Complete Guide to Shikabe Hot Spring (Hokkaido) | Geyser, Spring Quality, Access, and Recommended Accommodations Fully Explained
Shikabe Town, located in the southeastern part of the Oshima Peninsula facing Uchiura Bay (Volcano Bay) in Hokkaido, is a hot spring resort with a history of over 350 years. With more than 30 hot springs throughout the town, each offering different spring qualities, it is known as a “town of hot springs.” This article introduces the charm of Shikabe Hot Spring in full, from its history and spring quality to access methods, recommended accommodations, and nearby tourist attractions.
History and Origin of Shikabe Hot Spring
The history of Shikabe Hot Spring dates back more than 350 years. There is an interesting legend about the discovery of the hot spring. According to tradition, the hot spring resort was established in this area after people discovered a wounded deer healing its wounds in the hot spring. This legend became the origin of the place name “Shikabe,” and the town developed as a location deeply connected with hot springs.
Since the Edo period, it has been used as a healing spa. From the Meiji and Taisho periods, it developed into a full-fledged hot spring resort. Particularly since the Showa era, it has been cherished by many travelers as an important hot spring tourist destination in the Doannan region.
Characteristics of Shikabe Hot Spring | More Than 30 Hot Springs and Diverse Spring Qualities
Abundant Hot Spring Sources
The greatest characteristic of Shikabe Hot Spring is that the town has more than 30 hot spring sources. This is a remarkable number for a small town, truly deserving the title “town of hot springs” with such abundant resources. All the public baths in the town use hot spring water, and hot springs are deeply rooted in residents’ daily lives.
Diverse Spring Qualities
Another attraction of Shikabe Hot Spring is the diversity of its spring qualities. The main spring qualities include the following:
Sulfate Spring
- Said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain
- Gentle on skin and can be expected to have beauty benefits
Salt-containing Sulfate Spring
- Characterized by high heat-retention effects and minimal heat loss after bathing
- Said to be effective for cuts, burns, and chronic skin diseases
Bicarbonate Spring (Baking Soda Spring)
- Has the action of softening skin keratin and is also called the “beauty spring”
- Said to be effective for chronic digestive disorders
Because these spring qualities are so varied, visitors can enjoy different hot spring experiences depending on which facility they visit, which is a major appeal of Shikabe Hot Spring.
Abundant Hot Water Volume
Due to the large number of sources, the volume of hot water is extremely abundant. Many facilities allow visitors to enjoy source-fed hot springs, allowing guests to indulge in fresh hot spring water. The temperature of the hot springs also varies by facility, offering choices from hot baths to lukewarm baths according to preference.
Shikabe Geyser Park | Symbol of Shikabe Hot Spring
Shikabe Geyser Park Roadside Station
The symbol of Shikabe Town is the “Shikabe Geyser Park Roadside Station.” Here, you can see a rare natural hot spring geyser found in Japan.
Spectacular Geyser Show
The geyser erupts at approximately 10-minute intervals, and hot water at around 103 degrees Celsius shoots up to approximately 15 meters high by geothermal power. The spectacle is breathtaking, offering a precious opportunity to experience the geothermal power of Shikabe Town. At the moment of eruption, hot water shoots up vigorously with ground vibrations, surprising onlookers.
Foot Bath While Viewing the Geyser
A foot bath is installed in the park, allowing visitors to enjoy the geyser eruption while soaking their feet. It’s possible to experience the luxury of observing nature’s wonder firsthand while relaxing in a hot spring. The foot bath is free to use and is cherished by both local residents and tourists as a spot to enjoy hot springs casually.
Steam House for Hot Spring Steamed Cuisine Experience
Inside the park is a “steam house” where you can enjoy steamed dishes using the high-temperature hot spring. This is an interactive facility where you purchase a fresh food ingredient set (vegetables, seafood, etc.) from the shop and steam it yourself. The ingredients steamed by hot spring heat bring out the original taste of the ingredients, offering an exquisite flavor with concentrated umami.
Shikabe Food and Delicacies Hall
At “Shikabe Food and Delicacies Hall,” a specialty products store inside the roadside station, you can purchase specialty products from Shikabe Town. The most famous are tarako (cod roe) and processed seafood products like white-mouth konbu seaweed, both specialties of Shikabe Town. There is also a wide selection of local agricultural products and processed goods, making it ideal for souvenir shopping.
Hama no Kaasan Eatery
Inside the roadside station is “Hama no Kaasan Eatery,” where you can taste dishes made with freshly caught seafood of the day. The whole grilled fish set meal is particularly popular, allowing you to savor local flavors. Cuisine made with fresh sea bounty is something you should definitely try when visiting Shikabe Town.
