Horokanai’s Hidden Treasure: Forests, Lakes, Hot Springs, and Artisan Soba at a Luxury Roadside Retreat

Introduction: The Heart of Hokkaido's Untouched Countryside

Nestled in Horokanai—the smallest village in Hokkaido and Japan’s leading soba-producing region—Michi-no-Eki Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai is more than a roadside station.
It is a serene gateway to a deeper Japan: untouched forests, shimmering lakes, traditional cuisine, and healing waters.

For discerning travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility, this destination offers a taste of luxury that only nature and heritage can provide.

Natural Sanctuary: Surrounded by Lakes and Forests

The facility is equipped with hot springs, soba dining, and a product center, providing a fulfilling space where you can experience the charm of Horokanai Town all in one place.

It is not only a great place to stop by during your trip, but also an ideal base for relaxing and enjoying the nature, culture, and cuisine of the region.

Inside the facility, you’ll find:

• Soba Dining “Soba no Sato”

• Local product market

• San-Tōzan-no-Yu Onsen (Hot Spring of Mt. Santō)

Onsen Experience: Bathe in the “Heat Spring” of Mt. Santō

The onsen at Horokanai is fed by the natural hot spring sourced from the base of Mt. Santō, one of the “100 Famous Mountains of Hokkaido.”
Classified as a sodium-chloride spring, its mineral-rich waters are known for retaining warmth, preventing chills, and relieving ailments such as insomnia, neuralgia, and joint pain—earning it the nickname “Heat Spring.”

Highlights include:

• Spacious open-air bath lined with premium Towada stone

• Snow-covered outdoor bathing in winter—a magical experience unique to heavy-snow regions

• Sounds of nature—wind and birds—are your only companions

Soba Excellence: Taste the Pride of Japan’s Top Soba Region

Horokanai is Japan’s top soba-producing area, both in volume and cultivation area.
Here, quality is everything—from soil preparation to milling and noodle making. At Luonto’s soba kitchen, everything is done in-house, with daily handmade soba served fresh.

Signature soba dishes include:

• Authentic juwari soba (100% buckwheat)

• Seasonal soba tasting sets

• Soba-infused desserts: soba gelato, soba honey sundaes, and okara soba donuts—all available in the souvenir shop

Outdoor Excursion: Climb Mt. Santō

Just behind the station rises Mt. Santō (1,009 m), the second highest peak in the Teshio Mountain Range.
Popular with both summer and winter hikers, the summit offers panoramic views of iconic peaks like Rishiri-Fuji, Daisetsuzan, and the Shokanbetsu mountains.

In spring, remaining snow contrasts with fresh green. In fall, the trail becomes a canvas of gold, crimson, and amber—a must for nature photographers and adventurers alike.
After your hike, there’s no better reward than a soak in the onsen below.

Conclusion: Discover Luxury in Simplicity

Michi-no-Eki Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai is not just a roadside stop—it is a thoughtfully curated countryside retreat that embodies Japan’s deeper rhythm.

Whether you're sipping soba tea, bathing under falling snow, or savoring hand-made noodles crafted with care, each moment here offers a rare kind of luxury—quiet, authentic, and deeply human.

Language support must be confirmed on-site.
The official website is available in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.