What do you think that tower-like building in the picture is? It's the world's largest cuckoo clock, located at the roadside station in Onneyu Onsen. It's unassuming, but doesn't the fact that it's the world's largest make you want to take a look?

Hokkaido boasts numerous hot springs, but compared to well-known spots like Noboribetsu and Jozankei, Onneyu Onsen is relatively unknown. Many people, even those living in Hokkaido, may not be familiar with its location.

Onneyu Onsen is located on the way from Asahikawa to eastern Hokkaido, making it the perfect place to take a break or stay overnight during long-distance travel.
Let me introduce you to Onneyu Onsen, a slightly off-the-beaten-path hot spring resort that's perfect for a quick stop.

1. What is Onneyu Onsen?

Onneyu Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the Rubeshibe district of Kitami City, Hokkaido. It is the largest hot spring area in the Abashiri region, which has relatively few hot springs.
It is located along National Route 39 from Asahikawa, crossing Sounkyo and Sekihoku Pass, on the way to Kitami city. It is a well-known tourist spot, famous for its Kita Kitsune Farm (Northern Fox Farm).

Onneyu Onsen is a hot spring resort where many flowers bloom from spring to summer. In particular, in early May, 280,000 azaleas bloom, attracting many tourists, mainly from within Hokkaido.

And in winter, the area around Onneyu Onsen transforms into a vast, snow-covered plain as far as the eye can see. A bath while watching the snow go down sounds wonderful!

1-1. Characteristics of Onneyu Onsen

Onneyu Onsen is divided into two areas: the "Onneyu Onsen area" and the "Takinoyu area." These two areas are about 7 km apart.

The Onneyu Onsen area is a small but historic hot spring town, lined with larger hotels, shops such as a roadside station, and tourist attractions such as a mountain aquarium.
There are two family-run hot spring inns in the Takinoyu area, and each is practically a standalone establishment.

The hot springs in both areas are simple sulfur springs, and are said to be effective for neuralgia and muscle pain, as well as having anti-aging effects and being good for the skin.

1-2. Introduction to Onneyu Onsenkyo (Onneyu Hot Spring Area)

Onneyu Onsenkyo (Onneyu Hot Spring area) is known as the inner sanctuary of Kitami, and has long been a bustling tourist destination with attractions such as the Kita Kitsune Farm.

It's a peaceful hot spring resort.

In recent years, the number of visitors had decreased due to the slump in tourism and depopulation, but with the reopening of the "Mountain Aquarium" and the revival of shops centered around the roadside station, it is being re-evaluated as a place to stay and a stopover spot.

In the summer, the "Mikoshi River Crossing" festival is held, and in the winter, you can enjoy illuminations.

2. Recommended accommodations and hot springs in Onneyu Onsen

Onneyu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort town, but the number of inns has drastically decreased due to a decline in visitors. As a result, inns with poor service have been weeded out, and relatively high-quality inns continue to operate.

2-1. Oe Honke

Key points: The largest in the hot spring resort area. A hotel with an overall appealing quality.

Founded in 1899, this is the largest hot spring inn in the Onneyu Onsen area, consisting of five guest rooms and a large public bath. Its large size means it has ample capacity and excellent facilities, and its cuisine is highly rated, making it a reliable and enjoyable place to stay.

This inn boasts a free-flowing hot spring bath, a source of pride for its general manager who is also a certified hot spring sommelier. Its diverse guest rooms and cuisine are also highly praised, making it a welcoming choice for many guests.

The baths are separate for men and women, each with an indoor bath and an open-air bath. Day-use bathing is also available. In addition, family baths are available (reservations required, 3,240 yen for 2 hours), and some rooms, such as the special Japanese-style rooms, have cypress wood indoor baths with views of the outside.

Facility name: Ooe Honke, a hot spring inn specializing in skin whitening
Address: 466-1 Onneyu Onsen, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City
Phone: 0157-45-2511
Day-use bathing reception hours: 13:00 - 20:00
Regular holidays: none
Admission fee: Adults 700 yen, Children 350 yen
Estimated accommodation price: From 8,790 yen per person for a double room with two meals included (price includes tax).
Inn URL: http://www.oehonke.com/

2-2. Onneyu Hotel Shiki Heian no Yakata

Key point: A second-best hot spring resort, offering a variety of services!

