HNT's Favorite Hot Springs

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Chances are that if you find yourself in water in Hokkaido, it'll be at a hot spring (onsen). Hokkaido's onsens come in all shapes and sizes: The massive, picturesque, wild, and historic. They are not only ubiquitous, but also very affordable and impeccably clean. And if you're feeling too shy to bare it all at the onsen, remember the Japanese expression Ganbarre! (Try your best!).

If you'd like to learn more about the Japanese onsen experience, check out the January entry on our HNT Blog. 

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Hoheikyo Hot Springs

Hoheikyo hot springs boasts immaculate Japanese gardens, spacious outdoor baths, and a variety of indoor baths. The hot springs are not altered in any way from the underground source, so the health benefits of the calcium carbonate and iron minerals are even greater. There are also Indian and Japanese restaurants on-site overlooking the gardens. 

Water Temp.        Ideal for prolonged bathing
Environment        Beautifully arranged Japanese gardens
Price                      1000 yen pp
Facilities               Indian/Japanese restaurants on-site; massage; outdoor igloo BBQ in winter
Distance               30 minutes from Sapporo

Marukoma Hot Springs

Located at the northern shore of Lake Shikotsu, Marukoma Onsen has fantastic lake views, pure hot springs water and beautiful grounds. This hot spring was founded in 1915 and has been largely unchanged since then.
Beware, day-trippers are admitted only until 3pm daily. 
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Water Temp.       Varied
Environment       Lakeside with spacious grounds 
Price                      1000 yen pp
Facilities               Restaurant; motorboat rental; massage; hotel
Distance               45 minutes from Sapporo

Dai-ichi Takimotokan Hot Springs

This behemoth hot springs hotel is full of superlatives: one of the largest in the world, one of the oldest in Hokkaido, and one of the most varied in mineral compositions.
​An onsen was first constructed on this site in Noboribetsu over 150 years ago, and today Dai-ichi boasts 5 different types of springs in over 30 indoor and outdoor pools. 
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Water Temp.       Varied
Environment       Huge indoor area spread over 2 floors; multiple outdoor baths overlooking Noboribetsu's Hell Valley 
Price                     2000 yen pp (1500 yen after 3pm)
Facilities              Restaurants; swimming pools; banquet halls; bar; shopping; massage; hotel
Distance              2 hours from Sapporo

Fukiage 'Wild' Hot Springs

This locals' spot is hidden in the great forests at the base of Tokachidake, on the outskirts of Kamifurano in Central Hokkaido. The scalding waters are especially popular in winter, when the surrounding snow can be used to balance to temperatures to a more humane level. Fukiage Hot Springs make for a great detour on trips to Biei Blue Pond and Diasetsuzan Nat'l Park. 
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Water Temp.       Very hot
Environment       Nestled in a forest with easy access from the main road; as this is a public mixed-onsen, bathing suits are recommended 
Price                     Free
Facilities              Changing hut
Distance              2.5 hours from Sapporo

Yumoto Hot Springs

Not far from Niseko, Yumoto's Hot Springs are both abundant and of high quality. The male and female bathing areas alternate daily to share in added features such as an iron mineral bath and mud face-packs. The environment surrounding the onsen is serene and pristine, with short hikes in the nature easily accessible in every season.   

Water Temp.       Hot
Environment       A beautiful highland area envelopes the onsen and there are nice views of the adjoining hilltops 
Price                     500 yen pp
Facilities              Tatami relaxation rooms, shop
Distance              2.5 hours from Sapporo

Akan Yuku-no-Sato Tsuruga Hot Springs

Situated on the shores of Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido, the main baths at this onsen hotel are spectacular: immaculate gardens, secluded baths and stunning lake views.  The 8th floor rooftop baths offer dramatic views of Lake Akan, Meakan Dake and Oakan Dake. This is a choice place to pass an afternoon in relaxation.
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Water Temp.       Varied
Environment       Stunning lake and mountain views; beautiful Japanese gardens; spacious 
Price                     1620 yen pp
Facilities              Full-service hotel; massage rooms; lunch buffet & hot spring entry packages (3024 yen pp)
Distance              5 hours from Sapporo

Kamuiwakka Hot Springs Waterfalls

Yes, that is not a misprint! The Kamuiwakka Hot Falls derive from the Shiretoko-Iwo active volcano in the heart of Shiretoko National Park. Visitors can climb part of the waterfall to find hidden hot springs pools above, but beware, there are no services in this secluded part of Shiretoko. There is shuttle bus access from the Visitor's Center a few kilometers away. Alternatively, reach the falls by private vehicle or on-foot.

Water Temp.       Varied
Environment       Rugged and wild; bear country; heavily forested; undeveloped and remote
Price                     Free 
Facilities              Shuttle bus available from early-June to early-November from the Visitor's Center
Distance              8 hours from Sapporo

Misaki-no-Yu Shakotan Hot Springs

Misaki-no-Yu at Shakotan Peninsula makes for a great compliment to visiting the nearby Cape Kamui and limestone rock formations along the coast. This onsen overlooks the Sea of Japan, and on clear days the sunsets over the calm sea are unforgettable. 

Water Temp.       Comfortable
Environment       Dramatic scenery with Shakotan's hilly landscape plunging into the Sea of Japan; sunsets over the sea are special
Price                     610 yen pp
Facilities              Simple restaurant on-site
Distance              2.5 hours from Sapporo