Discover a journey of tranquility and rejuvenation as you explore the exquisite onsen baths during your travels in Japan. This guide is meticulously crafted for discerning travelers, providing invaluable insights into the captivating Hokkaido Onsen destinations.
Each onsen serves as a testament to the unparalleled serenity and therapeutic wonders that lie ahead. Whether nestled in snow-kissed mountain retreats or surrounded by the natural beauty of idyllic hot spring havens, the curated selection invites you to discover an immersive and indulgent experience. Harmonizing the rich cultural tradition of Japanese onsen with the contemporary comforts and luxury defining the region, immerse yourself in the soothing waters and picturesque settings, transcending to a realm of pure bliss where every moment becomes a celebration of wellness and relaxation.
What is onsen?
In Japan, an Onsen is officially defined by the “Hot Springs Act” as water that includes hot water, mineral water, water vapor, and other gases (excluding natural gas primarily composed of hydrocarbons) that naturally gush out from the ground, meeting specific temperature and substance criteria outlined in Annex 1. According to this law, if the water temperature is 25 degrees Celsius or higher, it qualifies as an Onsen. Additionally, if it contains specified amounts of substances (chosen from a list of 19 items), even at temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius, it is still recognized as an Onsen. Under these conditions, water vapor or gas can also be considered as part of an Onsen.
Benefit of onsen
Discover the myriad benefits of an onsen retreat, where health and well-being take center stage. Here’s a glimpse into the enchanting advantages that contribute to the allure of onsen experiences:
Indulge in Purity
Immerse yourself in the cleansing embrace of an onsen, a sanctuary that effortlessly washes away impurities and rejuvenates your body. The ritual begins with a purifying shower using soap and shampoo, seamlessly blending tradition with impeccable hygiene.
Serenity for the Soul
Step into the tranquil realm of an onsen, a haven designed for relaxation and stress relief. The warm waters create a sensation of weightlessness, gently coaxing your body into a state of tranquility. With temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius, the onsen stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering a serene ambiance conducive to profound and restful sleep.
Circulation and Vitality
Bask in the mineral-rich waters of the onsen, infused with elements like calcium and sodium bicarbonate. As these minerals delicately embrace your body during the bathing ritual, they orchestrate a symphony of improved blood circulation and enhanced oxygen distribution. Revel in the soothing effects that contribute to lower blood pressure.
Soothing Relief for Body and Soul
Experience the therapeutic magic of onsen heat as it gracefully eases muscle and joint discomfort. The warmth permeates tired muscles, expanding blood vessels and alleviating inflammation—a welcome respite for fatigued and swollen muscles.
Caloric Bliss
Engage in a unique form of calorie burning within the tranquil embrace of an onsen. Despite the minimal physical exertion, the thermal heat becomes a catalyst for high-energy consumption. Picture a 20-minute sojourn in an onsen, boasting a temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, igniting the metabolism to burn over 220 kilocalories.
A Radiant Complexion
Revel in the healing elixir of onsen water, enriched with minerals like silica and sulfur. These elements work wonders, smoothing and softening the skin, and combating issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Sulfur lends its healing touch to accelerate the recovery of cuts and wounds. The delicate water vapor completes the beauty regimen, detoxifying and moisturizing the skin, unveiling a luminous and healthier glow.
Revitalize Your Essence
Elevate your senses as the onsen’s warm embrace, with temperatures surpassing 42 degrees Celsius, awakens the sympathetic nervous system. Feel the surge of alertness and vitality, turning your onsen interlude into a rejuvenating boost for both mind and body.
How to take an onsen bath
To enjoy an onsen bath properly, locate the gender-segregated changing rooms marked by colored curtains outside the bathing areas. In these rooms, you’ll find spaces to remove your clothes, and store belongings, and may even have amenities like hair dryers. Two types of towels are commonly used: small ones for washing and covering yourself in the bathing areas and large towels for drying in the changing room. Hot springs are enjoyed naked, so bring a small towel for privacy.
Before entering the bath, rinse your body well, and remember that it’s customary to keep the small towel out of the water. Be mindful of bath etiquette, such as refraining from loud talking, swimming, or submerging your head. After soaking, use your small towel to pat yourself dry, keeping the floor dry. Cleaning your body is not the primary purpose of hot spring bathing, but facilities often provide space for it. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and be cautious of slippery floors to ensure a relaxing and safe onsen experience.
