Horokanai’s Hidden Treasure: Forests, Hot Springs, and Authentic Soba at a Tranquil Roadside Retreat

Introduction: The Heart of Hokkaido's Untouched Countryside

Nestled in Horokanai Town—one of Japan’s leading soba-producing areas—Michi-no-Eki Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai is more than a roadside station.
It is a serene gateway to the region’s forests, lakes, hot springs, and traditional cuisine.

For travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility, this destination offers a chance to slow down and experience the natural beauty and food culture of rural Hokkaido.

Natural Sanctuary: Surrounded by Lakes and Forests

The facility features a hot spring, soba dining, and a local product market, providing a convenient place to experience the charm of Horokanai Town in one location.

It is not only a great place to stop during your trip, but also a relaxing base for 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 features “Santosan no Yu,” a natural hot spring that rises at the foot of Mt. Santō, one of the “100 Famous Mountains of Hokkaido.”
Classified as a sodium-chloride spring, its salt content helps prevent the evaporation of sweat, making it less likely for bathers to feel chilled after bathing. For this reason, it is also known as the “Heat Spring.”

Because the spring warms the body well, it is said to be beneficial for those experiencing sensitivity to cold, insomnia, neuralgia, or joint pain.

Highlights include:

• A spacious open-air bath finished with premium Towada stone

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

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

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

Horokanai is Japan’s top soba-producing area, with both the largest cultivation area and production volume in the country.
Here, quality is valued throughout the process, from cultivation and harvesting to milling and noodle making. At Soba Dining “Soba no Sato,” the soba is milled and made in-house, with freshly handmade noodles prepared every day.

A highlight of the restaurant is its freshly made Horokanai soba, while the Yukigura Juwari Soba, made with 100% buckwheat, is available exclusively on weekends and public holidays.

The Horokanai Town Local Product Center also offers a variety of unique soba-related treats, including soba gelato, soba honey sundaes, and soba seed okara donuts.

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 hikers in both summer and winter, the summit offers panoramic views of iconic peaks and mountain ranges including Rishiri-Fuji, Daisetsuzan, and the Shokanbetsu mountains.

In spring, remaining snow contrasts beautifully with fresh green. In fall, the trail becomes a canvas of gold, crimson, and amber—a rewarding destination for nature lovers and hikers 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 peaceful destination where you can experience the natural beauty and food culture of rural Hokkaido.

Whether you're enjoying freshly made soba, bathing under falling snow, or taking in the surrounding mountain scenery, each moment here offers a rare kind of luxury—quiet, authentic, and deeply connected to nature.

Please check the official website for the latest information on opening hours and closure dates, as they may be subject to change.
https://horokanaisoba.com/