2025 Shiraoi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

I don't really want to tell anyone! Stay at Pirikarera Hotel, a hidden inn in Hokkaido that only a few people know about♪ ✅Private space with only 6 rooms ✅All rooms have free-flowing mall hot springs♨️ ✅Free spacious private open-air bath♨️ ✅Full-course dinner featuring A4-grade Shiraoi beef🍽 Easy access from Sapporo and New Chitose, highly recommended👍 #Hokkaido tourism #Open-air bath in guest room #Hot spring inn #Resort hotel #Luxury hotel

Take the Hokuto from Sapporo to Shiraoi, and you can reach Kai-Boroto in a few minutes. With the halo of newly opening in 2022, it has become one of the must-stay attractions in southern Hokkaido. The room space is about 17 pings and has an independent hot spring. It is recommended to go to the 🔺 hot spring. The brown carbonated spring is rare. The men's hot spring has an endless view of Lake Poloto. The snow scenery in winter is beautiful. The food quality is above average. The Aboriginal Symbiosis Center next to it is also worth a visit. There are also ice fishing trips available after Lake Poloto freezes.

Getting There - Take a shinkansen to Shiraoi Station in southern Hokkaido. The Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park is just about 5 mins walk from the station. Attractions - This open air cultural museum showcases a replicated Ainu village, exhibits, and performances, including traditional music and dance. It also offers traditional culinary, dance, music, and crafts-making workshops. Hotels - Many types of accommodations are available in Shiraoi. Haku Hostel where I stayed is about 10 mins walk from the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. This hostel is super trendy, clean, and comfortable place with friendly staff. It is also a great value for money. Food & Restaurants - Local restaurants and eateries offer some of the best meals you can find in Japan. Shopping - The museum gift shop has a good variety of products, some of which are made by Ainu people. Other local stores also offer Ainu people’s products, featuring traditional patterns, fabrics, and tapestries. #nationalpark #summervacation #bucketlistreboot

On my trip to Hokkaido, I went to Shiraoi Station. Do you know Shiraoi Town? It may not be a very well-known place, but the Ainu people built the foundation of the town's history here, and promoting Ainu culture is one of the town's development measures. In 2020, "Upopoy," a facility that symbolizes ethnic coexistence, was opened, allowing you to experience different cultures. In addition, "Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto" will open in January 2022, and you can enjoy a stay there, as well as various activities at Lake Poroto depending on the season. This time, I stopped by a cafe called "Horyu" near the station, and the morning set at this cafe was very delicious. Even on the Pacific side, the snow scenery was still very beautiful in winter. #Snowscape #Hokkaido

Opening on January 14, 2022! The hot spring inn "Kai" has finally landed in Hokkaido for the first time♨️ I stayed at "Hoshino Resorts KAI Poroto", where you can fully enjoy Hokkaido's nature, food, and culture♪ I have stayed at several facilities of Hoshino Resorts' hot spring inn brand "Kai", but personally, I think "Kai Poroto" is definitely in the top three! First of all, the open-air bath nestled in the middle of nature is so amazing, soaking in the excellent quality of the mall hot spring in the snowy winter scenery was the best open-air bath I've ever had♨️ After all, hot springs feel the best in the cold season! As for the food, the special kaiseki meal, which incorporated plenty of Hokkaido's bounty, was delicious😋 If you're thinking about staying at a Hoshino Resort but not sure where to go, I can wholeheartedly recommend this place👍 #Hot spring #Luxury hotel #Snow scenery #Hokkaido #Breathtaking view

"Upopoy (Imaginary Space for Ethnic Coexistence)" is a facility where you can learn about Ainu culture that opened in Shiraoi-cho, Hokkaido in July 2020. I couldn't get the commercial "Upopoy, Upopoy~♫" that was playing when it first opened out of my head, so I finally made it here🤣 Please note that you need to pay a timed admission fee to enter the National Ainu Museum! The museum provides detailed explanations of the Ainu history and lifestyle, making it easy to understand even for beginners to Ainu culture. The Ainu song and dance shows were also interesting, as they were all things I had never seen before. You can also eat stylish game dishes at the attached restaurant "Haruranna"🦌 📍 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido #HokkaidoTrip #Game #trip2022

I was so attracted by the YouTuber Hokkaido Son-in-law that I made a special detour to eat at Bai Lao. The owner's service attitude was friendly, but it was not as good as the online description. He would help introduce and select crabs. When we walked to the pool, the owner directly scooped up two hairy crabs from the largest pool for us to choose. If you specifically want to eat male or female, or smaller ones, remember to communicate with the owner in advance!