Access to Shikabe Hot Spring
By Car
From Hakodate Area
- Approximately 60 minutes from Hakodate city center via National Route 5 and 278
- Approximately 70 minutes from Hakodate Airport
From Sapporo Area
- Approximately 80 minutes from Chuo Expressway Oshamanbe IC
- Approximately 4 hours from Sapporo city center
Using Expressway
- Chuo Expressway Oshamanbe IC is the nearest interchange
- Approximately 80 minutes from the IC to Shikabe Town via local roads
By Public Transportation
By JR
- Get off at “Shikabe Station” on the JR Hakodate Main Line
- Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Shikabe Station, then 2-10 minutes on foot from the terminal
By Bus
- Take the Hakodate Bus headed for “Shikabe Hot Spring”
- Approximately 90 minutes from Hakodate Station
Notes
- Public transportation runs infrequently, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance
- Some accommodations may offer shuttle services, so it’s convenient to confirm when booking
Access from Surrounding Areas
From Onuma/Nanae Area
- Approximately 40 minutes by car
- A trip combining sightseeing at Onuma Quasi-National Park is also popular
From Hakodate City Center
- Approximately 60 minutes by car
- It is also possible to enjoy a day trip to the hot spring as an extension of Hakodate sightseeing
Recommended Accommodations
Shika no Yu Hot Spring Inn
An established inn continuing since the Taisho era, representing Shikabe Hot Spring.
Features
- Pure Japanese-style building with wooden warmth, 10 Japanese-style rooms
- Hot spring with source water from 3 hot springs
- Outdoor bath with ocean scent
- Cuisine using fresh local ingredients from the nearby waters
- Both breakfast and dinner served in the room for relaxation
- Day-trip bathing also available
Hot Spring Characteristics
The spring quality is gentle on skin and won’t tire you even with long soaks. The outdoor bath offers views of Uchiura Bay, allowing you to enjoy both the scent of the sea and the hot spring simultaneously.
Other Accommodations
The Shikabe Hot Spring area has various types of accommodations including private inns, pensions, and hotels. Since each uses different hot springs, visiting multiple facilities to enjoy the differences in spring quality is also recommended.
Selection Tips
- Spring Quality: Choose based on preferred spring quality such as sulfate, salt-containing sulfate, or bicarbonate springs
- Cuisine: Choose based on meal content such as sea bounty-focused or local ingredient use
- Location: Choose based on preferred location such as seaside or town center
- Budget: Wide range available from luxury inns to affordable private lodgings
Day-trip Hot Spring Facilities
Foot Bath Spots
Multiple foot bath spots are available throughout Shikabe Town, offering casual enjoyment of hot springs.
Foot Bath at Shikabe Geyser Park Roadside Station
- Free to use
- Enjoy the geyser while soaking your feet
- Bring your own towel or purchase at the shop
Facilities Offering Day-trip Bathing
Many inns accept day-trip bathing. It is recommended to confirm and reserve by phone in advance. Day-trip bathing fees vary by facility but are generally around 500-1,000 yen.
Tourist Attractions Around Shikabe Hot Spring
Attractions Within Shikabe Town
Shikabe Fishing Port
- View the fresh seafood unloading scenes
- Morning markets are sometimes held where you can purchase local seafood
Shikabe Seaside Park
- A park overlooking Uchiura Bay
- Ideal for walking and picnicking
- Known as a beautiful sunset spot
Tourist Attractions in Neighboring Areas
Onuma Quasi-National Park (approximately 40 minutes by car)
- A scenic spot with views of Mount Komagatake
- Boating and walking can be enjoyed
- Charming natural beauty throughout the seasons
Hakodate City Center (approximately 60 minutes by car)
- Night view from Hakodate Mountain
- Goryokaku Park
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Group
- Fresh seafood at the morning market
Mount Yakesan (approximately 50 minutes by car)
- Landscape of an active volcano
- Famous azalea spot
- Yakesan Hot Spring Area
Mori Town (approximately 30 minutes by car)
- Nigorigawa Hot Spring
- Oniushi Park
- Mori Town specialty: Ika-meshi (squid rice)
Shikabe Town Specialty Products and Cuisine
Seafood
Tarako (Cod Roe)
A representative specialty product of Shikabe Town. Fresh tarako and processed products can be purchased at the roadside station or specialty shops.
White-mouth Konbu Seaweed
Known as premium seaweed, white-mouth konbu seaweed is an important seafood product of Shikabe Town. With excellent dashi broth flavor, it is also popular as a gift.
Fresh Seafood
- Scallops
- Squid
- Atka mackerel
- Flounder
And other fresh seafood caught in Uchiura Bay is abundant.
Local Cuisine
Hot Spring Steamed Cuisine
Steamed dishes using hot spring heat, enjoyed at the steam house in Geyser Park, are a Shikabe specialty experience.
Seafood Cuisine
Fresh seafood dishes served at local eateries and inns are exquisite. Grilled whole fish set meals and seafood rice bowls are particularly popular.
Konbu Broth
A single-serving broth using white-mouth konbu seaweed can be tasted at the roadside station and elsewhere. It offers a gentle taste with concentrated konbu umami.
