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  3. Which Prefecture Is Shintoku Town In? [Answer] Hokkaido | Complete Guide to Shintoku Town (Sightseeing, Culture, Local Products & Access)

Which Prefecture Is Shintoku Town In? [Answer] Hokkaido | Complete Guide to Shintoku Town (Sightseeing, Culture, Local Products & Access)

Hokkai-do
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北海道新得町の風景
population 5,311 peoples
area 1063.83 km²
population density 4.99 peoples/km²

Shintoku Town, located in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, is a beautiful region where vast nature and rich culture coexist in harmony. The town was officially settled during the Meiji era and has deep historical ties to the Ainu people who once inhabited the area. Its name originates from the Ainu term “Shittoku-nai,” meaning “the shoulder of the mountain,” reflecting its strong bond with the surrounding landscape. Today, Shintoku serves as a gateway to the Tokachi region and is known for its scenic beauty—forests cover about 90% of its area, and it borders the Daisetsuzan National Park. It is home to famous destinations such as Mount Tomuraushi and Sahoro Resort, offering year-round attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The town experiences heavy snowfall and is designated as a “Special Heavy Snow Area,” making it a paradise for powder snow skiers. In summer, the clear Tokachi River and lush green mountains create refreshing scenery for visitors. Locals speak the Hokkaido dialect and maintain a strong sense of community through seasonal events and traditional festivals. Renowned for its local products—especially soba noodles, cheese, and lamb—Shintoku Town represents the essence of Hokkaido’s hospitality and harmony with nature.

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Culture & Traditions

Life in Shintoku revolves around coexistence with the environment. Developed through agriculture and forestry since the Meiji era, the community still values mutual support to endure the long, harsh winters. The town’s specialty, “Shintoku Soba,” has become one of Japan’s most famous buckwheat brands, cultivated in its clean air and pure water. Residents naturally use the warm Hokkaido dialect in daily conversation, creating a friendly atmosphere typical of northern Japan. During winter, people come together for snow removal, festival preparation, and community gatherings, demonstrating the town’s enduring cooperative spirit. Seasonal festivals highlight the year’s rhythm — cherry blossom viewing in spring, the Shintoku Summer Festival in August, the New Soba Festival in autumn, and the Snow Festival in winter. Each celebration strengthens community bonds while welcoming visitors from across Japan. Shintoku Town’s traditions, deeply rooted in nature and history, embody the timeless spirit of Hokkaido.

Local Specialties

  • Shintoku Soba: The town’s signature product. Grown in a cool climate with crystal-clear water, Shintoku’s soba is known for its rich aroma and smooth texture. Visitors can enjoy handmade soba and workshops at “Shintoku Soba no Yakata.”
  • Kyodo Gakusha Shintoku Farm Cheese: An award-winning natural cheese produced through organic, pasture-based farming. Its deep flavor reflects the pure environment of Hokkaido.
  • Shintoku Sheep Farm (Sahoro Area): A representative Hokkaido sheep farm where visitors can enjoy fresh lamb dishes and interact with animals amid vast pastures.
  • Locally Grown Vegetables: Potatoes, cabbages, and tomatoes cultivated in the cool northern climate are known for their sweetness and dense flavor. Fresh produce can be purchased at local markets and roadside stations.
  • Shintoku Timber Products: Thanks to its rich forests, the town produces high-quality lumber used for building materials and furniture throughout Japan.

Annual Events

  • Shintoku Summer Festival (Mid-August): The town’s biggest annual event featuring bon dancing, fireworks, and food stalls. Locals and visitors celebrate together under the summer sky.
  • Kari Katsutoge Trail Running (Late May): A popular trail run across the lush Kari Katsutoge Pass, attracting runners from all over Japan.
  • Shintoku Shrine Cherry Blossom Festival (Early May): A celebration of spring where pink cherry blossoms bloom across the shrine grounds, accompanied by local performances and food booths.
  • Shintoku New Soba Festival (Late September): One of Japan’s largest soba events. Freshly harvested buckwheat is served by top soba chefs, offering a variety of regional styles.
  • Shintoku Snow Festival (February): A winter celebration featuring snow sculptures, snowmobile rides, and activities for families to enjoy the cold season.

Access

  • By Car: About 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport via the Doto Expressway. Take the Tokachi-Shimizu IC exit and continue toward Shintoku.
  • By Train: From New Chitose Airport, transfer at Sapporo Station to the JR Nemuro Line. The Limited Express “Ozora” reaches Shintoku Station in around 2.5 hours.
  • By Bus: The “North Liner” express bus operated by Takushoku Bus and Tokachi Bus connects Obihiro and Shintoku conveniently.
  • By Rental Car: Ideal for sightseeing flexibility. Scenic drives between Chitose and Shintoku offer breathtaking views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range.

Sightseeing Spots

  • Sahoro Resort – A comprehensive resort complex featuring ski slopes, hot springs, and hotels, including Club Med Hokkaido Sahoro.
  • Tomuraushi Onsen Higashi Taisetsu-so – A remote mountain hot spring loved by hikers and nature enthusiasts, located within the Daisetsuzan National Park.
  • Bear Mountain – A unique wildlife park where visitors can safely observe brown bears roaming freely in a natural environment.
  • Kari Katsutoge Observatory – One of Japan’s top three scenic train views, offering panoramic vistas of the Tokachi Plain on clear days.
  • Shintoku Soba no Yakata – A facility dedicated to soba culture, featuring dining, workshops, and local products for sale.

Related Links

List of Major Cities in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Major Cities – Overview Page

Tokachi General Subprefecture List

Tokachi General Subprefecture Overview
Back to Hokkaido Top
As of February 2026, the information has been periodically reviewed for accuracy. For the latest details, please also refer to the official website linked above.
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