Hey everyone! Enjoying your time in Sapporo? Of course, Sapporo city is fantastic, but if you’re thinking, “I want to see a more local side of Hokkaido!” or “I want to visit places locals truly love!”, then there’s a spot right next door you should definitely check out: Tobetsu Town.
It’s only about a 40-minute JR train ride from Sapporo Station. In almost no time, the scenery changes completely, revealing a charming town with peaceful countryside landscapes, a world away from the city buzz. It’s a place I love and visit often myself for a change of pace.
Today, I want to share the current charms of Tobetsu, including some of my personal favorites, holding nothing back!
Access: Easy JR Ride! Choose Your Station Wisely
First up, how to get there. Taking the JR Gakuen Toshi Line (also called the Sassho Line) is the way to go. JR Hokkaido – Hokkaido Railway Company (Link to the English page)
The ride from Sapporo Station to Tobetsu takes about 40 minutes, and a one-way fare is roughly around 800 yen. (Please note: This is just an estimate as of when I’m writing this, and fares can change depending on the year! It also varies by your exact destination station and train type, so always double-check the latest timetables and fares yourself before you go!) There are several stations within Tobetsu, so it’s best to look up the closest station to your destination, like “Royse’ Town” station, the central “Ishikari-Tobetsu” station, or “Ishikari-Futomi” station, and get off there.
1. Sweet Paradise! Royse’ Cacao & Chocolate Town
When talking about new attractions in Tobetsu, you can’t miss this one! It’s the “Royse’ Cacao & Chocolate Town,” an interactive facility by Royse’, famous for its Hokkaido souvenirs. Royse’ Cacao & Chocolate Town Official Website (Link to the English site)
It’s located right in front of the JR Gakuen Toshi Line’s “Royse’ Town” station! This place is impressively grand and beautiful, more than you’d expect for the suburbs. It’s not just a shop; you can learn how cacao becomes chocolate in a fun way, see parts of the factory, and, of course, buy exclusive chocolates, bread, soft-serve ice cream, and more! Their Nama Chocolate and Potatochip Chocolate are personal favorites of mine.
It’s great fun for everyone, from kids to adults, and definitely a must-visit for chocolate lovers. It’s sure to make for wonderful memories. (If you’re interested, I also have an article covering Sapporo souvenirs in general, feel free to check it out! → Thorough Reviews of Recommended Sapporo Souvenirs)
2. Worth the Wait! Kabato Seimenjo’s Amazing Udon
If you ask me for my top gourmet recommendation in Tobetsu, it has to be “Kabato Seimenjo”! (Sorry, I couldn’t find an official website, but a quick search should bring up plenty of info and reviews.)
Their specialty udon noodles, made in-house with great care, are truly delicious. It’s a popular spot, often with a line outside, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been – I’m completely hooked. The atmosphere, reminiscent of a renovated old Japanese house, is lovely too. On a nice day, they have tables outside, and eating udon there feels incredibly good! Besides the smooth, chewy noodles and tasty broth, their tempura selection is varied, featuring local vegetables and more, always freshly fried. You’ll understand why it’s so popular. For me, this is the number one recommended restaurant in Tobetsu.
3. Locally Approved Taste! Ito Genghis Khan
When you think of Hokkaido, you think of Genghis Khan (grilled mutton)! And Tobetsu has a great spot for it: “Ito Genghis Khan.”
It has the feel of a long-loved local establishment. The tender meat and their special (secret?) sauce are a perfect match – you just can’t stop eating rice with it! It’s a place that often comes up and gets high praise even among Sapporo residents when talking about delicious Genghis Khan. While Sapporo city has many famous Genghis Khan restaurants, venturing out a bit to enjoy it in a local atmosphere like this is a special experience. (If you want to learn more about Genghis Khan in general, check out this article too → Where to Eat Genghis Khan in Sapporo! Local Recommendations)
4. Hub of Local Goodness! Michi-no-Eki Tobetsu
Recommended both as a destination and a rest stop during a drive is the “Michi-no-Eki Hokou no Kaze Tobetsu” (Roadside Station Tobetsu – Nordic Wind). Michi-no-Eki Tobetsu (Couldn’t find an English site, try using your browser’s translation feature.)
[A Local’s Honest Take #1] Honestly, when this roadside station opened, I was genuinely happy and thought, “Wow, Tobetsu got such a great place!” It’s a very clean facility with a direct sales shop for fresh local vegetables and products, delicious ice cream, and a food court for casual dining. It blends nicely into Tobetsu’s open, natural landscape and is a really good spot. It’s a lively place frequented by locals too. (Shop hours can change depending on the season and day of the week, so it’s always best to check their official website or similar sources beforehand!)
5. A Hidden Scenic Gem Near Sapporo! Lake Tobetsu Fukurou
If you want to venture a bit further and relax surrounded by nature, “Lake Tobetsu Fukurou” might be perfect.
This lake is a real hidden gem that even many people in Sapporo don’t know about. The scenery is fantastic – you feel like you’ve traveled deep into Hokkaido’s wilderness, yet it’s so close by. The area is rich in nature, very quiet and calming. The autumn foliage reflecting on the lake surface is particularly stunning. Going for a drive with the windows down on a clear day feels amazing, so if you’re nearby, definitely stop by. Enjoying canoeing or strolling along the lakeside would probably feel great too.
[A Local’s Honest Take #2] This isn’t a flashy tourist spot, just a place with beautiful, simple nature. It’s perfect for forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city, just gazing at the view, and taking deep breaths. Having a car makes access easier, but I highly recommend it for anyone seeking quiet time.
6. Surprising Events Too! Tobetsu’s Fireworks
Believe it or not, Tobetsu Town has recently been putting effort into fireworks displays! They even hold rare “Winter Fireworks”! Tobetsu Tourism Association (Couldn’t find an English site, but you might find event info here.)
Fireworks lighting up the clear winter night sky must be incredibly magical. The timing is limited, of course, but if you happen to be visiting then, it could be a very special experience. If you’re interested, check out the town’s official website or the tourism association for information.
Conclusion: Deeper Than You’d Expect! The Charm of Tobetsu
So, what did you think? From popular sweet spots to queue-worthy udon, classic Genghis Khan, a roadside station, a beautiful lake, and even fireworks – Tobetsu Town is packed with diverse attractions, all right next to Sapporo.
[A Local’s Honest Take #3] Honestly, some might have the image of Tobetsu as just “empty countryside.” But when you actually visit, you find exciting new places like Royse’ Cacao & Chocolate Town alongside delicious, long-loved local eateries, and you can feel the abundant nature. Plus, with seasonal events starting up, it’s surprisingly active. I think this mix of “various things” is what makes Tobetsu so interesting right now.
If you want to add “something extra” to your Sapporo sightseeing and experience a different side of Hokkaido, I really hope you’ll venture out to Tobetsu. I’m sure you’ll find a place you love!
