Hokkaido is a region blessed with beautiful nature, offering countless spectacular views. It's also home to numerous secret and famous hot springs (onsen), perfect for those looking to relax during their trip. This time, we introduce 15 must-visit secret and famous onsen in Hokkaido. Let's embark on a journey to heal both mind and body at these wonderful hot spring spots!

Toyotomi Onsen, with its oil-rich water quality unparalleled nationwide, is characterized by a petroleum-like scent. It is known for its high moisturizing and heat-retaining effects, making it a "beauty bath." In recent years, it has gained attention from those suffering from chronic skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, attracting many visitors from across the country for hot spring therapy (toji).

Seseki Onsen is a hot spring made of stones set within the sea. It's a wild and dynamic onsen where you might not be able to bathe due to the tides (it's submerged at high tide) or find it too hot (the 64°C source water isn't diluted at low tide). It became nationally famous after appearing in the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" (From the North Country). Onsen lovers and secret spring enthusiasts from all over Japan visit this spot.

Yoroushi Onsen is said to have been discovered and developed in 1916 by Takeshige Nishimura. Even after celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, it continues to billow steam amidst seasonal landscapes, and occasionally, Blakiston's fish owls make an appearance. Once a bustling area with several onsen inns catering to therapeutic bathers, only "Yuyado Daiichi" (opened in 1972) remains in operation today.

Located in Teshikaga Town within the Kussharo Caldera, Japan's largest volcanic caldera, Kawayu Onsen boasts abundant hot spring water heated by underground magma. This volcanic spring has a unique, strongly acidic quality that can dissolve a nail left in it. This property is said to have a beautifying effect, dissolving old keratin to leave the skin smooth.

The "Moor" spring that wells up in this onsen town is a rare water type designated as a Hokkaido Heritage site. At the spa attached to "Michi-no-Eki 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 vast nature.

This is a renowned hot spring with a history of over 100 years and many naturally flowing sources. The 11 baths, each with its own unique therapeutic properties and fed directly from the source, are a true luxury, and day-trip bathing is also possible. For overnight stays, there is a secluded, single inn in a separate building, offering an exclusive charm with its limited number of rooms. Nearby, within the campground, is the popular natural open-air bath "Shika-no-yu," which is free to enter.

This is a 120-year-old secret hot spring deep in the mountains, surrounded by a primeval forest. Here, you can relax while listening to the murmuring of the river and the singing of wild birds. Since its opening, it has maintained its 100% free-flowing spring water directly from the source. 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 breathtaking view all to yourself at "Kotan-no-yu," a secret hot spring on the shores 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 spectacular. It is well-maintained by locals, 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 public bath and an open-air bath where you can enjoy the nature-rich scenery. The name "Goshiki" (five colors) is said to come from the fact that it has five types of spring qualities, whereas most onsen have only two, or that the water appears to change into five different colors from day to day due to the sulfur content. It's the perfect onsen to soak in and warm your chilled body after skiing or mountain climbing.

This natural open-air bath, located by the sea, is a rare and popular spot in Japan. Hot spring water, heated by the volcanic source of Mt. Esan, gushes out at the coast, creating a dynamic onsen with baths right in the ocean. A unique feature is that bathing times change daily with the tides; it's submerged at high tide and only accessible at low tide.

Located a short distance from the Jozankei Onsen town, Sapporo's inner parlor, Hoheikyo Onsen is popular as a famous hot spring with 100% free-flowing water from the source. Surrounded by great nature, its open-air bath is one of the largest in Japan, offering a sense of complete openness. At night, it's lit up, creating a magical atmosphere with billowing 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 springs up from underfoot—a type of onsen found in only about 20 places in Japan—and its scenic open-air bath offering panoramic 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 rock wall, 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, enjoying the changing scenery with each season.

The spring quality is a high-quality "carbon dioxide-bicarbonate 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 straining the heart, it is known as the "Heart's Bath" in Europe and considered a valuable hot spring.

There are a total of 11 baths, including separate large public baths for men and women, open-air baths, and family baths. Along the walking paths on the property, there are private, reservable baths called "kakushi-yu" (hidden baths) exclusively for overnight guests, offering a playful and enjoyable open-air bathing experience. Why not visit not only for travel or therapy but also 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 in the spring water, which is designated as a Natural Monument of Hokkaido. The experience of bathing in the inn's open-air bath while gazing at the travertine dome is sure to be a unique one.

※All information is current as of September 2025.
※Information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.

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