Ways to Enjoy Shikabe Hot Spring | Model Courses
Day-trip Course
10:00 Arrival at Shikabe Geyser Park Roadside Station
- Geyser viewing
- Relaxation in foot bath
11:00 Hot Spring Steamed Cuisine Experience at Steam House
- Purchase fresh food ingredient set and cook yourself
12:30 Lunch at Hama no Kaasan Eatery
- Savor fresh seafood cuisine
14:00 Souvenir Shopping at Specialty Hall
- Acquire specialty products like tarako and konbu
15:00 Day-trip Bathing at Hot Spring Facility
- Use inn’s day-trip bathing
17:00 Head home
One Night, Two Days Course
Day 1
14:00 Arrival at Shikabe Hot Spring, check into inn
15:00 Stroll through Shikabe Geyser Park Roadside Station
- Geyser viewing
- Foot bath
- Steam house experience
18:00 Dinner at inn
- Savor dishes made with local seafood
19:30 Hot Spring Bathing
- Relax in source-fed hot spring water
Day 2
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Morning bath
10:00 Check out
10:30 Visit Shikabe Fishing Port
12:00 Nearby Sightseeing (Onuma Quasi-National Park or Hakodate City)
Two Nights, Three Days Course
The one-night, two-days course with afternoon sightseeing of Hakodate on day 2 and nearby areas like Mount Yakesan or Mori Town on day 3 is recommended. Staying at multiple inns to enjoy different spring qualities is also a good option.
Notes and Advice for Visiting Shikabe Hot Spring
Best Season
Shikabe Hot Spring can be enjoyed year-round, with different charms each season.
Spring (April-June)
- Pleasant weather
- Beautiful fresh greenery
Summer (July-August)
- Swimming season
- Abundant seafood
- Peak tourist season
Fall (September-November)
- Beautiful autumn foliage
- Peak season for seafood delicacies
- Relatively uncrowded, offering hidden charm
Winter (December-March)
- Snow-covered scenery adds atmosphere to hot spring bathing
- Winter seafood (tarako, etc.) in season
- Greater appreciation for hot spring warmth
What to Bring
- Towel (for foot bath or day-trip bathing)
- Warm clothing (especially necessary in winter)
- Camera (for photographing the geyser)
- Cooler box (if purchasing seafood)
Regarding Reservations
- Accommodations require early booking during peak seasons (summer vacation, Golden Week, year-end/New Year, etc.)
- Day-trip bathing is also safer to confirm by phone in advance
- Request shuttle service at the time of booking if desired
Manners and Rules
- Wash your feet thoroughly before entering foot baths
- Avoid getting too close to the geyser during eruptions (risk of hot water splash)
- Follow each facility’s rules at hot spring facilities
- Take care with seafood freshness when purchasing
Basic Information about Shikabe Hot Spring
Location
Shikabe, Shikabe-cho, Kayabe-gun, Hokkaido
Spring Quality
Sulfate spring, salt-containing sulfate spring, bicarbonate spring, etc. (varies by source)
Effects
Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, rheumatism, chronic digestive disorders, chronic skin disease, cuts, burns, poor circulation, etc.
Number of Sources
More than 30
Contact
Shikabe Hot Spring Tourism Association
Phone: 01372-7-5655
Shikabe Geyser Park Roadside Station
- Address: 18-1 Shikabe, Shikabe-cho, Kayabe-gun, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 8:30-18:00 (varies by season)
- Closed: Year-end/New Year
- Parking: Free (94 regular vehicles, 8 large vehicles)
- Foot Bath: Free
- Geyser Eruption Interval: Approximately 10 minutes
Conclusion | Refresh Body and Mind at Shikabe Hot Spring
Shikabe Hot Spring is a hot spring resort with abundant sources, diverse spring qualities, and a rare natural geyser found in Japan. With a history of more than 350 years, beginning with the legend of a deer healing its wounds, this hot spring continues to provide healing to many people today.
With more than 30 sources and different spring qualities to enjoy, there is the pleasure of hot spring touring. At Shikabe Geyser Park Roadside Station, you can witness the spectacular geyser erupting at approximately 10-minute intervals while soaking in a foot bath, and the steamed cuisine experience utilizing hot spring heat is popular.
Located facing Uchiura Bay, fresh seafood is abundant, and specialty products like tarako and white-mouth konbu seaweed are attractive. Access to nearby sightseeing spots like Hakodate and Onuma Quasi-National Park is also good, making it an ideal base for Doannan sightseeing.
Whether for a day trip or overnight stay, Shikabe Hot Spring can be enjoyed. Refresh your body and mind in the hot spring, savor delicious seafood, and experience the natural wonder of the geyser―such fulfilling time can be spent at this hot spring resort. When visiting Hokkaido, why not add Shikabe Hot Spring to your itinerary?
