The eastern Hokkaido area is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Hokkaido.
While eastern Hokkaido boasts many attractions such as its magnificent nature and wildlife, did you know that it also has numerous charming hot spring resorts?

So, this time, we'll introduce 10 hot spring inns in eastern Hokkaido, divided into three categories: "Hot springs with excellent water quality," "Hot springs with a great location," and "Hot springs with a secluded feel."

If you're planning a trip to the eastern Hokkaido area, why not use this as a reference when choosing a hot spring inn?

<Contents>
— Hot springs in eastern Hokkaido with superb water quality —
1. Tokachigawa Onsen
2. Kawayu Onsen
3. Onneyu Onsen
— A hot spring in eastern Hokkaido with a fantastic location —
4. Akan Lake Hot Springs
5. Utoro Onsen
6. Sounkyo Onsen
7. Shikaribetsu Lakeside Hot Springs
— Hot springs in eastern Hokkaido that exude a sense of secludedness —
8. Yoro-ushi Onsen
9. Maruseppu Onsen
10. Nukabira Onsenkyo
Final thoughts

— Hot springs in eastern Hokkaido with superb water quality —

Tokachigawa Onsen is a rare "moor hot spring" in Japan and has been designated a Hokkaido Heritage site.

In the distant past, wetlands existed in this area, and over long periods of time, plants changed and peat accumulated.
That peat transforms into lignite, and the hot springs that emerge after passing through the lignite layer are called moor hot springs.

Image provided by: Tokachigawa Onsen Kangetsuen

This alkaline hot spring contains a large amount of plant-derived organic matter, and the water is a pale cola-like color.

In Europe, there is a practice called "moor bath" where peat is applied directly to the skin, and this bath is known as a beauty bath with similar expected effects.

Recommended accommodations in Tokachigawa Onsen

[Tokachigawa Onsen Kangetsuen]

Image provided by: Tokachigawa Onsen Kangetsuen

Enjoy a variety of hot springs, including garden open-air baths and guest rooms with open-air baths on the top-floor observation deck, where you can experience the moor springs that are a Hokkaido heritage site.
This is one of Tokachigawa Onsen's leading hot spring inns, renowned for its seasonal Japanese kaiseki cuisine and attentive hospitality.

Dinner options include a buffet featuring fresh ingredients from Tokachi or kaiseki cuisine. Guest rooms offer a variety of choices, including Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, Japanese-Western style rooms, and rooms with open-air baths. It's recommended for a wide range of travelers, from solo travelers to couples and families.

Tokachigawa Onsen Kangetsuen
Address: 14-2 Minami, Tokachigawa Onsen, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0155-46-2001
URL:http://kangetsuen.com/

[Tokachigawa Onsen Sanyoan]

Sanyoan is a quiet hot spring inn with only 11 guest rooms, where time, space, and relaxation are valued, and where hospitality appeals to all five senses is pursued.
Each of our stylish rooms, with its unique and carefully designed features, is equipped with a private bathroom.

With special rooms featuring open-air baths available, this luxury hot spring inn is perfect for those who prefer to cherish the "peaceful time" spent at its exquisite hot springs rather than going out sightseeing.

Tokachigawa Onsen Sanyoan
Address: 13 Minami, Tokachigawa Onsen, Otofuke-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0155-32-6211
URL:http://www.sanyoan.com/

Kawayu Onsen is a hot spring resort town located in Teshikaga town in eastern Hokkaido, situated between Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu.

The hot springs at Kawayu Onsen are sulfur springs and acidic alum springs, making them "highly acidic." Because of this, they are not suitable for mechanical circulation, and due to the abundant water supply, all facilities use free-flowing hot spring water directly from the source.
Therefore, it is one of the few hot spring towns in the country that has declared that it uses only natural, free-flowing hot spring water.

When entering a hot spring, be careful not to bring in any precious metals, as they may corrode.

Recommended accommodations in Kawayu Onsen

[Kinkiyu Inn]

This hot spring inn is located in the heart of the Kawayu hot spring town. The most attractive feature of this inn is its spacious two-story hot spring bath, which is well worth seeing. Although there is no open-air bath, the baths are divided into low, medium, and high temperature sections, allowing you to fully enjoy the beneficial, free-flowing hot spring water.

Inn Kinkiyu
Address: 1-9-15 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 015-483-2211
URL:http://www.kinkiyu.com/

[Natural Hot Spring Forest Hotel Kitafukurou]

Kawayu Onsen is surrounded by lush nature. For those who want to experience this nature, we recommend "Meito no Mori Hotel Kitafukurou".
The hotel lounge and open-air bath, featuring natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source, are built to overlook a lush, old-growth forest. From the open-air bath, you can hear birds chirping and, in winter, even see the footprints of small animals.