This is another large ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) located in the Onneyu Onsen area. While it is slightly smaller in scale than the Ooe Honkan, it still boasts high overall quality and is a ryokan that is easy for everyone to use.

As the second-ranked hot spring resort, it offers a variety of interesting (and some might even call them eccentric) services, which is a key point.

For example, in addition to the Onneyu hot spring, they offer a "Chaga mushroom bath." Chaga mushrooms are a type of fungus that have been valued as a herbal medicine since ancient times and are considered a rare and hard-to-find ingredient.

Furthermore, the baths here are rotated between men and women, allowing guests to enjoy more baths during their stay. Of course, day-use bathing is also available.

This inn offers many interesting (and unusual) plans, ranging from extravagant options like an all-you-can-eat crab buffet plan (with a chocolate fountain) to more modest but delightful plans like one that includes a set of drinks for your evening meal.

Facility name: Onneyu Hotel Shiki Heian no Yakata
Address: Onneyu Onsen, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0157-45-2211
Day-use bathing reception hours: 13:00 - 20:00
Closed on: None (However, day-use bathing is closed irregularly due to bathroom cleaning)
Admission fees: Adults 650 yen, Elementary school students 450 yen, Infants 330 yen
Estimated accommodation price: From 8,980 yen per person for a double room with two meals included (price includes tax).
Inn URL: http://www.onneyu-hotel.jp/

2-3. Takinoyu Center Yumekaze

Key point: A hot spring inn with a charmingly amateurish feel.

This inn is a single-building establishment located in the Takinoyu area. As you can see in the photos, it's a small, somewhat aged hot spring inn. The interior is just as old as the exterior. However, the inn is meticulously cleaned, reaffirming that old doesn't necessarily mean dirty. It feels like the small size of the inn allows them to provide such attentive service.

Because the facility is operated by a welfare company, it is well-designed with accessibility and assistance needs in mind, making it a safe and comfortable place for people who may have concerns about wheelchairs or other mobility issues.

The frequent updates to their Facebook page also seem to reflect the diligent personality of the person in charge, which is quite endearing.

This hot spring features alkaline spring water flowing directly from the source. Can you see the water overflowing from the bath into the washing area in the photo above?

This hot spring water supply system is designed so that the overflowing water cannot be recirculated, making it immediately obvious that it is a "free-flowing" hot spring. This is a major point that any hot spring enthusiast will have to rate highly. It's a shame there's no open-air bath, but if you're particular about the quality of the hot spring water, this is my top recommendation in Onneyu.

This building also houses a restaurant during the day. What's particularly noteworthy is the price; the "Dream Curry" is only 250 yen!
Opening hours are from 11:30 to 14:00, and the shop is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Facility name: Takinoyu Center Yumekaze
Address: 128 Takinoyu, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City
Phone: 0157-67-4126
Day-use bathing reception hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Regular holidays: none
Admission fee: Adults 400 yen, Elementary school students 200 yen, Infants free
Estimated accommodation price: From 5,400 yen per person for a double room with two meals included (price includes tax).
Inn URL: http://primenet2010.biz/yumefuusen/

--------------------
[Jalan] Hotel and accommodation reservations in Hokkaido　　　
--------------------

3. About the Hot Spring Hopping Pass

There's a convenient "Hot Spring Hopping Pass" for visiting the hot springs in Onneyu. It allows entry to four different hot springs in Onneyu and is valid for three months. While individual entries would cost 2350 yen, this pass costs only 1300 yen.

(Click to enlarge)

The following four inns are included in the hot spring hopping program:

• Ooe Honke (Onneyu Onsen area, day-use bathing: 700 yen)
• Onneyu Hotel Shiki Heian no Yakata (Day-use bathing in the Onneyu hot spring area: 650 yen)
• Hotel Tsutsujiso (Onneyu Onsen area, day-use bathing: 500 yen)
• Shiobetsu Tsurutsuru Onsen Ryokan (Takinoyu area, day-use bathing: 500 yen)

The pricing is such that you can get your money's worth just by visiting the three hot springs in the Onneyu Onsen area, so why not consider using it when you go on a hot spring tour?
The hot spring hopping pass is sold at the ticket counters of four different hot springs.

Please note that the aforementioned "Takinoyu Center Yumekaze-sen" is not included in the hot spring tour.

