Hokkaido is known as "hot spring heaven" and has the most hot springs in Japan, with a whopping 251 locations. In the Sapporo area, there are Jozankei, Asarigawa Onsen, and Niseko Onsenkyo, while in the Asahikawa area, there are Sounkyo Onsen and Asahidake Onsen, all of which are famous hot springs. Warming up your chilled body on the snowy mountains, relaxing after too much skiing, relaxing while admiring the magnificent snowy scenery, and a post-bath drink are the best! Hot springs make winter trips even more fun and appealing. Here, we'll introduce hot springs in and around resorts that are perfect for a soak if you're skiing in Hokkaido
[Near Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort]
Jozankei Hot Springs
Get a great deal with the "Hot Spring Bathing Pack" at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort!
The nearest hot spring town is about 20 minutes by car from Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. Located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this hot spring resort in a lush valley is visited by approximately 2.4 million people annually. It is easily accessible, about an hour from central Sapporo, and has many facilities that can be used for day trips as well as overnight stays, making it very popular. You can enjoy the hot springs in a variety of styles, with packages including hot spring bathing + meals and beauty treatments, or you can enjoy a private open-air bath. There are also many famous restaurants, so you can enjoy gourmet food
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is currently selling a "Hot Spring Bathing Pack" that includes a one-day lift ticket and admission to eight nearby hot springs for day use. This package is available at Jozankei Onsen's "Hotel Shikanoyu," "Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione," and "Yu no Hana Jozanden." The one-day ticket plus access to the hot springs is a bargain at just 6,300 yen
Recently, a trip that involves staying at Jozankei Onsen has been gaining popularity. While immersing yourself in Japanese hot spring culture in Jozankei, you can also take day trips to Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Niseko, and Rusutsu.
Kokoro no Sato Nono Terrace, a new base that opened in November 2022, makes your time in Jozankei even more fun and delicious. It is a complex that includes an experience tour desk, a comfortable outdoor terrace and dog run, restaurants, a market, and a sweets shop, and has become an extremely popular spot.
Nono Terrace, the Village of the Heart
Kokoro no Sato Jozan Morino Bettei Jozan
Within the facility, in the "Kokoro no Sato Jozan" area, there is also "Hachiyu," where you can enjoy eight natural hot spring foot baths in a private forest setting
The "Basic Plan" package costs 1,500 yen per person and includes a foot bath where you can soak while admiring the rich nature of Jozankei, use of a relaxing lounge, a box of sweets and drinks, and admission to the Nakajima Bunko Museum of Oriental Antique Art
Basic plan + Nukumori no Yado Furukawa day trip bathing fee package is 2,400 yen/person
Opening hours: 10:00~18:00
◆Official website: https://kokorono-sato.jp/
With the emergence of new spots like these, Jozankei Onsen is attracting more and more attention. If you love hot springs, you're sure to have a refreshing and satisfying stay.
◆Official website: Jozankei Tourism Association Official Website https://jozankei.jp/
Hoheikyo Hot Springs
Enjoy the atmosphere of hot springs and authentic Indian curry in Sapporo city
Just 35km from Sapporo city, Hoheikyo Onsen is a quiet and peaceful world away from the city, despite being in the city. Driving along National Route 230 towards Nakayama Pass, you'll find the hot spring just past Jozankei Onsen town on your right, so many people stop by when driving from Sapporo to Niseko or Rusutsu, and it's a famous hot spring among skiers and snowboarders. This 100% natural hot spring, where the water is poured directly into the bathtub without any further processing from the source, is rare even nationwide, and as it doesn't come into contact with air, it doesn't oxidize, making it highly effective. The open-air bath is one of the largest in Japan, accommodating 200 people, and the rustic snow-viewing bath is truly relaxing
However, what is more popular and acclaimed than the quality of the hot springs is the authentic curry prepared by a Nepalese chef at ONSEN Shokudo, a specialty of Hoheikyo Onsen
It has a spicy taste with a strong sourness and a smooth texture, and the soft and fluffy naan is baked in a special ceramic oven using a special recipe that makes it incredibly delicious
Many repeat customers come here for the curry, which makes them feel as if they are in Nepal. If you are staying in Sapporo or heading to Niseko, be sure to stop by
Hoheikyo Onsen (day bath)
Opening hours: 10:00-22:30
Price: 1,000 yen for adults
Official website: https://hoheikyo.co.jp/
[Near Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort]
Asarigawa Hot Springs
Enjoy free skiing and hot springs in a hidden spot during your stay in Sapporo
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort is easily accessible, just 40 minutes by car from Sapporo city, 20 minutes from Otaru, and 65 minutes from New Chitose Airport, making it a great place to enjoy a day trip if you're staying in Sapporo. It's not often mentioned as a ski resort in the Sapporo area, but it has a great location where you can enjoy a long run of about 3,000m from the summit while taking in the spectacular view of the Sea of Japan, and it also has three ungroomed runs and a tree run. It's actually a hidden gem for freeskiers
Asarigawa Onsen, where the ski resort is located, is the only hot spring resort in Otaru, Hokkaido. There are many hot spring facilities in the hot spring town. Among them, Asarigawa Kogen Hotel is a hot spring hotel directly managed by the ski resort. Day-trip bathing is also available at a reasonable price. If you make a reservation, you can also enjoy an authentic dinner made with plenty of seasonal Otaru ingredients. There is also a rest area, which is perfect for after-skiing. If you are planning to travel around Sapporo as your base, Asarigawa should definitely be included in your plans
Asarigawa Onsen Hotel (day bath)
Opening hours: 11:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30)
Price: Adults 800 yen (weekdays) | Adults 1,000 yen (weekends, holidays, New Year's holidays)
◆ Official website: https://asarigawaonsenhotel.com/
[Sapporo Teine Soba]
Teine Onsen Honoka
A full lineup including natural hot springs, open-air baths, saunas, rock baths, and loyly!