Meito no Mori Hotel Kitafukurou
Address: 1-9-15 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 015-483-2960
URL:http://www.kitafukuro.com/

Onneyu Onsen is a hot spring located in the Rubeshibe district of Kitami City, Hokkaido, surrounded by the rich natural environment of the three national parks of Akan, Daisetsu, and Shiretoko.

This historic hot spring resort, which opened in 32, is known as one of Japan's finest hot springs due to the quality and freshness of its spring water.
It is an alkaline simple hot spring (hypotonic alkaline high-temperature spring) and is said to be good for the skin.

Recently, the "Mountain Aquarium" (Northern Land Aquarium), a rare freshwater aquarium in Japan, has been attracting attention. Incidentally, the hot spring water from Onneyu Onsen is also used to raise the fish at the Mountain Aquarium.

Recommended accommodations in Onneyu Onsen

[Ooe Honke, a hot spring inn known for its skin-whitening properties]

This historic hot spring inn was founded in 1899, the same year that Onneyu Onsen was first opened.
This inn is popular for its clean facilities and delicious food.

The hot spring water, which has been flowing continuously since the establishment of the inn, is free-flowing and never diluted, heated, recirculated, or filtered.
The hot springs, carefully selected by the general manager who is also a hot spring sommelier, are said to have anti-aging effects that can help slow down the aging process.

Ooe Honke, a hot spring inn specializing in skin whitening.
Address: 466-1 Onneyu Onsen, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City
Telephone number: 0157-45-2511
URL:http://www.oehonke.com/

[Onneyu Hotel Shiki Heian no Yakata]

This hot spring resort offers a variety of baths to enjoy, including not only free-flowing natural spring water, but also baths containing Chaga mushroom and maifan stone, which is rich in minerals.
Since you can stay there at a relatively reasonable price, why not enjoy a relaxing hot spring experience with your family?

Onneyu Hotel Shiki Heian no Yakata
Address: 492 Onneyu Onsen, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0157-45-2211
URL:http://www.onneyu-hotel.jp/

— A hot spring in eastern Hokkaido with a fantastic location —

Akan Lake Onsen is a hot spring located on the shores of Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido, and it is a historic hot spring that is said to have been used by the Ainu people since ancient times.
The spring water is a simple spring and a hydrogen sulfide spring, and is said to be beneficial for neuralgia, poor circulation, fatigue recovery, and rheumatism.

Just a short distance from the hot spring town is one of the largest Ainu villages in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy looking at and buying traditional Ainu crafts.

Recommended accommodations in Akan Lake Onsen

[Akan Yukyu no Sato Tsuruga]

Image provided by: Akan Yukyu no Sato Tsuruga

"Akan Yukyu no Sato Tsuruga" is operated by the highly-regarded "Tsuruga Group" in Hokkaido.

You can fully enjoy the hot springs while taking in the spacious and relaxing public bath, as well as the magnificent panoramic view of Lake Akan from the rooftop open-air bath.
This hot spring inn offers a highly satisfying experience in terms of both meals and hospitality.

Akan Yukyu no Sato Tsuruga
Address: 4-6-10 Akan-ko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0154-67-4000
URL:http://www.tsuruga.com/

[Kamui no Yu La Vista Akankawa]

La Vista Akankawa is a brand new hot spring inn that just opened in September 2015.

Based on the concept of various kinds of "fluctuations," this resort offers a relaxing escape from the ordinary, providing adults with a natural environment, free-flowing hot springs, and a truly rejuvenating experience.

Another popular service is the complimentary ice pops offered in the evening after bathing and the soft katsugen drink in the morning.

Kamui no Yu La Vista Akankawa
Address: 3-1 Okurushube, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0154-67-5566
URL:http://www.hotespa.net/hotels/akangawa/

Located in the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site, Utoro Onsen is surrounded by magnificent nature and boasts many accommodations offering breathtaking views where you can soak in the hot springs while watching the sunset over the Sea of ​​Okhotsk.
There are several large hotels that are ideal as a base for sightseeing in Shiretoko, and in recent years, Utoro Onsen has been bustling with many tourists.

Recommended accommodations in Utoro Onsen

[Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi]

This hot spring inn is popular for its high customer satisfaction, having received the top rating in Jalan's 2015 Accommodation Satisfaction Ranking for Hot Spring Inns (inns with 100 rooms or more).
In rooms with private open-air hot spring baths, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk all to yourself.