4. Highlights of Onneyu Onsen

Onneyu Onsen has many unassuming but interesting sights. It tends to be overlooked because there are major spots like Sounkyo nearby, but that makes it a hidden gem.

Try visiting some hidden gems that not many other people go to.

4-1. Mountain Aquarium

Highlight: A breathtaking waterfall basin aquarium

First and foremost, there's the Mountain Aquarium (Northern Land Aquarium). It's a fairly old aquarium that mainly focuses on freshwater fish, but it was renovated in 2012 and is a popular spot thanks to its distinctive tanks.

The renovation was overseen by aquarium producer Hajime Nakamura.
He is a well-known figure in the field, having worked on famous aquariums such as Toba Aquarium, Sunshine Aquarium, and Enoshima Aquarium.

The mountain aquarium he designed is, as expected, fascinating!　
There are tanks that will make you want to stay glued to them forever, such as the waterfall tank where you can view the waterfall pool from below, the Hucho taimen tank which houses the giant freshwater fish Hucho taimen, and the jumping tank where you can watch river fish leap out of the water.

The waterfall tank also houses Dolly Varden trout, a fish popular with anglers for its sparkling, cute appearance. I think this is a sophisticated touch that will appeal to fishing enthusiasts.

While it's a very small aquarium with few tanks, it's a great place with a select few exhibits and clever touches. It's a nice spot to stop by and relax for a bit!

Facility name: Northern Land Aquarium (Mountain Aquarium)
Address:1-4 Matsuyama, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0157-45-2223
Opening hours: (Summer) 08:30 AM - 17:00 PM (Winter) 09:00 AM - 16:30 PM
Closed days: April 8th to April 14th, December 26th to January 1st
Admission fees: General admission 670 yen, Junior high school students 440 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen
(Group rates and annual passes available)
URL: http://onneyu-aq.com/

4-2. Onneyu Onsen Roadside Station

Points: The world's largest cuckoo clock is its symbol. It is the gateway to the hot spring resort town.

The photo at the beginning of the article shows a roadside station symbolized by a giant cuckoo clock. It is located in the heart of the shopping area of ​​Onneyu Onsen, and because it is a roadside station, the road signs are easy to understand, making it an easily accessible spot.

The main attraction is definitely the giant cuckoo clock. It's a mechanical contraption inside, and of course, it tells the time accurately.
Incidentally, its name is "Kamurin".

Facility name: Roadside Station Onneyu Onsen
Address:1-4 Matsuyama, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City
Phone: 0157-45-3373
Opening hours: (Summer) 08:30 AM - 17:00 PM (Winter) 09:00 AM - 16:30 PM
Closed on: New Year's holidays (December 26th to January 1st)
URL: http://www.hokkaido-michinoeki.jp/data/24/each.htm

4-3. Northern Fox Farm

Point: You can see a group of foxes.

At the Kitakitsune Farm in the Onneyu Onsen area, approximately 60 red foxes roam freely, allowing visitors to see the foxes playing together in groups up close.
They especially look adorable huddled together in groups during the winter!

The location may be a little difficult to find as it's not along a national highway. Please check the map beforehand.

Facility name: Northern Fox Farm
Address:52-1 Hanaoka, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0157-45-2249
Opening hours: (Summer) 08:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Winter) 09:00 AM - 16:00 PM
Admission fee: 500 yen for adults
URL: http://kitakitsune-farm.com/abouts/

4-4. Ikutahara Town Chacha World

Key point: The variety of wooden toys is amazing!

This is a museum dedicated to wooden toys, located in Ikutahara, a town next to Onneyu Onsen. While the toy exhibits are quite good, the museum shop is truly amazing!

We handle wooden products and toys from both Japan and abroad, and the variety is so extensive that we couldn't possibly introduce all of them even if we introduced them every day. (Reference URL:http://cha2world.com/shopbn02.htm）

It's interesting just to look around, so if you're interested in wooden toys or similar items, you should definitely go and check it out.

Facility name: Wooden Toy World Museum Chacha World
Address:143-4 Ikutahara, Engaru-cho, Monbetsu-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0158-49-4022
Business hours: 10:00-17:00
Admission fee: Adults 600 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen
(Combined tickets for nearby facilities, group discounts, etc. are available.)
URL: http://cha2world.com/
(Map: Locations of the Mountain Aquarium, the Northern Fox Farm, and Chacha World)

4-5. Daisetsu Forest Garden

Key point: Enjoy the beautifully maintained garden.

