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 3/4/20 Brian Friedman 3/4/20

Niseko Kiranoyu Onsen (ニセコ駅前温泉綺羅乃湯)

In December 2019 Niseko Kiranoyu Onsen was renovated. We heard from locals that we had to visit Niseko Kiranoyu Onsen.

Rob Elkin 3/3/20 Rob Elkin 3/3/20

Fukiage Hot Spring Health Center

While in the Furano area, we asked many locals to point us to the best onsen in the area, and almost every answer we got was to visit Fukiage, high praise!

Brian Friedman 3/2/20 Brian Friedman 3/2/20

Forest SPA

Forest SPA is located across the river south of downtown Asahikawa.

Andre Gollner 3/2/20 Andre Gollner 3/2/20

Yusenkaku Konbugawa (昆布川温泉 )

Yusenkaku, meaning “hidden hot spring” could not be a more fitting name for this onsen.

Andre Gollner 2/24/20 Andre Gollner 2/24/20

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.