| population | 3,447 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 520.69 km² |
| population density | 6.62 peoples/km² |
Located in northern Hokkaido under the jurisdiction of the Soya General Subprefecture, Toyotomi Town is a land of vast natural beauty and deep history. True to its name, Toyotomi (meaning “abundance”) is blessed with fertile lands and seasonal landscapes. The town is part of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, which includes the immense Sarobetsu Wetland, a Ramsar-listed site of global ecological importance. Influences of Ainu culture remain visible throughout the region, and the local lifestyle continues to reflect harmony with nature. Dairy farming is the town’s main industry: with a population of about 4,000 people and more than 16,000 dairy cows, Toyotomi is one of Hokkaido’s leading milk-producing areas. The local brand Toyotomi Milk and the handcrafted cheese, butter, and gelato made from it have gained a strong reputation across Japan. The town also promotes renewable energy such as wind power, aiming for a sustainable future. To experience the local atmosphere, visitors can join major annual events like the Toyotomi Hachiman Shrine Festival in summer, the Sarobetsu Flower Festival, and the winter-season Toyotomi Onsen Snow Festival. Local dialects and traces of Ainu traditions are still alive, and the warm hospitality of the townspeople, who cherish their connection to nature, continues to enchant visitors.
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Toyotomi’s culture has been shaped by both Ainu heritage and agricultural development. The town’s name derives from the Ainu word “Ebekorobetsu,” meaning “a river that has plenty of everything,” symbolizing abundance in nature. The community thrives on harmony between humans and the environment, supported by industries such as dairy farming and renewable energy. Toyotomi’s farms, particularly Fromagerie Letie and Sarobetsu Farm, produce high-quality local foods including natural cheese, ham, and sausages. Meanwhile, wind power generation has become an important part of the town’s identity as it transitions toward clean energy. Festivals are integral to community life. The Sarobetsu Flower Festival celebrates the blooming of cotton grass and skunk cabbage across the wetlands, while the Toyotomi Onsen Snow Festival fills the town with snow sculptures and winter activities. Through these events, visitors can sense the bond between nature, tradition, and everyday life that defines this northern town.
LOCAL SPECIALTIES
- Toyotomi Milk: Produced by the Toyotomi Milk Plant, this non-homogenized, low-temperature-pasteurized milk preserves the natural sweetness and richness of fresh dairy.
- Sarobetsu Farm: Located on the former Ashikawa Elementary School site, this artisanal producer offers additive-free ham, sausages, and Genghis Khan-style lamb dishes. Visitors can enjoy tasting and factory tours. View on Google Maps
- Fromagerie Letie: A dairy workshop specializing in natural cheese, butter, and gelato made from local milk. Hands-on making experiences are available with reservation. View on Google Maps
- Toyotomi Onsen Mineral Salt Products: Using the unique petroleum-containing hot spring water, the town produces bathing salts and cosmetic goods valued for skin-care benefits.
- Sarobetsu Honey: Pure wildflower honey collected from Toyotomi’s meadows and oak forests, featuring delicate floral aromas. Sold only in limited local shops.
ANNUAL EVENTS
- Toyotomi Hachiman Shrine Festival (mid-June): The town’s traditional summer festival featuring floats and a mikoshi parade through the shopping street.
- Sarobetsu Flower Festival (early July): Held around the Sarobetsu Wetland Center, offering guided tours and local craft markets among the wetland blooms.
- Toyotomi Summer Market (mid-August): A lively event with local food stalls, music, and community performances celebrating the harvest season.
- Hokkaido Pony Banba Championship (September): A unique horse-pull competition where ponies drag heavy sleds across the field — a distinctly Hokkaido tradition. Toyotomi Multipurpose Ground on Maps
- Toyotomi Onsen Snow Festival (early February): A winter event with snow sculptures, fireworks, and snow-field games held near the hot spring area. Toyotomi Onsen on Maps
ACCESS
- By Air: The nearest airport is Wakkanai Airport, about a 50-minute drive from downtown Toyotomi. Direct flights from New Chitose Airport take roughly 55 minutes.
- By Train: The Toyotomi Station on JR Soya Main Line connects the town with Asahikawa and Wakkanai. The Limited Express “Soya” runs from Asahikawa in about 3.5 hours.
- By Bus: The Tokkyu Haboro-go express bus operated by Engan Bus runs between Sapporo and Toyotomi Onsen in around 6 hours.
- By Car: About 5 hours from Sapporo via National Route 40, or 1.5 hours from Wakkanai. The drive offers scenic farmland and wetland views.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
- Toyotomi Onsen – Japan’s northernmost hot spring resort. The petroleum-mixed water is known to relieve skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
- Sarobetsu Wetland Center – A visitor hub for exploring the vast Sarobetsu Plain. Boardwalk trails and exhibits explain the area’s peatland ecology.
- Kabutonuma Park & Campground – A lakeside park known for migratory birds and camping facilities surrounded by pristine nature.
- Miyanodai Observation Hill & Large-Scale Pasture – Offers panoramic views of the Sarobetsu Plain and distant Mount Rishiri, featured in NHK’s historical drama “Clouds Above the Hill.”
- Wakasakanai Coast & Ancient Sand Dune Forest – A Hokkaido-designated natural monument. The windswept pine forest and sunset over the Sea of Japan create a breathtaking sight.
