Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, is a winter wonderland and natural paradise boasting an abundance of hot springs. This guide highlights six remarkable onsen towns and 13 exceptional accommodations, all carefully curated by local Japanese experts, ensuring you can trust and feel confident in your choices.♨️
Best Hot Springs in Hokkaido
When you think of Hokkaido, you might imagine Sapporo or snow, right? But it’s also a hot spring paradise! Our map showcases excellent onsen areas and airports. With the most hot spring areas in Japan, Hokkaido’s volcanic activity creates diverse thermal experiences. Remember, the island is vast (similar to Austria or Ireland😄), so plan for longer travel times. Hokkaido’s pleasant climate and scenery make it enjoyable year-round, offering unique experiences each season.
For optimal exploration of Hokkaido’s vast landscapes, we highly recommend renting a car. This allows you to easily access remote hot springs and enjoy scenic drives through the island’s stunning natural beauty.
As a matter of fact, we’re particularly familiar with Obihiro and Tokachigawa, with Tokachigawa Onsen being our favorite. It features unique “Moor Hot Springs” known for skin-softening effects. We highly recommend Daiichi Hotel (“Daiichi means “First” in Japanese”), accessible within 30 min by car from Obihiro Airport. Feel free to contact us for local culinary recommendations!
Quick jump: Noboribetsu, Niseko, Jozankei, Yunokawa, Lake Shikotsu, Tokachigawa
Noboribetsu: Hell Valley and Healing Waters
Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resorts, is a must-visit for onsen enthusiasts. The town’s iconic “Hell Valley” (Jigokudani) features otherworldly steam vents, sulfurous streams, and a stunning volcanic landscape. With its rich history and numerous hot spring sources, Noboribetsu offers a wide range of bathing experiences, from traditional inns to modern spa facilities.
Best Places to Stay in Noboribetsu:
Five Springs, Infinite Healing: Onsen Oasis
Boasting a 160-year heritage, this Noboribetsu gem offers 35 baths across 1500 tsubo (4,960 m² / 53,400 ft²). Guests can experience five of Japan’s ten hot spring types, including sulfur, sodium bicarbonate, and salt springs.
Overlooking Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the resort provides a grand public bath with indoor and outdoor options. Enjoy arcade games, karaoke, and diverse dining choices. With its prime location near attractions and comfortable rooms, this historic haven promises an authentic Hokkaido onsen journey.
Sensory Bliss: Traditional Onsen Elegance
Experience refined relaxation in Noboribetsu, renowned for its daily 10,000-ton hot spring flow. The public baths offer three distinct mineral compositions, featuring a rustic rock bath and aromatic hinoki cypress outdoor pool.
Unwind in traditional Japanese rooms with scenic views. Savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine showcasing local seasonal ingredients. Immerse in the essence of hot spring travel: soothing thermal waters to rejuvenate the body and delectable dishes to delight the palate.
Onsen Paradise: 31 Baths, Endless Delight
Discover Noboribetsu’s finest hot springs at this resort boasting 31 unique baths featuring four distinct mineral compositions. Immerse in expansive outdoor baths on two floors, experiencing the healing power of Northern Japan’s renowned waters.
Indulge in a vibrant dinner buffet showcasing 60 Hokkaido specialties, including all-you-can-eat crab. With a convenient location near the bus terminal and onsen street, this haven promises an unforgettable thermal journey. Prepare for ultimate relaxation in Hokkaido’s premier hot spring destination.
Niseko: World-Class Skiing and Luxurious Hot Springs
Niseko, a world-renowned ski resort town in western Hokkaido, is not only famous for its powdery slopes but also for its excellent hot springs. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, visitors can relax and unwind in the town’s numerous onsen facilities, ranging from traditional inns to luxurious modern resorts. The mineral-rich waters of Niseko’s hot springs are the perfect remedy for sore muscles and a great way to warm up after a day in the snow. In the summer months, Niseko transforms into a lush green paradise, offering a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking mountain vistas to complement the hot spring experience.
Best Places to Stay in Niseko:
Dual-Mountain Majesty: Onsen Luxury Reimagined
Opened in August 2022, this luxurious resort offers breathtaking views of both Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri. Spacious living areas blend elegant Japanese design with modern luxury, promising a refined relaxation experience.
Indulge in diverse dining options showcasing seasonal Hokkaido ingredients. Rejuvenate in mineral-rich natural hot springs or the fusion Rokka Spa. With a newly renovated breakfast in summer 2023, this year-round retreat continues to elevate guest experiences in Niseko’s stunning landscape.
Alpine Elegance: Ski-in, Soak-out Paradise
Nestled at the base of Mount Yotei, this luxury condominium resort offers diverse accommodations from stylish 47 m² (506 ft²) studios to ski-in/ski-out residences. The crown jewel: a penthouse featuring a 100% natural hot spring flow.
Indulge in on-site amenities including natural hot springs and a gym. Winter brings thrilling powder snow adventures, while summer offers trekking and rafting. With in-room laundry and kitchens, this Hokkaido haven is ideal for extended stays in all seasons.
Zen Sanctuary: Nature’s Luxurious Embrace
Nestled amidst pristine forests beneath Mount Yotei, this hidden retreat offers 15 exclusive suites. Each room features private indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, sourced from natural springs flowing directly into the tubs.
Experience a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern sophistication. Savor exquisite kaiseki meals crafted from local ingredients. Surrounded by rustling leaves, soothing water sounds, and forest fragrances, guests can truly disconnect from daily worries in this Niseko paradise.
