Japanese people love to unwind by taking a long dip in onsens, and it’s easy to understand why. Did you know that for a hot bath to qualify as an onsen, the water must come from a source with a temperature of at least 25°C and contain an adequate concentration of at least one of 19 useful minerals? This is why immersing yourself in an onsen dip will help you gain various health benefits. Thanks to its pristine surroundings, Hokkaido boasts some of the best and most delightful onsens in the whole country. Here are the top ten Hokkaido onsens, as rated by users of Jalan, one of Japan’s premier hotel booking platforms. Let’s explore them!
Hokkaido - An Idyllic Place For Onsens
The largest of Japan’s four main islands, Hokkaido offers a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of lively cities. It may be Japan’s northernmost prefecture but it draws throngs of visitors every day, all keen to witness its surreal natural beauty, which includes verdant forests and sapphire seas. What’s more, cities like Sapporo, Hakodate, and Niseko are blessed with onsens, providing a great way for you to relax your body and mind while traveling. Many travelers indulge themselves in invigorating hot baths during the winter season from November to March. However, these Hokkaido onsens also perfectly complement the mild summer in July and August. So, be sure to visit one or more of the following onsens in Hokkaido and make your trip a blast!
10. Shikotsuko Onsen - Enjoy Water Activities And Revitalizing Onsens
Outdoor enthusiasts would do well to include Shikotsuko Onsen in their itinerary. This charming hot spring resort rests on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, offering a range of enjoyable water activities. Picture yourself canoeing on the captivating blue waters of Lake Shikotsu, surrounded by towering mountains—it feels like having a slice of paradise all to yourself! Diving is also an option here, allowing you to get intimately acquainted with a host of magnificent marine creatures. The hot springs at Shikotsuko Onsen also won’t disappoint. Constructed in April 2014, great care was taken to ensure they feature the sodium-bicarbonate-chloride spring variety, packed with more enriching nutrients than your typical onsens. The waters here are known for their density, ensuring a truly relaxing experience for your entire body!
9. Utoro Onsen: Embrace The Unforgettable Experience Of Drift Ice Walking
Keen to try novel things during your Hokkaido trip? If so, walking on drift ice would be right up your alley. Utoro Onsen, situated near the Sea of Ohotsk, benefits from ideal conditions for the formation of drift ice. In winter, drift ice begins to take shape on the northern side of the Sea of Ohotsk, gradually spreading its way outwards until the entire sea is adorned with this alluring natural spectacle. Make the best of your trip by joining a drift ice walking tour. For the more adventurous, there's even the option to dive under the drift ice! Utoro Onsen also offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to rustic villas, all providing great vantage points to admire the drift ice from the warmth of your own private bath.
8. Tokachigawa Onsen - Gain A Unique 'Moor' Onsen Experience
Tokachigawa Onsen sets itself apart from other onsens as a 'moor' (plant-derived) onsen. Its water source - the Tokachi River - hosts a wealth of useful marine plants that have accumulated deep underground. Hence, the hot water extracts valuable nutrients and minerals from these plants, providing a multitude of health benefits for your skin and body, which includes relief from nerve pains and even arthritis. Beyond its therapeutic waters, Tokachigawa Onsen also lets you witness other rare and awesome natural phenomena. If you visit in early July, you will be treated to a flicker of fireflies illuminating the night sky at the onsen source. For bird lovers, winter enables them to observe the hundreds of migratory swans that make a stopover at Tokachigawa and take Instagrammable photographs!
7. Niseko Onsenkyo - Rejoice In The Delightful Combination Of Onsens And Winter Sports
Niseko needs no introduction, having earned a stellar reputation as one of Japan’s premier destinations for winter skiing and snowboarding. Boasting exceptional powder snow, it caters to skiers of all levels, from novices to seasoned experts, offering a fabulous chance for them to exercise their joints. Given the physical demands of skiing and snowboarding, Niseko Onsenkyo offers many public hot springs that will help you alleviate your fatigue and soothe your aching muscles. Of course, if you are determined to hone your prowess, feel free to stay for a while at one of Niseko’s fine hotels. They typically feature sodium-bicarbonate and/or sulfate spring waters, offering your skin a refreshing experience. After a long day of winter sports, there’s no better way to treat yourself than soaking in nutrient-rich waters and gazing at surreal landscapes dreamily covered in white snow.
6. Sounkyo Onsen - Stay At This Hokkaido Onsen To Marvel At Unique Icefalls
Accessible via a two-hour bus ride from Ashikawa Station, Sounkyo Onsen instantly greets you and your travel companions with its sense of tranquillity. Nestled in a gorge, this quaint Hokkaido hot spring resort evokes serene vibes, showcasing 100-meter majestic cliffs stretching as far as the eye can see. Many travelers opt for an extended stay at a hotel here without hesitation, eager to foster a blissful connection with nature. Since Sounkyo Onsen is located in the northern part of Daisetsuzan National Park, gorgeous natural landmarks are plentiful. Consider visiting from late January to early March when its famous waterfalls, Ginga no Taki and Ryusei no Taki, transform into awe-inspiring icefalls - a testament to the winter’s chill. Coupled with the ice sculptures constructed along the Ishikari River, Sounkyo Onsen helps you gain an enchanting winter wonderland experience!
