insights from frontier Japan

The hot spring districts of Noboribetsu and Toyako are internationally popular Central Hokkaido tourist areas. And a new style of sauna is popping up there that allows users to adjust the temperature and humidity on their own, with an eye on business after the COVID-19 pandemic tapers down.

Accommodation and tourist facilities in the leading central Hokkaido hot-spring resorts of Noboribetsu and Toyako Onsen continue to close in response to the declaration of a state of emergency, issued as a result of the spread of infections from the Covid-19 virus. The Hokkaido government has not issued requests for businesses to suspend their operations but those concerned are disheartened, saying “If a state of emergency is declared, the number of customers decreases so we’re compelled to close”.

The "Toyako Onsen Winter Fireworks Festival" has started. It is lighting up the sky at the Toyako Onsen hot spring district (central Hokkaido). For five minutes from 8:30 every evening, tourists are treated to fireworks and music.

The international "Adventure Travel" (AT) summit focusing on experience-oriented tourism will be held in Hokkaido in September of next year, marking the first time for AT to open in an Asian country. Preparations for the summit, including planning tours for participants, are proceeding.

The splendor of a seaplane – fitted with boat-shaped floats instead of wheels – taking-off from the surface of Lake Toya can be seen in the town of Toyako in Central Hokkaido.