Hello to everyone planning their 109th trip to Japan!
Today, let’s explore Betsukai Town, a unique corner of Japan where cows outnumber people.
Nestled between two peninsulas at the eastern tip of Hokkaido, Betsukai is a small town blessed with lush natural surroundings and the bounty of the sea. Known throughout Japan as a dairy town, Betsukai has a population of about 15,000 people but is home to approximately 110,000 cows, making it a place where cows are truly in the majority.
As a tourist destination, Betsukai offers the chance to see, taste, and enjoy the rugged yet abundant nature of western Hokkaido. It’s a captivating spot you won’t want to miss!
How to get to Betsukai
Betsukai is a challenging destination for foreign tourists, as there are no trains or regular bus services. Typically, you’ll need to rent a car from nearby airports or major cities to get there. If driving in an unfamiliar place feels daunting, you can use scheduled sightseeing buses to visit the main attractions.
Driving (Recommended)
Since Betsukai Town lacks local bus services, renting a car is the best option for those eager to explore its beauty. However, there are no car rental services within the town itself. The ideal approach is to rent a car at a nearby major station or airport before heading to Betsukai. Below, we outline the estimated time and cost for traveling from New Chitose Airport to Betsukai Town.
From Kushiro Station
From New Chitose Airport to Kushiro Station: Express train “Ozora” (4 hours, 10,000 yen)
From Kushiro Station: By car 1.5 hours
From Kushiro Airport
From New Chitose Airport to Kushiro Airport: ANA, three flights daily (50 min, standard fare 32,000 yen)
From Kushiro Airport: By car 2 hours
From Nemuro-Nakashibetsu Airport
From New Chitose Airport to Nemuro-Nakashibetsu Airport: ANA, three flights daily (1 hours, standard fare 35,500 yen)
From Nemuro-Nakashibetsu Airport: By car 30minutes
Scheduled Tour Bus
For those who prefer a convenient option, Akan Bus offers a scheduled tour bus(only Japanese web site) that visits the main attractions in Betsukai Town. No reservations are needed, making it a hassle-free choice for spontaneous travelers.
Departure: Kushiro Station (8:15 AM) or Shibetsu Bus Terminal (10:55 AM)
Fare: Kushiro Station departure (7,000 yen), Shibetsu Station departure (3,000 yen); children’s fare is half-price.
Timetable
Here is the timetable for the tour bus:
Kushiro Station: 8:15 AM
Shibetsu Bus Terminal: 10:55 AM
Plan your visit to Betsukai Town, where adventure awaits at every corner!
Three Must-Visit Places and Activities in Betsukai
Have you ever wondered why you, as a foreign visitor, should make the effort to travel to Betsukai, a place you can only reach by driving yourself? Here, I will introduce three compelling reasons why you should indeed visit this hidden gem.
Indulge in the Exquisite Seafood Nurtured by the Sea of Okhotsk
Betsukai is famously known as a dairy town, but it’s also a treasure trove of seafood, thanks to its location along the eastern coast facing the Sea of Okhotsk. Here’s a glimpse of the delightful seafood you must try when visiting Betsukai.
Hokkai Shima Ebi Shrimp
Hokkai Shima Ebi Shrimp is a renowned delicacy in Betsukai, beloved by gourmets for its unique sweetness and plump texture. The cold waters of the Sea of Okhotsk enhance the shrimp’s flavor, offering an unforgettable taste experience. Be sure to try fresh Shima Ebi at the local festiva, attracting many visitors each year, with the next festival scheduled for July 5, 2025.
What makes Betsukai’s Hokkai Shima Ebi special is the traditional, environmentally friendly fishing method used since the Meiji era. Fishermen avoid damaging the natural habitat by using traditional Utase boats, ensuring sustainable practices. The fishing season is short, lasting about a month from mid-June in summer and mid-October in autumn.
Jumbo Scallops
The scallops from Betsukai are celebrated for their thickness and rich flavor, prized by sushi chefs and fine dining restaurants in Tokyo. Grown in the nutrient-rich tides of Betsukai, these scallops are remarkably large, earning the name “Jumbo Scallops.” A local favorite is the “Betsukai Scallop Burger,” which showcases these delicious scallops in a spring roll wrap.
Local restaurants offer a chance to savor these sea treasures:
| Restaurant Name (Google maps link embedded) | Description |
| Suiraku Maruta | Located in downtown Betsukai, this eatery offers a variety of dishes featuring Hokkai Shima Ebi and local scallops at reasonable prices. |
| Notuke Fishing Port Cooperative Shop Kaimon | Situated right by the Odaiba fishing port, this shop sells fresh seafood, including Shima Ebi and scallops. You can enjoy them on the spot for a quick taste of local flavor. |
| Clover House | Known for its Betsukai Scallop Burger, this restaurant uses home-grown vegetables and fruits, ensuring safety and quality. It offers a variety of dishes, including venison and mountain vegetables, making it a family-friendly dining spot. |
Experience the Tranquil Scenery of Todowara, Where You Hear Nothing but the Wind
When you hear the word “farthest end,” what comes to mind? Perhaps feelings of loneliness or emptiness? In Betsukai, the Notsuke Peninsula perfectly embodies the essence of “remoteness.” This tiny peninsula, often invisible on the map without zooming in, offers a unique chance to view the distant Kunashir Island on clear days. At its tip lies Todowara, a place that surprises visitors with its serene beauty.
Standing in Todowara, you won’t feel loneliness; instead, the calmness soothes your soul, “offering a rare sense of peace and reflection. Words can hardly capture its essence. Visit and let the mysterious power of Todowara speak to you.
Relax in the Rare Moor Hot Springs
In Betsukai, you can enjoy a day at the onsen, particularly unique for its Moor spring quality. This type of hot spring, found only in limited areas of Hokkaido, Tokyo, and parts of Europe, contains organic plant matter, giving the water a light coffee-brown hue known for its skin-beautifying effects.
While Tokachigawa Onsen in Hokkaido and Kamata in Tokyo are famous for Moor springs, Betsukai’s offering is a hidden gem. While famous hot springs have their charm, discovering a secluded spot like Betsukai’s onsen provides a special tranquility. When you visit Betsukai, don’t miss the chance to soak in the rare Moor spring at Betsukai-Furusato-Koryukan.
Local Tips for Foreign Travelers
Just like many other local tourist destinations in Japan, the places featured on our site may have limited English-speaking staff. We highly recommend preparing to use translation apps to communicate with store staff, ensuring a smoother and more enriching experience. Additionally, since there are limited locations that accept credit cards, it’s wise to have some cash on hand to fully enjoy your journey without any hitches. Embrace the adventure with confidence and make the most of your travels!
Let’s explore a hidden gem in Hokkaido
When travelers think of Hokkaido, places like “Niseko” and “Tomamu” often come to mind as popular resort destinations. However, the vast expanse of Hokkaido holds unique charms in its various towns, waiting to be discovered. For our readers who are familiar with Japan, I highly encourage you to explore towns beyond “Niseko,” “Tomamu,” and “Sapporo.”
Why not start your journey of uncovering Hokkaido’s hidden gems with Betsukai?