Taisetsu Route 39 Onsen Stamp Rally

Add to Favorites

Of all of the colorful quirks of Japanese culture, historic and contemporary, none is held so passionately by its devotees as a good ol’ Hokkaido Stamp Rally. The grandest journey across Japan’s largest prefecture involves an arduous trek across the island in search of the 114 unique michi-no-eki, or road stations, that dot the wild landscape. 

Road-tripping is no joke in Hokkaido, and for this author, it reminds me of life in America. A long drive in Honshu terms is often, as a member of Japan’s Regional Revitalization Corps, my daily commute. Those interested in partaking in a less daunting, but equally rewarding, stamp rally need to look no further than the Taisetsu Route 39 Onsen Stamp Rally, which runs until the end of January.  

As Hokkaido’s residents and travelers alike look in anticipation towards the mercury, in its rapid descent, as winter finally reveals itself. Soon, abundant snow will turn the landscape into a winter scene ripped from a storybook. With the snow comes the cold, and what better way to escape the sub-zero temperatures and take refuge in one of Hokkaido’s many onsen hotels? Even better, why don’t you get rewarded for it? 

Between Sounkyo Onsen and Kitami City, the Sekihoku Pass rises between the crags of Taisetsuzan, connecting Hokkaido’s popular west with its rugged east. Eight hotels have banded together to encourage travelers to take a break from the long road and stay to enjoy an onsen break. While you don’t have to stay a whole night, a time-effective higaeri onsen will also warrant a stamp. One lucky raffle winner of the stamp rally will take home a 10,000 yen travel voucher.

Beyond hot springs, the Sounkyo to Kitami Route offers wonderful scenery and museums to explore. 

Sounkyo Onsen

In the shadow of Kurodake, one of the mighty peaks of the Taisetsuzan range, the small onsen town of Sounkyo rests. The powerful Ishikari River, the largest in Hokkaido, runs through the town from its source water in Lake Taisetsu. 

Brilliant waterfalls are hidden in rocky hills and dense forests, with Ginga and Ryusei Falls being local favorites. The true highlight of Sounkyou, aside from its many top-class hotels, is the Kurodake Ropeway, which is open year-round and takes me up the side of the rugged cliffs towards an expansive view of the mountains and valleys below. 

While I enjoy the autumn foliage, I know that in the coming winter the scenery will change to offer new snowscapes. Perfect to view from the ropeway or the optional ski lift, which further carries you towards the summit. 

Sounkyo’s onsens are abundant, including Sounkaku Mountain Resort 1923, which permits tattoos in their spacious open-air baths. 

Sounkyo also hosts a ice festival in deep winter, near the end of January and February with daily fireworks shows and massive ice sculptures. 

Sekihoku Pass

Up the Sounkyou Gorge, the mountains break over Lake Taisetsu, which hampers the flow of the Ishikari River. Local campsites are close to alpine waters but are seasonal. Further along the road, further up the winding roads carved a millennium ago, is the Sekihoku Pass, hosting pristine views of the valley leading down into Kitami City. While this pass is rugged, it is well-maintained during Hokkaido’s harsh winters due to its arterial nature. 

Onenyu Michi no Eki 

Upon descending into Kitami City, through thick forest filled with bears and deer, the road opens into a valley filled with onion farms. The Onenyu Michi no Eki is the first stop before Kitami City proper, and despite its quaint appearance, it hosts a large gift shop with some of the best soft serve ice cream Hokkaido has to offer. The largest feature of this stop is the European-inspired yet strikingly modern cuckoo clock tower, which, outside of deep winter, features dancing figures at each hour. Onenyu also hosts two of the other hotels participating in the stamp rally, known for their natural onsen waters beloved by locals and travelers alike. 

North Daichi Aquarium 

Adjacent to the rest stop, a small yet vibrant aquarium showcases the freshwater life that teems in Hokkaido’s many mountain rivers and lakes. Notably, the massive ito, which are Japan’s largest freshwater salmon. Daily, the staff feed the ito, which toil around the large pool and spring to life once their prey hits the water. 

Another exhibit of note is an outdoor pool, which is viewed from a large panoramic glass window indoors. This pool freezes over while the fish dawdle under the surface, and it replicates exactly what a river in Hokkaido looks like underneath its token ice. 

Near the entrance of the aquarium is a waterfall tank, said to be the only one in Japan, that entices the fish to battle against the current and attempt to jump over the waterfall. The design, however, allows the viewer to glimpse an underwater perspective of such a waterfall. 

Kitami City 

A vibrant regional hub where nature, culture, and warmth come together. Known for its vast skies and clear air, Kitami lies between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Daisetsuzan mountain range, offering easy access to both rugged wilderness and urban comfort.

The city is renowned for its yakiniku culture—grilled meat enjoyed in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Locals take pride in welcoming visitors to countless barbecue restaurants, where the aroma of sizzling meat fills the streets, especially during Kitami’s lively winter Yakiniku Festival.

Beyond food, Kitami is home to unique attractions like the Peppermint Museum, a nod to Kitami’s history as one of the world’s leading producers of mint. Seasonal beauty defines the area: cherry blossoms in spring, vast flower fields in summer, and crisp, snowy landscapes in winter.

Kitami also serves as a gateway to scenic spots like Lake Notoro and the Sounkyo Gorge, making it an ideal base for exploring eastern Hokkaido. Whether you come for its food, people, or natural charm, Kitami promises an experience rich in flavor and heart.

Add to Favorites