Shihoro Onsen (しほろ温泉)

Introduction: The Golden Moor Oasis of the Great Tokachi Plains

Located in the heart of the vast, fertile Tokachi Plain, where the horizons stretch infinitely toward the Daisetsuzan peaks, lies Shihoro Onsen (しほろ温泉). Known by its flagship facility “Plaza Ryokufu,” this hot spring is a sanctuary defined by Hokkaido’s agricultural grandeur. Shihoro is a town of records—home to Japan’s largest potato production and some of its finest beef. The onsen itself offers the rare “Moor” (peat) water, an organic gift from the earth that feels like liquid silk. For the international traveler, Shihoro Onsen represents the “Gourmet Heartland” of Hokkaido. It is a place where you can soak in amber-colored “Beauty Waters” after a day of driving through the iconic straight roads, breathe in the scent of ripening potato blossoms in summer, and indulge in world-class wagyu beef. It is a destination of pastoral peace, mineral richness, and unpretentious northern hospitality.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The Organic Silk of the Plain

The water at Shihoro Onsen is a world-class Moor Spring (モール温泉). Unlike volcanic hot springs that derive minerals from rocks, Moor water is an organic treasure filtered through layers of ancient, buried peat and plant matter from the prehistoric era.
The Sensation: The water is a stunning translucent amber color, often compared to clear tea or whiskey. It is incredibly slippery and smooth—a characteristic of its high humic acid content. Upon submerging, you will feel your skin becoming instantly hydrated.
The Effect: It is a classic “Bijin-no-yu” (Beauty Spring) that gently exfoliates dead skin cells while providing a natural oily barrier that traps body heat. The facility, Plaza Ryokufu, features a spacious indoor tub, a sauna, and an outdoor Rotenburo where you can watch the sunset paint the Tokachi sky in shades of orange and violet.

Top Recommended Stay: Shihoro Onsen Plaza Ryokufu

• Shihoro Onsen Plaza Ryokufu (しほろ温泉プラザ緑風): The central pillar of the area’s wellness. This modern resort offers spacious Japanese and Western rooms with views of the pastoral landscape. The hotel is legendary for its **”Shihoro Beef Course”** dinner, serving some of the most tender steak in Hokkaido. It is a highly welcoming base for international road-trippers and photographers seeking the “Big Sky” aesthetic of the Tokachi region.
• Tokachi Farmstays: Several nearby agricultural guest houses offer a “farm-to-bath” experience, where you can help harvest corn or potatoes before heading to Ryokufu for your evening soak.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Potatoes and Viewpoints

Shihoro Highland (Shihoro Kogen): A short drive away, offering a panoramic 180-degree view of the entire Tokachi Plain. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Naitai Highland Farm: Japan’s largest public ranch. The drive to the summit cafe is breathtaking, with thousands of cattle grazing on the rolling emerald hills.
Michi-no-Eki Shihoro (Pia 21 Shihoro): One of Hokkaido’s top roadside stations, famous for its “Potato Chip” walls and gourmet beef burgers. It is a must-stop for souvenirs.

Local Gastronomy: The Kingdom of Beef and Starch

Shihoro’s food culture is hearty, fresh, and world-class.
Shihoro Beef: Known for its fine marbling and sweetness. It is often served as steak or “Sukiyaki” at the onsen resort.
Shihoro Potatoes: The town is Japan’s potato capital. Try the “Jagabutter” (steamed potato with butter) at the onsen restaurant.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: Shihoro is a powerhouse of Soybeans, Corn, and Potatoes.
For Vegans: Finding strict plant-based meals is easier here than in fishing towns. We recommend the “Vegetable Curry” (specify no meat dashi) or fresh Soba. The local “Inca-no-mezame” potatoes are so sweet they taste like fruit and are 100% vegan when steamed with salt. You can also find high-quality “Shihoro Soymilk” at the local shops.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Shihoro” comes from the Ainu word “Su-oro”, meaning “a place where there is a pot.” Historically, the area was a challenging marshland that was transformed into a paradise of productivity by the early Meiji-era pioneers. The discovery of the Moor springs in the late 20th century was seen as a “Golden Blessing” for the community, providing a source of recovery for the hardworking farmers. Today, Shihoro is a model for “Agri-Tourism,” blending the town’s farming heritage with high-end thermal wellness.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Plaza Ryokufu is relatively modern and welcoming. Small tattoos are generally not an issue. For larger pieces, using a waterproof sticker is recommended as a courtesy to the local residents.
• Language Support: Basic English signs for the bath rules are available. The staff are used to tourists from the nearby Obihiro area and will use translation apps to ensure a smooth check-in.
• Cash & Payments: The hotel accepts major credit cards for room stays. However, the day-trip bath ticket machine and the local farm stalls are cash-only (JPY).
• Rental Car Advice: A rental car is absolutely mandatory. The distances in Tokachi are massive, and public transport is infrequent. Use the provided Mapcode to reach the onsen directly through the maze of agricultural roads.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Shihoro Onsen launched a “Harvest & Soak” package, where guests can participate in potato harvesting in September and enjoy a “Fresh Potato Feast” at the onsen hotel. For the 2026 season, a new “Starlight Outdoor Cinema” event is being planned on the lawn area of the resort during the summer months.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always rinse your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the Moor water is dark and slippery, walk carefully on the tiled floors. When driving the straight roads of Shihoro, be extremely careful of **”Farm Machinery”** (tractors)—they have the right of way and move slowly. Finally, respect the quiet of the rural town; Shihoro is a farming community where people start their days at dawn and value their peaceful evenings.