This garden is located in Kamikawa Town, on the way from Onneyu Onsen to Asahikawa.
Unlike typical tourist farms, this place offers a different atmosphere, with beautifully maintained flower fields and magnificent views of the Daisetsuzan Mountains.

Another plus is that it hasn't been fully commercialized as a tourist destination yet, giving it a relatively calm atmosphere.

If you're heading to Onneyu Onsen from Asahikawa or Sapporo, or on your way back, why not stop by? It's about a 2-hour drive from Onneyu Onsen.

Facility name: Daisetsu Forest Garden
Address:841-8 Kikusui, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido(Daisetsu Kogen Asahigaoka)
Phone: 01658-2-4655
Business hours: 09:00-18:00
Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger.

URL: http://www.daisetsu-asahigaoka.jp/garden.html
(Map: Location of the Forest Garden)

5. Access to Onneyu Onsen

5-1. Cars are convenient

Access to Onneyu Onsen is almost exclusively by car. There are no train lines to Onneyu Onsen. There are a few buses a day from Kitami City (Reference:Kitami BusHowever, since the tourist attractions are not concentrated enough to be visited on foot, getting around can be quite difficult.

For transportation, please consider using a private car, rental car, or chartered taxi.

5-2. From Sapporo and Asahikawa

The route to Sapporo is the same, as it also goes via Asahikawa.

Take the Hokkaido Expressway, then turn onto the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway at Pippu Junction. From Kamikawa-Sounkyo Interchange, take National Route 39 and drive for about 85km to reach Onneyu Onsen. It takes about 2 hours from Asahikawa and about 4 hours from Sapporo.

The above route passes through difficult sections such as Sounkyo Gorge and Sekihoku Pass. Therefore, if road conditions are poor due to snow or fog, it is recommended to take the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway to Maruseppu Interchange and then take a route that goes around Engaru Town.

This route will take about 15 minutes longer, but it involves a longer section of highway and avoids mountain passes, so it should be a safer drive.

Additionally, the "Sekihoku-go" intercity bus operates four times a day from Asahikawa Station and Sounkyo. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Asahikawa Station and approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Sounkyo.

5-3. From Memanbetsu Airport

The nearest airport to Onneyu Onsen is Memanbetsu Airport. From Memanbetsu Airport, simply drive straight along National Route 39 for about 65km; the journey takes approximately 90 minutes.

A detour (Hamburger shop Knuckle)

If you drive along National Route 39 from Memanbetsu Airport, you'll come across Knuckle, a locally famous hamburger shop.

Their hearty, original burgers are very appealing. If you're heading towards Memanbetsu Airport, why not stop by?

Link:
(Store website)http://www.knuckle-burger.com/
(eating log)http://tabelog.com/hokkaido/A0110/A011003/1007420/

Summary

So, what did you think? Compared to Noboribetsu Onsen and Sounkyo Onsen, Onneyu Onsen may seem unassuming, but perhaps it has a subtle, understated charm.

Furthermore, it's conveniently located as a transit point for the vast eastern Hokkaido/Abashiri area and the Asahikawa/Sounkyo area, offering excellent facilities for taking a break, staying overnight, and doing some sightseeing.

If you're ever passing through the area, why not stop by?

[Check these out too]
What makes this mountain aquarium, home to rare fish, so appealing to both adults and children?

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  Sapporo City & Surrounding Areas | A Journey to the Holy Sites of "How Do You Like Wednesday?"

• 

  Enjoy a trip to deepen autumn! A roundup of must-see sights in Hokkaido in November ♪

• 

  A leisurely trip around Hakodate by streetcar! A model itinerary for exploring Hakodate by streetcar.

• 

  If you have any problems while sightseeing in Hakodate, head to the Community Center! [More than just information, it's a tourist information center]

• 

  The kitchen of Hakodate citizens! Enjoy insider shopping at Nakajima Renbai Market♪

• 

  Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival Sairinka | Brightening the winter nights of Tokachigawa Onsen

• 

  Must-visit restaurants! Two top-rated spots in Otaru to enjoy the best of local cuisine!

• 

  Free admission, free samples, and factory tours! What is the "Hokkaido Kombu Museum" in Nanae Town?

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)