15 Best Ryokan with Private Onsen in Hokkaido | Luxury Experiences

Photo courtesy of Zaborin

In this article, we will introduce the 15 best ryokan and hotels in Hokkaido with private onsen.

Hokkaido has many hot spring resorts, and there are many ryokan and hotels where you can enjoy private onsen.

We have selected the 15 best ryokans and hotels in Hokkaido based on the following criteria.

• Are they luxurious experiences? This includes not only the onsen but also food and rooms (more than 20,000 yen per person per night)
• Can you enjoy a private bath while using natural hot spring water?
• Is it perfect for couples or families?

We will introduce various ryokan and hotels across Hokkaido, such as Noboribetsu, Jozankei, and Niseko.

The following is a list of inns and hotels in each area.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Noboribetsu Onsen area

  1. Hokkaido Noboribetsu Onsen Ryotei Hanayura
  2. Bourou NOGUCHI Noboribetsu
  3. Noboribetsu Onsenkyo Takinoya

• Jozankei Onsen area

  4. Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei
  5. Chalet Ivy

• Lake Shikotsu Onsen area

  6. Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta

• Niseko Onsen area

  7. Zaborin
  8. Niseko Kombu Onsen Tsuruga Besso Mokunosho

• Lake Toya Onsen area

  9. The Lake View TOYA nonokaze Resort
  10. The Lake Suite KO no SUMIKA

• Lake Akan Onsen area

  11. TSURUGA Akan Yuku no Sato

• Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen area

  12. HOTEL & SPA Century Marina
  13. Heiseikan Shiosai Tei

• Other areas

  14. La Vista Daisetsuzan
  15. Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
• Conclusion

Noboribetsu Onsen area

Noboribetsu is a city in the southern part of Hokkaido known for its hot springs.

If you’re interested in seeing volcanic activity, check out Hell Valley, where all of the onsen water in Noboribetsu originates from. There are beautiful trails through the forest that lead to Oyunuma, a sulfuric lake that can get hotter than 50 C (122 F).

We will introduce a few ryokan where you can relax and enjoy the healing waters.

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1. Ryotei Hanayura (登別温泉 旅亭 花ゆら)

Ryotei Hanayura is a Japanese-style ryokan with a heavy focus on having a pleasant bathing experience. They offer 3 different types of onsen waters, each with different and special properties that can heal chronic diseases, cuts, diabetes, neuralgia, joint pain, anemia, neurosis, rheumatism, and much more.

Enjoy foods local to the Noboribetsu area with their Kaiseki meals. Each menu is crafted with fresh fish, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits.

At Ryotei Hanayura, 3 types of rooms come with private open-air onsen. Check-in is at 2 P.M., so you can drop off your luggage and take a quick soak before heading out for a hike or sightseeing nearby.

They have all the amenities that you could need, including game boards at the front desk, for a relaxing and fun stay.

Ryotei Hanayura has a luxury suite that can sleep up to 6 people. It has a wooden onsen on the outside veranda where you can enjoy nature and the beauty of any Japanese season.

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2. Bourou NOGUCHI Noboribetsu (望楼 NOGUCHI 登別)

Bourou NOGUCHI Noboribetsu is a modern Japanese luxury ryokan. It boasts a bar, library, and luxury shop where they sell their luxury brand of amenities and souvenirs among other specialties from the Noboribetsu region and Hokkaido.

The design of the building was made to combine the most famous onsen in Hokkaido with a western-style and relaxed Japanese atmosphere. Before being served a fresh Japanese kaiseki dinner, try the various spa treatments that are offered, or a stone sauna available for reservation.

Bourou NOGUCHI has multiple different-sized suites with outdoor stone onsen, so you can have your choice of style and comfort. The rooms offer great scenery so you can take in amazing mountain views before bed and when you wake up.

Each room has a private onsen that’s attached to the source of the white healing water from Noboribetsu, so there’s no need to go to the large public onsen unless you want to admire the picturesque Japanese gardens.

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3. Noboribetsu Onsenkyo Takinoya (登別温泉郷 滝乃家)

Noboribetsu Onsenkyo Takinoya is a modern Japanese ryokan with amazing and relaxing rooms to spend time in. Located only a short walk away from Hell Valley (地獄谷), this ryokan boasts smooth hot waters that are said to relieve your tiredness. The onsen waters are also called beautifying waters, or waters for beautiful skin!

They have a Japanese garden with traditional Ainu shrines so that you can appreciate the different native cultures of the Ainu people.

