How many onsen are there in Hokkaido? Japan's Hokkaido region is home to most of the registered hot springs (onsen) within the country: a whopping 2,304! Most of these hot springs are concentrated within 156 towns and resorts: often referred to as onsen towns. Below, we'll introduce you to a few of the most visited and stunning Hokkaido Onsen and the plethora of accommodations to enjoy Hokkaido Ryokan Onsen.
Table of Contents
1. Best Onsen in Hokkaido
2. Hokkaido Onsen's Rules and Etiquette
3. Ryokan in Hokkaido with Private Onsen
4. Hokkaido Onsen Ski Resort
1. Best Onsens in Hokkaido
Some of the best hot springs and onsen towns in Hokkaido include:
1) Jozankei Onsen: Located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, within Sapporo's mountainside, Jozankei Onsen Hokkaido is home to dozens of onsens, shops, and hotels are known for the beautiful nature surrounding it. It is one of the hidden onsens in Japan and also one of the famous spots to view autumn leaves in Hokkaido during the period of the end of September to October when the Japanese fall foliage season begins.
2) Akanko Onsen: Situated near Lake Akan in Hokkaido, Japan, the town offers relaxing baths amidst the Akan-Mashu National Park, a stunning protected wilderness in eastern Hokkaido, where you can visit the caldera lakes of Akan, Kussharo, and Mashu.
3) Toyako Onsen: This Hokkaido onsen town is nestled by the shores of Lake Toya, Toyako provides tranquil waters and stunning views, as well as a litany of restaurants, eateries, and spas nearby.
4) Noboribetsu Onsen: Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido is a renowned Hokkaido onsen resort close to the Jigonodu famous for its variety of mineral and sulfur-rich natural waters. It is also one of the best onsen in winter Japan.
5) Yunokawa Onsen: This coastal onsen town within the outskirts of Hakodate is for those looking for the ultimate beachside onsen experience in Hokkaido.
6) Kawayu Onsen: It is a hot spring town located in the southeastern part of Hokkaido, Japan. Along with ryokans, minshukus, and hotels, Kawayu Onsen Hokkaido is renowned for its unique feature of hot springs bubbling up along the banks of the Shirahama River. Visitors can enjoy relaxing baths in outdoor riverside hot spring baths, known as "sennin buro" or "1000-person baths," which are constructed along the riverbanks.
2. Rules to Be Followed When Bathing at Onsen Hokkaido Japan
Following the rules and etiquette as follows will help you to know about how to use Hokkaido hot springs and better experience the onsen in Hokkaido:
●Rinse and clean yourself entirely before entering the sauna.
●Please do not use the hot spring if you are feeling unwell or are displaying symptoms of an illness.
●Leave your belongings behind you when you enter the sauna.
●Bathe slowly! Onsen bathing is meant to be a relaxing and calming experience.
●Avoid excessive movement to avoid potential injuries both within and around the bath area.
●Given that the water typically goes around 40-44 degrees Celsius (or 104-111 degrees Fahrenheit), try to enter it at a slow, deliberate pace.
●Avoid putting your towel in the water. Either set it on the side of the bath or fold it up and place it atop your head.
●Those with high blood pressure and other health conditions should take precautions when bathing. Please exit the pool if you begin to feel unwell and/or experience symptoms of heatstroke.
●It is usually not recommended to shower after using a hot spring, only to dry oneself in order to maximize the effects of the mineral water on the skin.
Enjoy yourself!
3. Villages & Accommodations: Best Hokkaido Onsen Hotel
How to choose the Hokkaido onsen ryokan? Is there any hotel in Hokkaido with private onsen? Let's review the best onsen ryokan in Hokkaido here.
Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel
This 4-star Hokkaido onsen hotel is located around the Sounkyo onsen area, near the Ishikari River. Sounkyo Onsen Choyo Resort Hotel Hokkaido features luxurious traditional and modern style accommodations as well as two large capacity natural spring baths, both outdoor and indoor, hot tubs, and a sauna, all of which provide views of the woods surrounding the area.
Address: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan
Hotel Bearmonte
For a more rural experience, Asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte Asahikawa Hokkaido is a small village at the foot of Hokkaido's highest mountain, Mount Asahidake (2290 meters), and close to Hokkaido’s largest and wildest national park: Daisetsuzan. Aside from the onsen Hokkaido, visitors can also go hiking amidst the mountains and hatch a ride aboard the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway, where you can get a panoramic, sky-high view of the forests surrounding the mountain.
Address: Japan, 〒071-1472 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Higashikawa, 旭岳温泉
Hotel Hanabi
This towering and simple three-star Toya Onsen Hotel Hokkaido offers stunning views overlooking Lake Toya. It features both Western and Japanese traditional-style rooms, all boasting picturesque views of the lake. Guests can enjoy the serene ambiance of the hotel's garden and outdoor terrace. This private onsen hotel Hokkaido provides two indoor hot spring onsens, one open air and the other featuring large, frosted windows that open to a spacious view across the lake itself.
