Ryounkaku is Hokkaido's highest-altitude hot spring inn, located at 1,280 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Tokachidake in the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range. Named 'Ryounkaku' meaning 'a building exceeding the clouds,' it opened in 1963 (Showa 38). Situated within Daisetsuzan National Park, it serves as a base for mountaineering and is certified by the 'Japan Association of Secluded Hot Springs.'

The inn's greatest feature is two distinct hot spring sources. The iron-rich, tea-brown 'iron spring' warms the body effectively and prevents heat loss, while the transparent 'acidic spring' (pH 2.3, approximately 30°C) has antibacterial properties and tightens the skin. The spring quality is calcium-sodium sulfate spring with a source temperature of 53°C and a flow rate of 250 liters per minute, offering 100% natural flowing hot spring water without heating or dilution.

The views from the open-air bath at 1,280m elevation are spectacular, with the Tokachidake mountain range stretching before you and sometimes a sea of clouds below. On clear days, visitors can enjoy brilliant red sunsets and planetarium-like starry night skies. During autumn foliage season (late August to mid-September), Japan's earliest autumn colors can be seen, with particularly stunning mountain-wide foliage from mid to late September.

The two-story wooden inn has 14 rooms (10 Japanese-style and 2 Western-style) with a capacity of 50 guests. Bath facilities include a 65°C sauna and 18°C cold water bath. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to encounter Ezo deer, Hokkaido foxes, Ezo squirrels, and pikas. Popular with hikers as it's near the trailheads for Mount Tokachidake and Mount Biei.