Onsen is more than a place to bathe.
It embodies a history shaped by generations.
The crops and cuisine, created by the water, soil, and wind, as well as the activities—all part of a living ecosystem, interconnected and evolving together.
To honor this heritage while continuously renewing it for the future—that is the ONSEN lifestyle.
Kiko-in Temple, designated as Iwanai Town’s first Tangible Cultural Property, continues to watch over the town to this day. In a guided tour led by the head priest, visitors can learn about the temple’s history and the beauty of its architecture, and even touch and experience authentic Buddhist ritual implements and traditional Japanese instruments.
Founded in 1899 (Meiji 32), this long-established kamaboko shop continues to make its fish cakes using traditional methods—a true local flavor of Iwanai. Made with 100% Sukesoudara, the freshly fried kamaboko offers an exceptional taste.
At the port in the early morning, you can feel the fishermen’s intense focus up close and witness a one-of-a-kind seascape that exists only for that day. Enjoy a simple yet luxurious meal of freshly caught squid sashimi and rice—a true taste of the harbor.
Iwanai's snack bar culture was nurtured along with its history as a fishing town. Enjoy a unique Iwanai experience by casually chatting with the owner and local residents, and singing karaoke together.
Enjoy fresh seafood unique to a port town at Azuma Sushi. By the time you leave, you'll feel like you've become one of the locals after high-fiving the owner. Please feel free to take commemorative photos.
Iwanai Shrine is said to have been established in 1789 (Kansei 1) to express gratitude for the safety of the fishermen and the blessings of the sea. During the prayer service, the Shinto priest will pray for the safety of your journey and calm weather.
This is one of Japan's largest collections of Picasso prints, boasting over 100 permanent exhibits. On a private tour, you can enjoy a completely private space enveloped in silence.
A Buddhist temple, rooted in a port town, that enshrines Migawari-Jizo (Scapegoat Jizo Bodhisattva), which is a deity deeply connected to the sea and fishing. Practicing Zazen (zen meditation) a quiet space means a time to focus your mind on just one thing.
Established over 135 years ago, this shop features local sake and other regional alcoholic beverages from Iwanai. The tasting cups are vintage originals. Enjoying a conversation about sake with the owner is another unique pleasure of this shop.
A souvenir shop offering products from Iwanai and neighboring areas, blessed with rich geography woven by the sea, mountains, and slopes, and the four seasons of nature. It’s a shop where you can take home the beloved local flavors just as they are.
A café with 50 years of history, long loved on Iwanai Station Front Street, is popular for its “Teppan Napolitan.” The retro interior is filled with the smiles of locals who have been coming since childhood.
A restaurant where you can enjoy freshly sourced seafood from the Iwanai Mae-hama Market each morning and carefully prepared teppan-grilled dishes. Centered on local ingredients, the cuisine lets you savor the natural blessings of Iwanai.
Three beginner and intermediate level courses are available via chairlift access. Enjoy skiing while taking in the magnificent ocean view.
Founded in 1911, Muramoto Tent began as a saddlery shop in a town where horse-drawn trams ran. The long-lasting products they make using techniques passed down through generations are special items unique to Iwanai, carrying with them memories of your trip.
While experiencing the charm of Iwanai as told by Shibata, who worked as a Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team member, you will have your portrait drawn. It's an experience where you can feel the warmth of handcrafted work in “Iwanai, the Town of Art.”
A rare bowling alley located in town, Family Bowl Iwanai. With a retro game corner attached, it’s a local entertainment spot that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
The bicarbonate spring water, known as the “Beauty Onsen,” and the mineral-rich chloride spring water, known as the “Warming Onsen.” Both are sources of healing that are integrated into the daily lives of the local people, who visit them regularly.
Fed by rainwater that has filtered through the land, this bicarbonate “Beauty Onsen” offers a clear, mineral-rich soak. Unwind in the open air with the Sea of Japan stretching out before you.
In a serene timber inn shaped by traditional carpentry, ease into rain-fed bicarbonate waters known locally as the “Beauty Onsen.” A quiet, restorative pause for body and mind.
This golden, mineral-rich chloride spring traces its origins to ancient seawater. Soak alongside locals and let its deep warmth offer a grounding pause from the day.
Founded in 1914, this factory shop offers everything from traditional seafood preserves to playful modern souvenirs. Browse herring heritage, skilled craft and flavors shaped by more than a century beside the sea.
Founded 130 years ago, this seafood producer preserves traditional namataki and honzukuri methods under the motto “Handcrafted with care.” Its artisans create simple, delicate flavors that reflect generations of maritime heritage.
Join the Ishibashi family, whose fishing heritage dates back to the Edo period, to prepare the season's catch and cook a traditional fisherman's meal. A true taste of Iwanai's coastal life.
Run by a husband-and-wife team, Snack Ambitious is an easygoing second stop for whiskey, karaoke and conversation with locals. Come for a drink; stay for the warm, unfiltered feel of Iwanai after dark.
This plan is for experiences only. Please purchase in advance or at your accommodation on the day.
Day trip plan From 2,000 yen
Take a little piece of your ONSEN journey home with you. Made from 100% cotton, this traditional 200-monme Japanese ONSEN towel is lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to carry.Perfect for exploring Iwanai’s ONSEN, it is just as useful in your everyday routine after returning home. A simple, practical souvenir that brings back memories of Iwanai’s soothing waters and the special moments of your journey every time you use it.
Bring the experience of Iwanai’s two distinctive ONSEN into your daily routine. The shampoo contains water from the “Beauty ONSEN” (bicarbonate spring), while the conditioner features water from the “Warming ONSEN” (chloride spring), each added as a moisturizing ingredient.Both products feature a refreshing hop fragrance, inspired by Iwanai’s history as the place where wild hops were first discovered in Hokkaido. With two convenient 30 mL bottles, the set is perfect for travel or as a thoughtful gift.Manufactured by MAE Co., Ltd. in Toyama Prefecture, a region historically connected to Hokkaido through trade by the Kitamaebune merchant ships.
505 Nozuka, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido
A magnificent location overlooking the Shakotan Peninsula and the sea. An art museum housing Picasso’s print works and a brewery where you can enjoy craft beer are also on-site. The “beauty Onesn” an Onsen sourced from heavenly water, helps maintain your skin’s natural balance.
350, Aza Nozuka, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido
As a “Gourmet Inn,”this onsen ryokan attracts repeat guests from all over Japan. Its greatest charm lies in the fresh ingredients purchased every morning. Enjoy the “beauty Onesn,” sourced from heavenly water, along with the fragrance of cedar and cypress.
Accommodation Plan: From ¥23,500 per person (tax included, hot spring tax not included)
350 Nozuka, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido
The view overlooking the horizon is beautiful no matter what time of day you capture it. The golden “warming Onsen,” born from seawater, warms both body and soul to the core.
47-4 Bandai, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido
Where the Sea of Japan’s bounty meets the charm of a coastal town. A perfect place to begin your journey or make a memorable stop. Discover local specialties and travel inspiration at “Roadside Station Iwanai,” your gateway to Iwanai.