Hokkaido is a region blessed with beautiful nature, offering countless spectacular views. It's also home to many hidden and famous hot springs, perfect for those looking to relax during their trip. In this article, we'll introduce 15 must-visit secret and renowned onsen in Hokkaido. Get ready for a journey to rejuvenate your mind and body at these wonderful hot spring spots!

Toyotomi Onsen is known for its unique, oily spring water, a quality rarely found anywhere else in Japan. Characterized by a faint smell of petroleum, its waters are highly moisturizing and heat-retaining, earning it a reputation as a 'beauty-enhancing' spring. In recent years, it has gained attention from those with chronic skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, drawing many visitors from across the country for hot spring therapy (toji).

Seseki Onsen is a hot spring made of stones set right in the ocean. This wild and dynamic onsen presents a unique challenge: it's inaccessible at high tide when it's submerged by the sea, and can be too hot at low tide as the 64°C (147°F) spring water isn't diluted. It gained national fame after appearing in the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" (From the North Country) and now attracts onsen enthusiasts and lovers of hidden gems from all over Japan.

Yoroushi Onsen was discovered and developed in 1916 by Takeshige Nishimura. Even after celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, it continues to send up plumes of steam amidst the changing seasonal scenery, and occasionally, Blakiston's fish owls make an appearance. While there were once several inns bustling with therapeutic bathers, today only "Yuyado Daiichi" (opened in 1972) remains in operation.

Located in Teshikaga Town within the Kussharo Caldera, the largest volcanic caldera in Japan, Kawayu Onsen is fed by abundant hot spring water heated by underground magma. This gives it a unique volcanic water quality. The highly acidic water, strong enough to dissolve a nail left in it, is said to have a beautifying effect on the skin by dissolving old keratin and leaving it smooth.

The 'moor' spring that gushes forth in this onsen town is a rare type of water designated as a Hokkaido Heritage site. At the spa attached to the "Roadside Station Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen," you can casually enjoy the moor spring in a swimsuit. Additionally, the nearby Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons, set against the backdrop of the area's magnificent nature.

This renowned hot spring boasts a history of over 100 years and has many free-flowing sources. The 11 luxurious baths, each with its own unique therapeutic properties, are fed directly from the source and are available for day-trippers. For overnight stays, a secluded inn stands quietly in a separate building, offering an exclusive charm with its limited number of rooms. Nearby, within the campground, is the popular free natural open-air bath, "Shika no Yu."

This is a hidden hot spring that has been operating for over 100 years deep in the mountains, surrounded by a primeval forest. Here, you can relax while listening to the murmuring of the river and the chirping of wild birds. The onsen has maintained its 100% natural, free-flowing spring water since its opening, and the view from the open-air bath allows you to feel the beauty of nature in every season.

A golden sunset, and in winter, swans swimming right before your eyes. You can have this spectacular view all to yourself at "Kotan no Yu," a hidden hot spring on the shore of Lake Kussharo. While there are other free open-air baths nearby like "Ike no Yu" and "Wakoto Onsen," the view from Kotan no Yu is truly breathtaking. It is also well-maintained by local residents, allowing you to fully enjoy a sense of unity with nature.

Goshiki Onsen Ryokan boasts two locations for its free-flowing spring water: a large indoor bath and an open-air bath where you can enjoy the rich natural scenery. The name "Goshiki" (meaning five colors) is said to come from the fact that it has five types of water qualities, whereas typical onsen have only about two, and also because the sulfur in the water makes the color of the bath appear to change into five different colors depending on the day. It's the perfect onsen to soak in and warm up a body chilled from skiing or hiking.

This is a popular natural open-air bath, one of the few of its kind in Japan located right on the seashore. Hot spring water, heated by the volcanic source of Mt. Esan, bubbles up on the coast, creating a dynamic onsen with its pools set within the ocean itself. A unique feature is that bathing times change daily with the tides; at high tide, the bath is submerged, and it can only be entered during low tide.

Located a short distance from the Jozankei Onsen town, Sapporo's 'back parlor,' Hoheikyo Onsen is popular as a renowned hot spring with water flowing directly from the source. The open-air bath, surrounded by magnificent nature, is one of the largest in Japan, offering a wonderful sense of openness. At night, it's lit up, creating a magical atmosphere with rising steam. A visit after enjoying winter sports at a nearby ski resort will surely soothe your fatigue in a snow-viewing open-air bath. Their famous authentic curry is also highly recommended.

The charm of this ryokan lies in its natural open-air bath, where hot water wells up from the ground beneath your feet—a rare feature found in only about 20 places in Japan—and its scenic open-air bath that offers views of Lake Shikotsu's grand nature while you soak. The natural open-air bath has a rustic design, separated from the lake only by a pile of rocks, and has been preserved in its original form since the ryokan's founding. It's a dynamic onsen where you can become one with the nature of Lake Shikotsu, with a landscape that changes with the seasons.

The water quality here is a high-quality "carbon dioxide-containing hydrogen carbonate spring," which is rare in Japan. The carbon dioxide gas is said to dilate capillaries in the skin and mucous membranes, improving blood circulation without increasing the heart rate. Because it can lower blood pressure without putting a strain on the heart, even for those with hypertension, it is known as the "Heart Spring" in Europe and considered a precious type of onsen.

There are a total of 11 baths, including separate large baths for men and women, open-air baths, and family baths. Dotted along the walking paths on the property are private, reservable "hidden baths" exclusively for overnight guests, allowing you to enjoy playful open-air bathing. In addition to travel and therapeutic stays, why not visit for a milestone wedding anniversary?

This onsen has long been popular as a place for therapeutic bathing, with many people staying for extended periods to treat illnesses and injuries. It is also famous for its giant "travertine dome," formed by the lime deposits from the spring water, which has been designated as a Natural Monument of Hokkaido. The experience of bathing while gazing at the travertine dome from the inn's open-air bath is sure to be a unique one.

*All information is current as of June 2026.
*Information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.