Ainu Museum (National Ainu Museum & Park) #HokkaidoCulture #ShiraoiAttractions #AinuExperience 🕰️ Hours: • Summer (April–October): 9:00 AM–6:00 PM • Winter (November–March): 9:00 AM–5:00 PM • Closed on Mondays (or the following day if it's a national holiday), and during the year-end and New Year holidays 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: • National Ainu Museum: Exhibits Ainu history, crafts, and daily necessities • National Park for Ethnic Symbiosis (Upopoy): Recreates a traditional Ainu settlement and offers cultural activities • Outdoor Stage: Ainu music, dance, and rap performances • Dining Area: Serves meals inspired by traditional ingredients • Souvenir Shop: Crafts and unique souvenirs 📍 Address: 2-chome, Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 3-1 💰 Cost per person: • Admission: Adults 1,200 yen, students 600 yen, free for elementary school students and younger • Meals and craft workshops are charged separately depending on the activity 🏛️ A core hub of Ainu culture Upopoy is Japan's first national museum and park dedicated to Ainu culture. Officially opening in 2020, the park's name, "Upopoy," means "everyone singing together" in the Ainu language, symbolizing symbiosis and exchange. This is more than just a museum; it's a cultural center where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Ainu traditions through interactive activities. 🎨 Museum Exhibits: A Microcosm of Life and Wisdom Inside, you can see: • Clothing and Textiles: The exquisite embroidery on traditional Ainu clothing symbolizes protection and blessings. • Crafts and Utensils: Wood carvings, fishing gear, and daily utensils showcase the wisdom of nature. • Myths and Oral Culture: Multimedia showcases myths and songs passed down through generations. Exhibits combine educational and artistic elements, allowing even visitors unfamiliar with Ainu culture to quickly immerse themselves in the culture. 🏕️ Outdoor Park: Enter an Ainu Village Stepping outside the museum, visitors will find themselves in a recreated Ainu settlement. Wooden chise (チセ) houses are scattered throughout the park, allowing visitors to enter and experience daily life. Seasonal events also include: • Handicrafts: Create small wood carvings and embroidered accessories • Cooking Class: Savor traditional dishes made with salmon, venison, and other ingredients • Performances: Enjoy Ainu dance, music, and epic poetry These activities allow visitors to go beyond simply viewing exhibits and truly experience the charm of Ainu culture. 🎶 Experience Ainu Song and Dance Daily performances are held on the outdoor stage, including: • Rhythmic traditional dances • Performances using instruments such as the mouth harp and taiko drums • Storytelling and chanting, recreating ancient myths These performances are not only lively but also imbued with profound cultural significance, making them a must-see highlight of your trip. 🍴 Food and Souvenirs The restaurants within the park offer dishes inspired by traditional Ainu ingredients: • Salt-grilled salmon • Venison dishes • Vegetable soups The natural and earthy flavors offer a taste of the earth. The souvenir shop sells a variety of handmade wood carvings, textiles, and everyday items, making them perfect souvenirs. 🚌 Transportation • Driving: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Sapporo, approximately 1 hour from New Chitose Airport. • JR: Take the JR train to Shiraoi Station, then walk for approximately 10 minutes. 🌟 Recommended Itinerary • Half-Day Tour: Morning museum visit → Lunch at the park → Afternoon crafting or dance performance. • Day Tour Extension: Combine Noboribetsu Onsen or Lake Shikotsu for a comprehensive itinerary combining culture, nature, and hot springs. The Ainu National Museum (Upopoy) is more than just an exhibition space; it's a vibrant experience of Hokkaido's indigenous culture. From traditional crafts to song and dance performances, from wisdom to natural cuisine, the museum showcases the diverse and fascinating Ainu culture. If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, we recommend taking a half-day trip to Upopoy in Shiraoi to experience the spirit of "living in harmony with nature" firsthand. This will be one of the most unique and profound memories of your trip.