From the panoramic public bath, you can enjoy a relaxing soak while taking in the magnificent view of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the scent of the ocean.

Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi
Address: 172 Utoro Higashi, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0154-24-3222
URL:http://www.shiretoko.co.jp/

[Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel]

Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel is a hot spring inn located on a hill overlooking Utoro Onsen.
The popular buffet restaurant "Marskoy" is famous for its high level of customer satisfaction, as it allows customers to enjoy freshly prepared dishes from its open kitchen.

Hot springs that contain a lot of sodium and chloride are known as "beauty springs" because they retain heat well and leave the skin feeling moisturized.
The hotel also has an indoor pool for children to enjoy, so the whole family can enjoy a relaxing stay at this hot spring inn.

Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
Address: 306 Utoro Kagawa, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0152-24-2334
URL:http://shiretoko-1.com/

Sounkyo Onsen is a hot spring resort located at the bottom of a steep gorge in the Daisetsuzan mountain range.
The heart of the hot spring town features "Canyon Mall," modeled after a Canadian mountain resort, offering a unique European-style atmosphere.

In particular, the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is held in winter, attracting many tourists.

Recommended accommodations in Sounkyo Onsen

[Sounkyo Asahitei]

Choyo-tei is located on a hill overlooking the Sounkyo Onsen hot spring resort area.
From the open-air bath on the 7th floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mount Asahi, which rises before you, and also see the columnar jointed rock formations of Sounkyo Gorge.

The large public bath on the second floor features indirect lighting, creating a calming atmosphere and an innovative hot spring experience reminiscent of a secluded hot spring.

Sounkyo Asahitei
Address: Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 01658-5-3241
URL:http://www.choyotei.com/

[Sounkaku Grand Hotel]

Meals using local ingredients, based on the principle of "local production for local consumption," are popular.
This inn boasts an open-air bath where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the gorge.

The spring water is a simple hot spring, which is gentle on the skin and kind to the body, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.
The fact that you can stay there at a reasonable price is also a big plus.

Sounkaku Grand Hotel
Address: Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 01658-5-3111
URL:http://www.sounkaku.co.jp/

Located within Daisetsuzan National Park, there are two hot spring inns on the western shore of Lake Shikaribetsu.
To preserve the natural environment around Lake Shikaribetsu, there are no other hot spring inns in the area.

During the winter months, an open-air bath is set up on Lake Shikaribetsu for the "Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan" event.

Accommodations at Shikari Lake Hot Springs

[Shikari Lakeside Hot Spring Hotel Feng Shui]

This hot spring inn is located on the shores of Lake Shikaribetsu, and guests can enjoy views of the lake from all guest rooms and the large public bath.
The tranquil lakeside view and the starry night sky seen from the open-air bath, fed by 100% natural hot spring water, will make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

You can fully enjoy local ingredients, including Dolly Varden trout raised in the spring water at the foot of Lake Shikaribetsu, as well as a variety of other mountain and sea delicacies.

Shikari Lakeside Hot Spring Hotel Feng Shui
Address: Lake Shikaribetsu, Shikaoi-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0156-67-2211
URL:http://www.hotelfusui.com/

[Shikaribetsu Lake Hotel Fukuhara]

*The facility has been closed since March 21, 2017, for seismic retrofitting work.

This hot spring inn boasts a picturesque location on the shores of Lake Shikaribetsu, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
The museum also houses the "Shikaribetsu Lake Minerva Museum," which permanently displays sculptures, paintings, and other works from the personal collection of its founder, Jihei Fukuhara.

Shikaribetsu Lake Hotel Fukuhara
Address: Lake Shikaribetsu, Shikaoi-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0120-17-2980
URL:http://www.h-fukuhara.jp/

— Hot springs in eastern Hokkaido that exude a sense of secludedness —

Yoro-ushi Onsen, a secluded hot spring in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Currently, there are only two hot spring inns left in this area: "Hotel Yoro-ushi" and "Yuyado Daiichi".

The hot springs at Yoro-ushi Onsen are sulfate springs, generally considered beneficial for conditions such as high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. It's a hidden gem of a hot spring resort where you can enjoy the beauty of each season.

A little-known fact: the "cow characters" on Mount Moan, near Yoro-ushi Onsen.

Accommodations in Yoro-ushi Onsen

[Hotel Yoro-ushi]

Although the facilities are not new, this hot spring inn is popular for its warm hospitality and delicious meals featuring local Yoro beef, river fish, and mountain vegetables.