This is the closest day-trip hot spring to Sapporo Teine. Teine ski resort staff highly recommend it, saying, "You should definitely stop by." "In addition to Teine Onsen," this spa resort is a place of beauty and healing where you can enjoy a wide variety of relaxation options, including natural hot springs, open-air baths, saunas, bedrock baths, and loyly
"Löyly" is an ancient Finnish sauna program in which aromatic water is poured onto heated sauna stones, and the resulting high-temperature steam is fanned with a fan, creating a pleasant aroma and hot air that promotes sweating. You can also enjoy a variation of this, "Ganbanyoku Löyly." Also, "Unkai Ganbanyoku," where you can bathe in a sea of clouds in nano-mist, is a special experience at Teine Onsen Honoka, the only one of its kind in Hokkaido. What's more, it's open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and you can also enjoy delicious food, so there's nothing to complain about
Teine Onsen Honoka (Day Trip Bath)
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Adults Weekdays 1,300 yen / Weekends, Holidays, and Special Days 1,500 yen (bathing wear or towel set included) | Early Morning Rate (5am-9am) Adults Weekdays 1,300 yen / Weekends, Holidays, and Special Days 1,500 yen
◆ Official Website: https://yudokoro-honoka.jp/teine/
[Niseko area]
Niseko Hot Springs
Niseko is home to a collection of hot springs known as the "Niseko Onsenkyo," each with its own unique spring quality, including Niseko Goshiki Onsenkyo, Niseko Konbu Onsenkyo, Annupuri Onsenkyo, Higashiyama Onsenkyo, Hirafu Onsenkyo, and Iwanai Onsenkyo. All of them have abundant hot spring water, and many of them are "free-flowing" hot springs that are the bounty of nature
To fully enjoy not only the powder snow but also the hot springs during your stay in Niseko, there is the "Niseko Hot Springs Pass" which allows you to enjoy a variety of hot springs at a great price. There are three types of tickets that allow you to bathe at 19 hot spring facilities in the Yotei mountain area as well as in Iwanai Town, Kyowa Town, Suttsu Town, and Shimamaki Village. It is convenient as it can be shared by a group. Check the official website for more details.
