Kawayu onsen 川湯温泉

Sulfurous beauty in Hokkaido

For explorers, or just those tired of the urban jungle, Kawayu Onsen is the place to go to heal the body and spirit alike. Whether visiting in summer or winter, you'll leave with great memories - in your mind as well as your suitcase!

Sulfur mining took place here from the beginning of the Meiji era (1868-1912) until 1963. In 1930, the JR Senmo railway line passed by and Kawayu Station was opened (now Kawayu Onsen Station). In 1934, the Akan National Park was named, which then became Akan-Mashu. Today it has become a starting point for local tourism, attracting people all year round. Previously, because of the large amount of snow, the tourist season was only possible in summer, but visitors are now welcome all year round.

A sulphurous fumarole at Mt Io.

The small station is unmanned, but it's home to an historic treasure, the former imperial family's reception hall, dating back to 1936. The atmosphere of the period is immediately obvious when you enter and is delightful, especially in such an unexpected place. It has been kept in good shape by becoming the Orchard Grass Café, where you can take the time to live to the rhythm of the air of Hokkaido. And there's even an ashiyu in the station to warm your feet on cold winter days.

There are definitely worse places to wait for a train...

A train arriving at Kawayu Onsen station

Our tours in Shiretoko

  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : Visits & meals, English-speaking tour leader, Hotel temple, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan
  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko), Osaka, Himeji, Kyoto, Nara
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 12 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kawaguchiko, Tokyo
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Visits & meals
  • Duration : 21 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka, Kobe, Takachiho, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
See all our other Tours (5)

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