Top 7 Hokkaido Onsen
1. Niseko Station Hot Spring Kiranoyu
Nestled conveniently in the heart of Kirakaido, right in front of Niseko Station, is the inviting haven known as “Kiranoyu.” This day-trip hot spring beckons not only to locals but also to those exploring the wonders of Niseko.
Enveloped by nature and housed in a distinctive structure, Kiranoyu offers a tranquil retreat to rejuvenate both the mind and body. Drawing from the soothing hot spring water, Kiranoyu enhances your relaxation with a jacuzzi in the expansive Western-style public bath. The bath’s temperature hovers between 30 to 35 degrees, available on odd-numbered days for men and even-numbered days for women, inviting you to leisurely immerse yourself while indulging in the hues and fragrances of the revitalizing spring water.
Open hours: 10 am – 9:30 pm (Closed: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month)
Address: 33 Chuodori, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1512, Japan
Telephone: +81136441100
2. Yukichichibu Onsen
Yukichichibu is nestled in the enchanting Yumoto Onsenkyo. This quaint town-operated day trip bathing facility boasts seven open-air baths that offer panoramic views of Nitonupuri. Immerse yourself in nature as you soak in the open-air baths or indulge in the therapeutic mud bath exclusively available in the women’s section.
Unwind amidst the winter charm, with the Niseko mountains as your backdrop, as Yukichichibu warmly welcomes visitors even during the colder months. The facility provides a cozy rest area and a charming cafeteria, inviting you to linger and savor the tranquil ambiance.
Additionally, the spring’s simple sulfur composition, classified as a hydrogen sulfide type, ensures a delightful bathing experience. Yukichichibu’s hot springs are renowned for their efficacy in alleviating conditions such as neuralgia, lower back pain, chronic eczema, and joint-related motor dysfunction, and aiding in the recovery from fatigue.
Open hours: 12 – 7 pm (Monday – Friday), 10 am – 7 pm (Saturday – Sunday). Closed: Every Tuesday (excluding public holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, and Golden Week).
Address: 680 Yuzato, Rankoshi-cho, Isoya-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1321, Japan
Telephone: +81136582328.
Bathing fee: Adults 700 yen / Elementary school students 300 yen
3. Goshiki Onsen
Discover the allure of hot springs at Goshiki Onsen, where nature’s wonders unfold in two captivating settings: the expansive public bath and the open-air Karamatsu no Yu, offering panoramic views. Fresh from the underground, this 100% pure hot spring, celebrated by avid enthusiasts, is renowned for its efficacy against conditions like chronic eczema, neuralgia, diabetes, and atopic dermatitis.
Big bath
Named for its five distinct spring types, Goshiki Onsen boasts a unique charm with waters that showcase different hues, thanks to sulfur content. Acidic and sulfur-infused, the hot spring is a rich source of magnesium, sodium, calcium, nitrate, and chloride, delivering natural nutrients. Immerse yourself in the smooth, clear water, renowned for its therapeutic effects on neuralgia, frozen shoulders, women’s ailments, and high blood pressure. A haven for hot spring treatments, Goshiki Onsen is also a recommended retreat for skiing and snowboarding or mountain climbing enthusiasts.
Gaze upon the breathtaking vistas of Niseko Ampuri and Iwaonupuri as you indulge in the special ambiance of our open-air hot spring. Whether surrounded by the chirping of birds amidst lush greenery in summer or enveloped in a silver-covered landscape in winter, your bathing experience is elevated by the soothing and awe-inspiring scenery.
Open hours: Check-in from 2:00 pm
Day trip bath
Summer (May to November) 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Winter (December to April) 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Address: 673 Yunosato, Rankoshi, Isoya District, Hokkaido 048-1321, Japan
Telephone: +81136582707
4. Yugokorotei
Step into the lap of luxury and unwind in the embrace of our rejuvenating geothermal hot spring. Imagine a haven where the thermal waters, untouched and pure, flow from their source at a balmy 54 degrees Celsius, creating an oasis of relaxation. This natural gift, unaltered before gracing our bathing areas, invites you to surrender to its therapeutic warmth.
As you soak in the geothermal goodness, let the stresses of daily life dissipate, allowing your body to find relief from its aches and pains. This experience is more than just a soak; it’s a journey into the heart of tranquility, where the untouched purity of our hot spring becomes a source of rejuvenation for your body and soul.
Join in Yugokorotei where nature’s bounty meets the pinnacle of relaxation, and every dip becomes a celebration of well-being. Indulge in the luxury of a 100% natural geothermal hot spring, and let the warmth of its healing embrace transport you to a realm of pure bliss.