#AugustDestinations2025 Located on the shores of Lake Polot in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, the National Park of Ethnic Symbiosis (Upopoy) is Japan's first national facility dedicated to Ainu culture. It officially opened in 2020. The name "Upopoy" means "everyone singing together" in the Ainu language, symbolizing the concept of coexistence among diverse ethnic groups. The park is divided into three main areas: 🏛️ National Ainu Museum: Houses and displays over a thousand precious artifacts, offering insights into Ainu history and beliefs through costumes, crafts, hunting tools, and interactive audio-visual displays. 🏡 Traditional Restoration Village: Recreates traditional Ainu houses (chise) and regularly hosts singing and dancing performances and craft demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience authentic scenes of life. 🎶 Cultural Exchange Experience Zone: Offers a variety of activities, including language, music, dance, and food, perfect for hands-on experience of the wisdom of "living with nature." 🚉 Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station, the park is close to Lake Polloto. We recommend a half-day or longer trip, combining a lakeside stroll with a hot spring experience to fully experience the fusion of culture and nature. 🏷️ #NationalEthnicSymbiosisPark #Upopoy #AinuCulture #ShiraoiCho #HokkaidoTravel #PorotoLake

At the National Ainu Museum (Upopoy) in Shiraoi, visitors can enjoy not only permanent exhibitions but also various interactive experiences that leave a lasting impression. The museum features a language experience area where guests can listen to and learn Ainu language through multimedia interactions. This area showcases Ainu pronunciation, daily conversations, and even offers games that make it easy for both adults and children to engage with and understand this gradually disappearing yet profoundly wise language. Outdoors, the "Traditional Restored Village" recreates Ainu houses known as チセ (Chise). These structures feature roofs covered with reeds or bark, with interiors centered around a hearth, reflecting the Ainu people's past lifestyle of living around fire and coexisting with nature. These buildings are not only cultural symbols but also provide a tangible sense of the Ainu philosophy of life. Additionally, traditional craft demonstrations and song and dance performances are held periodically, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the intersection of culture and history. 📍Tip: Start with the language interaction experience before heading outdoors to explore the traditional architecture and performances. This sequence will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted Ainu culture.

Located on the shores of Lake Poroto in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, the National Ainu Museum (Upopoy) opened in 2020 as Japan's first national museum dedicated to Ainu culture. It serves as a key hub for promoting the concept of "ethnic coexistence." The name "Upopoy" means "singing together" in the Ainu language, symbolizing exchange and coexistence. The museum houses over a thousand precious artifacts, including Ainu clothing, everyday tools, hunting equipment, and materials related to oral traditions and religious ceremonies. Through permanent exhibitions, multimedia displays, and interactive experiences, visitors can gain a deep understanding of the Ainu people's history, language, and beliefs. Outside the museum, the "Traditional Reconstructed Village" showcases Ainu-style houses and settlement landscapes, with regular demonstrations of traditional dances, songs, and crafts. 🚶♀️ Conveniently accessible, the museum is about a 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station. A half-day to full-day visit is recommended, starting with indoor exhibitions and outdoor performances during the day, followed by a lakeside stroll in the evening to fully appreciate the blend of culture and nature.

Located in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, Poroto Lake is a small freshwater lake spanning approximately 2.5 hectares. Surrounded by forests on three sides, the lake's surface is as calm as a mirror, offering different scenic views throughout the year: lush greenery in spring and summer, vibrant autumn foliage reflected in the water, and a snowy white wonderland in winter. A lakeside trail is available, making it perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride to soak in the serene natural atmosphere. The most notable landmark by the lakeside is the Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony, Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park), where visitors can enjoy both the picturesque lake views and immerse themselves in Ainu culture. The name "Poroto" means "big lake" in the Ainu language, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of the local community with nature. 🚶♀️ Getting there is convenient, as the lake is about a 10-minute walk from JR Shiraoi Station. For those driving, parking is available around the lake. When visiting Shiraoi, consider taking a stroll along the lakeside and pairing it with a visit to Upopoy for a journey that blends nature and culture.

