1. Close to New Chitose Airport! The scenic "Kitayuzawa Onsen"

Photo courtesy of Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa

"Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa" is located in Kitayuzawa Onsen, Date City, Hokkaido. It is a small hot spring town that was opened as a hot spring resort in the Meiji era, with just a few inns lining the streets.

It is close to tourist spots such as Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, and can be accessed by car in about 1 hour and 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido.

"Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa" is a representative resort hotel of Kitayuzawa Onsen. It is easily recognizable by its large 11-story building located on the east bank of the Osaru River.

Its luxurious appearance blends seamlessly into its secluded location. Its ability to change its charm from the lush greenery of summer to the snowy landscapes of winter is another appealing feature.

2. A sophisticated lobby that blends seamlessly with nature. Check-in is also a special experience.

Upon entering the hotel, you'll find a spacious lobby. The ceiling features an elaborate light art installation created by water droplets, creating a sophisticated and enchanting atmosphere.

Upon check-in, we were treated to a seasonal welcome drink, which allowed us to relax and unwind. Not only was the space wonderful, but the meticulous and attentive service also left a lasting impression, making our stay feel special right from the start.

The hotel's concept is "a hotel you'll want to visit many times a year, along with the beautiful changing seasons." Breathtaking scenery is woven throughout the hotel.

For example, in winter, when the Kitayuzawa Onsen area is closed off by snow, the window acts as a frame, revealing a scene like a painting composed of blue and white.

3. A luxurious stay in a secluded paradise! Spacious rooms with a wide variety of options.

There are many types of rooms, but they are generally characterized by their spaciousness.

Even the most basic "Standard Room" is 38 square meters (10 tatami mats). At "Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa," no matter which room you stay in, you can enjoy a relaxing time with your partner or family.

It's also great that they have a wide range of amenities, including universal access rooms and baby rooms for families.

The view from the room was also fantastic. I was completely captivated by the sight of various lights illuminating this dark, secluded winter paradise.

Not only is the scenery beautiful at night, but the snow-covered landscape against the daytime blue sky is also refreshing. Just like in the lobby, being able to immerse yourself in the changing seasons is a privilege of staying at this hotel.

4. You'll want to stay in it all the time during your stay! The colorful and refreshing "Forest Stroll Bath"

Photo courtesy of Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa

One of the main attractions of "Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa" is its hot springs, which are among the largest in Japan. With a large open-air bath spanning 150 tsubo (approximately 500 square meters) and a "Forest Stroll Bath" featuring 20 different scented baths, it boasts an overwhelming array of amenities that will delight any hot spring enthusiast.

The aromatic baths come in a variety of flavors, from lavender and yuzu to hyaluronic acid and sky mint. What's amazing is that they're all made with free-flowing hot spring water.

Photo courtesy of Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa

While warming your body in the smooth, pleasant water, the unique and delightful aromas fill your nostrils. With multiple bathtubs available, you can move between them without getting overheated and soak for hours.

My favorite was the "plum wine" scent. While the other scented baths are bath additives, this one uses actual plum wine. It felt like I was drowning in plum wine, and it was amazing! (laughs)

Photo courtesy of Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa

Since you can use the baths as much as you want except during the day and late at night, I took a bath three times during my stay, soaking for a total of about six hours. The early morning hours were particularly wonderful.

I'll never forget soaking in the snow-viewing bath before sunrise, in the freezing cold, while gazing at the frost-covered trees (muhyo, *). The fact that there are so few people, and that I can have such a spacious, spectacular open-air bath all to myself, is something only possible in the early morning hours.

*Hoarfrost: A phenomenon in which moisture in the air freezes onto trees.

5. Featuring the famous trolley service! A buffet packed with Hokkaido's delicious flavors.

The dining venue is the live kitchen "Entertainment & Live Restaurant Seseragi," which offers a high-quality buffet filled with seasonal mountain and sea delicacies. The menu is frequently updated, with additions such as a seafood and vegetable sushi corner in 2021, making it a place you'll want to visit again and again.

Adding to the charm of this buffet are "Date vegetables." These sweet vegetables, grown in Date City, one of Hokkaido's leading production areas, can be enjoyed with special homemade dressings.

A unique feature is the "Lucky Wagon," which brings food to your table. You can enjoy several dishes, including their famous beef stew and cheese fondue.

The freshly prepared food was truly delicious, but what I'll never forget is the comment from the staff member who brought us the lucky wagon: "This hot spring is a power spot, so lots of good things will happen to you since you're staying here!" These little touches of service really lift your spirits.

The restaurant also offers a wide variety of original sweets created by their pastry chefs. For example, the green jelly is inspired by the stunning "Kaminoko Pond" in Hokkaido. Using seasonal ingredients, they offer playful and visually appealing menu items.

They also offered two types of parfaits, one with the flavor of alcohol and the other with pudding. There was a wide selection of sweets that children could enjoy, making it a great place for families.

6. They also have scented bath products as souvenirs! And there are many other attractions as well.

In addition, there are many other points that make "Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa" highly satisfying, so I would like to introduce a few of them at the end.

For example, in the "Noguchi Library," a relaxation library located in the lobby, you can enjoy reading while sipping coffee. Relaxing in this space after a bath is a truly blissful experience.

You can also bring books and coffee into the private room, "The Study: Dream Chaser." From this seating area, which feels like a hidden retreat for adults, you can enjoy a tranquil and beautiful natural landscape.

Even the simple seating arrangements were somehow captivating. I enjoyed the luxurious feeling, thinking, "I wish I had a space like this at home..."

Photo courtesy of Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa

At the "Meisui Mart" convenience store inside the facility, you can now purchase the bath salts used in the fragrant baths, which are a highlight of "Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa," starting in February 2022.

Each bath bomb is hand-packed by our entire staff, reflecting our heartfelt hospitality! After enjoying the hot springs multiple times and finding your favorite scent, be sure to purchase some as a souvenir.

7. The allure of the best "resort hotel" that will make you want to visit again and again!

Photo courtesy of Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa

So, what did you think? This time, I introduced my personal favorite, "Midori no Kaze Resort Kitayuzawa." Of course, the facilities themselves are very appealing, but what I felt most strongly throughout my stay was the hospitality and communication of the staff.

While I was soothed by the natural scenery, hot springs, and delicious food, what left the biggest impression on me was the warmth of the people. I truly feel like I want to come back again in a different season... This is a truly charming resort hotel.

If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, I highly recommend staying here!

Yuhei Tonosho, a cyclist and photographer who delves deep into Japan

Born in 1993 in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Cultural History and Department of English Literature. While working as a salaryman, he is a travel writer who travels all over Japan by bicycle and mountain climbing. He captures and shares the changing seasons of Japan with all his senses.

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