Onsen Guide Overview

An onsen is a Japanese hot spring that has natural minerals in the water that adds to the texture and smell of the bath. We traveled all over Hokkaido from Lake Toya to the Daisetsuzan National Park to experience the top onsens. As we stopped by each onsen we saved detailed notes and made many observations that we wished we were aware of before arriving. Japan has over 3,000 onsens and this guide will help you navigate the top onsens in Hokkaido based on what you’re looking for.

Take a look at our guide intro to understand how we’ve written this guide and for helpful background information!

Onsen Guide Filters

Location: Niseko Area / Northern Hokkaido

Rating: 1/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5

Authenticity: 1/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 5/5

Brian Friedman Brian Friedman

Hōheikyō Hot Spring

Hōheikyō Hot Spring was listed as #1 in Japan by TripAdvisor in 2013 for “Day Trip Hot Spring Facility”.

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Rob Elkin Rob Elkin

Goshiki Onsen And Hotel

Located at the base of both Annupuri and Iwaonupuri mountains, this onsen gets a lot of attention from backcountry riders due to its convenient location

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Andre Gollner Andre Gollner

Kyokoku Onsen

Soak up the natural onsen minerals as well as stunning views of Mt.Yotei from the outdoor pool. Their onsen and meal deal for ¥1000 is the best deal we’ve seen by far.

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Andre Gollner Andre Gollner

The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort

Located within the Nonokaze Resort alongside beautiful Lake Toya this top tier onsen is probably one of, if not, the best on all of Hokkaido.

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Brian Friedman Brian Friedman

A-BRAND Golf Club

A-BRAND Golf Club is an elegant and large stone castle that looks like it should be located in rural Scotland.

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Brian Friedman Brian Friedman

Yugokorotei

Yugokorotei has a very large open-air outdoor bath with a constant supply of fresh hot spring water.

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Brian Friedman Brian Friedman

Makkari Hot Spring (真狩温泉)

Makkari Hot Spring (真狩温泉) has a direct view of the iconic Mount Yotei from its open-air outside bath, which is hand built out of local stones.

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