Hokkaido is a region blessed with beautiful nature and offers numerous spectacular views. There are many hidden and famous hot springs in Hokkaido, perfect for those who want to relax during their trip. In this issue, we will introduce 10 of Hokkaido's hidden and famous hot springs that you must visit. Enjoy a trip that will heal both body and soul at these wonderful hot spring spots!

Abundance Onsen, which contains oil, is unique in the country and is characterized by its petroleum smell, and is known as a hot spring for beautiful skin due to its moisturizing and warming effects. In recent years, it has attracted attention from people suffering from chronic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and many people from all over Japan visit the hot spring for a hot-spring cure.

Seseki Onsen is a hot spring built of stones in the sea. It is a wild and dynamic hot spring where you may not be able to enter depending on the tide (it is submerged in the sea at high tide) or it may be too hot (because the 64°C spring water does not dilute at low tide). It was featured in the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara (From the North)" and has become nationally known. People who love hot springs and hidden hot springs visit from all over Japan.

Yoroigyu Onsen was discovered and developed by Nishimura Takeshige in 1916, and even today, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016, the hot springs are still seen in the midst of the seasonal scenery, with the smoke of the hot spring still wafting through the air, and even Blakiston's fish owls can be seen from time to time. In the past, there were several onsen ryokan (hot spring inns) and the area was crowded with therapeutic baths, but today only one ryokan, the "Yujyuku Daiichi" (opened in 1972), remains in business.

The mall spring that bubbles up in the hot spring resort is a rare spring that has been designated as a Hokkaido Heritage Site. At the spa attached to "Michi no Eki Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen", visitors can casually enjoy the mall spring in their bathing suits. In addition, at the nearby Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Guide Center, visitors can experience various outdoor activities throughout the four seasons in the great nature around Tokachigawa Onsen.

This famous hot spring boasts a history of more than 100 years, with many of the sources emanating from its own waters. The 11 bathtubs, each with its own unique efficacy, are very luxurious, and day-trip bathing is also available. For lodging, there is a separate, quiet, secluded one-house inn with only a few rooms, which offers a special atmosphere. There is also a popular natural open-air bath "Deer's Hot Spring" in the nearby campground, which is free of charge.

Goshiki Onsen Ryokan boasts two hot spring baths with free-flowing hot spring water, one in the main bathhouse and the other in the open-air bathhouse where you can enjoy the rich natural scenery. The name is said to come from the fact that "there are five different types of spring water, compared to about two types in ordinary hot springs," and "the color of the water looks five different colors depending on the day due to the sulfur mixed in. These hot springs soak up the cold from skiing and mountain climbing.

The Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen is popular for its natural open-air hot spring located on the seashore, a rarity in Japan. Hot spring water from the volcano Keizan gushes out onto the shore, creating a dynamic hot spring with bathtubs located in the ocean. The time available for bathing changes daily according to the ebb and flow of the tide; at high tide, the baths are submerged, and bathing is available only at low tide.

Marukoma Onsen is said to be one of only about 20 hot springs in Japan with natural open-air hot spring water gushing out at the foot of the lake, and an open-air bath with a panoramic view of Lake Shikotsu's natural beauty while soaking in the water. The natural open-air baths are separated from the lake by a rock formation, and have maintained their original appearance since the establishment of the baths. The dynamic hot spring bath allows you to become one with the nature of Shikotsu while enjoying the scenery that changes with the seasons.

Gomi Onsen is a unique, high-quality bicarbonate of soda spring in Japan. It is said that carbon dioxide gas dilates capillaries in the skin and mucous membranes and improves blood circulation without increasing the heartbeat. Even those with hypertension can lower their blood pressure without putting a burden on the heart, so it is called "hot water for the heart" in Europe, and is considered a valuable hot spring.

There are a total of 11 bathhouses, including separate men's and women's large baths, open-air baths, and family baths, and "hidden baths" for the exclusive use of guests are scattered along the walking paths on the grounds, providing a playful outdoor bathing experience. In addition to trips and hot-spring cures, why not visit for a milestone wedding anniversary or other special occasion?

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