#August2025 Just a short walk from the North Exit of Shiraoi Station lies the lush and verdant Kitaguchi Park. It's not only a relaxing space for residents, but also a must-see for railway enthusiasts, thanks to its display of a retired steam locomotive. Steam locomotive D51 No. 333, once a staple of the Hokkaido Muroran Main Line, stands quietly in the park. The D51, known as a "degoichi," is Japan's most iconic freight steam locomotive. No. 333 is in excellent condition, its dark, heavy exterior evokes a nostalgic, Showa-era atmosphere. 🚶♂️ Located within easy walking distance of Shiraoi Station's North Exit, it's a convenient stopover. It's also a great place for travelers to stop by before or after visiting the Upopoy (National Ainu Museum). The combination of the small park in front of the station and the historic steam locomotive showcases the unique local scenery of Shiraoi. 🏷️ #Shiraoi Station #D51 Steam Locomotive #Railway Fan Sacred Spot #Hokkaido Travel #North Exit Park

#AugustDestinations2025 Shiraoi Station, located in Hokkaido's Iburi region, serves as a JR Muroran Main Line, approximately an hour's drive from Sapporo. It's the closest station to Upopoy (National Ainu Museum), a symbol of interethnic coexistence. The station boasts a simple design with local cultural elements, and the station square features signage and tourist information, making it easy to connect to various attractions. Upopoy is a 10-minute walk from the station, offering a glimpse into Ainu history and culture. Nearby are Shiraoi Onsen, Kojohama Onsen, and the renowned "Shiraoi Beef" restaurant, making it a destination that combines culture, hot springs, and delicious cuisine. 🚉Transportation: Take the JR Muroran Main Line Limited Express "Hokuto" directly to Shiraoi Station. The journey from Sapporo is approximately one hour, and from New Chitose Airport, it's about 40 minutes, making it a very convenient destination. 🏷️ #白老駅 #HokkaidoTravel #Upopoy #爱NUculture #白老牛 #热热拍

#Hydrangea Located in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, the "Upopoi (Symbolic Space for Ethnic Symbiosis)" is centered around the National Iinu Museum. It is Japan's first national museum dedicated solely to the exhibition and research of Iinu culture, shouldering the mission of reviving and preserving this precious heritage. Set against a lakeside and green landscape, the park combines traditional architecture with modern exhibition halls, allowing visitors to experience Iinu history and lifestyle in a natural setting. In early summer, a vibrant sea of hydrangeas blooms around the museum and along the lakeside trails. A vibrant blend of blue, purple, and pink creates a soft, vibrant scene, contrasting beautifully with the deep greenery and traditional thatched houses. This place is not only a place to delve into Iinu culture, but also a tourist attraction that combines seasonal blossoms, offering a satisfying blend of cultural experience and natural wonders. #Upopoi #Shiraoi #Hydrangea #IinuCulture #HokkaidoTravel

We made a special stop at Kani Goten while driving through Shiraoi, and I’m so glad we did. This place is all about crab—from fresh to dried, live tanks to grilled and ready-to-eat. As someone who loves seafood, especially crab, it felt like a dream. There’s a restaurant inside the building, and we went straight for a crab feast. I ordered the kani-don (crab rice bowl), which was generously topped with sweet, juicy crab meat. It was fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. We also tried their crab miso soup—rich and comforting, perfect for the cool weather. After lunch, we explored the shop area, which was filled with every imaginable type of crab product. The staff were very friendly and even offered us samples. It was hard not to walk out with a bag full of crab snacks and souvenirs. If you’re in the area or heading toward Noboribetsu or Lake Toya, I’d say this is a great stop for a quick meal and a chance to indulge in premium Hokkaido crab. #summervacay #KaniGoten #Shiraoi #HokkaidoEats #CrabLoversParadise #JapanRoadTrip #HokkaidoTrip #SeafoodLover #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #japan #japantrip

