Known as the ‘Suffolk Land’, Shibetsu (士別) is an agricultural city located in the heart of the Nayoro Basin. Shibetsu was developed by the last Tondenhei (agricultural soldiers) from 1899, and today the beautiful paddy fields spread along Teshio-gawa.
If you plan to visit Hitsuji-to-Kumo-no-Oka sheep farm, Hinata Onsen, or Hyuga Ski Area, get off the train at Shibetsu Station. From May to October, a retro monocoque bus is operated from the station, gaining popularity of tourists.

Sightseeing

Hitsuji-to-Kumo-no-Oka

羊と雲の丘

15min by Sahotchi Taxi / 60min walk from Shibetsu Station


Meaning the Hill of Sheep and Clouds, Hitsuji-to-Kumo-no-Oka has a grand pastoral scene. Some 50 sheep are bred on the rolling pastures. The World Sheep Museum is raising rare sheep and you can touch them. It is best to get there by Sahotchi Taxi.

Shibetsu City Museum

士別市立博物館

5min by bus, get off at Hakubutsukan-mae / 30min walk from Shibetsu Station


Situated in the leafy sports park, this interesting museum gives a broad-ranging introduction to the local history, including Jomon sites, Ainu culture, agricultural soldiers, industry and sugar manufacture.

Hinata Onsen

日向温泉

28min by bus from Shibetsu Station


On a scenic hillside setting overlooking the Nayoro Basin, this modern public onsen has is adjoining the ski area. The fare is free if you get on or off the bus at Hinata Onsen.

Hinata Ski Area

日向スキー場

1min walk from Hinata Onsen


This small but attractive ski area offers a wonderful view of the Nayoro basin and a cheap lift ticket. Full equipment rental is available.

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Hotels

Shibetsu Grand Hotel

士別グランドホテル

15min walk from Shibetsu Station


This modern hotel is located in the city center, with a restaurant and a communal bath.

Shibetsu Inn Suigetsu

士別inn翠月

5min by Sahotchi Taxi / 25min walk from Shibetsu Station


Popular with Japanese top athletes, this modest hotel has a gym and a communal bath. Located near the leafy sports park, you can refresh both mind and body.

Kenbuchi Onsen Lakeside Sakuraoka

剣淵温泉レークサイド桜岡

16min by bus from Kenbuchi Station


This onsen is located on the shores of Lake Sakuraoka-ko, where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

Map

Getting There

JR TRAIN

Get off the train at Shibetsu Station.

From Sapporo: take the limited express Soya (2hr 10min).
From Asahikawa: take the limited express (40min), rapid (50min) or local train (1hr).

BUS

Shibetsu-Odori 6-chome (士別大通6丁目) is the most convenient bus stop located in front of the Michi-no-eki Samurai-no-machi Shibetsu.

From Sapporo: take the highway bus Kosoku Nayoro-go.
From Asahikawa: take the Dohoku Bus Nayoro Line (via Kenbuchi, Hakubutsukan-mae and Shibetsu Station).

Getting Around

BUS

The city lines from JR Shibetsu Station are operated by Shibetsu Kido.
If you are an antique bus nerd, this company operates the 1982 monocoque bus (モノコックバス) from May to October. The monocoque bus leaves from Shibetsu Kido Headquarter (士別軌道本社), a 4-minute walk north of the station along the railway tracks. You can purchase a return ticket and souvenirs. No reservations required for Saturday and Sunday buses. Check the website for details.

Other local buses from the train station:
Naka-Nayoro Line: Shibetsu Station – Tayoro – Hinata Onsen – Furen Station. 2 daily (morning and afternoon). The fare is free if you get on or off the bus at Hinata Onsen
Asahi Line: Shibetsu Station – Asahi. 4-6 daily. 30min.

TAXI

Shibetsu Hire operates the demand-responsive Sahotchi Taxi (さほっちタクシー) between the Michi-no-eki Samurai-no-machi Shibetsu and Hitsuji-to-Kumo-no-oka, via JR Shibetsu Station and Shibetsu Inn Suigetsu (6 daily). You can purchase a one-day pass.

Information

Shibetsu Tourist Association
士別観光協会
Inside the Michi-no-eki Samurai-no-machi Shibetsu. Guidance on taking Sahotchi Taxi to the Hitsuji-to-Kumo-no-Oka (reservations available).

Shibetsu Station

士別 | 겐부치


Address:Nishi 3-8, Shibetsu-shi, Hokkaido

Distance:53km from Asahikawa

Elevation:128m