Many people seem to travel from far away just to enjoy dinner here.
Compared to "Yuyado Daiichi," which I will introduce later, this place offers more reasonable rates for accommodation.

Hotel Yoro-ushi
Address: 519 Yōrōushi, Nakashibetsu-cho, Shibetsu-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0153-78-2224
URL:http://youroushi.com/

[Yuyado Daiichi]

The indoor bath, filled with the aroma of cypress and hinoki wood, and the open-air bath, where you can enjoy the chirping of wild birds and the babbling of the stream, are popular features.
The open-air bath is located right next to the river, giving you the feeling of being immersed in nature.

This is a truly relaxing hot spring inn, perfectly described as a secluded hot spring surrounded by nature.

Yuyado Daiichi
Address: 518 Yōrōushi, Nakashibetsu-cho, Shibetsu-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0153-78-2131
URL:http://www.yoroushi.jp/

Maruseppu Onsen is a hot spring located in Maruseppu Kamitaketoshi, Engaru-cho, Monbetsu-gun, and the only accommodation available is "Maure Sanso".
The hot spring water is an alkaline simple spring, and its smooth texture is said to promote the metabolism of old keratin, offering benefits for neuralgia, poor circulation, and skin beautification.

Accommodations in Maruseppu Onsen

[Maure Mountain Lodge]

Maure Sanso is a relatively new hot spring hotel, completed in 13, and is a resort hotel with an impressive triangular roof and pure white walls.
The lobby features a fireplace, creating a lovely and relaxing atmosphere.

In addition to Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, we also have special rooms with private hot spring baths.
Additionally, there are cottages with hot springs, including two 5-person cottages and one 8-person cottage made of Finnish pine wood, suitable for a variety of occasions.

The open-air bath offers a truly liberating experience, and soaking in the hot springs while gazing at the magnificent natural scenery and the starry night sky is a truly special experience.

You're guaranteed to have a luxurious time here. It has been selected as one of the most satisfying hot spring inns by "Hokkaido Jalan," making it a safe and reliable place to stay despite its secluded location.

Maule Mountain Hut
Address: 172 Kamitaketoshi, Maruseppu, Engaru-cho, Monbetsu-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0158-47-2170

URL:http://www.maure-sanso.com/

All the accommodations in Nukabira Onsenkyo use "free-flowing hot spring water" without any recirculation.
This hot spring resort, like Kawayu Onsen, has also declared that it uses only natural, free-flowing hot spring water.

The spring water is a sodium chloride-bicarbonate spring, and is effective for treating neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain.

Recommended accommodations in Nukabira Onsen

[Nukabira Onsen Nakamuraya]

With its meticulous attention to detail evident throughout, Nakamuraya is a secluded hot spring inn that stands apart from other hot spring resorts.
The open-air bath is mixed-gender, but there are designated times for women only.
Dinner will mainly consist of ingredients from Nukabira and the surrounding Tokachi area, such as wild vegetables and herbs.

The souvenir corner doesn't stock any ordinary local products.
This hot spring inn offers a fresh and immersive experience that respects nature, so we encourage you to check out the details on their website and consider visiting.
Some rooms are available where you can stay with your pet.

Nukabira Onsen Nakamuraya
Address: Nukabira Onsenkyo, Kamishihoro-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 01564-4-2311
URL:http://nukabira-nakamuraya.com/

[Mountain Inn Sankoso]

This is a secluded, traditional Japanese-style inn with eight rooms, each equipped with a traditional Japanese hearth (irori).
The cave bath offers a magical atmosphere when the morning sun shines in.

There is also a hot spring for drinking located in front of the entrance.

If you're looking for a hot spring experience that's a little different from the usual, this secluded hot spring inn is definitely worth recommending.
The building is old and the sound carries easily, so they are unable to accommodate children under elementary school age.

Mountain Inn Sankoso
Address: 14, Kita-ku, Nukabira Onsenkyo, Kamishihoro-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 01564-4-2336
URL:http://sankosou.server-shared.com/

Final thoughts

We've introduced the hot springs of eastern Hokkaido, divided into three zones. Did you find any that made you think, "I want to go there!"?

There are many other hot spring resorts in the eastern part of Hokkaido.
In this article, we've introduced hot spring inns where you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Hokkaido.

Some hot spring inns offer day-use bathing options, so even if you can't stay overnight, enjoying a day trip to a hot spring is one of the great pleasures of traveling.
We sincerely hope that you will use this information to enjoy sightseeing in eastern Hokkaido.

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