When you think of Hokkaido the first thing that comes to your mind is probably the cold. Yes, it is cold there and there’s lots of snow most of the time. But this amazing large island also offers some great hot water springs – Onsen – where you can swim and relax after the cold day on the thick snow, and at the same time enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Here are seven wonderful Onsen you can visit when you come to Hokkaido.
1. Jozankei Onsen
Jozankei Onsen is actually a hot spring town in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and it is one of the best Onsen on the island. It takes one hour by bus from JR Sapporo station to get there. When you get to Jozankei you can enjoy bathing in the forest or walking along the river with the hot water springing from the bottom. Kokusai Ski Resort is also in the neighborhoods as well as some really nice sights. There are restaurants and shops all over the town and a number of ryokan and bathing facilities.
Information
- Name: Jozankei Onsen
- Address: Minami Ward, Sapporo, 061-2302, Japan
- Tel: +81 11-598-2012
2. Tokachigawa Onsen
Tokachigawa Onsen is in Obihiro and its source is on the Tokachi River. It is known to be very rich in minerals and gentle for the skin, so many people believe that it can make them beautiful. It is also said to have more moisturizing ingredients than ordinary springs. The water in this Onsen contains minerals from different local plants accumulated at the bottom of the river together with some underground water. When it gets heated it rushes out making this beautiful hot spring resort. Go and check if this is true, you might become more beautiful! One never knows!
Information
- Name: Tokachigawa Onsen
- Address: Tokachigawa Onsen, Kato-gun, Otofuke-cho 080-0263, Hokkaido
- Tel: +81 155462121
3. Noboribetsu Onsen
If you are looking for relaxation, this amazing place is perfect for you. Being located in the spectacular area, Noboribetsu Onsen has become the most popular Onsen in Hokkaido. Noboribetsu is set in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and it offers different types of hot spring water. You will be amazed by the stunning views of the “Hell Valley” and wooded hills while walking along the hot water river which flows through the wonderful forest. You can rest at several natural foot baths on your way. You should definitely go and enjoy this revitalizing Onsen that really does wonders.
Information
- Name: Noboribetsu Onsen
- Address: 154 Noboribetu Onsencho, Noboribetsu 059-0592, Hokkaido
- Tel: 0143-84-3311
4. Toyako Onsen
This amazing Onsen is located along Lake Toya with the beautiful Mount Usu at the background. The stunnig views and the beauty of the surrounding area will leave you breathless. This is a perfect Onsen to visit if you have ever felt any problems with your joints or muscles. It is a perfect choice for ladies, too, since it can ideally smooth their skin. Many of those who have visited this wonderful Onsen say that it has extraordinary healing properties. If you decide to go to Toyako Onsen, you can choose one of the wonderul luxury hotels to stay in and enjoy their attractive baths.
Information
- Name: Toyako Onsen
- Address: 049-5721Toyako Onsen 142, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
- Tel: 0142-75-2446
5. Niseko Onsenkyo
You probably think of skiing and snowboarding when people talk about Niseko. And yes, its powder snow is famous all over the world. But you can also go to this amazing place to enjoy some of the most beautiful hot springs. After enjoying the fresh air skiing and stunning scenic views, you can relax and warm up in its great Onsens. There are several Onsen resorts you can choose from and they all meet all your needs. Enjoy!
Information
- Name: Niseko Onsenkyo
- Address: Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
- Tel: +81 136 43-2051
6. Kawayu Onsen
It takes five hours to get to Kawayu Onsen by train from Sapporo, but the sights you see along the way are worth every minute of the journey. You will go through some of the most beautiful parts of Hokkaido. Kawayu Onsen is popular with both tourists and locals since most of the springs are free, so you should expect the high season crowds. In this Onsen hot water bubbles on the surface of the wonderfully clear river. You can even dig your own hole in the gravel river bed and regulate the temperature. There are different places to stay along the river sides, and you can choose from ryokans and minshukus to hotels.
Information
- Name: Kawayu Onsen
- Address: Kawakami-gun, Teshikaga-cho 088-3200 , Hokkaido
- Tel: +81 15-483-225
7. Hakone Onsen
Just one hour drive from Tokyo there is this wonderful Onsen spa resort. It is located close to Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. Set along the two rivers, Hakone offers various types of accommodation. Hot spring water is provided to many ryokan and bath houses by numerous springs and the baths are open to daytime visitors, too. Depending on the season, you will enjoy different landscapes of the area where you can also visit some attractive historical buildings in natural surroundings. If you choose to visit Hakone, you will be amazed by the nicely done and maintained, mostly outdoor hot spring pools, and have a most amazing holiday.
Information
- Name: Hakone Onsen
- Address: Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Access: 20 minutes ride by bus from Odawara Station, JR Line/Odakyu Line
Next time you come to Hokkaido, you must visit some of these wonderful hot springs and see for yourself if they really do wonders. You might get really surprised by what they can do!
Have a good trip and travel!
