20 Onsen in Hokkaidō worth your time

A renovated roadside station and hot spring resort featuring salt baths, local dining, and views of wind power turbines.

What it is

• A roadside rest area and hot spring facility located along Route 232.
• The facility reopened to the public after renovations on April 28, 2023.
• Wind power generation serves as the primary symbol for this coastal facility.
• The site includes a hotel, a restaurant, and a local specialty store.

What to see

• The Tomamae Onsen Fu-W hot spring featuring sodium chloride strong salt water.
• An outdoor foot bath available for visitors to use on-site.
• Local specialty products for sale at the Yottekeya direct sales store.
• Large-scale wind power turbines that characterize the surrounding landscape.

When to go

• The facility remains open for visitors every day of the year.
• Restrooms and public telephones are accessible 24 hours a day.

Getting there

• The station is a four minute walk from the Tomamae Kamimachi bus stop.
• A parking lot is available with spaces for 78 cars and 10 large vehicles.

Read more about Roadside station Fu-W Tomamae

A remote hot spring resort in Hokkaido serving as a base for hikers and those seeking deep mountain isolation.

What it is

• A secluded hot spring area in Shintoku Town developed starting in 1965.
• The primary base for climbers attempting the six-hour hike to Mount Tomuraushi.
• A sodium chloride and hydrogen carbonate spring with a source temperature of 91.2 degrees Celsius.
• The Kokumin Shukusha Higashi Taisetsu-so provides the only accommodation in the area.

What to see

• A nearby fountain tower officially designated as a natural monument.
• The rugged mountain landscape at the end of Hokkaido Route 718.
• A wilderness environment where the nearest convenience store is 52 kilometers away.

When to go

• Summer is the primary season for hikers climbing to the mountain summit.
• Winter visitors can access the facility via a specialized guest shuttle service.

Getting there

• Buses run from Shintoku Station during the summer season.
• Free shuttle service is available for overnight guests during the winter months.

Read more about Tomuraushi Onsen

A high-altitude hot spring and trailhead offering access to scenic ponds and volcanic waters in Hokkaido's wilderness.

What it is

• A hot spring located at an altitude of 1260 meters in Kamikawa Town.
• The site features a simple acidic spring with a pH level of 2.7.
• Daisetsu Kogen Sanso serves as the only lodging facility available at the site.
• Emperor Showa visited this remote hot spring location in 1968.

What to see

• The Kogen Ponds loop trail which begins directly from the hot spring site.
• The Brown Bear Information Center located next to the main lodge building.
• Autumn foliage which is visible across the landscape during the month of September.

When to go

• The facility typically operates from early June through early October each year.
• Trail entry is strictly restricted to the hours between 7:00 and 13:00.
• September is the peak time for viewing autumn foliage in the area.

Getting there

• Shuttle buses run from Sounkyo Onsen during the autumn traffic restriction period.

Official site

www.daisetsu-kogen.com

Read more about Daisetsu Kōgen Onsen

A historic seaside hot spring resort in Hakodate featuring mineral-rich waters and views of the Tsugaru Strait.

What it is

• One of Japan's Top 100 Hot Springs located in Hakodate City, Hokkaido.
• A coastal resort area featuring sodium and calcium chloride springs heated by Zenikame Volcano.
• The site shares a sister hot spring relationship with Asamushi and Shimoda Onsen.
• Yukura Shrine stands here as the location of the hot spring's origin monument.

What to see

• Clear white spring water reaching temperatures of approximately 65 degrees Celsius.
• Natural reddish water springs found alongside the clear white water varieties.
• Scenic views of the Tsugaru Strait from the hot spring area.
• The origin monument located on the grounds of Yukura Shrine.

When to go

• August for the annual Yunokawa Onsen Fireworks Display.

Getting there

• Take the Hakodate City Tram to the Yunokawa Onsen Station.
• The area is a five-minute drive from Hakodate Airport.

Official site

hakodate-yunokawa.jp

Read more about Yunokawa Onsen

A toxic volcanic caldera in Hokkaido where deadly gases prevent entry, best viewed from a safe distance while hiking.

What it is

• A hot spring site located at the bottom of the Ohachidaira Caldera in Kamikawa Town.
• A dangerous area that emits highly toxic hydrogen sulfide volcanic gas.
• A strictly prohibited zone where entry is forbidden due to lethal gas poisoning risks.
• The source of the Akaishi River which contains undrinkable water.