If you visit Shiraoi Town in Hokkaido and don't try Shiraoi beef, you'll be missing out! Shiraoi Beef Direct Sales Charcoal Grill - Ushinosato 🥩🐃 A truly local specialty shop dedicated to Hokkaido's Shiraoi beef. Four people dined here, and it turned out to cost only 800 TWD per person. Such great value! 🤭 Shiraoi beef from Shiraoi Town in Hokkaido is a rare breed of black-haired wagyu. The cattle are exclusively fed beer yeast feed and raised in a stress-free environment, resulting in evenly distributed marbling, tender and juicy meat, rich and flavorful taste, and no unpleasant odor. It's truly a premium ingredient. Menu highlights: 🐃 Shiraoi Beef 5 Cuts Platter - Includes Shiraoi beef filet steak and five types of grilled cuts ¥5,000 x 2 plates 🐃 Shiraoi Beef Large Toro Karubi / Triangular Rib Meat ¥3,000 / 2 pieces 🐃 Shiraoi Beef Takeda Farm Sagari / Shiraoi Takeda Farm Skirt Steak ¥1,276 🍖 Assorted Sausages (3 types) / Hokkaido Sausage Platter ¥550 🍺 Draft Beer (Medium) ¥550 🥤 Oolong Tea / Cola ¥550 Shop Name: Shiraoi Beef Direct Sales Charcoal Grill - Ushinosato Location: 1-6-13 Sakaemachi, Shiraoi Town, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido Business Hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

After arriving at Shiraoi Station, I found it to be a quiet and serene place surrounded by nature. The station exudes a peaceful atmosphere, and according to the information I gathered, the onsen hotel is indeed located here. As I walked, I noticed wisps of smoke rising in the distance, which I assumed to be the steam from the hot springs. Upon entering KAI, I was greeted by a picturesque onsen hotel blanketed in snow. The harmony between the hot springs and the snow was truly breathtaking. Reflecting on this, I realized that respecting nature allows it to offer you unexpected gifts. So, when you visit, simply embrace and enjoy the blessings of nature!

On April 25, we stayed at KAI Harodo in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, a hot spring hotel under the Hoshinoya Group. It looks extremely low-key from the outside, and even made us wonder if we had come to the wrong place. But once we stepped into the lobby, had dinner and returned to the room, we were pleasantly surprised. This time we stayed in a quadruple room. As soon as we entered the room, we saw a spacious entrance hall with a separate bathroom and toilet. Although the bathroom design is quite standard, the room is very spacious and the four beds are so soft and comfortable that you won't want to get up once you lie down. Even more amazing is the spacious living room, with natural light pouring in from the windows. The overall space is comfortable and relaxing, and the luggage has already been thoughtfully placed. The hot spring is divided into two areas: the indoor hot spring pool is open to the public and the environment is a bit crowded; the semi-outdoor hot spring pool is only for guests, with a quiet environment and a wide view. Soaking in the hot spring while looking at the lake view and the hot spring smoke, you can truly experience what "healing" means. The museum also offers many experience activities, such as free tea bag DIY, where you can mix herbs and tea leaves by yourself and bring back your own travel memories. The overall accommodation experience was very complete, from the space, hot springs to the details of the service, it was impeccable. It was worthy of being the most expensive and most worthwhile night of this trip. #Hoshinoya Group #Kaiborodo #Hokkaido Hot Springs Hostel #Shiraoi-cho Accommodation Recommendation #Kai Series #Hot Springs Travel #Japan Accommodation Sharing #Must-stay for Hot Spring Lovers

#springitinerary The National Ainu Museum up in Hokkaido is an awesome deep dive into Japan’s Indigenous culture, and honestly, it’s way more interesting than your average museum trip. The space is super modern and interactive, with exhibits that actually pull you in instead of just throwing info at you. You’ll learn about the Ainu people’s way of life, language, music, clothing, and their deep connection with nature. The storytelling is top-notch, and there are hands-on displays, videos, and even performances that bring it all to life. The museum sits by a beautiful lake, so the whole area feels peaceful and rooted in nature, which fits the vibe perfectly. It’s not just educational, it’s genuinely eye-opening and respectful of a culture that’s been underrepresented for a long time. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, this place is 100% worth the trip. It’s fresh, meaningful, and super well done.