Open hours: 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Address: 438 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan
Telephone: +81136582500
Fee: Adults 1,200 yen / Junior high school students 1,100 yen / Elementary school students 500 yen / Infants free
5. Yusenkaku
Big bath
Start a journey of relaxation in a slightly alkaline ‘sodium-chloride/hydrogen carbonate spring’ – affectionately known as the ‘beauty bath.’ This natural oasis, akin to liquid soap, delicately softens dirt and sheds dead skin cells, emulsifying sebum for effortless removal. Revel in the aftermath as your skin emerges silky-smooth, courtesy of the chloride ions delivering a profound moisturizing effect that warms your body to its core. The abundance of metasilicic acid, a natural moisturizing ingredient, adds a touch of magic to this restorative experience.
Open-air bath
Beyond the allure of large bathtubs, hot baths, and jacuzzi, discover further delights with open-air baths, cold baths, wading baths, dry sauna, and wet sauna. As a testament to the commitment to inclusivity, a wheelchair-accessible family bath, available by reservation, complements expansive offerings.
Jacuzzi bath
Yusenkaku’s ‘Beauty Bath’ is not only a haven for individuals seeking rejuvenation but is also cherished by families. Embrace the opportunity to luxuriate in comprehensive amenities and let the essence of tranquility envelop you.
Open hours: Day trip bathing 10:00-21:30 Last reception 21:00
(Open from 12:00 on Mondays/Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday)
Address: 114-5 Konbumachi, Rankoshi, Isoya District, Hokkaido 048-1302, Japan
Telephone: +81136582131
6. Kyogoku Fureai Kyogoku Onsen
Located near Fukidashi Park, Kyogoku Onsen beckons as a perfect escape for a quick and rejuvenating hot spring experience. With the stunning backdrop of Mt. Yotei, immersing yourself in the open-air bath is not just a simple soak; it’s a blissful journey into tranquility.
Enjoy the landscape of Mt. Yotei from the hot spring.
As you surrender to the soothing waters, the majestic view of Mt. Yotei unfolds before you, turning your relaxation into a truly magical moment. Kyogoku Onsen provides more than just a hot spring getaway—it’s a retreat into nature’s embrace, where the combination of therapeutic waters and breathtaking scenery creates an unparalleled sense of calm.
Jet bath/daily hot water
Indulge in the luxury of this magnificent location, where every visit becomes a serene escape into the beauty of Kyogoku Onsen.
Natural hot spring bath
Bubble bath
Open hours: 10 am – 12 am daily
Address: 68 Kawanishi, Kyogoku, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0131, Japan
Telephone: +81136422120
7. Kogane Hot Spring
Outdoor hot spring
Kogane Hot Spring offers a variety of nine natural hot spring styles, situated against the backdrop of lush green mountains. Nature bestows this tranquil hot spring, providing a rejuvenating experience. Immerse yourself in the revitalizing hot bath, where the beauty of changing seasons and the brilliance of stars above heal your daily fatigue in luxurious sensory delight. The outdoor hot spring in the Japanese garden, set amidst the breathtaking nature of Mt. Hachimen, showcases the versatile beauty of all four seasons. This amenity is complimentary for guests, allowing them to fully appreciate its wonders.
Large publish bath
Indulge in a comprehensive wellness experience at Kogane Hot Spring, offering an array of facilities under various categories, including hot springs, large public baths, outdoor hot springs, saunas, family hot springs, and cold baths. The inviting bath texture is characterized by low tension and low alkaline properties, creating a soothing environment for relaxation. Beyond the blissful ambiance, these natural hot springs bring forth healing benefits, targeting ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, and poor blood circulation. Immerse yourself in this therapeutic haven, where the synergy of tranquil surroundings and health-promoting features awaits.
Family private hot spring
Open hours: 10 am – 12 am daily
Address: 258-1 Kogane, Rankoshi, Isoya District, Hokkaido 048-1323, Japan
Telephone: +81136582654
Fee: Outdoor, public bath (sauna included): Adult JPY600, Child JPY300 (elementary school kid). Free admission for children under elementary school. Rental family hot spring: JPY 2,000 (60 mins on weekdays, 45 mins on weekends).
Note: In case of intense winter winds and snowfall, the roads may be impassable, potentially affecting your access to the venue or return journey. We recommend checking the current situation or reaching out to onsen facilities in advance for updated information.