What to see

• The caldera floor where wild animals are frequently found dead from gas poisoning.
• The site of historical accidents including the deaths of students and a hiker.
• Views of the spring area from the safety of the Ohachidaira Observatory.

When to go

• July is the month when historical gas poisoning incidents were recorded.

Getting there

• Reach the Ohachidaira Observatory by hiking from Mount Kurodake.
• No roads provide access to the hot spring itself.

Read more about Yūdoku Onsen

A remote, wild hot spring in a primeval beech forest featuring a unique travertine dome and mineral-rich bluish-white water.

What it is

• A wild hot spring located along the Koganeizawa River in Shimamaki Village.
• A natural thermal site used by locals since before the Meiji era.
• A remote destination surrounded by a protected primeval beech forest.
• A high-temperature spring measured at over fifty degrees Celsius.

What to see

• A main bathtub naturally carved into a large travertine dome.
• Bluish-white water colored by calcium, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfate deposits.
• Dense primeval beech forests that surround the entire spring area.
• Remnants of a forest road that was once accessible by trucks.

Getting there

• Requires a twenty-three kilometer hike because the forest road is impassable.
• Expect a six-hour walk one way due to damage from landslides.
• Hikers must take active precautions against brown bears in the area.

Read more about Kinkatou

A rustic day-trip hot spring facility in Hokkaido offering mineral-rich brown waters and outdoor baths for a nominal fee.

What it is

• A day-trip hot spring facility managed by Setana Town in Hokkaido.
• The current facility opened in 1995 after an earthquake closed the original inn.
• Historical records show visitors have traveled to these springs since at least 1789.
• Entry requires a one hundred yen cleaning fee paid by the visitor.

What to see

• Light brown spring water containing sodium, calcium, chloride, and sulfate.
• Indoor baths and open-air baths for soaking in the natural surroundings.
• Waterfall baths designed for visitors to use within the facility.

When to go

• The hot spring facility is closed annually from December to March.

Getting there

• Follow a three kilometer road leading away from Route 229.
• The access route includes approximately two kilometers of unpaved road.

Read more about Usubetsu Onsen

A famous Hokkaido hot spring resort featuring nine water types and dramatic volcanic landscapes within a national park.

What it is

• A major hot spring resort located within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
• The area produces ten thousand tons of spring water daily across nine different varieties.
• The name is derived from the Ainu word Nupur-pet.
• The surrounding primeval forest is a designated national natural monument.

What to see

• Jigokudani is the largest volcanic source area for the local hot springs.
• Hiyoriyama is an active volcano standing three hundred and seventy-seven meters high.
• Oyunuma is a sulfurous pond formed by a volcanic eruption.
• A ropeway connects the town to a local bear park.

When to go

• The Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival is held annually during the month of August.

Getting there

• The resort is located approximately six kilometers from Noboribetsu Station.

Official site

noboribetsu-spa.jp

Read more about Noboribetsu Onsen

A remote hot spring in Daisetsuzan National Park serving as a quiet base for mountain climbers and hikers.

What it is

• A hot spring discovered in 1909 located in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido.
• A base for climbing Mount Daisetsu and nearby peaks.
• Part of a national park designated in 1934.
• A site featuring the Aizankei Club inn and a mountain hut.

What to see

• Natural hot spring water with a temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius.
• The Shousenen trail which is open during the summer months.
• Trailheads leading directly to Mount Nagayama and Mount Aibetsu.
• The Aizankei Hyutte mountain hut located at the site.

When to go

• Late May to early October when the local inn is operational.
• July 14 to September 30 to access the Shousenen trail.
• Avoid mid-October to early May when access roads are closed.

Getting there

• A 50-minute car ride from Kamikawa Station.

Official site

www.aizankeionsen.rinyu.co.jp

Read more about Aizankei Onsen

A coastal hot spring resort on the Shiretoko Peninsula serving as a base for National Park cruises and sunset views.

What it is

• A hot spring resort area also known as Shiretoko Onsen on the west coast.
• The hot spring was first developed by drilling in 1971.
• The water contains sodium bicarbonate and salt with a source temperature of 61 degrees Celsius.
• A primary base for visitors taking Shiretoko sightseeing cruises.

