The Special Appeal of Hokkaido's Hidden Hot Springs
Hokkaido is Japan's hot spring kingdom, boasting the highest number of hot spring locations in the country with 251 designated hot spring areas. The island features diverse spring qualities created by volcanic activity and numerous hidden hot springs characterized by pristine natural environments.
This article objectively introduces 10 particularly noteworthy hidden hot springs in Hokkaido based on reliable sources.
1. Toyotomi Onsen (Toyotomi Town, Teshio District) - Japan's Northernmost Hot Spring Resort
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Iodine-sodium-chloride spring
- Feature: Globally rare oil-containing hot spring
- Discovery: Taisho 15 (1926)
- Benefits: Chronic skin diseases, atopic dermatitis, skin beautification
- Main Facilities: Fureai Center, Kawashima Ryokan, Hotel Toyotomi
Spring Characteristics and Evaluation
Toyotomi Onsen was discovered during oil drilling when it erupted along with natural gas, creating a globally unique oil-containing spring quality. Also called "oil bath," this mildly alkaline spring is gentle on the skin, featuring distinctive heat retention and moisturizing effects from its oil content.
People with skin conditions visit from across the nation for therapeutic bathing, earning it the nickname "miracle waters." It's selected as one of "Japan's 100 Famous Hot Springs" recommended by balneotherapy doctors, with medically recognized therapeutic effects.
Access: About 45 minutes by car from Wakkanai City
2. Seseki Onsen (Rausu Town) - Wild Spring Appearing in the Sea
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Sulfur-sodium-chloride spring
- Feature: Bathing time determined by tidal changes
- Usage Period: July to mid-September (varies with weather)
- Fee: Free
- Source Temperature: 64°C
Unique Location and Usage Conditions
Seseki Onsen is a hot spring built with stones in the sea, submerged at high tide and accessible only at low tide. It became nationally known after appearing in the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" (From the North Country).
Due to the high source temperature, it may be too hot during low tide when not diluted by seawater, requiring confirmation of tidal schedules for bathing.
Access: Seishi district, Rausu Town, Shiretoko Peninsula
3. Yoroushi Onsen (Nakashibetsu Town) - Single Inn Deep in the Forest
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Sulfur-sodium-calcium-sulfate spring
- Discovery: Taisho 5 (1916)
- Current Facility: Yuyado Daiichi (only operating inn)
- Surrounding Environment: Deep forest along upper Shibetsu River
- Wildlife: Blakiston's fish owl sightings reported
Current Status of the Hot Spring Area
Yoroushi Onsen celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 as a historic hot spring area. While multiple hot spring inns once operated here, currently only "Yuyado Daiichi" remains, making it a true single-inn hot spring.
Located on the southern slope of Mount Shibetsu, surrounded by virgin Ezo spruce forests in a tranquil environment known for frequent wildlife encounters.
Access: About 25 minutes by car from Nakashibetsu Airport
4. Karkurusu Onsen (Noboribetsu City) - Hokkaido's First National Health Resort Hot Spring
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Simple spring
- Discovery: Meiji 19 (1886)
- National Health Resort: Designated in Showa 32 (1957) as Hokkaido's first
- Famous Springs 100: Selected
- Operating Facilities: 3 ryokan (all offer day-trip bathing)
History and Spring Characteristics
Karkurusu Onsen was named for its similarity to Karlsbad springs in Czech Republic. Though colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it possesses sulfate spring characteristics, offering skin beautification and circulation improvement benefits.
Located about 8km from Noboribetsu Onsen, it maintains therapeutic hot spring elements in contrast to the tourist-focused Noboribetsu Onsen.
Access: About 45 minutes by bus from Noboribetsu Station
5. Niseko Goshiki Onsen (Niseko Town) - Mountain Hot Spring at 750m Elevation
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Acidic sulfur spring
- Elevation: 750m
- Opening: Showa 5 (1930)
- Current Facility: Niseko Goshiki Onsen Ryokan (essentially single inn)
- Day-trip Bathing: Available (800 yen)
Location and Spring Characteristics
Located between Mount Niseko-Annupuri and Mount Iwaonupuri, named "Goshiki (Five Colors)" for the color changes caused by sulfur mixing. This strongly acidic spring (pH 2.4-2.6) serves therapeutic guests and skiers/mountaineers.
Road closures may occur during severe winter weather, requiring advance confirmation.
