Five Must-visit Onsen in Hokkaido

Japan’s northernmost and largest prefecture of Hokkaido is a paradise blessed with a stunningly varied and mostly unspoiled geographical terrain, pristine waters, and diverse flora and fauna. This wealth of natural resources means there’s plenty to enjoy in Hokkaido: outdoor activities (especially winter sports), top-notch seafood and dairy products, and breathtaking scenery.

Though Hokkaido differs from Japan’s other main islands in many ways — including its climate and biodiversity — one thing it has in common with the rest of Japan is its abundance of onsen (hot springs). Dotted all over this vast prefecture are various hot spring towns, large and small.

Since Hokkaido’s climate is moderate for most of the year and subarctic in winter, nothing beats soaking in a hot spring here, relishing the contrast of soothing hot water and brisk, cold air. A hot spring bath is especially rewarding after a long day in the great outdoors!

We’ve saved you the work of figuring out which of Hokkaido’s numerous hot spring towns to visit by narrowing it down to a list of five contenders; read on to find out which ones made it to our roundup! And if you’ve never been to a Japanese hot spring facility, check out our etiquette guide as well.

Even if you’re only visiting Sapporo, the prefectural capital and a common starting point for visitors, you can still enjoy fantastic hot spring baths! On the outskirts of Sapporo about 26 kilometers southwest of the city center is Jozankei Onsen, a hot spring town nestled in a valley. It’s just around an hour’s drive or bus ride from Sapporo, with buses making multiple round trips between Sapporo and Jozankei daily.

Best visited in autumn for the changing colors of the surrounding forest, Jozankei Onsen boasts 56 natural spring water sources, most of which flow from the nearby Toyohira River. Clear in color, the town’s hot springs are rich in sodium chloride, which is said to relieve muscle and nerve pain.

If you’re planning a trip to Jozankei Onsen, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Jozankei View Hotel, billed as one of the largest spa resorts in Jozankei Onsen. Just a short walk away from the nearest bus stop, this 16-story hotel offers not only all the comforts a traveler could ask for, but also a massive indoor pool that’s open year-round and an array of hot spring baths. Think of it as a hotel and water park combined!

Hands down one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring towns and one of the most famous in Japan is Noboribetsu Onsen. It’s just an hour by bus or car from New Chitose Airport or 1.5–2 hours by train or bus from Sapporo.

Noboribetsu Onsen’s claim to fame is the sheer variety of its hot springs. Each of its 10 unique springs are infused with minerals such as sulfur, iron, radium, and sodium bicarbonate. Its cloudy white sulfur springs are easily the best-known type and are representative of this hot spring locale. The waters not only feel soft on the skin, but they’re also believed to relieve chronic skin diseases.

Visiting Noboribetsu, you might notice motifs of oni — mythological beings often called ogres or demons in English — all over the place, be it in the form of souvenirs or humongous statues. The source of this town’s hot springs is Jigokudani (lit. “Hell Valley”), which formed from the crater left over after an ancient volcanic eruption.

Gushing sulfuric waters and thick steam from thermal vents, Jigokudani does look suitably hellish; this unique landscape has grown into one of the town’s most popular sightseeing destinations.

Check out our guide to Noboribetsu Onsen here.

There’s no shortage of superb accommodations at Noboribetsu Onsen, but just a three-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal is Noboribetsu Onsenkyo Takinoya. You can relax in the hot spring baths that offer four different types of spring water.

Guests can choose from both Japanese and western guestrooms. Some even come with their own private open-air bath, so you can take a dip in the hot spring bath whenever you'd like during your stay.

At the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountain range in the eponymously named national park — the biggest in Hokkaido — is the charming town of Sounkyo Onsen, one of central Hokkaido’s largest hot spring towns.

Hot springs aside, what draws visitors to Sounkyo Onsen is its colorful natural landscapes and the range of outdoor activities.

For one, the town is tucked away in Sounkyo Gorge which is especially beautiful in autumn, and nearby are majestic cliffs and scenic waterfalls — the latter of which are illuminated in winter as part of the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival. It also offers convenient access to Mount Kurodake via the Kurodake Ropeway in town, hiking and mountain-climbing trails, and even a ski-and-snowboarding area in winter.

Though the waters here don’t have as many varieties compared to Noboribetsu, Sounkyo’s sulfuric waters will soothe stiff, aching muscles and joints, making them perfect for unwinding after a long day in the great outdoors.

For accommodation in the area, Hotel Taisetsu Onsen & Canyon Resort makes good use of its position on the highest hill in the area by providing baths with views of the Daisetsuzan mountains. Some of its more luxurious rooms also offer private baths.

Long considered one of Hokkaido’s top three hot spring locales is Yunokawa Onsen in the port town of Hakodate. This area has a lengthy history, dating back to when its therapeutic waters were discovered by a local aristocrat in 1653.

A mere five to eight minutes by car or bus from Hakodate Airport (book a transfer here), or 20 to 30 minutes by car or bus from JR Hakodate Station, Yunokawa’s proximity to main transport hubs makes it popular with domestic and international travelers alike, as hot spring towns are usually not this close to the city center.

This also means that you can easily add Yunokawa Onsen to your itinerary. You can, for example, go sightseeing around Hakodate, visiting popular attractions such as Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden or Goryokaku Fort (climb Goryokaku Tower for a great view) before checking into your accommodation in Yunokawa for prime relaxation time.

The town’s waters are infused with sodium chloride and calcium, making them clear and silky smooth to the touch. The baths at some accommodations and facilities also offer views of the Tsugaru Strait.