What to see

• Hotels and facilities located near the fishing port and on the hills.
• The Yuhidai no Yu communal bath with views of the Okhotsk Sea.
• A rock formation shaped like Godzilla located near the port area.
• A public hand bath for visitors situated near the harbor.
• Shiretoko National Campground located adjacent to the hillside hotels.

Getting there

• Buses connect the hot spring area to Shari Station.
• Direct bus services are available from Memanbetsu Airport.

Read more about Utoro Onsen

A historic hot spring area in Yakumo featuring two inns with mineral-rich waters once used by former Shogunate forces.

What it is

• A hot spring area in Yakumo Town featuring sodium chloride and hydrogen carbonate waters.
• Home to two main inns including Ginkonyu, which opened in May 1925.
• The site served as a recovery spot for Shogunate forces during the Hakodate War.
• Ginkonyu was named to commemorate the silver wedding anniversary of Emperor Taisho.

What to see

• The Ginkonyu inn, which is a member of the Association of Secret Hot Springs.
• Pacific Onsen Hotel Seiryuen, featuring a hot spring source temperature of 98 degrees.
• Day-trip bathing facilities available at both local inns.

Getting there

• The hot springs are located ten kilometers from National Route 5.
• A ninety minute drive from Hakodate City reaches the area.
• The location is forty minutes away from JR Yakumo Station.

Read more about Kaminoyu Onsen

A roadside rest area in Haboro featuring a hot spring hotel, a rose garden, and local dining along Route 232.

What it is

• A roadside station registered in 1998 located along National Route 232.
• A facility featuring the Sunset Plaza hot spring hotel and a restaurant.
• A rest stop with parking for over two hundred standard and large vehicles.
• A hub near the Hokkaido Seabird Center with a gift shop and specialty store.

What to see

• The Haboro Rose Garden located within the station grounds.
• A hot spring with sodium chloride strong salt water at thirty-three degrees Celsius.
• The Nijima Monogatari restaurant serving local food to visitors.
• Sunset Plaza hotel which provides accommodation and bathing facilities.

When to go

• The facility operates every day of the year for travelers.

Getting there

• A four minute walk from the Haboro Kitaodori bus stop.

Official site

sunset-plaza.com

Read more about Roadside station Hot-Haboro

A remote hot spring in Daisetsuzan National Park featuring a massive waterfall and one remaining traditional inn for visitors.

What it is

• A hot spring area located 600 meters above sea level within Daisetsuzan National Park.
• The natural spring source was first discovered by Tamezo Matsuyama in 1897.
• The site sits along the Chubetsu River on the border of Higashikawa and Biei.
• One accommodation facility remains in operation following the demolition of older hotels in 2024.

What to see

• The 270-meter Hagoromo Falls located within walking distance of the hot spring area.
• A free public footbath named Tennyo no Ashiyu available for all visitors.
• Natural spring water containing sodium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfate minerals.
• Views of the Chubetsu River and surrounding national park mountain scenery.

Getting there

• Access is available via private car, taxi, or hotel shuttle from Asahikawa.

Read more about Tenninkyō Onsen

A historic Hokkaido hot spring resort known for its sulfur waters, riverside hotels, and proximity to a unique mountain aquarium.

What it is

• A hot spring district in Kitami City named after the Ainu words for large hot water.
• The first inns were established in 1899 to serve visitors and the Imperial Army.
• The simple sulfur spring water reaches temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius or higher.
• Hotels and facilities are situated along the banks of the Muka River.

What to see

• Traditional hot spring inns and hotels located along National Route 39.
• The nearby Mountain Aquarium and a local fox farm.
• Scenic views of the Muka River flowing through the hot spring district.

When to go

• Early May for the annual Azalea Festival.
• Every August to attend the Onneyu Onsen Festival.

Getting there

• Take a 20-minute bus ride from Rubeshibe Station to reach the hot spring area.

Official site

www.onneyuonsen.jp

Read more about Onneyu Onsen

A hot spring resort at Mount Tokachi featuring iron-rich brown water and the scenic Shirahige Waterfall.

What it is

• A hot spring resort in Biei Town founded in August 1950.
• The name translates to platinum, a comparison made by the local mayor upon its discovery.
• The area features approximately seven inns located at the foot of Mount Tokachi.
• The spring water contains iron and sodium sulfate, reaching temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius.

