Station Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Natural Spa Haven

Nestled in the serene heart of Tokachigawa Onsen, Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen is a vibrant roadside station that seamlessly blends relaxation, local flavor, and outdoor adventure. Located along Route 73 in Otofuke Town, this modern oasis offers a rare fusion of wellness, culinary delight, and hands-on experiences rooted in the rich traditions of Hokkaido’s Tokachi region.

Visitors are welcomed by a spacious moor温泉 spa, where families and couples can unwind in warm, naturally flowing waters. Explore seasonal markets featuring local specialties like Mooru pork products and regional produce, enjoy fresh meals at four diverse restaurants, or dive into interactive workshops crafting cheese and ice cream from local ingredients. Don’t miss the free foot bath and the historic Iedoyu Ishi stone site, a symbolic landmark of the area. With nearby attractions like Tokachi Ecological Park and the scenic Tokachi Gakyo Lookout, this roadside station is more than a stop—it’s a destination.

Visit Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen to experience Hokkaido’s only public moor温泉 (moor hot spring) where visitors can swim in a shared, bathhouse-style pool while surrounded by lush greenery. The station is also home to the exclusive Tenkō Râkuret Mōru Wōshu, a locally crafted cheese made from milk sourced from Jersey cows raised in the region—available only here. For a unique taste of Tenkō, try the Mooru Buta Big Frank Dog, a signature sausage crafted from locally raised pork.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the bakery counter, where fresh-baked milk bread is released daily and often sells out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: At the deli counter, look for the seasonal Tenkawa Fresh Vegetable Basket—a curated selection of locally grown produce from the region’s farms, available only during summer months.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the Mall Pork Big Frank Dog is available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM only—order early as it frequently sells out by noon.

• Experience Booking: Reserve your 40-minute hands-on experience at the Tenkawa Cheese or Ice Cream Workshop at least three days in advance through the official website, as slots fill quickly, especially during peak season.

• Foot Spa Tip: Use the free foot bath with the provided foot bath towel, which is sold at the foot spa counter for 100 yen—bring cash as the vendor does not accept card payments.

• Stamp Collection: To collect the official roadside station stamp, arrive before 18:00 on weekdays or 20:00 on weekends, as stamping stops one hour before closing time.

• Dining Strategy: Take advantage of the Karamatsu Corridor by ordering multiple dishes from the four on-site restaurants and bringing them to a shared table—this allows you to sample a wider variety of local Tenkawa cuisine without paying for multiple meals.

Spring (March–May): Late March to April features the seasonal canola flower bloom, ideal for photography and walking trails near the roadside station.

Summer (June–August): July and August offer the best access to outdoor activities like river rafting and early hot air balloon experiences at Tenkō Nature Center.

Autumn (September–November): October hosts the Autumn Festival, celebrating local harvests with fresh produce and seasonal crafts at the roadside station.

Winter (December–February): December to February provides cozy thermal experiences, including snowshoe trekking and heated foot baths amid snowy landscapes.