"Niseko Hot Springs Pass" https://www.niseko-ta.jp/hot-spring-pass/
Ikoi no Yuyado Iroha
A leisurely stroll from Annupuri and enjoyable even after night skiing
This hot spring accommodation facility has a spring source that gushes out from the southern foot of Niseko Annupuri, the highest peak in the Niseko mountain range. The open-air bath is fed directly from the source and is rich in moisturizing ingredients. Simply soaking in the water will instantly leave your skin feeling smooth, and it is also known as the "bath for beautiful skin." Day trips are available from 12:30 to 21:00, and towel rentals are available, so you can head out lightly
In the lobby and cafe corner, you can conveniently use the Wi-Fi while enjoying coffee or beer. If you stay overnight, you can enjoy a luxurious meal featuring seasonal dishes made with plenty of fresh ingredients from Hokkaido and Niseko, as well as local sake made with water from the Niseko mountain range. Staying at a hot spring inn might also be a good idea
Ikoi no Yuyado Iroha (day spa)
Opening hours: 12:30-21:00 (last admission 20:00)
Price: 1,500 yen for adults
Official website: https://www.niseko-iroha.com/
Snow Chichibu Hot Springs
"On days when you can't climb the mountain, it's snowy Chichibu" is a local common sense
Yuki Chichibu is extremely popular among locals, and is a must-see when visiting Niseko. It's only about a 15-minute drive from central Niseko, making it easily accessible. Located at an altitude of 600m, overlooking Oyunuma Pond and Nitonupuri, it is a town-run day-use bathing facility that boasts an open-air bath with a view of Nitonupuri. With a surprising seven open-air baths, it feels like an open-air bath theme park, and you can even enjoy a unique muddy bath in the women's bath. The atmosphere is very open, and surrounded by beautiful snowy scenery, you can feel the nature of Hokkaido firsthand
Its effects include relieving rough skin, wounds, back pain, neuralgia, and fatigue. There is also a rest area and restaurant, so you can relax and unwind. On days off when the mountains in Niseko are too rough to go skiing, it is a standard style among locals to spend a relaxing day on the "Snow Chichibu Tour."
Yukichichibu Onsen (day bath)
Opening hours: 12:00-20:00 (last admission at 19:00)
Closed: Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday)
Price: 700 yen for adults
Official website: http://www.town.rankoshi.hokkaido.jp/yukichichibu/
Niseko Goshiki Onsen
The ultimate destination for the NISEKO backcountry route
Located at the trailhead for Niseko Annupuri and Iwaonupuri, it is 14km from Kutchan city and 20km from Niseko. Riding between Iwaonupuri and Niseko Annupuri, you will arrive at Goshiki Onsen, which has a retro mountain hut-like atmosphere. You can also reach Goshiki Onsen by skiing through the backcountry from the summit of Niseko Annupuri, and this route, known as the Goshiki Onsen Route, is extremely popular. It is a blissful experience to reach this mountain hut-like hot spring at the end of a powder field, where you can warm up and relax after a chill
The hot spring water flows directly from the source and is available in two locations: the large public bath and the open-air Karamatsu no Yu bath, where you can enjoy the view. There is something indescribably charming about gazing at the majestic Niseko mountain range while relaxing in the open-air bath. The water is acidic, sulfurous, and rich in natural nutrients such as magnesium, sodium, calcium, nitrates, and chlorides, making it a smooth, clear spring that is gentle on the skin and has a beauty-enhancing effect. Many visitors come to the hot springs for treatments such as chronic skin diseases, cuts, diabetes, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, gout, constipation, muscle and joint pain, and hemorrhoids
Goshiki Onsen (day bath)
Opening hours: 10:00-20:00
Price: Adults 800 yen
Official website: http://goshiki-onsen.com/
Niseko Konbu Onsen Tsuruga Besso Moku no Sho
"Hot spring + luxurious dinner + Japanese cultural experience" day trip plan available
In the Niseko area, three hot spring inns - Tsuruga Besso Moku no Sho, Niseko Konbu Onsen Hotel Kanronomori, and Niseko Grand Hotel - each have their own hot spring source. Among them, Tsuruga Besso Moku no Sho offers particularly attractive plans for day-trip guests. There are set plans that include a delicious dinner made with seasonal Niseko ingredients, a set that includes a beauty treatment, and even a gorgeous "hot spring + dinner + cultural experience" plan that includes a Japanese cultural experience of drinking matcha tea and wearing a beautiful yukata. What a charming and thoughtful arrangement
The main bath is called "Meisen no Yu," and it feels as if the fountain of life is gushing forth from within your body. The open-air bath is filled with the chloride springs unique to kelp hot springs, and the water has a smooth texture that feels smooth on the skin. There is also a private bath, "Izumi no Yu," which can be reserved for 50 minutes at a very reasonable price of 2,000 yen per group. Tsuruga Besso Moku no Sho's concept is "to cherish the warmth of wood grain, the Japanese aesthetic sense of appreciating the fine rings of wood grain, and this delicate sensibility," and as such, the atmosphere is very warm and stylish, with a modern Japanese feel.
It's also a great place to spend the day relaxing in this peaceful space, without having to go skiing.