What to see

• Spring water that turns from clear to brown when exposed to the air.
• Shirahige Waterfall located in the canyon directly below the hotels.
• The Kokumin Hoyo Center which serves as a town-operated public bath.
• A national campsite and a park golf course within the resort area.

Getting there

• Buses run regularly from Biei Station to the hot spring area.
• The resort is a 20-minute drive from central Biei.

Official site

www.biei-shiroganeonsen.com

Read more about Shirogane Onsen

A wild seaside hot spring in Hokkaido accessible only at low tide, famous as a television filming location.

What it is

• A wild sodium chloride hot spring located on private property in Rausu.
• The name comes from the Ainu word meaning hot place.
• Managed by Hamazawa Suisan and used as a filming location for Kita no Kuni kara.
• Admission is free of charge though visitors may leave donations.

What to see

• Natural baths that are completely submerged in the sea during high tide.
• A spring source that reaches a temperature of sixty-four degrees Celsius.
• A parking lot with space for approximately ten vehicles.

When to go

• The site is open from early July until mid or late September.
• Bathing is only possible during periods of low tide.

Getting there

• The hot spring is a twenty minute drive from central Rausu.

Official site

rausu-konbu.com

Read more about Seseki Onsen

A historic lakeside hot spring inn founded in 1915, offering natural mineral baths within Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

What it is

• A traditional hot spring ryokan founded in 1915 within Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
• Member of the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Springs featuring water from Mount Eniwa.
• The three-story main building houses baths containing sodium, calcium, and chloride minerals.
• The facility operates as a secluded retreat despite filing for civil rehabilitation in 2021.

What to see

• Open-air hot spring baths with direct views of Lake Shikotsu.
• Scenic mountain vistas overlooking the nearby Mount Eniwa.
• A three-story main building designed to meet local national park construction regulations.

Getting there

• Buses run from New Chitose Airport to the Lake Shikotsu area.
• The site is accessible by car via Hokkaido Route 730.

Official site

www.marukoma.co.jp

Read more about Marukoma Onsen

A roadside station in Hokkaido featuring a medieval Dutch-style building, natural hot springs, and a hotel for travelers.

What it is

• A roadside station in Hokuryu Town established in January 1995.
• The facility includes the Sunflower Park Hotel for day-trip and overnight stays.
• A sodium chloride hot spring known as Hokuryu Onsen is located on-site.
• The main building features an exterior designed in a medieval Dutch style.

What to see

• A Chinese-style gate called Hokuryumon marks the entrance to the facility.
• The renovated Windmill restaurant serves visitors inside the station.
• Sunflower Park which originally opened to the public in June 1992.

When to go

• The facility closes annually for three days during mid-November.

Getting there

• The station is accessible to travelers driving along National Route 275.

Official site

sunflower-park.com

Read more about Roadside station Sunflower Hokuryu

A remote hot spring in Shiretoko National Park featuring free outdoor baths and a base for climbing Mount Rausu.

What it is

• A hot spring area located within the Shiretoko National Park in Shari Town.
• The site features Hotel Chinohate and the Kinoshita Hut for mountain climbers.
• The mineral water contains sodium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate at high temperatures.
• Kinoshita Hut serves as a primary base for those climbing Mount Rausu.

What to see

• Free outdoor mixed baths named Sandan-no-yu and Takimi-no-yu.
• Hotel Chinohate, which reopened for business in June 2018.
• Natural hot spring sources reaching temperatures of 62.4 degrees Celsius.

When to go

• The access road is closed from late November to late April each year.

Getting there

• The site is accessible via Hokkaido Prefectural Road 93.

Official site

iwaobetu.com

Read more about Iwaobetsu Onsen

A natural alkaline hot spring facility in Hokkaido featuring free-flowing water, a campground, and a dedicated bath for pets.

What it is

• A hot spring facility located within the Aurora Farm Village in Shibecha Town.
• The site features alkaline simple spring water with a high pH value of 9.4.
• All bathtubs use free-flowing spring water sourced at 43.6 degrees Celsius.
• The grounds include a campground and a park golf course for visitors.

What to see

• Two separate buildings housing different bathing facilities.
• A mixed-gender semi-outdoor bath located in one of the buildings.
• A dedicated bathtub specifically designed for pets to use.
• Outdoor areas including a campground and a park golf course.

Getting there

• The facility is a ten-minute drive from Shibecha Station.
• Access involves driving along two kilometers of unpaved road.

Read more about Aurora Onsen