaido’s agriculture and its mysterious dark waters, Makubetsu is your essential destination.

Key Information

The Healing Waters: The Original Moor Legacy

Makubetsu Onsen is unique because it was the first place in the world to be scientifically categorized as a Moor Hot Spring. The water is drawn from a depth where plant matter from the prehistoric era has turned into peat. As the water passes through these layers, it picks up humic acid and fulvic acid—natural organic compounds that are incredibly beneficial for human skin. The water is a deep, translucent chocolate-brown. It is remarkably soft and has a mild, sweet organic scent. When you bathe in Makubetsu, you are effectively soaking in a “vegetable soup” of minerals that helps to shed old skin cells and provide a natural, oily protective layer to your body. Locals call it “the bath of the immortals” because of its ability to keep the body warm and the skin youthful even in the coldest Tokachi winters.

Top 5 Recommended Accommodations

• Tokachi Makubetsu Onsen Grandvrio Hotel: A massive, resort-style hotel that dominates the hillside. It features a spectacular open-air bath with views of the Tokachi River and the distant Hidaka mountains.
• Hotel Park-Inn: A more budget-friendly, business-style hotel that still offers full access to high-quality Moor springs and is popular with independent road-trippers.
• Makubetsu Onsen Green Park: Located near the Naumann Elephant Museum, this facility is perfect for families and offers large, spacious baths and local seasonal cuisine.
• Obihiro City Hotels: Many travelers stay in the center of Obihiro and take a 15-minute taxi to Makubetsu for a day-soak, combining city dining with rural bathing.
• Nearby Farmstays: For a true Tokachi experience, several farms in the Makubetsu area offer “Agri-stays” where you can help harvest corn before heading to the onsen.

Must-Visit Public Baths (Soto-yu)

The Makubetsu Onsen Day-trip Center is the primary spot for non-hotel guests. It features a wide variety of tubs, including a “Salt Sauna” and a “Medicinal Bath.” The outdoor area is spacious, allowing you to feel the vastness of the Tokachi sky while submerged in the dark, healing waters. The facility also has a large “tatami” rest area where you can relax with a cold bottle of local milk after your bath.

Walking Guide & Scenic Spots: Elephants and Gardens

Naumann Elephant Museum (忠類): Makubetsu is world-famous for the discovery of a nearly complete Naumann Elephant skeleton. The museum is a fascinating look at Hokkaido during the Ice Age.
Tokachi Hills: A stunning botanical garden that offers a mix of flowers and “edible landscapes.” It is a 15-minute drive from the onsen.
Park Golf: Makubetsu is the “birthplace of Park Golf,” a simplified version of golf played with a wooden club. You can try it at many local courses near the onsen; it is easy for beginners and very popular with international families.

Local Gastronomy & Souvenirs

Tokachi is the center of Japan’s food production.
Tokachi Beef: Known for its sweetness and tenderness. Many restaurants near the onsen serve “Butadon” (grilled pork bowl), which is the soul food of the region.
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly: This is the land of Soybeans, Corn, and Potatoes. You can find incredible vegan-friendly options at the “Tokachi Hills” restaurant. The local Natto (fermented soybeans) is some of the best in Japan.
Souvenirs: Don’t leave without Rokkatei or Ryugetsu sweets, which are headquartered in nearby Obihiro. The “Moor Spring” branded bath salts are also a great way to take the experience home.

Cultural & Historical Context

The discovery of hot springs in Makubetsu in the early 20th century was seen as a miracle for the pioneering farmers who were struggling to cultivate the vast plains. Before the onsen, people suffered from severe joint pain due to the intense manual labor and cold. The “Moor” spring became a community lifeline. Today, Makubetsu is a town that prides itself on its “Pioneer Spirit,” welcoming visitors with the same openness that characterized the original settlers of the Tokachi frontier.

Practical Travel Tips

• Tattoo Policy: The Grandvrio Hotel and other large facilities are used to international guests. They usually allow small tattoos if covered with a sticker. For large tattoos, the “Private Bath” option at the hotel is highly recommended.
• Transportation: A car is essential to see the gardens and museums. However, for those without a car, the hotel often provides a free shuttle bus from JR Obihiro Station.
• Cashless & Payments: The main resorts accept all major credit cards. Local Park Golf courses and smaller cafes in the town center still prefer cash (JPY).
• Winter Driving: The Tokachi Plain is flat, but “Whiteouts” can occur. If driving in winter, ensure you have a full tank and check the wind speed.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Makubetsu Onsen launched a “Naumann Night Museum” tour, combining a visit to the elephant museum with a candle-lit outdoor bath experience. For 2026, the area is introducing “E-bike” tours that connect the onsen to local organic farms for “pick-and-eat” experiences, catering to the growing wellness tourism market.

Safety & Manners

The Moor water is very dark; you cannot see your feet or the bottom of the tub. Please enter the bath slowly to avoid bumping into others or submerged steps. In the sauna, always sit on a towel. Finally, respect the “Park Golf” culture; it is a serious sport for locals, so follow the course rules and enjoy the friendly competition. By following these local protocols, you ensure that Makubetsu remains a welcoming sanctuary for all travelers.