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Developed by railway workers in the 1910s, Otoineppu (音威子府) is Hokkaido’s smallest village by population but appealing place along the river surrounded by tranquil mountain forest.
The woodcraft galleries and a pleasant onsen are dotted on the river bank.
This village is halfway between Asahikawa and Wakkanai on the JR Soya Line, and buses run to Hamatonbetsu and Esashi. It is a good place to break up the long journey, thanks to its nice place to sleep and eat.
You will see the Milky Way on a clear night.
Sightseeing
Tenpoku Line Museum
天北線資料室
Inside Otoineppu Station
From 1922 to 1989, Otoineppu Station was a branch point of the Tenpoku railway line for Wakkanai via Hamatonbetsu. Train buffs will find the collection of period railway tickets, photos, equipment and models at this small museum inside the train station. Admission is free.
Teshiogawa Onsen
天塩川温泉
15min walk from Teshiogawa-onsen Station / 30min by fare-free municipal bus from Otoineppu Station
Hidden away at the end of narrow road from the village, this place is a tranquil location on the pleasant river bank of Teshio-gawa. Day tripper can use an onsen and a restaurant. There is also a free campsite nearby.
BIKKY Atelier 3more
BIKKYアトリエ3モア
1min walk from Osashima Station / 10min by fare-free municipal bus from Otoineppu Station
The Ainu’s prominent sculpture Sunazawa Bikky’s atelier was housed in an old wooden elementary school and now an art gallery near JR Osashima Station. His fantastic wooden carvings and crafts are scattered through the rooms. There is also a lovely cafe (open on Sat & Sun). Open late Apr-late Oct.
Takahashi Shogoro Sculpture Gallery
高橋昭五郎彫刻の館
5min walk from Otoineppu Station
Located inside the former schoolhouse on Route 40 near JR Otoineppu Station, this gallery exhibits unique wood carvings by Muroran-based sculpture Takahashi Shogoro (1931-) who loves Otoineppu. Open late Apr-late Oct. Admission is free.
Otoifuji Ski Area
音威富士スキー場
15min walk from Otoineppu Station
At the foot of Otoifuji (489m), this small ski area has two slopes overlooking the village. If you are lucky, mysterious sun pillars are visible in midwinter.
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Teshiogawa Onsen
天塩川温泉
15min walk from Teshiogawa-onsen Station / 30min by fare-free municipal bus from Otoineppu Station
Hidden away at the end of narrow road from the village, this place is a tranquil location on the pleasant river bank of Teshio-gawa. Japanese- and Western-style rooms are clean and compact.
Map
Getting There
JR TRAIN
Get off the train at Otoineppu Station. Local trains on the JR Soya Line stop at Teshiogawa-onsen, Sakkuru, Otoineppu and Osashima.
● From Sapporo: take the limited express Soya (3hr 11min).
● From Asahikawa: take the limited express (1hr 41min).
● From Nayoro: take the local train (1hr 5min).
BUS
The following long-distance buses from Otoineppu Station are compulsory reservation.
INTERCITY BUSES
● Tokkyu Esashi-go: Sapporo/Asahikawa – Nayoro – Otoineppu – Utanobori – Esashi.
● Tokkyu Tenpoku-go: Asahikawa – Nayoro – Otoineppu – Nakatonbetsu – Hamatonbetsu – Onishibetsu.
DEMAND-RESPONSIVE BUSES
Nakatonbetsu–Hamatonbetsu Line (中頓別浜頓別線): Otoineppu – Nakatonbetsu – Hamatonbetsu (1hr 21min). Reservation required by 6pm the previous day.
Getting Around
There are fare-free municipal buses (地域バス) between JR Otoineppu Station and Teshiogawa Onsen (30min). From May to October, fare-free buses go to the BIKKY Atelier 3more from JR Otoineppu Station (10min).
Information
Otoineppu Village
音威子府村
Check out the latest official information.
Otoineppu Station
音威子府 | 오토이넷푸
Address：Otoineppu-mura, Hokkaido
Distance：129km from Asahikawa
Elevation：39m