There is also a bar and a massage parlor for guests. Everywhere you look, there is a piece of nature or art to make your experience beautiful.

They have 2 types of rooms with onsen attached. The DW type is a Japanese-style room, and the D type is a Japanese-Western-style room. If you can’t get comfortable sleeping on the floor, book the D type!

In both rooms, the outdoor onsen waters flow straight from the source, so you’ll be getting the same healing effects that are in the large public baths.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

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Jozankei Onsen area

The Jozankei Onsen area is a quaint small onsen town less than an hour outside of Sapporo. It’s located inside the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and because of its proximity to Sapporo, it’s rather developed while nature is still well preserved.

The best time to visit is said to be around mid-October when the gigantic sea of trees all turn yellow and red.

Here are two hotels and ryokan that we recommend you stay at when you visit Jozankei.

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4. Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei (定山渓第一寶亭留 翠山亭)

Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei is a ryokan with many different types of rooms, so you can pick the amenities and features that are perfect for you. From the lounge, you can enjoy a well-kept zen garden while relaxing after a rejuvenating bath.

There is also a relaxation room outfitted with massage chairs and scenes of nature, and a specialty girls spa connected to the hotel.

They have plenty of rooms with private onsen attached, but if you prefer, they also offer private onsen for rent 24 hours a day, for a cost of 3,300 JPY for 40 minutes. The public onsen is open until 3 A.M. the next morning, so you can spend as much time soaking as you want.

Some rooms have HD projectors or large TVs, so you may not even need to leave your room to enjoy a relaxing movie night! The two largest rooms that you can book come with a special 6cm deep bath, so you can lay down and relax in the water without even getting your ears wet.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

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5. Chalet Ivy (シャレーアイビー 定山渓)

Chalet Ivy is a luxury hotel in Jozankei with 26 rooms. If you want something even more private, they also have an exclusive private villa available for booking in the heart of Jozankei.

Zui, the modern kaiseki dining restaurant, offers delicious Hokkaido local ingredients along with a wide selection of fine wine and Japanese sake.

Between the natural healing powers of the onsen, and the spa menu that incorporates traditional Ainu healing, there’s no doubt that you will wake up feeling refreshed and better than ever.

Each room comes with an onsen attached, with water straight for the source, and a view of the beautiful Jozankei landscape. The main difference between each of the room types is their size and how many people they sleep.

Because there are beds and tatami mat resting areas in each room, don’t worry if you have trouble falling asleep on the floor or feel like you’re missing out on a traditional Japanese experience. You can have both!

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Lake Shikotsu Onsen area

Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake, formed where the ground collapsed after large bouts of volcanic activity. Many small stores offer boat, bicycle, and scuba gear rentals, and because Lake Shikotsu is largely undeveloped, you can enjoy the beautiful sights of Japan’s natural untouched landscape.

Mount Tarumae is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes and has erupted last in 1981. You can climb Mount Tarumae in less than an hour, and it has amazing views of the Lake. Tourists are allowed to circle the top of the mountain, but entering the crater at the top is not permitted due to poisonous gases and other dangers.

Below is a hotel that we recommend if you plan on visiting Lake Shikotsu.

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6. Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizuno Uta (しこつ湖 鶴雅リゾートスパ 水の謌)

Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizuno Uta is a hotel that was designed based around water. Mizuno Uta means “The song of the water” in Japanese, and you can feel it from the second you walk in.

They have live harp concerts throughout the day, a cafe, a bar, a sweets shop, and a hamburger cart that specializes in using ingredients local to the Hokkaido area. You can choose between a buffet and a Japanese-style kaiseki restaurant for dinner.

After taking a soak, you’ll notice that your skin may be softer and more moisturized. This is a natural effect of the volcanic mineral water. It is also said to reduce the symptoms of nerve and joint pain. The spa is top-notch, with facial and body massages.

There are 7 types of rooms and plenty of choices between Japanese and Western styles. If you want to enjoy the natural onsen water from your room’s attached private onsen, make sure that you pick a room that is attached to the source water. Some of the private onsen attached to rooms offer a type of milky rejuvenating water that differs from the onsen source.

Whichever room you decided on, just know that there will be plenty of places to relax and various facilities available for you to use. Don’t forget to check out the pillow gallery, where you can choose your preferred type of pillow before heading to bed.

