Shimukappu: Tomamu, Mukawa and nature experiences

The village of Shimukappu combines river and rock landscapes with seasonal experiences in Tomamu. For your trip, specific hotel names can be just as helpful as deciding which parts of the village interest you: the Mukawa River and its salmon, distinctive rocks, or the winter ice world.

Hotels and experiences in Tomamu

Two hotels are located in the expansive Tomamu area of Shimukappu: トマム ザ・タワー and リゾナーレトマム. Tomamu Resort also has more than 20 restaurants serving seasonal Hokkaido specialties. The number of restaurants and their offerings may change over time.

The Ice Village appears in Tomamu only during the extremely cold winter and offers a world of light and ice experiences. Operating dates vary. Seasonal offerings include an ice rink formed by natural cold, where visitors can go skating. A light display highlights the ice crystals. The ice restaurant serves cheese fondue with partially frozen vegetables and bouillabaisse: as it is heated, the ice melts into soup. Winter restaurant offerings may also change.

For views of the clouds, Unkai Terrace is an observation platform where, in suitable weather conditions, you can see dynamic seas of clouds up close. Cloud Walk rises from the ground in a cloud-like shape and offers panoramic views spanning about 210 degrees. After riding the Unkai Gondola, you’ll find Cloud Cafe at an altitude of 1,088 meters. It serves drinks and sweets inspired by clouds; you can also enjoy the view and relax indoors on sofas. Cafe offerings may vary by season.

Another side of Tomamu can be seen at the Farm Area. There, you can watch cows and sheep grazing up close and experience a rural landscape. Tomamu therefore offers seasonal ice experiences, scenic views, and a farm landscape to suit different travel interests.

The Mukawa River and Shimukappu’s landscape

The headwaters of the Mukawa River are in Shimukappu. From there, the river flows 135 kilometers to its mouth on the Pacific Ocean. There is no dam on the main course of the Mukawa within the village, and the upstream migration of Sakura salmon from the sea can also be observed there. The river and salmon migration give Shimukappu a different natural character from Tomamu’s viewpoints and seasonal offerings.

The municipal nature park 赤岩青巌峡 is also known for its distinctive rocky landscape: large red and blue rocks define the scenery. Those interested in the natural environment will find a striking contrast here to the lights and ice crystals of the Ice Village.

More facets of the village

The イトウ・アイリス・ガーデン has a long history: in 1976, it began producing and selling German irises directly in Shimukappu.

Those interested in a guided Ezo deer hunt must meet specific participation requirements. The offering in Shimukappu’s hunting area is based on an overnight stay; the relevant hunting registration and a permit from the village are also required. This is a specialized activity, not a general visitor opportunity.

You can plan your trip around different interests: hotel names can be found in the Tomamu area, while the river, salmon migration, and rocks offer other perspectives on the village. For seasonal offerings such as the Ice Village or Cloud Cafe, it’s a good idea to check the dates and offerings before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Yufutsu District.