As its name suggests, Iwanai Kogen Hotel is a hot spring inn located on a plateau in the town of Iwanai. The natural hot springs, enjoyed from a superb location on high ground, offer an undeniably wonderful experience. Why not immerse yourself in a feeling of serene relaxation with their skin-beautifying waters, flowing 100% directly from the source?

Iwanai Kogen Hotel stands on a plateau overlooking the town of Iwanai. The vast 66,000-square-meter grounds feature walking trails, creating a tranquil and leisurely atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of Iwanai Kogen Hotel

When choosing a hot spring, the quality of the water is important, but so is the location. In this regard, the impeccable setting of Iwanai Kogen Hotel builds excitement and anticipation. Let's head straight to the large public bath! For this article, I was given special permission to enter the men's bath.

Unfortunately, the open-air bath (rotenburo) in the large public bath area is closed during the winter due to slippery and dangerous conditions. It was a shame I couldn't use it during my visit! Still, I was able to fully enjoy the scenery from the large windows, making for a luxurious experience.

The clear, colorless water is a sodium chloride bicarbonate spring, renowned for its skin-beautifying properties.

In addition to the large indoor bath, there is also a sauna and a cold water bath. There's also a tub labeled "Bath of Longevity." It felt slightly hotter than the adjacent indoor bath, warming my body to the core.

Just when I thought I'd have to wait until spring for an open-air bath, I learned that Iwanai Kogen Hotel has two types of private, reservable baths where the open-air baths can be enjoyed year-round. I couldn't pass up this opportunity! So, the first one I visited was "Hoshi-no-yu" (Bath of Stars).

And here is the open-air bath at Hoshi-no-yu! The magnificent view I had been seeking was simply breathtaking. You can see the expansive Sea of Japan and even the Shakotan Peninsula in the distance.

I also visited the other private bath, "Gin-no-yu" (Bath of Silver). It's the perfect size for families or couples to relax and enjoy the skin-beautifying waters.

The giant icicles right before my eyes were a classic Hokkaido winter scene. The open-air bath at Gin-no-yu is a bathtub style. It felt unique, like a blend of the extraordinary and the everyday. By the way, the private baths can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis upon check-in.

True to its slogan, "An Inn of Peace and Healing," Iwanai Kogen Hotel is also highly regarded for its cuisine and accommodations. You can spend a luxurious time soaking in the hot springs while gazing down at the night view of Iwanai town, and in the morning, take a walk on the trails while listening to the chirping of birds.

Why not add this wonderful experience to a page in your travel journal?

*If you want to get a better feel for the hot springs at Iwanai Kogen Hotel, please check out our YouTube channel, "Howatto Yumeguri Hokkaido"!