About 40 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport 📍Kai Poroto Located on the shores of Lake Poroto in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido The beautiful scenery of the four seasons is truly wonderful...! The building design and various activities respect Ainu culture❄️ The rooms have a calm atmosphere and have a terrace and an open-air bath and the snow-covered Lake Poroto was very fantastic🕊️ A natural forest of lush birch and maple trees spreads out, and the birch logs used in the room harmonize with the space, blending into nature and making you feel enchanted. There are two types of hot springs, an indoor bath and an outdoor bath, and the brown mall hot spring is rare worldwide♨️ The meal, which allows you to enjoy Hokkaido's seafood in abundance, was delicious. The hairy crab and scallop daigo nabe was too delicious...! At night, we enjoyed a bonfire and selected alcoholic beverages while experiencing Ainu culture. It was a very relaxing time on my first trip to Hokkaido in winter. 📍Kai Poroto 1-1018-94 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido #Hoshino Resorts #Kai Poroto #Hot Spring Inn #Hokkaido Travel #Hokkaido Tourism #Hokkaido Camera Club #Lake Poroto #Kai #Hokkaido Hotel #Hotel Stay #Hotel Living OL #I want to connect with hotel lovers #hoshinoresorts #trip Accommodation Report

#0yentravel At Upopoy Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence, I was able to experience Ainu culture and history in depth. The museum carefully introduced their lifestyle, language, and beliefs, and I was particularly impressed by the sound of the mukkuri and the ancient dance. Outside, a traditional house called a cise was reproduced, and I was able to experience the way of life of people who have lived in harmony with nature. Every exhibit and experience seemed to speak to me quietly, and I felt the depth of the culture. During my trip to Hokkaido, the time I spent here was very memorable.

📍Upopoy Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence If you have seen the Golden Mukai, you will definitely have fun! Of course, even if you have not seen it, it is fun to learn about Ainu history and culture! 【INFORMATION】 Upopoy Symbolic Space for Ethnic Coexistence 📮059-0902 2-3 Wakakusa-cho, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 🕑9:00-18:00 🚗Free parking available 💰 #Spring 0 yen trip

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Resort of the Heart Sea Villa Furukawa] 🕰️Business hours: 24:00~ 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 289-3 Tojohama, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0641 💰Price per person: 15,000~ 💞Reasons for recommendation: The location is great❤️ The open-air bath and the sea feel like one, and it relaxes the mind... The service is not too luxurious, and is cheerful and comfortable🤍 Everything was just the best😘 The hospitality, the food, the room, and relaxing on the terrace while listening to the sound of the waves‼ ️ The open-air bath overlooking the sea was also really soothing😍 It was the kind of inn that makes you want to visit once a year as a reward to yourself♪

The time I spent at this hotel was the highlight of my entire Hokkaido trip! The environment, scenery, and food were impeccable in every aspect. I highly recommend everyone to experience it. Part of the Hoshino Resorts, 'Kai Poroto' is located in Shiraoi Town, near the famous Noboribetsu Onsen area, and not too far from Sapporo city. From the moment you enter, you feel a sense of detachment from the mundane world, making you extremely relaxed. The lobby features a stylish fireplace facing a small lake, giving off a fairyland vibe. Various activities are held in this space, making it a great place to chill. Although we booked one of the cheaper rooms, it was still very spacious with a large bed and an endless lake view that never gets old. The amenities were also very comprehensive. As for the onsen, there are both outdoor and indoor options, both designed in a minimalist yet comfortable style. The indoor onsen is available for non-staying guests in a 'day-use' format, so it tends to be more crowded. The outdoor onsen, however, is exclusive to staying guests, and in winter, it faces a frozen lake with an endless snowy view. At night, you can even stargaze, greatly enhancing the onsen experience! The experience of soaking in the onsen while snowflakes fall is truly unforgettable. Regarding food, most bookings include breakfast and dinner, both themed around the indigenous Ainu cuisine of the Shiraoi area, using many local ingredients. The meals are both exquisite and thoughtful, leaving you very full yet wanting more. After just one visit, I deeply felt the charm of Hoshino Resorts. Every aspect was relaxing and enjoyable, and I look forward to experiencing other hotels under the 'Kai' brand!