Access: About 14km by car from Kutchan city center
6. Ginkonyu (Yakumo Town) - Japan Association of Secluded Hot Springs Member Inn
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring
- Feature: 11 different hot spring types
- History: Discovered on Emperor Taisho's silver wedding anniversary
- Japan Association of Secluded Hot Springs: Member inn
- Grounds: 10,000-tsubo garden
Hot Spring Facility Overview
Ginkonyu offers 11 different hot spring experiences, with 6 types available as "hidden baths" exclusively for overnight guests. The facility features gardens with seasonal scenery and ancient yew trees over 1,000 years old, blessed with natural surroundings.
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Yakumo city center
7. Meto Onsen (Ashoro Town) - Historic Single Inn Since Meiji Era
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring
- Opening: Meiji 37 (1904)
- Feature: Considered Hokkaido's finest alkaline spring
- Wildlife: Ezo deer sightings
- Day-trip Bathing: Available (adults 700 yen)
Spring Characteristics
Meto Onsen is a single inn surrounded by pristine nature, featuring multiple outdoor baths. "Giant Rock Bath," "Large Outdoor Bath," and "Small Outdoor Bath" each offer different scenic views.
Herds of Ezo deer occasionally come to drink from the hot springs at night, providing an environment where coexistence with wildlife can be experienced firsthand.
Access: About 1 hour 40 minutes by car from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport
8. Tokachigawa Onsen (Otofuke Town) - Hokkaido Heritage Moor Spring
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Moor spring (plant-origin hot spring)
- Feature: Globally rare spring quality originating from ancient vegetation
- Hokkaido Heritage: Designated in Heisei 16 (2004)
- Source Temperature: 55-60°C
- Benefits: Skin beautification, moisturizing effects
Moor Spring Characteristics
Tokachigawa Onsen's moor spring is a plant-origin hot spring that emerges through lignite layers formed from ancient vegetation deposits. Containing humic substances, it differs from typical mineral springs.
This globally rare spring quality was called "medicine swamp" by the Ainu people according to oral tradition.
Access: About 15 minutes by car from Obihiro city center
9. Shikaribetsu-kyo Kanno Onsen (Shikaoi Town) - Hot Spring with 11 Sources
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Sulfur-sodium-calcium-sulfate spring
- Feature: 11 natural flowing sources, 100% source spring flow
- Location: Deep in Tokachi-Shikaoi mountains
- Facility: Single inn
Source Abundance
Shikaribetsu-kyo Kanno Onsen is a unique hot spring facility with 11 natural flowing sources. All are provided as 100% pure source spring flow, surrounded by pristine nature offering seasonal scenery.
Access: About 1 hour by car from Obihiro
10. Shika-no-yu (Shikaoi Town) - Riverside Wild Spring
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Salt-sodium bicarbonate spring
- Feature: Wild spring within Shikaribetsu-kyo Campground
- Usage Period: Late April to end of October
- Fee: Free
- Establishment: Showa 61 (1986)
Wild Spring Characteristics
Shika-no-yu is a hot spring discovered in Meiji 40, located on the banks of the Yuuyanbetsu River. In Showa 61, Shikaoi Town invested 3 million yen in public funds to create a bathing pool approximately 9 square meters and 70 centimeters deep.
Despite being a wild spring, it's equipped with simple changing facilities and is a popular destination for hot spring enthusiasts from across the nation.
Access: Within Shikaribetsu-kyo Campground
Basic Information for Hokkaido Hidden Hot Springs Tour
Optimal Visiting Times
- Summer (June-September): All hot springs accessible, good road conditions
- Autumn (October-November): Autumn foliage season, some facilities prepare for winter closure
- Winter (December-March): Beautiful snow scenery but potentially difficult access
- Spring (April-May): Facility reopening period, road conditions require confirmation
Usage Precautions
- Advance Confirmation: Operating status, road conditions, weather conditions
- Safety Measures: Bear deterrent equipment, group visits recommended
- Clothing: Clothes suitable for getting dirty, cold weather protection
- Payment: Many facilities accept cash only
About Hot Spring Benefits
The benefits of each hot spring are generally recognized effects, with individual variations. For therapeutic purposes regarding skin conditions, prior medical consultation is recommended.
Summary
Hokkaido's hidden hot springs are precious hot spring resources, each with unique spring qualities and locations. From Japan's northernmost Toyotomi Onsen to the marine Seseki Onsen, diverse hot spring experiences are possible.
When visiting these hidden hot springs, thorough advance research and safety measures are essential, approaching with respect for the natural environment and hot spring resources.
※Information in this article is current as of March 2025. Please confirm the latest information from each facility before visiting.
※Hot spring benefits and usage conditions vary according to individual constitution and health status.