Jozankei: Serene Retreat in Sapporo’s Backyard
Located just an hour’s drive from Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is a tranquil getaway nestled in the heart of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This picturesque hot spring town is surrounded by lush forests and the majestic Toyohira River, offering visitors a chance to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Jozankei’s waters are known for their healing properties, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Best Places to Stay in Jozankei:
Panoramic Onsen Bliss: Culinary Delights
Perched on a hilltop in Jozankei, this haven offers panoramic valley views from every room. Most accommodations feature private hot spring baths, allowing guests to soak while admiring nature’s ever-changing canvas through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Indulge in exquisite seasonal cuisine, including the signature house-made rib roast beef. Unwind in the open-air bath overlooking the gorge, or pamper yourself at the on-site spa. With amenities like a library, tea room, and café-bar, this Hokkaido retreat promises an unforgettable escape.
Forest-Embraced Luxury: Thermal Paradise Awaits
Nestled in Jozankei’s lush forests along the Toyohira River, this boutique retreat harmoniously blends Japanese tradition with Western comfort. Spacious rooms, ranging from 67 to 138 m² (721-1,485 ft²), feature private hot spring baths.
Indulge in locally-sourced gourmet cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Rejuvenate at the spa treatment salon or energize at the gym. The tranquil lounge offers a perfect spot for relaxation. Discover an unforgettable Hokkaido experience in this small luxury haven.
Seasonal Serenity: Sapporo’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in Jozankei, this tranquil ryokan offers 57 spacious rooms, each with unique charm. Immerse in six diverse hot spring baths, including an open-air onsen overlooking katsura trees and a relaxing jacuzzi.
Savor gourmet meals featuring fresh seafood from Hokkaido’s ports and seasonal ingredients. Unwind in the lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks. For ultimate luxury, book a room with a private onsen. Experience authentic Japanese hospitality in this adult-oriented retreat.
Yunokawa: Seaside Onsen Charm in Hakodate
Yunokawa Onsen, located in the charming city of Hakodate, is a unique hot spring destination that combines the best of both land and sea. As one of Hokkaido’s three major hot spring areas, Yunokawa boasts a long history and a picturesque setting along the coast. Visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views while soaking in the town’s famous salt-rich waters, which are said to have excellent therapeutic properties.
Best Places to Stay in Yunokawa:
Infinity Onsen: Hokkaido’s Culinary Paradise
Experience one of Hokkaido’s top three hot springs at this newly opened 2021 retreat. Soak in the infinity open-air bath overlooking Tsugaru Strait, savoring local sake under moonlit skies.
Indulge in Hokkaido’s largest buffet, featuring 150 dishes showcasing regional specialties. Savor fresh sushi, sashimi, and hearty fisherman’s rice. Wake early for the 140-item breakfast spread, a perfect start to your Hakodate adventure.
Ocean-View Oasis: Timeless Thermal Bliss
Immerse in 350-year-old Yunokawa hot springs while gazing at Tsugaru Strait and Mount Hakodate. Recently renovated, this seaside retreat offers spacious rooms with plush tatami beds and private onsen baths overlooking the ocean.
Savor gourmet buffets featuring live cooking stations in the expansive dining hall. Relax in the stylish lounge or borrow a yukata for a stroll along the snowy beach. Experience the perfect blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern luxury in this Hokkaido haven.
Lake Shikotsu: Caldera-Inspired Relaxation
Nestled along the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Shikotsu, this hot spring area offers a serene and picturesque escape. The lake itself is a caldera formed by volcanic activity, and the surrounding hot springs are fed by the geothermal heat of the region. Visitors can indulge in the soothing waters while admiring the breathtaking views of the lake and the lush forest landscape.
Best Places to Stay in Lake Shikotsu:
Lakeside Sanctuary for Body Revival
Nestled on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido’s northernmost ice-free lake, this wellness retreat offers a serene escape. Rejuvenate in mineral-rich hot springs while gazing at majestic Mount Eniwa.
Indulge in gourmet buffets featuring fresh local ingredients. With only 24 rooms, guests enjoy personalized service and tranquility. After a soothing onsen soak, gather around the lounge fireplace for toasted marshmallows, creating unforgettable memories of your Japanese getaway.
Tokachigawa: Moor-Inspired Relaxation Amidst Vast Meadows
Tokachigawa Onsen, situated in the picturesque Tokachi Plain, is renowned for its unique moor-inspired hot springs. The town’s waters are rich in organic plant matter, giving them a distinctive brown color and a silky-smooth texture. Visitors can unwind in these therapeutic waters while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding vast meadows and the majestic Hidaka Mountains.
Best Places to Stay in Tokachigawa:
Unmatched Luxury in Hokkaido’s Heartland
Experience the unique Moor hot springs, Japan’s only such onsen, nestled along the majestic Tokachi River. This natural wonder, known for its skin-beautifying properties, promises rejuvenation for international visitors.
Indulge in exquisite local cuisine at the award-winning restaurant, then retreat to your room with a private open-air bath. The Hoshu-tei wing offers exclusive lounge access, while Toyo-tei provides tranquil Japanese-style accommodations. Your unforgettable Hokkaido adventure awaits.
Embark on Your Hokkaido Hot Spring Adventure
Ready to explore Hokkaido’s onsen treasures? From Noboribetsu’s sulfuric waters to Yunokawa’s seaside baths, each town offers unique experiences. Immerse yourself in Japan’s bathing culture amid breathtaking landscapes. For the best experience, consider renting a car and book winter accommodations early. Trust our local experts’ selections for an authentic Hokkaido onsen adventure.
Don’t miss our guides on other great onsen destinations like Hakone and Atami (perfect for short trips from Tokyo), Kyushu (boasting Japan’s highest hot spring output), and Arima (ideal for Osaka day trips). Enjoy your onsen odyssey! ♨️♨️♨️
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