Tsubame Onsen Karafuto-kan is a traditional hot spring inn and member of the Japan Secret Hot Springs Association, located at approximately 1,100 meters elevation in Tsubame Onsen, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture. Situated at the highest elevation in the Myoko Kogen hot spring area, at the foot of Mt. Myoko, it's one of the inns in Tsubame Onsen known as Uesugi Kenshin's hidden hot spring. The family-run business has been operating for three generations, and the name 'Karafuto' (Sakhalin) comes from the fact that the owner's grandfather was from Sakhalin.

The hot spring is a sulfur-containing calcium/sodium/magnesium-bicarbonate/sulfate/chloride spring with a source temperature of 44.4°C. It features white cloudy water mixed from three different spring qualities, and is a pure hot spring with 100% source water (no added water or heating). The bathing facilities include 2 indoor baths and 1 outdoor bath, with the outdoor bath closed during winter (mid-November to May). The white cloudy sulfur spring has high skin-beautifying effects and offers the full experience of Tsubame Onsen's waters, known as 'Triple Beauty Spring.'

The building is a traditional 3-story hot spring inn made of steel and wood, with 14 rooms total. There is no elevator, and no air conditioning, but the high elevation keeps it cool and comfortable even in summer. Winter heating is provided. Guest rooms are equipped with amenities including yukata, towels, bath towels, and toothbrushes. Toilets are Western-style with washlet.

Rates are 11,700-17,750 yen per person per night with two meals (tax and service charge included), offering reasonable pricing. Check-in is at 15:00, check-out at 10:00, and the inn is open year-round. Information about day-use bathing is not listed on the official website, but it may be available during certain hours (confirmation required).

Access is by bus from Sekiyama Station (Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myoko Haneuma Line) for about 25 minutes, or by car from Myoko Kogen IC (about 25 minutes) or Nakago IC (about 20 minutes). Free parking is available. Tsubame Onsen has free wild outdoor baths 'Kogane-no-yu' and 'Kawara-no-yu' within walking distance (closed in winter). It's a quiet mountain hot spring inn where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a secret hot spring.