Tsuruga Besso Mokunosho (day bath)
Opening hours: 18:00-22:00 (last entrance 19:30) Reservations required by 20:00 the day before
Price: Dinner + day bath plan from 15,400 yen (tax included) per person
◆Official website: https://www.mokunosho.com/
[Hot spring between Niseko and Rusutsu]
Makkari Onsen
Makkari Onsen is located along Route 230 and Route 66, which connect Niseko and Rusutsu Resort, about an hour from both Rusutsu and Niseko, right in the middle. Many skiers and snowboarders make day trips from Niseko to Rusutsu, or vice versa, and stop by this hot spring on their way back. Its fantastic location and the beautiful view of Mt. Yotei from the open-air bath make it a popular and highly acclaimed hot spring. The hot spring is a splendid hot spring that flows directly from the source, and it also comes equipped with a sauna. There is also a large hall and Japanese-style rooms where you can relax after bathing, so many locals make the routine of taking a break here before heading back to Niseko or Rusutsu. The facility is a member of the Niseko Yu Meguri Pass
Makkari Onsen
Location: 174-3 Midorioka, Makkari Village
Opening hours: 11:00-21:00
Price: 600 yen for adults
Official SNS: https://www.facebook.com/makkari.spa/photos
[Inside Rusutsu Resort]
The Westin Rusutsu Hot Springs
Enjoy a morning bath from 5:00 and stay open until 2:00am - make the most of your day
The Westin Rusutsu Onsen is located on the second floor of the Westin Rusutsu Resort. The outdoor bath offers the ultimate experience of gazing at the fantastic snowy scenery and the starry sky that shines even brighter against the winter sky. The water is a sodium bicarbonate spring (neutral, hypotonic, extra hot spring), and is said to be good for your skin and leave it smooth
The large windows let in plenty of light into the bath area, creating a bright and open feeling. The Jacuzzi bath changes daily to an aroma bath with scents such as chamomile and rosehip. The floral scent calms the mind and doubles the relaxation effect. It will also relieve fatigue and help you sleep soundly! Morning baths can be enjoyed from 5:00 in the morning, and bathing is available until 1:00 am in the evening
Westin Rusutsu Onsen (day bath)
Location: 2nd floor of Westin Rusutsu Resort
Opening hours: 5:00-10:00 / 14:00-25:00 (Winter season until 2024/3/31 (Sun))
Fee: Adults 1,300 yen (day use, free for overnight guests)
Official website: https://rusutsu.com/onsen-wellness/westin-onsen
Kotobuki no Yu
Relax and be truly healed by the panoramic view of Hokkaido's natural beauty
Located at the back of the sixth floor of the North Wing of Rusutsu Resort Hotel, the hotel boasts a 20m-wide open-air bath where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains stretching out before you during the day, and at night, you can see the stars shining so brightly they seem as if they're about to fall from the sky. In addition to a large indoor bath, a jet bath, and a cave bath with healing music playing in one corner, there is also a mist sauna in the women's bath and a dry sauna in the men's. After skiing, you can relax and be soothed to the core by being surrounded by Hokkaido's natural beauty and the soft water
Kotobuki no Yu (day-trip bath)
Location: Rusutsu Resort Hotel North Wing, 6th floor
Opening hours: 6:00-9:00 / 14:00-25:00 (Winter season until 2024/3/31 (Sun))
Fee: Adults 1,300 yen (day-trip use, free for overnight guests)
Official website: https://rusutsu.com/onsen-wellness/
[Inside Furano Ski Resort]
Furano Onsen Shisai no Yu
Finnish-style old pine sauna to soothe your tired body after a day of skiing
The source of the hot spring is a hot spring vein located 1,010 meters underground in the Furano region. The spacious indoor bath is equipped with a jet bath, making it ideal for relaxation and fatigue recovery. The open-air bath is a long, horizontal tub, allowing you to enjoy a spacious bath while gazing at the stars. The water has a smooth texture that gently soothes fatigue in body and mind. The most recommended experience is the "Finnish-style Old Pine Sauna."
