Hoheikyo Dam Onsen Tour: Fall Foliage & Hot Springs

Hoheikyo Dam's turquoise reservoir, then a soak in forest-surrounded hot springs

This tour from Sapporo visits Hoheikyo Dam in the Toyohira River valley, then moves to Hoheikyo Onsen for a soak in one of Hokkaido's largest outdoor baths. The 9.5-hour day includes entry and towel at the onsen, all transport from Sapporo Station, and an English-speaking guide. In autumn, the dam's reservoir reflects vivid fall foliage across the mountainsides. The onsen's gender-separated indoor and outdoor baths are suitable for all ages, and the water is known to improve circulation and ease muscle and joint pain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Hoheikyo Dam and Onsen

• Arrive at Hoheikyo Dam
• Walk Dam Loop Trail and Dam Crest Walk
• Travel to Hoheikyo Onsen
• Relax in outdoor hot spring baths
• Return to Sapporo Station

The experience

The tour picks you up at Sapporo Station at 11:30 and heads southwest to Hoheikyo Dam, nestled in the Toyohira River valley at the entrance to Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The dam creates a turquoise reservoir that mirrors the surrounding mountains: a striking contrast to the towering dam wall itself. Easy, paved walking trails loop around the dam and lake, passing through forest suitable for all ages. In October, the mountainsides turn crimson, orange and yellow, making this one of the best koyo (fall foliage) spots near Sapporo.

From the dam, the tour moves down the road to Hoheikyo Onsen, where you'll soak in one of Hokkaido's largest outdoor baths. The water is gentle on the skin and the setting, surrounded by untouched forest, is the main draw after a morning of walking. Gender-separated indoor and outdoor baths come with modern comforts. The onsen's waters are especially beneficial for blood circulation and relieving muscle and joint pain. Entry and a towel set are included. You'll return to Sapporo Station after soaking.

An English-speaking guide leads the day and handles all transport from Sapporo Station to both destinations. The tour runs about 9.5 hours total. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and the facilities are wheelchair accessible. Note that guests with tattoos are not permitted to enter the onsen.

What’s included

• Entry and towel set at Hoheikyo Onsen.
• all transportation from Sapporo Station to the dam and onsen.
• English-speaking tour guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 14 Sep 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine a morning of easy walking and photography at a scenic dam with an afternoon soak in a large outdoor hot spring. The two stops are close enough to fit comfortably into a single day from Sapporo, and autumn foliage season makes both stops worth the trip.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What are the walking trails like at Hoheikyo Dam?

Hoheikyo Dam has easy, paved paths (the Dam Loop Trail and Dam Crest Walk) that lead to the dam, lake and surrounding forest. They're suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

What's included in the tour price?

Entry to Hoheikyo Onsen, a towel set, all transportation from Sapporo Station to both destinations, and an English-speaking guide are included. Lunch and drinks are not.

When is the best time to visit for fall foliage?

October is peak season for koyo (fall colors) at Hoheikyo Dam, when the mountainsides turn vivid reds, oranges and yellows and reflect in the reservoir. Autumn foliage is also the most attractive season at the onsen.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour departs from Sapporo Station at 11:30 and returns there after the onsen soak, for a total of about 9.5 hours.