Hot springs are an essential part of any trip.
Hokkaido has a vast number of hot springs, and the quality of the spring water is just as excellent as the air it provides.
However, many people may not have heard of hot springs in Otaru.
It might be because there are many other tourist attractions besides the hot springs.

So, wouldn't you like to know what kind of hot springs you can enjoy in Otaru?
This time, we're featuring Otaru's hot springs. From day trips to overnight stays, you can enjoy a variety of hot springs and soothe your tired body after strolling along the canal.

<Table of Contents>
1. Otaru and hot springs
2. Otaru's famous hot springs
2-1. Ginrinsou
2-2. Furukawa
2-3. Kōrakuen
2-4. Yunohana Asariden
2-5. Yunohana Temiyaden
3. Other public baths in the city
Final thoughts

It's surprisingly little known, but National Route 5 is a hot spring resort route. It starts in Otaru and goes through Yoichi, Shakotan, Iwanai, and Niseko.
There are hot springs in both Kutchan and Oshamanbe. Otaru, which is the starting point for these hot springs, is actually a hot spring town.
It's not just famous inns; many public bathhouses in the city also use hot spring water.

Furthermore, since each bathhouse has a different hot spring source, the water quality and temperature also differ. It's no exaggeration to say that everything changes depending on the facility, demonstrating just how diverse the offerings are.
The unfortunate thing is that the number of facilities offered is not large, and the scale of the facilities is not very big.

However, it's nice to be able to enjoy relaxed and attentive service precisely because it's a small establishment.
Let your heart and body be thoroughly warmed and cozy.

2-1. Ginrinsou

Image provided by: Otaru City

If you're looking for the number one inn in Otaru, you'd probably agree that it's Ginrinso, situated on a hill slightly away from the city center.
Its name as a luxury inn is so well-known that virtually everyone in Hokkaido knows it.
Exquisite and delicious cuisine. Stunning views. A tranquil, traditional Japanese-style room. Everything is of the highest quality, and the excellent service is the reason for its high rating.

The view from the open-air hot spring bath is exceptional. In summer, the Sea of ​​Japan stretches on endlessly.
The deep blue and warm green colors change depending on the time of day and the weather.

Image provided by: Otaru City

In winter, if there is snow in the foreground, you can see a magnificent, rugged Sea of ​​Japan with its rough waves in the background. The sea is a deep blue-gray, and the waves dance like rabbits leaping.
At dusk, the harbor lights reflect on the sea, creating a magical scene.

Relax your mind and body while listening to the sound of train whistles. Each room also features a spacious bathroom. You'll be able to fully enjoy a relaxing and deeply satisfying adult getaway.
They offer lunch, but unfortunately, there are no day-use hot springs; only overnight guests can use them.
It's definitely worth staying here.

[Facility Details: Ginrinso]
Address: 1-1 Sakura 1-chome, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Phone number: 0134-54-7010 (main)
No day-use bathing available.

2-2. Furukawa

Photo by Flickr: OTARU street.
by MIKI Yoshihito. (#mikiyoshihito)

Otaru is a city with a wonderful atmosphere when it's covered in snow.
While it's refreshing and wonderful in the summer, its charm truly increases in winter, as exemplified by the snow-lit paths.
Furukawa, a traditional Japanese inn located near the Otaru Canal, is another inn that suits such snowy scenery.

The hot springs, divided into two locations, Ichinoyu and Ninoyu, each have their own unique characteristics.
The first bathhouse has subdued lighting, creating an excellent atmosphere that makes you feel enveloped in the sanctuary while you bathe. The view from the window is of lush green trees that make you feel as if you can hear the birds chirping.
Even though it's in the middle of the city, you can enjoy an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a forest.

On the other hand, the second bath has an open atmosphere. It is bright and filled with natural light, giving you the feeling of soaking in a hot spring high up in the mountains.
You can't enjoy the view of the canal from the bath, but let's save that for dinner.

The dining area offers a panoramic view of the canal. There's also a private bath on the 8th floor where families can relax and unwind.
There are no day-trip options available here either, so please stay overnight and fully enjoy the canal-side accommodations.

[Facility Details: Furukawa]
Address: 1-2-15 Iroinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0134-29-2345
No day-use bathing available.

2-3. Kōrakuen

Korakuen was a popular Japanese-style inn among visitors to Asarigawa Onsen, known for its tranquil atmosphere.
The Kōrakuen inn, which had been closed since 2014 when a fire destroyed about 80% of its facilities, reopened for business on April 9th.
It has been transformed into a luxury inn, with open-air baths in most of the rooms.

The large garden is filled with blooming cherry blossoms and other seasonal flowers. The approach to the main building is quite long, and each individual flower seems to gently welcome travelers. The large trees, such as pine trees, are also impressive, and the beauty of the Japanese garden stands out among the nearby hot spring inns.

As for the hot springs, there are two: Iwa-no-yu and Mori-no-yuya. Iwa-no-yu has a high ceiling and a spacious feel.
The building has a charming atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Japanese storehouse, and the open-air bath is beautifully lit up, allowing you to relax and soak in the hot springs with peace of mind.

As the name suggests, Mori no Yuya (Forest Bathhouse) evokes the image of an open-air bath nestled in a forest. It's a delightful bath where you can enjoy forest bathing and hot spring bathing at the same time. It has a wonderfully rustic feel.
The lighting at night is slightly dimmed, which creates a nice atmosphere and makes it enjoyable.