The interior is made of old pine wood, which was used in North American homes, creating a great atmosphere. Pine has the ability to absorb heat from the sauna and then radiate it evenly again, making the air mellow and ideal for saunas. Water is automatically poured onto sauna stones heated by the sauna stove, which promotes sweating and improves metabolism. This is the perfect way to rejuvenate your body after a day of skiing at the massive Furano Ski Resort
Furano Onsen "Shisai no Yu" (Day-trip bath)
Location: 2nd floor of the hot spring building at Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Opening hours: 1:00 PM - 11:30 PM (last admission)
Fee: 1,700 yen for adults (free for day-trip guests)
Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinfurano/facility/onsen/
[Near Furano Ski Resort]
Tokachidake Onsen Ryounkaku
Soak in the open-air bath while admiring the spectacular view from 1,280 meters above sea level
Located at 1,280m above sea level, Tokachidake Onsen Ryounkaku is the highest hot spring in Hokkaido. There are two types of natural hot springs that flow directly from the source near the top of the mountain, and there are two indoor baths, "Oiwa no Yu" and "Koiwa no Yu," each with different spring qualities. Oiwa no Yu is a brownish iron spring. Koiwa no Yu is an acidic, slightly clear brown water. The baths for men and women are switched at different times, so it's nice to be able to enjoy both. The open-air bath offers a spectacular view! Soaking in the open-air bath while admiring the majestic view of Mount Furano from an altitude of 1,280m is the ultimate luxury. You can enjoy the hot springs on a day trip as well as staying overnight
Tokachidake Onsen "Ryounkaku " (day bath)
Opening hours: 8:00 - 19:00 (last admission 18:30 / irregular holidays)
Price: 1,000 yen for adults
◆ Official website: https://www.ryounkaku.jp/
[Near Kamui Ski Links]
Asahikawa Takasagodai Manyo no Yu
A hot spring facility that offers the three elements of "soaking," "relaxing," and "eating"
Located about a 15-minute drive from Kamui Ski Links, this hot spring facility offers the three elements of soaking, relaxing, and eating. You can soak in the hidden hot springs of Hokkaido, the Futamata Radium Hot Springs, which are highly effective in relieving fatigue. Manyo no Yu is open all year round, and is open 23 hours a day. It's amazing that you can use it from late at night until the morning. There are also rooms available for rent, and you can stay from 9 pm until 8 am the next morning for just 3,500 yen, which is groundbreaking. With a full range of amenities, you can easily visit empty-handed
Asahikawa Takasagodai "Manyo no Yu " (day bath)
Opening hours: 10:00 - 9:00 the next morning
Price: 1,600 yen for adults
Official website: https://www.manyo.co.jp/asahikawa/
Irumu no Yu Agri Kobo Maabu
If you're planning an overnight stay at Camry Ski Links, consider staying in a cottage
Agri Kobo Maabu, located about a 15-minute drive from Kamui Ski Links, is a complex that includes a campsite, cottages, a restaurant, and hot springs. The main building houses the natural hot spring, Fukagawa Irumu no Yu, which is also available for day trips. The water is a weakly alkaline cold mineral spring from the Fukagawa Irumu source, which is gentle on the skin and can be enjoyed safely by people with sensitive skin, small children, and the elderly. In addition to the large indoor bath, there is also an open-air tub bath and rock bath. The five cottages are fully equipped with kitchens and can be used for overnight stays, even in winter. Why not try it out if you want to ski overnight at Kamui Ski Links?
Aguri Studio Maabu "Irumu no Yu " (Day Trip Bath)
Price: Adults 500 yen
◆ Official website: https://agri-studio-maabu.com/
[Near the Asahidake Ropeway in Daisetsuzan]
Sounkyo Onsen Hotel Daisetsu
If you come to Asahikawa, Sounkyo Onsen is a must-visit for skiing and hot springs
Sounkyo Onsen, located at the foot of the magnificent Daisetsuzan mountain range in central Hokkaido, is a 1 hour 55 minute drive from JR Asahikawa Station. This hot spring resort is visited by approximately 2 million people annually, including climbers and tourists visiting Daisetsuzan. It is also world-famous for its ice festival, the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival. If you are planning a snow trip based in Asahikawa, Mount Asahi and Mount Kuro in the Daisetsuzan mountains are popular mountain ranges that everyone wants to visit at least once
The spring quality of Sounkyo Onsen is simple sulfur spring water, with a faint sulfurous scent and clear, colorless water. With over 60 springs, each hot spring has its own unique scent and color, which is fascinating and appealing to hot spring lovers. Hotel Daisetsu is located on the highest ground of all the Sounkyo Onsen resorts, so it also offers an outstanding view. There are three large public baths and two open-air baths. You can enjoy five unique baths, including Chinita no Yu, which has an exotic atmosphere with its brick style and stained glass. The gorge open-air bath, Tenka no Yu, can also be reserved for private use
You can enjoy Sounkyo Onsen in any style you like, such as staying at Sounkyo Onsen and climbing Mt. Kurodake or Mt. Asahidake, or stopping by after a day trip while staying in Asahikawa. Hotel Taisetsu also operates a free shuttle bus from JR Asahikawa Station during the winter. If you're staying in Asahikawa and the weather is bad from the morning, it might be a good idea to spend the day at Sounkyo Onsen
Sounkyo Onsen "Hotel Taisetsu " (day bath)
Opening hours: 11:00 - 17:00
Price: 1,000 yen for adults
Official website: http://www.hotel-taisetsu.com/index.html