Things To Do
in Tomakomai
Tomakomai is a mid-sized port city on the southern coast of Hokkaido known for its active freight harbor, industrial zones, and easy access to coastal nature. The city sits near Lake Utonai, a protected bird sanctuary, and is a practical base for exploring nearby volcanic landscapes and onsen towns. Visitors find a blend of fresh seafood markets, relaxed local life, and outdoor opportunities from birdwatching to hiking.
Tomakomai is less touristy than Sapporo or Niseko, offering an authentic slice of Hokkaido daily life with good transport links to the rest of the island.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Tomakomai City Museum, where you can discover the rich history and culture of the area. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets of the historic center, admiring the well-preserved architecture and local shops. Don’t forget to stop by a nearby café for a traditional Japanese breakfast of rice, miso soup, and grilled fish.
Head to the waterfront and enjoy a picnic lunch at the picturesque Tomakomai Port, where you can watch fishing boats come and go. After lunch, explore the nearby Tomakomai Art Park, which features outdoor sculptures and art installations amid beautiful gardens. Spend some time at the gallery, appreciating local artists and their work.
As the sun sets, enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood at one of the local izakayas, where the catch of the day is served grilled or sashimi-style. After your meal, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, watching the waves lap against the shore while the city lights reflect on the water. Wrap up your evening with a visit to a local onsen, soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Tomakomai's beautiful beach, where the soft sands and gentle waves await. Rent a paddleboard or kayak and spend the morning gliding across the sparkling waters, taking in the stunning coastal views. If you prefer to relax, find a cozy spot on the beach and enjoy the sun while listening to the soothing sound of the waves.
After a morning of fun, enjoy a packed lunch on the beach, savoring fresh sushi or bento boxes from a local shop. In the afternoon, join a guided snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant underwater life just off the coast, where you might spot colorful fish and coral. Alternatively, take a beach volleyball lesson or participate in a friendly match with locals.
As the day winds down, enjoy a barbecue dinner right on the beach, grilling up fresh seafood and vegetables while listening to the waves. Gather around a fire pit to roast marshmallows and share stories with fellow travelers and locals. End the night with a breathtaking view of the stars twinkling above the sea, creating a magical atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍣Seafood rice bowl (kaisendon) at market | $12-25 |
| ☕Coffee or dessert at a café | $3-6 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
| 🚆Local train/bus fare (single ride) | $1.50-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to coastal nature, birdwatching, and volcanic scenery
- Fresh seafood and authentic Hokkaido food culture
- Less touristy—authentic local atmosphere and good value
- Convenient base for exploring southern Hokkaido and onsen towns
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities compared with major cities
- Public transport outside the city center can be infrequent
- Winter weather can be severe and disrupt travel plans
- Some attractions require a car or longer bus trips to reach
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you very much
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "これはいくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Tomakomai
Visit one of these nice places.
Industrial harbor scenes with fishing boats, cranes, and sunsets—great for maritime and golden-hour shots.
Boardwalks, wetlands, and migratory birds offer excellent wildlife and landscape photography, especially in spring and autumn migration seasons.
Volcanic landscapes, crater views, and sweeping panoramas of the surrounding plains and Lake Shikotsu when visibility is good.
Seasonal color—cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn—combined with everyday Hokkaido urban scenes for candid street photography.
Food in Tomakomai
Tomakomai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl of steamed rice topped with fresh sashimi—look for vendors at the local wholesale/seafood markets for the freshest versions.
Must-Try!
Fresh Hokkaido scallops, often grilled at market stalls or ordered at local seafood restaurants along the port.
A Hokkaido specialty of grilled mutton cooked on a convex metal skillet—found at dedicated Jingisukan restaurants and many izakayas.
A rich, savory miso-based ramen common across southern Hokkaido, a comforting choice after cold days outdoors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local fish and seafood market where you can buy fresh produce and often find small stalls serving sashimi, grilled shellfish, and seafood bowls.
Seasonal stalls near the harbor and early-morning vendors offering grilled seafood, fresh-caught items, and Hokkaido dairy treats like soft-serve.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is the standard greeting; be polite, use 'please' and 'thank you' (e.g., 'onegaishimasu', 'arigatou gozaimasu').
Keep noise low on public transportation and in shared spaces; phone conversations on trains are discouraged.
Remove shoes when entering some ryokan, temples, and private homes—follow signage and host instructions.
Form orderly lines for trains, buses, and at ticket counters—pushing or cutting in line is frowned upon.
Take trash home when bins are not available, follow trail rules, and avoid disturbing wildlife and wetlands.
Safety
Tipping in Tomakomai
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. If you wish to show appreciation, a small gift or sincere verbal thanks is preferable.
Cash (yen) remains widely used—many smaller shops and markets are cash-only. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in restaurants, hotels, and larger stores; IC transit cards (Kitaca, Suica, etc.) are handy for trains and buses in the region.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild temperatures; migrating birds arrive at Lake Utonai (prime birdwatching). Cherry blossoms bloom later than Honshu; expect occasional rain and still-chilly mornings.
Warm but relatively mild compared with mainland Japan; comfortable for outdoor activities and festivals. Mosquitoes can appear near wetlands; sunscreen and light layers are useful.
Crisp, cool weather with clear skies and vivid autumn foliage—excellent for hiking and landscape photography. Migration continues through early autumn at Lake Utonai.
Cold with significant snowfall; expect icy roads and snow-covered landscapes. Great for winter scenery, nearby skiing, and enjoying hot springs, but bring warm, layered clothing and winter footwear.
Tomakomai at Night
Hiking in Tomakomai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A volcanic peak with well-marked trails and crater viewpoints—offers panoramic views and volcanic terrain close to Tomakomai.
Scenic hikes around crystal-clear Lake Shikotsu and the broader national park; varied routes suit day hikes and lakeside photography.
Flat coastal trails and seaside paths for relaxed walking, cycling, and sunset photography along Tomakomai’s shoreline.
Airports
How to reach Tomakomai by plane.
Hokkaido’s main international and domestic airport serving Sapporo and southern Hokkaido—about 40–60 minutes by car or train to Tomakomai depending on service; many visitors use it as the gateway to Tomakomai.
A smaller domestic airport serving regional flights; useful for some domestic connections though less frequent and farther from Tomakomai than New Chitose.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Like many regional Japanese cities, Tomakomai has an aging population alongside family households—local community life is strong in neighborhoods.
The port and associated industries employ a notable portion of the population and shape the city’s daily rhythms and economy.
Researchers, birders, and eco-tourists visit Lake Utonai and nearby natural areas, especially in migration seasons.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is very popular across Hokkaido; local youth and community leagues are active and professional baseball has a large following in the region.
Ice hockey and winter sports are common in Hokkaido—skating, skiing and snowboarding are popular in the colder months, with facilities within driving distance.
Community and school-level soccer are widely played; regional matches attract local support.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tomakomai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Pure vegetarian options are limited but available—ask for vegetable tempura, miso soup (confirm no fish stock), rice dishes, and salads. Larger restaurants and some cafés can accommodate requests if you explain dietary needs in Japanese; bring a translation card.
Vegan choices are modest; rely on convenience-store items, salads, and simple rice/vegetable dishes. Communicating restrictions clearly helps—carry a note stating 'I cannot eat fish, dairy, egg, or meat' in Japanese.
Gluten-free dining requires caution—soy sauce, tempura batter, and many sauces contain wheat. Seek out restaurants that understand gluten-free needs or stick to plain grilled seafood and rice.