Travel to Hokkaido in winter compared to the popular Sapporo Otaru I prefer to go to niche private spots This time I came to Bai Lao with my friends Just out of the station you can feel the tranquility of the town It really came right for those of us looking for a vacation · 📍Bai Lao ⏰2 days and 1 night · 🚇Traffic It costs 2000+ yen by JR for 1 and a half hours from New Chitose Airport 🏨Accommodation This time we chose to stay in Hoshino's boundary Boruto 10-15 minutes walk from Bailao Station to the hotel The room looks directly at Lake Boruto especially like to sit by the window and see the scenery is really beautiful The suite also allows you to take a private bath in the room and enjoy the snowy view The decoration design incorporates many Ainu ethnic elements There are also experiential craft activities to participate in Of course you must not miss the signature ♨️ hot spring here I heard that the hot springs in Borodo are a hot spring for beautiful skin The brown hot tub is very comfortable to soak in 📸 Take photos and check in ✅Bai Lao Station The station itself and across the road are good to take pictures full of Japanese style ✅ Lake Bolodo The whole lake is covered with white snow very suitable for taking some artistic photos over good and ice fishing ✅ Open air bath in the boundary In front of you is the blue sky, snow scenery, snow mountains while soaking in the hot springs while looking at the scenery this feeling can only be felt when you are in it 🍽️Food There are many small shops along the street of Bai Lao Station that produce quite good products However it closes relatively early at night It is recommended to choose the hotel's one-night-two dining The banquet dishes for dinner are very rich Breakfast is set this salmon potato soup pot is my favorite It was relaxing to watch the egrets outside the window while having breakfast

Hokkaido Shiraoi Kai Poroto In addition to the snowy lakeside hot springs I was surprised by the food here As we all know, when staying at a hot spring hotel, you must choose a one-night, two-meal package The highlight is the kaiseki dinner From appetizers to desserts, everything is great ⛵ Treasure Boat The boat-shaped tray is filled with various Japanese delicacies, from sashimi platters to crab sushi, you can taste a variety of flavors at once 🥩 Beef steamed and grilled on a ceramic plate The Shiraoi Wagyu beef is full of milky flavor 🐟 Sake-steamed big fin fish No excessive seasoning, slowly savor the deliciousness of the fish 🍲 Hairy crab and scallop pot It is the best season to eat crabs recently. The combination of hairy crabs and scallops is very fresh. A sip of hot soup in winter is very satisfying · The hotel is rich in Ainu-inspired architecture It seems to float on the lake, looking out the window, there is a quiet and vast lake and birch forest From time to time, wild birds fly by, bringing a completely different Hokkaido experience The special drinks and handmade amulet class made me linger The rare Shiraoi hot spring♨️ reflects the beautiful scenery and takes away the fatigue of the journey

| Hokkaido's Hidden Cultural Gem. In Shiraoi Town, located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, there is a time capsule-like museum called the Shiraoi Ainu Museum, which quietly tells the ancient and mysterious stories of the Ainu people. Stepping into the museum is like traveling through time and space, entering the long history of the Ainu people. Every exhibit in the museum is a sediment of time, telling the past of this ethnic group in a silent language. From the early dwellings to the exquisite wooden knife sheaths to the costumes displaying traditional Ainu patterns, all of them showcase the unique artistic creativity and profound cultural heritage of the Ainu people. The museum's permanent exhibition is like a grand historical painting, covering multiple themes such as the language, worldview, life, history, livelihood, and communication of the Ainu people. Here, you can learn about the unique language system of the Ainu language, feel their reverence for the spirits of all things in nature, explore their traditional survival methods of hunting, fishing, and gathering, and trace their historical trajectory of interaction and communication with other ethnic groups. In addition to static exhibits, the museum also offers various lively performances and experiential activities, allowing visitors to personally experience the charm of Ainu culture. The ancient Ainu dance, with its rhythmic steps and unique music, seems to transport people to an ancient Ainu village, where they can see the joyful scenes of celebrations or ceremonies. You can also try playing traditional Ainu musical instruments, such as the bamboo mouth harp "mukkuri" and the five-stringed harp "tonkori," and feel the unique melody flowing through your fingertips. Outside the museum, the National Ainu Museum and Park is an outdoor display of Ainu culture. The Ainu traditional village "kotan" in the park is scattered with traditional Ainu houses "cise," allowing people to get a close look at the Ainu way of life. Sitting by the fireplace, listening to the Ainu storyteller narrate ancient legends in the Ainu language, feeling the dramatic tension contained in the ups and downs of the tone, it is as if you are in a world full of mystery.