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Discover the Magic of Onsen: Nature's Healing Hot Springs
Have you ever wondered why hot springs have been a go-to for relaxation and rejuvenation since forever? It’s not just about a soak – there’s real magic in those bubbling waters.
Imagine this: billions of years ago, Earth was a wild place, with no protective ozone layer, just harsh radiation from space. But deep in the sea, something incredible was happening. Hot water, super-hot at 400 degrees Celsius, bursting from what we now call “deep-sea hydrothermal vents.” And guess what? That’s where life began, right there in those warm waters!
Fast forward to today, and that ancient memory still lives in us. So, when you sink into an onsen, you’re not just relaxing – you’re tapping into the life-giving energy of our planet. No wonder people have loved Onsen for centuries! (Reference: “Why Was Life Born” by Ken Takai)
Ready to experience the magic? Here are the top 6 onsen places we recommend in Hokkaido.
Related: Top 5 Relaxation Onsen Hotels in Niseko for Soothing Summer Escape
Shiriuchi Onsen 知内温泉
Shiriuchi Onsen is a hot spring located in Shiriuchi, Hokkaido, Japan. It is known for being the oldest hot spring facility in Hokkaido, with a history of over 800 years. This hidden gem is about a 1-hour drive from downtown Hakodate.
The Onsen is a hydrogen carbonate spring, which is one of the “three beauties of the spring” in Japan. The water contains calcium deposits that can be seen spreading around the bathing room. In addition, it has five springs gush forth, including iron springs, carbonated springs, and bright springs, which are effective for bruises, cuts, and neuralgia, with effectiveness for burns.
Shiriuchi Onsen facility offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. There is a single outdoor bath available for both men and women, offers a unique and authentic hot spring experience in a tranquil setting. Visitors can enjoy the therapeutic properties of the hydrogen carbonate spring while immersing themselves in the rich history of this ancient hot spring facility.
Website: shiriuchionsen.com
Address: 284 Yunosato, Shiriuchi, Kamiiso District, Hokkaido 049-1221日本
Google Location
Tel: +81 139 26 2341
Futamata Onsen
二股らぢうむ温泉
One of the highlights of Futamata Onsen is its impressive travertine dome, which stands at a height of 25 meters. This natural formation is one of the largest of its kind globally, one in Yellowstone National Park, USA, and the other here at Futamata Onsen.
What’s special about Futamata Onsen is that there’s a component called “radon,” which is a form of radium. Even though it’s just a tiny amount, radon, when it enters your body, can make your blood and cells more active, boosting metabolism. This improved circulation can help ease stiffness and pain, as well as eliminate waste from your body. The hot spring waters of Futamata Onsen are believed to have various health benefits. Many visitors come to the onsen seeking relief and relaxation.
Futamata Onsen also provides various facilities to enhance visitors’ experience. These may include traditional Japanese-style accommodations, traditional Japanese tea rooms and restaurants serving local cuisine, for the guests can stay and enjoy the onsen at their leisure.
Website: www.futamata-onsen.com
Address: 32 Omine, Oshamambe, Yamakoshi District, Hokkaido 049-3501日本
Google Location
Tel: +81 137 72 4383
Obokoso Ryokan in Yakumo Onsen
おぼこ荘
In 1971, when Mr. Kitaguchi Morishige became the mayor of Yakumo Town, he decided to fix up a hot spring spot.
One of the famous Yakumo Onsen, Obokoso ryokan, its indoor baths are filled with soft, soothing water, known locally as “beauty water,” perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring. Step outside and immerse yourself in our large outdoor baths, where you can soak in the mineral-rich, golden-brown waters that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Obokoso ryokan provides a range of comfortable and traditional Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western style for guests to choose from. During the stay, you also can indulge in kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meals and open-hearth cuisine, featuring dishes made with fresh and local ingredients, including seafood from Uchiura Bay. The combination of delicious food and the serene atmosphere adds to the overall experience at Obokosou.
Website: www.h-ffs.com/oboko
Address: 622 Namarikawa, Yakumo, Futami District, Hokkaido 049-3128, Japan
Google Location
Tel: +81 137 63 3123
Ryotei Hanayura in Noboribetsu Onsen
旅亭 花ゆら
Ryotei Hanayura is situated in the world-famous Noboribetsu Onsen, a renowned for therapeutic waters and dramatic landscapes in Hokkaido, Japan.
Natural spring waters cascade down from Jigokudani (Hell Valley), creating a unique array of baths with nine distinct types of water. The mineral-rich waters of volcanic onsens contain various minerals such as sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, which are believed to have healing properties. These onsens can help alleviate muscle aches, joint pain, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Milky hot spring water with a sulfurous smell runs over the bathtubs in the gender-segregated public open-air baths, where you can enjoy the natural scenery of Noboribetsu while soaking in the hot spring. The guest rooms command a fine view of Noboribetsu Onsen, and many of them come with open-air cypress baths. You can enjoy authentic kaiseki meals at a private dining room or at the restaurant.
Website: www.hanayura.com
Address: 100 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
Google Location
Tel: +81 143 84 2322
Jozankei Yuraku Souan
定山渓 ゆらく草庵
Jozankei Yuraku Souan is a luxurious ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel) located in the scenic Jozankei Onsen area of Hokkaido, Japan. It is located about an hour’s drive from Sapporo, making it easily accessible for visitors.
The hot springs flowing through the town of Jozankei Onsen are characterized by their colorless and transparent appearance, with a gentle saltiness that is typical of sodium chloride springs (neutral low salinity high-temperature springs), renowned for their efficacy in treating conditions such as anemia. Offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, offers a serene and rejuvenating experience for guests seeking relaxation and immersion in nature.
Website: https://dormy-hotels.com/resort/hotels/yurakusoan/
Address: 3 Chome-228-1 Jozankeionsenhigashi, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301, Japan
Google Location
Tel: +81 115 95 3001
Kotan no Yu in Teshikaga Town
コタンの湯
Kotan no Yu is an open-air bath nestled by the shore of Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido. Known as a hidden gem, it boasts spacious stone tubs facing the expansive lake. While a large rock in the middle divides genders, it’s essentially a mixed-gender bath.
The water surface of the bath is almost level with the lake, offers a unique and immersive bathing experience, making it feel as if you are actually immersed in the lake itself, , offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. In winter, graceful swans float right before your eyes, as if you’re bathing alongside them. And during the golden twilight when the lake turns into a canvas of shimmering gold, the beauty is simply breathtaking.
Kotan no Yu like many hot springs in Hokkaido, Kotan no Yu is believed to have therapeutic benefits. It is said to be effective against conditions such as neuralgia and movement disorders. When visiting Kotan no Yu, it is important to follow proper etiquette and respect the local customs and rules of the hot spring.
Hokkaido’s onsens offer not just a chance to relax and rejuvenate, but also a glimpse into the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage. From the tranquil forests surrounding Noboribetsu to the picturesque lakeside baths of Kotan no Yu, each onsen tells a story of healing, tradition, and connection to the land. Whether you seek relief from ailments or simply wish to unwind amidst breathtaking scenery, Hokkaido’s onsens provide a sanctuary for the body, mind, and soul. So, immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters, embrace the serenity of nature, and embark on a journey of wellness and discovery in Japan’s northern paradise.