The private bath is also large enough to be called a public bath in a guesthouse.
You can enjoy a day trip to the hot springs here only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
The number of rooms is not very large. Therefore, you will be able to fully enjoy the wonderful quality of the hot springs at Asarigawa Onsen.

[Facility Details: Korakuen]
Address: 5-18-2 Shinko, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Phone number: 0134-54-8221

2-4. Yunohana Asariden

Perhaps because there are plenty of public bathhouses with hot springs, Otaru City doesn't have many day-trip hot spring facilities.
Located near Otaru City, midway between Otaru and Sapporo, Asarigawa Onsen is a hot spring resort that has long been cherished as Otaru's inner retreat.
It's a convenient hot spring resort, close to ski resorts, Jozankei and Nakayama Pass, and also near the Sapporo-Otaru Expressway interchange.

Among them, when it comes to day-trip hot springs, Yunohana is the place to go. With locations in central Hokkaido (Jozankei and Ebetsu) and two in Otaru city, it boasts a variety of baths and excellent restaurants.
As an entertainment facility and popular spot, on Sundays, many cars line up in the parking lot as soon as it opens.

Image provided by: Yunohana Asari-dono

The two baths, one Western-style and one Japanese-style, alternate between men's and women's use on different days.
The Western-style open-air bath has a charming atmosphere, while the Japanese-style rock bath exudes a subtle hot spring ambiance.

The Koiwa Bath, which is closed during the winter months, only has a Japanese-style bath. It's small, but it's a bath that warms you up nicely.
In the natural surroundings of Asarigawa Onsen, you can fully enjoy the nature of Hokkaido while listening to the distant calls of nightingales and cuckoos.
It's an oasis that can be reached in about 15 minutes from Otaru city center.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options and a range of services, including body scrubs. Combined with the spacious relaxation area, you can easily spend three or four hours there.
The spring water is alkaline. After your bath, you'll feel like your skin has been peeled off and your skin will be smooth.

[Facility Details: Yunohana Asariden]
Address: 5-12-24 Shinko, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0134-54-4444
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 24:00 AM (Last reception at 23:30 PM)
Admission fee: Adults 650 yen, Elementary school students (6-12 years old) 300 yen, Toddlers (1-5 years old) 100 yen, Infants (0 years old) Free
Rental set (hands-free): 400 yen *Includes bath towel, face towel, and loungewear (separate for men and women)

2-5. Yunohana Temiyaden

In Otaru city, Ospa, located near the ferry terminal, is a long-established establishment.
It's open 24 hours and popular with motorcyclists and drivers, but the place locals frequent from the morning is Yunohana Temiyaden.
Even the fairly large parking lot is almost full by lunchtime, showing just how popular the place is.

Located away from National Route 5, this area is packed with must-see spots such as Temiya Cave, a museum, and Otaru Aquarium. A short drive away you'll find the spectacular views of Takashima Cape and the Herring Mansion, perfect for warming up after a drive by the sea breeze.

The building facing the sea, like the Asari-den, has two bathhouses, one Western-style and one Japanese-style. The men's and women's baths alternate daily, just like the other building.
Both open-air baths are spacious, perfect for stretching out and relaxing. A unique feature is the ceramic tub made from Shigaraki ware. The feeling of being enveloped is incredibly comforting.

Image source: Yunohana Temiya Palace

Let the sea breeze of Otaru soothe your body after a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
Take a deep breath of the murmur of the waves and the scent of the sea, and fully enjoy Otaru.

In addition, the restaurant menu is extensive, including Otaru's specialty, Ankake Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles with thick sauce), and various set meals.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot spring easily. Be sure to stop by!

[Facility Details: Yunohana Temiya Palace]
Address: 1-5-20 Temiya, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0134-31-4444
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 24:00 AM (Last entry 23:30 PM)
Bathing fee: Adults 650 yen, Elementary school students (6-12 years old) 300 yen, Toddlers (1-5 years old) 100 yen
Infants (0 years old) are free.
Rental set (hands-free): 400 yen *Includes bath towel, face towel, and loungewear (separate for men and women)

Photo by Flickr:April 11, 2009 by Ryuichi Ikeda

Let's not forget the public bathhouses in the city.
Opened in 1923, Otaru Taisho-yu Onsen was the first public bathhouse in Otaru to utilize hot spring water. It remains deeply cherished by the citizens of Otaru to this day.

Family baths are also available. This hot spring has a rich history that tells the story of the port city of Otaru.
Among the oldest hot springs is Komachi-yu Onsen, which opened during the Meiji era.
It is listed on maps from around 1877, making it one of the oldest public bathhouses in Hokkaido.

The history of this hot spring seems to reflect the history of the port city of Otaru. Even today, mirrors and other items from when it first opened are on display.

★Admission fee: Adults 440 yen, Elementary school students 170 yen

Final thoughts

Otaru is a canal town. That's certainly true. It's been revitalized as a waterfront area, but it's ultimately just a historical site.
However, hot springs continue to be a vital part of the lives and well-being of the people of Otaru.

Why not take this opportunity to enjoy Otaru, a hot spring town that isn't a typical hot spring resort town?
You're sure to rediscover the charm of Otaru.
And it should be in no way inferior to the famous hot spring towns located throughout Hokkaido.

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