Station Utashinai Tyrol Hot Spring

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Natural Beauty

Nestled along the scenic Dōdō Sekihara Naeie Road in Kashinai City, Utashinai Tyrol Hot Spring roadside station stands as a welcoming gateway to one of Hokkaido’s most picturesque mountain retreats. More than a mere rest stop, it serves as a vital hub for travelers exploring the region’s scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and wellness offerings. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, the station offers a seamless blend of nature, comfort, and local charm.

What sets Utashinai Tyrol Hot Spring apart is its seamless integration with the renowned Tyrol no Yu hot spring resort, where visitors can enjoy a day of relaxation in natural thermal baths with panoramic views of the countryside. The station features accessible facilities, including a heated walkway and barrier-free parking, ensuring comfort for all guests. With its Swiss-inspired architecture, on-site dining, and extensive tourism information, it’s the ideal starting point for exploring nearby attractions like the Kamo-i Mountain International Ski Resort, the scenic cherry blossom cycling path, and the misty vistas of Kamoi Highlands.

Visit Utashinai Tyrol Hot Spring roadside station to experience the only roadside station in Hokkaido with direct access to a genuine Swiss-style mountain resort, complete with a naturally flowing carbonated hot spring that emerges from an old coal mine. Here, you can soak in a traditional outdoor bath surrounded by alpine scenery, then enjoy locally crafted dairy ice cream made from Jersey cows raised in the region’s pristine pastures—a taste unique to this highland village.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the bakery counter before the fresh-baked milk bread sells out—stock is replenished only once daily at 9:00 AM and typically sells out by 11:00 AM.

• Hidden Gems: Check the deli counter near the entrance between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays to find the limited-edition smoked salmon from local fishers, available only during the winter season (November to March).

• Weekend Special: On Sundays, arrive by 11:00 AM to participate in the seasonal "Local Farmer’s Market" hosted at the roadside station, where you can buy freshly harvested root vegetables and homemade jams directly from nearby farms.

• Accessible Parking Tip: Use the roofed parking space marked for people with disabilities—located directly in front of the main entrance—since it’s equipped with heated pathways leading to the restroom and is the only spot with full accessibility during snowfall.

• Stamp Collection Strategy: If you’re collecting stamps for the Hokkaido Michi no Eki tour, visit the information desk at exactly 9:00 AM on weekdays to get your stamp before the staff begins their morning routine, as the stamp station closes at 18:00 during the summer months.

• Best Time for Free Wi-Fi: Access the free Wi-Fi network labeled "MichiNoEki_Tyrol" between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, when the connection is fastest due to lower usage; avoid peak hours between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM when many visitors are using it simultaneously.

• Nearby Activity Tip: After visiting the roadside station, walk the 3-minute path to the Sakura Trees Cycling Path—especially scenic in spring—then return to the roadside station by 3:00 PM to catch the last 30 minutes of free shuttle service to the Chirolo no Yu hot spring complex, which departs every hour from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Spring (March–May): Late March to April brings blooming canola fields near the roadside station, with peak viewing in early April.

Summer (June–August): Ideal for outdoor activities at the Sports Arena, including tennis and baseball, with clear skies and warm temperatures.

Autumn (September–November): September offers vibrant fall foliage along the cycling route, perfect for scenic rides.

Winter (December–February): Best for enjoying the hot spring's outdoor bath with snow-covered surroundings, especially in January.