5. Yunokawa Onsen - Have Fun Trying Out Complimentary Footbaths
Many travelers find Hakodate City appealing because it houses Mt. Hakodate, whose night view is often hailed as one of the Top Three Night Views in Japan. Another reason to visit Hakodate is the celebrated Yunokawa Onsen, which is conveniently located near the Goryokaku and Motomachi downtown areas. Upon arrival at Yunokawa Onsen, be sure to take advantage of the free footbaths located outside the “Yunokawa Onsen'' streetcar stop. The water here is of the sodium-calcium-chloride variety, providing you a delightful dose of endorphins while pampering your feet. You might just find yourself so invigorated by the fresh and high-quality waters that you wish to stay overnight to luxuriate yourself in open-air baths and admire beautiful views that overlook the Tsugaru Straight. As a bonus, when you visit during summer or autumn, you may even catch sight of the twinkling lights of squid fishing boats at night!
4. Akanko Onsen - Experience The Best of Hokkaido Onsens And Ainu Culture
Hokkaido is home to the Ainu tribe, whose indigenous ways of living are fascinatingly different from those of traditional Japanese people. For travelers who wish to immerse themselves in both onsen relaxation and Ainu heritage, Akanko Onsen allows you to kill two birds with one stone! You can visit Akanko Ainu Kotan - a stunningly recreated Ainu village - and enjoy captivating traditional dances performed by Ainu natives. Plus, the scenery at Akanko Onsen will tug at your heartstrings. Located on the southern shore of Lake Akan, it gives you the rare opportunity to relish the sight of marimo moss balls, a special kind of algae that grows into large, vivid green spheres. Soaking in the comforting waters of Akanko Onsen after such cultural and nature immersion is bound to feel even more gratifying.
3. Jozankei Onsen - Refresh Yourself In Nourishing Onsen Waters After Hiking
Nature enthusiasts will jump at the chance to spend quality time with their travel companions at Jozankei Onsen. Nestled within the scenic embrace of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Sapporo, this Hokkaido hot spring resort lets you take a break from city life and recalibrate yourself. Surely, dipping in the soothing waters of Jozankei Onsen is the ideal remedy to recharge yourself after exploring the different hiking trails in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The waters contain plentiful amounts of sodium chloride, which provides you a warm and fuzzy feeling as the salt content prevents the sweat from evaporating. If possible, schedule your visit for mid-October because the leaves will be transformed into vibrant hues of red, yellow and orange. It’s a visual feast for the eyes!
2. Toyako Onsen - Enjoy Two Winter Events At One Of Hokkaido’s Best Onsens
Toyako Onsen lets you enjoy breaktaking views of the serene Lake Toya and the surrounding majestic mountains. This lake was created by a volcanic eruption in 1910 - and interestingly, one of the nearby volcanoes, Mt. Usu still erupts once every 20-30 years. You can thus rest assured that the waters are continually enriched with rejuvenating minerals that will nourish your skin! Consider staying over at Toyako Onsen for a night or two, particularly during the winter season from November to March because two exciting events will be held to make your stay a memorable one. Firstly, an impressive display of 400,000 light bulbs that stretch over 70 meters long and 9 meters wide illuminates the town square of Toyako Onsen, offering a romantic contrast against the dark Lake Toya. And as if that weren't enough, fireworks grace the night sky for about 20 minutes every night. Nothing quite beats snuggling up with your loved one and relishing Lake Toya's enchanting winter night views!
1. Noboribetsu Onsen - Savor Nine Different Types Of Hokkaido’s Hot Spring Waters
Why did Noboribetsu Onsen secure the top spot in Jalan's rankings? What sets it apart from other onsens in Hokkaido? To start with, these onsens were formed due to volcanic activity from the nearby Jigokudani Valley about 10,000 years ago. Hence, soaking in the pools here will give you an awesome sense of satisfaction as you realise that you are experiencing something that has withstood the passage of time, all while admiring the unspoiled natural landscape. Additionally, Jigokudani Valley supplies Noboribetsu Onsen with myriad kinds of rejuvenating waters, including milky-white sulfur-infused springs as well as mineral-rich ones like radium and iron-containing springs. Impressively, there are altogether nine types of water, which means that you will have a whale of a time hopping from one onsen to another to find the one which offers the ultimate comfort and relaxation for you.
Make Time For Mesmerizing Hokkaido Onsens
Hokkaido’s onsens are the perfect indulgence for your body during your Japan trip. Since they are abundant, you can zero in on the various cities you wish to explore first and then conveniently access the nearest onsen. While each onsen is charming in its own way, they all share some constants: spell-binding scenery, rejuvenating waters and top-notch hospitality. You can expect your spirits to be uplifted tremendously after visiting these popular Hokkaido onsens!