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Niseko Onsen area

Niseko is one of the most famous ski resorts in Japan, known for its spectacular light powder snow. Because of its popularity, it is very welcoming to tourists, especially ones who love to hit the ski trails.

There are many different types of passes and tickets for purchase that give you access to many different trails and resorts. Try a helicopter tour for stunning views of Mount Yotei and Mount Niseko-Annupuri.

If you plan on staying in the Niseko-Annupuri, here are two ryokan that we recommend booking.

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7. Zaborin (坐忘林)

Zaborin is a very special and luxury experience. Being given the highest Michelin award for hotels, 5 Red Pavilions, and the World Building of the year shortlist at the World Architecture Festival in 2016, you know that the architecture and hospitality at Zaborin is nothing to underestimate.

Zaborin is hidden in the woods, located in the perfect spot for amazing views of Mount Yotei. It has a signature fine dining menu that uses fresh seasonal ingredients, cooked by an award-winning chef who was born in Hokkaido.

There is no communal public onsen, but don’t worry, as each of the 15 villa suites has its own private indoor and private outdoor onsen. The water is sourced from the hot volcanic springs and is rich in minerals. The water is said to be in of the top 10% of mineral-rich springs in Japan.

During any season appreciate the beauties of nature from the luxuries of your villa. We recommend visiting in winter, where you can wake up to a white blanket of snow stretching out across the wooded and mountainous landscape. Enjoy a Shinrin’yoku, or forest bath, and absorb the energy of the forest.

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8. Niseko Kombu Onsen Tsuruga Besso Mokuno Sho (ニセコ昆布温泉 鶴雅別荘 杢の抄)

Mokuno Sho is a Japanese ryokan that honors the traditional Japanese aesthetic. Throughout the halls, appreciate beautiful Japanese art pieces and designs. Visit their activity counter in the morning to plan your day on the slopes in the winter, or find the best trails to hike in the summer.

They offer group and private ski and snowboard lessons for full days and half days. For most advanced skiers, they also offer cross-country ski tours.

Before heading out, enjoy toasting a marshmallow in the lobby while reading a book from their library, or listening to your favorite songs in their special surround sound music listening space.

After a long day of winter activities, rest in the rejuvenating spring water and heal your body. The public onsen is open from 3 P.M. to 10 A.M. the next day, so there’s no need to worry about the bath being closed. You can also rent a private onsen for 50 minutes at 2,000 JPY.

If you want some alone time with a loved one, or want to bring your family for an unforgettable experience, book a suite that has a private outdoor onsen attached. You won’t regret it! There is even a suite room with a private sauna attached. If this interests you, check it Mokuno Sho.

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Lake Toya Onsen area

Lake Toya is part of the Shikotsu Toya National park and is situated next to Mount Usu, an active volcano that last erupted in the year 2000. Check out the Usuzan West craters which were created by the 2000 eruptions, and take the Usuzan Ropeway to get to the top of Mount Usu for a great view of Lake Toya and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Take a ferry to the island in the middle of Lake Toya, Nakajima Island, and enjoy the peaceful nature and museums cut off from the rest of the world.

Below are two hotels that we recommend staying at if you plan on visiting Lake Toya.

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9. The Lake View TOYA Nonokaze Resort (ザレイクビューＴＯＹＡ乃の風リゾート)

The Lakeview TOYA Nonokaze Resort is perfect for those who want to enjoy the best pleasures of summer. The public onsen, TENQOO is located on the rooftop, which is perfect for enjoying the firework shows that are held every night from the end of April to October.

With an amazing view of the lake and the surrounding mountain range, watch the boat that carries the fireworks pass by the hotel at around 8:50 P.M.

For dining, they have a lake view kaiseki restaurant with a high-quality buffet. Enjoy delicious sweets and fresh local foods. For 1,650 JPY, you can even order a cake plate for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

Nonokaze Resort does not offer rooms with private onsen attached. They do have a private onsen for rent at 3,300 JPY for 50 minutes. Each room, even the rooms that allow dogs on the first floor, faces the lake, meaning you can see Lake Toya and Nakajima Island from every room.

Something special about Nonokaze is the stone sauna that they offer for rent. Up to 3 people can enter, and you can rent the room at 3,300 JPY for 50 minutes until midnight.

It is said that the stone bath will improve your metabolism and your skin will become smooth and moist. As the flow of blood and lymph becomes smoother, it will treat swelling and stiff joints.