Address: 6 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721, Japan
Marukoma Hot Spring Hotel
This 95-year-old Marukoma Onsen Ryokan Hokkaido has a long, storied history serving customers who frequent Marukoma Onsen. Situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Shikotsu, this three-story ryokan offers guests panoramic views of the surrounding lake and mountains. With 46 traditional Japanese-style accommodations, and one Western-style room, guests can also unwind in this Hokkaido onsen ryokan's two indoor hot spring baths and two outdoor baths, the latter of which offer views of Lake Shikotsu and is open 24/7. Marukoma onsen also offers fresh, seasonal local cuisine featuring Shikotsu’s renowned sockeye salmon, which are sourced from the lake’s crystal-clear waters, making it the best ryokan with private onsen in Hokkaido in the mind of some guests.
Address: Japan, 〒066-0287 Hokkaido, Chitose, Horobinai, 7 7番地
Noboribetsu Onsen Kyo Takinoya
Kyo Takinoya is a nearby ryokan located in Noboribetsu, one of Japan’s. It offers accommodations with private and public hot spring baths (onsen) for guests to relax and enjoy. Takinoya in Noboribetsu Onsen Hokkaido provides a quintessential Japanese experience with tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and kaiseki meals featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Kyo Takinoya is situated in the Noboribetsu Onsen area, known for its natural sulfuric hot springs and picturesque mountain surroundings, and its close proximity to Jigokudani (Hell Valley).
Address: Japan, 〒059-0551 Hokkaido, Noboribetsu, Noboribetsuonsencho, 162 162番地
Just tell us which one do you think is the Hokkaido Hot Spring Hotel.
4. Enjoy Skiing in Hokkaido Apart from Soaking Onsen
When you go to Hokkaido in winter, not only can you experience the Onsen in Hokkaido, but also can enjoy skiing. Skiing in Hokkaido is a dream for many winter sports enthusiasts. After a day on the slopes, don't forget to enjoy relaxing in the best onsen in Hokkaido. These rejuvenating thermal baths offer a unique cultural experience and are perfect for soothing tired muscles.
Here are some of the top ski resorts in Hokkaido:
Niseko United: Comprising four interconnected ski resorts - Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri - Niseko is one of the most famous ski areas in Japan. It's particularly popular among international visitors for its abundant powder snow, varied terrain, and vibrant apres-ski scene.
Rusutsu Resort: Known for its expansive terrain and excellent powder conditions, Rusutsu Resort offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding experiences for all skill levels. The resort also features one of Japan's largest indoor amusement parks.
Furano Ski Resort: Located in central Hokkaido, Furano is famous for its long ski season, typically running from late November to early May. The resort offers diverse terrain suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, along with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Kiroro Resort: Situated near Otaru City, Kiroro Resort is known for its abundant snowfall and uncrowded slopes. The resort caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with a good mix of groomed runs and off-piste terrain.
Tomamu Ski Resort: Part of the Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU complex, Tomamu Ski Resort offers a variety of slopes catering to different skill levels. The resort's modern facilities, including a large indoor wave pool and ice village, make it a popular choice for families and non-skiers as well.
Sapporo Teine: Located just outside Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city, Teine Ski Resort offers convenient access for visitors staying in the city. The resort features a good mix of groomed runs and off-piste terrain, as well as stunning views of the city and Ishikari Bay.
Asahidake Ski Area: Asahidake is Hokkaido's highest peak and offers backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities for experienced riders. It's known for its challenging terrain and deep powder snow, attracting advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking an adrenaline-filled experience.
Overall, skiing in Hokkaido offers an unforgettable winter adventure with world-class skiing, stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and relaxation in natural Hokkaido Japan hot springs.
A trip to Hokkaido in winter cannot be perfect without experiencing the naturally soothing hot springs in Hokkaido and enjoying the skiing thrill. Plan your private guided Hokkaido Onsen trip now.
▲You May Also Like To Read More Japan Onsen Guides As Follows:
>>>Tattoo Friendly Onsens Japan
>>>Hakone Private Onsen
>>>Best Private Onsen in Kyoto
>>>Private Onsen near Mt Fuji
>>>Onsen Near Tokyo Japan
>>>Onsen Osaka Japan
>>>Shibu-onsen Kokuya
>>>Kurokawa Onsen Japan
>>>Nozawa Onsen Guide
>>>Sand Onsen Beppu
>>>Takaragawa Onsen - Gunma Japan
>>>Takayama Gifu Onsen
>>>Onsen Spa World Osaka
>>>Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower