7 Best Onsen (Hot Springs) in Hokkaido: Noboribetsu, Jozankei, Lake Toya & More

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Are you an onsen enthusiast? Heading to the countryside, staying at a ryokan and soaking in hot-spring baths is one of the classic ways to enjoy a trip in Japan — and it is a style foreign visitors are increasingly adopting.

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Hokkaido is one of the most popular regions for onsen. Foreign visitors mostly know it for its ski resorts, snow festivals and national parks, but for the Japanese it is just as famous for its hot-spring towns. Thanks to Hokkaido's vast size, you will find many different types of spring water here.

Here are 7 of the best onsen in all of Hokkaido.

1. Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉) is one of the best-known hot-spring towns not only in Hokkaido but across Japan, drawing both Japanese and foreign visitors. If you are an onsen enthusiast, this is a must-visit.

Its popularity comes from abundant surrounding nature and easy access from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. It is also rich in spring water, boasting 9 different types, each with its own properties and effects.

Beyond the baths, Noboribetsu has plenty to see. The most famous landmark is Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where you can walk around and view the source of the thermal water amid beautiful scenery. Nearby there is also an aquarium, a horse park, a bear park and even an Edo-period theme park.

2. Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei Onsen (定山渓温泉) is just one hour from Sapporo and has over 150 years of history. Hugely popular among Hokkaido locals, it remains relatively little-known to foreign visitors — a great chance to enjoy the hot springs the way locals do.

Set in a mountainous area, its appeal is soaking in outdoor baths while taking in beautiful views, which is especially rewarding in autumn and winter.

Around the onsen you can visit Jozankei Shrine (定山渓神社), the southernmost Shinto shrine in Sapporo, and the Iwato Kannondo (岩戸観音堂), an unconventional Buddhist temple that looks small but connects to a cave about 120 metres deep. Both are regarded as spiritually charged landmarks.

3. Lake Toya Onsen (Toyako Onsen)

Lake Toya Onsen (洞爺湖温泉) is another hugely popular hot-spring area, sitting right beside Lake Toya.

Its biggest draw is watching the beautiful lake change appearance throughout the day. Lake Toya is a nearly perfect circle-shaped caldera lake, and there are many sites and activities around it.

You can take a cruise around the lake or stroll along its shore, enjoying the cool breeze and scenery, passing art installations along the way, with shops and cafes for breaks. Depending on the season, you may even catch fireworks over the lake.

4. Yunokawa Onsen

If you want a hot-spring experience paired with a lively city atmosphere, Yunokawa Onsen (湯の川温泉) is worth considering. It sits within Hakodate, right in the city, so there is plenty to do beyond the baths.

Its first appeal is its seaside location, which means two things: relaxing sea views and fresh, delicious seafood.

For a taste of the city, head to Goryokaku (五稜郭), a star-shaped park that was once a fort over 150 years ago, with a tower beside it offering views over the city and the sea. And being in the city, you will find countless restaurants and shops.

5. Kawayu Onsen

The onsen so far sit on Hokkaido's west side. Kawayu Onsen (川湯温泉) is on the east, near Lake Kussharo (屈斜路湖), another of Hokkaido's large and beautiful lakes.

The spring water here is famous for its high acidity, said to be good for skin problems. With a large source of hot water, the facilities can keep a constant flow, guaranteeing fresh spring water.

Beyond the baths, you can watch swans gathering at Lake Kussharo — there is even a foot-bath where you can soak while enjoying the view. The Lake Mashu first observatory is a 10-minute bus ride away. Being far from the city, the night sky here is spectacular.

6. Sounkyo Onsen

The appeal of Sounkyo Onsen is that there is something to do in every season. In summer you can hike, camp and golf, while winter brings winter sports and night illuminations.

Soaking in the hot springs after an active day is one of the best ways to enjoy an onsen. Relax in an outdoor bath while admiring the beautiful gorges, whose scenery changes dramatically with the seasons.

Uniquely, this onsen town is modelled after Canadian mountain resorts. Its centre is known as "Canyon Mall", home to hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants.

7. Tokachigawa Onsen

Located on the plains of the Tokachi area, Tokachigawa Onsen (十勝川温泉) is the last hot-spring resort on this list.

Its water is unique — a reddish-brown transparent hue rich in plant-based components with high moisturising effects that smooth the skin, making it especially popular with female visitors.

Beyond the hot springs, Tokachi is all about beautiful landscapes. The area is very flat, making it perfect for renting a bike and exploring.

Visit in May for one of Japan's most beautiful cherry blossom sites, or in summer for the sunflower fields. You can also visit Tokachi Ranch, a 4,092-hectare farm full of photogenic scenery and livestock.

And since Tokachi is mostly farmland, you can taste fresh local vegetables, meat, cheese and more.

Summary

As you can see, onsen differ greatly by location — the spring water properties, surrounding landscapes and even the food all vary within the same prefecture.

Enjoying each season's unique qualities while bathing in an outdoor onsen is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and we recommend it to everyone visiting Japan. This seasonal atmosphere is especially strong in Hokkaido, so if you are planning a visit, don't miss the chance to try an onsen.

※Important note: although some onsen are starting to accept guests with tattoos, they remain a minority. We recommend asking before making reservations.

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