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10. The Lake Suite KO no SUMIKA (ザ・レイクスイート湖の栖)

At The Lake Suite KO no SUMIKA hotel, every room is equipped with an open-air onsen and a great view of Lake Toya. SUMIKA has a salon, gym, library lounge with free drinks and snacks, and a specialty store that sells good local to the Lake Toya area like glass crafts, textiles, drinks, ice creams, and cheeses.

SUMIKA offers a fine dining kaiseki restaurant and an all-you-can-eat buffet for guests, perfect for filling up on delicious fresh food before watching the fireworks from your room or your private onsen in the summer.

The large communal onsen has an amazing view of the lake and includes a jacuzzi, a cold-water bath, a sauna, and an indoor bath. The communal open-air onsen are built with a cool infinity design so that they look like they’re floating over the lake.

After getting out of the onsen, enjoy an Oropo drink, made with Oronamin C, the vitamin drink, and Pocari Sweat, the sports drink.

Each room has large windows that face the lake, and a stone onsen bath that’s connected to the source. If you want more greenery in your view, book the garden terrace room to enjoy a lush green garden landscape.

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Lake Akan Onsen area

Lake Akan is a beautiful crater lake famous for its marimo moss, beautiful green moss balls that can grow to be the size of soccer balls when left alone. These algae growths are so famous, not only have they been designated as a National Special Natural Monument, but a mascot based on them has been created to encourage tourism to the region.

Visit a bubbling mud pool, also known as bokke, take a boat tour of Lake Akan, or visit an Ainu culture museum. Lake Akan is 90 minutes away from Kushiro by car or 110 minutes by bus. It’s located in the northern part of Hokkaido, so be prepared for the season!

Below is a hotel that we recommend if you plan on going to Lake Akan.

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11. Akan Yuku no Sato (あかん遊久の里 鶴雅)

If you enjoy traditional Japanese art, you have to check out Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga. It’s a hotel on the shore of Lake Akan, one of the most unique locations in Japan. Akan Yuku combines traditional Japanese wood carvings, paintings, and architecture to create an original hotel experience.

There are many different room types, so if you want to book a room with a private onsen, make sure you choose a Bekkan room. The Komorebi room type includes a jet bath, which is not connected to the onsen source.

If you’re okay with reserving the rental onsen and skipping a room with a private onsen, you won’t be disappointed, as many of the rooms are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind.

They have 2 public onsen and one private onsen available for reservation when you check-in. If you have time, we recommend checking out the onsen on the 8th floor, where you can relax with a panoramic view of the Lake and Mount Oakan.

You can also experience fine dining that uses the fresh local ingredients from Hokkaido. The hotel’s restaurants include a buffet-style restaurant called Tenga, and a traditional Japanese kaiseki restaurant called Kitarikyu.

If you decide to dine at Kitarikyu, just know that the last seating time is at 7 P.M., and dinner service could easily last over an hour.

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Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen area

Because Hakodate was one of the first cities to open its port to international trade after Japan’s era of isolation, many overseas and western influences can be seen throughout the city.

Hakodate is Hokkaido’s 3rd largest city and is known for its delicious seafood at the morning market, Mount Hakodate, the Red Brick Warehouses, and Onuma Park.

One of the main tourist attractions is Fort Goryokaku, a western-style fortress built by the Tokugawa shogunate. Since its use as a battlefield in the late 1800s, it has been turned into a beautiful public park with over 1000 cherry blossom trees. The blooming season is in early May.

Below are two luxury hotels that we recommend booking if you decide to stay in Hakodate.

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12. HOTEL & SPA Century Marina (センチュリーマリーナ函館)

Century Marina is a hotel located near the port in Hakodate. The whole concept of Century Marina is that you feel like you’re on a luxury cruise, without the seasickness.

It’s a 5-minute walk from Hakodate Station and a 20-minute drive from Hakodate airport. Take the ropeway and check out Mount Hakodate Observatory for beautiful views of the stars at night.

They pride themselves on the sleep that they can give guests, with high-quality mattresses, a pillow bar to choose the right level of firmness, and an aroma bar where you can take your favorite relaxing scent back to your room.

They have a Natural Onsen Spa on the 14th-floor that’s open all night. Also on the 14th floor is a lounge with soft drinks and snacks for order. If the 14th-floor spa isn’t to your liking, check out the 15th-floor infinity open-air bath. You can see the stars and the bay, and then get a massage before going to bed.

If you want a room with a private onsen attached, you’ll have to book a suite on the Royal 13th-floor. The rooms come with a private onsen connected to the onsen source along with a view.

If you don’t book one, don’t worry, there are plenty of amenities and things to do like grabbing a local Hokkaido beer or wine from the bar. Like other western hotels, Century Marina doesn’t serve dinner.

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13. Heiseikan Shiosai Tei (平成館 しおさい亭)

Heiseikan Shiosai Tei is located in the south of Hakodate and sits right on the beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait. It’s a 13-minute drive from JR Hakodate Station, a 12-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, and a 20-minute drive from the ferry terminal.

Enjoy a soak while listening to the sounds of the ocean from the 4th-floor open-air public onsen or the 7th-floor ocean outlook onsen. After your bath, enjoy the freshest seafood in their high-class buffet dining, Ocean Terrace.

If you prefer to soak in a private onsen, you’ll have to book a room with an open-air onsen attached, as they don’t have any private onsen available for reservation. The rooms that come with private onsen attached overlook the ocean, so you’ll be able to relax in a private bath above the waves.

The Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats are wide and can sleep up to 5 people, while the western style rooms can only sleep a maximum of 2. Check-in is 2 P.M., so you can drop off your luggage and take a quick bath before going out and exploring what Hakodate has to offer.

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Other areas

Here are some hotels with private onsen that are separated from already famous places.

We think that these hotels are luxurious and worth the extra travel effort. Keep in mind that the best spots are far removed from society.

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14. La Vista Daisetsuzan (ラビスタ大雪山)

La Vista Daisetsuzan is quite a bit out of the way and is almost completely surrounded by nature. They’ll send a car to pick you up from Asahikawa Station or take a taxi for an hour. If you’re flying into Asahikawa Airport, it’ll only be a 40-minute taxi ride. For their transportation service, reserve ahead of time and give them a call when you arrive.

La Vista Daisetsuzan is a classic western-style hotel with Japanese elements. Get a massage in the relaxation spa, pick your favorite pillow from their pillow corner, and then choose between their 2 restaurants for dinner.

You can dine at Nonno, their western-style fine dining restaurant, or Nupuri, their Japanese-style nabe restaurant. Take a walk around the art gallery if you want to appreciate some works by people from Hokkaido

Each room gives has access to high-quality coffee and the sleeping corner, which offers a variety of amenities to give guests the best night of sleep possible. They are trying to give the hotel a luxury European feeling, so there aren’t any rooms that have a private onsen attached.

In the public onsen, try taking a nap in the open-air sleeping bath. You may notice that you have reduced muscle pain, reduced joint pain, and recovery from fatigue.

If you want to get some privacy in rejuvenating waters, you’ll have to get to 1 of the 3 private rental onsen. There is no reserve system and it’s first come first serve. Make sure to turn the sign to “occupied” before going in! Enjoy free probiotic milk or milk ice cream after your bath!

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15. Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort (北こぶし知床 ホテル＆リゾート)

Kitakobushi is a hotel located in the north of Hokkaido, in Shiretoko national park. It is 2 hours away from Memanbetsu Airport by car, 3 and a half hours away from Kushiro Airport by car, and 4 and a half hours away from Asahikawa by car.

Kitakobushi is a luxury resort built right in the middle of a world heritage site. Shiretoko offers guests the ultimate relaxation experience. They offer fine dining with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients local to Shiretoko, and unlimited panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk. Go in the winter to see a sea of white ice and snow that extends beyond the horizon.

Each of the open-air public onsen have infinite views of the sea, perfect for a calm and relaxing evening while enjoying nature. Book a room with a fireplace and outdoor private onsen combination for the best experience.

They do not have rental private onsen, so if you want to enjoy one you’ll have to book a room with an outdoor private onsen attached.

If you stay at Kitakobushi, you have to check out the Sauna with a view. They have 2 Saunas that overlook the Sea, where you can spend as much time as you need relaxing as you sweat all of your stress away.

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Conclusion

Did you find the hotel or ryokan with a private onsen that you were looking for?

Hokkaido is the largest prefecture with the most beautiful and untouched nature. It might take longer than a week to explore everything that Hokkaido has to offer!

Not only do they boast some of the best-powdered snow for skiing and snowboarding, but they also have the best milk and potato products in all of Japan.

Go in the summer to experience the ultimate outdoor adventure, or go in the winter to enjoy the calming snow.

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In Japan, you’ll want to be connected without missing out on high speed data and internet!

By reserving online before departing, you can

• Lower your rental fees
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