When one says Japan, many wonderful things come to mind, and one of them is the onsen. A volcanically-active country, these hot springs are found in abundance throughout the country, with ryokans, or traditional inns often being built around them, offering a very specific sort of accommodation. Especially in winter, you’ll find many flocking to these onsen towns, as they are called, unsurprisingly, because these baths are a real treat! Need tips on where to go? Follow this handy guide for ideas on where to schedule some time (or even a day or two!) for an onsen stop in your Hokkaido itinerary.
The Japanese are very particular on good bathing etiquette when visiting onsens—wash yourself thoroughly before entering the hot spring, and never let your towel touch the bath!
Noboribetsu Onsen (Noberibetsu)
Quite possibly the most famous onsen town in Hokkaido, Noboribetsu is tiny, but packs a real punch. The waters here are said to be some of the most potent in Japan, with many healing properties. Not only that, but you’re even able to get a sneak peek into the source of these thermal waters: Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley. While the smell of the sulfuric gases are anything but pleasant, the trails in Jigokudani are breathtaking (quite literally!) and are well-worth a visit. Even if you’re not staying the night, many hotels here offer day passes so that you can still enjoy the baths. Check out Daiichi Takimotokan, one of the largest public baths in Japan, offering 7 different types of hot spring waters with different accompanying benefits.
Jozankei Onsen (Sapporo)
Part of the sprawling Shikotsu-Tōya National Park (along with Noboribetsu and Toyako!), Jozankei is the closest onsen town to Sapporo, albeit still an hour’s journey by bus away. Nonetheless, if you find yourself short on time or are staying only in Sapporo, Jozankei makes a fantastic day trip. There are many exciting displays which you can catch in Jozankei throughout the year such as the Keiru Keibori in spring and Yukitouro in winter. It is well-known for its autumn foliage, where the trees turn into many shades of bright red and yellow.
Toyako Onsen
To enjoy an onsen with majestic views, look no further than Toyako onsen. It not only provides an unobstructed view of Lake Tōya, a caldera lake, you’ll also be able to spot Mt. Usu, an active volcano, from the baths. Brownish-yellow in colour, the water here is not exactly the prettiest, however it has been said to have a whole host of benefits.
Tokachigawa Onsen (Otofuke)
Unlike other hot springs, the hot springs of Tokachigawa are different; it is derived from vitamin and mineral-rich humus. Known as moor springs, these were originally discovered in only two places: Japan and Germany. It is extremely popular among women as the water here is famous for its beautifying properties, and is touted as being excellent for smooth skin. In summer, the light from fireflies illuminate the skies, providing a fantastic night view.
Yunokawa Onsen (Hakodate)
With its scenic location right by the ocean, the onsen in Yunokawa offers a relaxing ambience to soak in the waters. In the cold winter months, one of the biggest draws are the Tropical Botanical Gardens, where Japanese snow monkeys can be seen leisurely dipping in and enjoying the warmth of the hot springs.
Kamuiwakkayu Hot Falls
Located in Shiretoko National Park, the hot waterfalls of Kamuiwakkayu once enjoyed many visitors, where they were once able to trek upwards towards the head of the waterfall, where the temperatures would be higher. However, due to an increase in accidents, visitors are now only able to access the lukewarm lower river area, where the terrain is much gentler. However, don’t let that deter you. The experience of these natural falls in the midst of nature, especially in the warmer months, is surely a treat for those who enjoy adventure and the outdoors.
Akanko Onsen (Kushiro)
If you’re in Eastern Hokkaido, be sure to check out the hot springs of Akanko, the largest in the area. From here, be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Akan and the surrounding forests. Its history can be traced all the way back from the mid 19th century, where it had been frequented by the Ainu, the local indigenous people of Hokkaido.
Sounkyo Onsen (Kamikawa)
Another one of the 5 major hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, Sounkyo onsen is located in the gorges of Daisetsuzan National Park, thus making it an excellent starting or ending point for those visiting the park. It is a wonderful blend of the old and the new, with the facilities recently renovated, while maintaining still traditional ryokan tradition. The water here, rich in sulfur, is known to relieve muscle stiffness and relax joints. Besides this, it is also known for its stunning waterfalls, which is reflective of its Ainu name, Sounbetsu, which means ‘the river with many waterfalls'.
