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 15 of Hokkaido's hidden and famous hot springs that you must visit. Enjoy a trip where you can heal both body and soul at these wonderful hot spring spots!

Abundance Onsen, which is unique in Japan in that it contains oil, 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.

The hot springs at Seseki Onsen are 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 spring still creates a seasonal atmosphere with its steamy waters and occasional sightings of Blakiston's Fish Owl. 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.

Located in the Kussharo Caldera, Japan's largest volcanic caldera, Teshikaga Town has an abundance of hot springs gushing out from a vein of water heated by underground magma. Kawayu Onsen is a hot spring with the unique qualities of volcanic springs. The highly acidic spring water, which can dissolve even a soaked nail, is expected to dissolve dead skin cells and make your skin smooth and beautiful.

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.

This secluded hot spring, which has existed for 120 years deep in the mountains surrounded by virgin forest, offers a relaxing experience while listening to the murmuring of the river and the chirping of wild birds. The view from the open-air hot spring bath is beautiful and seasonal.

This hot spring inn is located near Lake Akan and is situated beside Onneto, one of Hokkaido's three most hidden lakes. The handmade open-air baths are popular, and the freshly bubbling spring water from the active volcano Mt. Many people stop by after climbing the mountain and enjoy bathing in this secluded hot spring in a location surrounded by pristine nature, including Mount Hyo-Akan and the Onneto.

Goshiki Onsen Ryokan boasts two hot spring baths with free-flowing hot-spring water: a large bath and an open-air bath 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.

This is one of the few natural open-air hot springs by the sea in Japan. Hot spring water from the volcano Mt. 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 only available at low tide.

Located a short distance away from Jozankei Onsen Town, a backwater resort of Sapporo, Toyohirakyo Onsen is popular for its famous hot spring water with free-flowing hot-spring water. Surrounded by nature, the open-air bath is one of the largest in Japan and offers a great sense of openness. At night, the baths are lit up to create a fantastic location with the steam and mist of the hot spring. If you stop by after enjoying winter sports at a nearby ski resort, the snow-viewing open-air bath will relieve your fatigue. The famous authentic curry is also recommended.

Marukoma Onsen Ryokan is said to be one of only about 20 hot springs in Japan with a natural open-air bath that gushes out at the foot of the water 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 Lake Shikotsu with the scenery that changes with the seasons.

Gomi Onsen is a high-quality bicarbonate spring containing bicarbonate of soda, which is rare 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. "Hidden baths," which are reserved exclusively for hotel guests, are scattered along the walking paths on the grounds and in other locations, allowing visitors to enjoy the playful open-air baths. In addition to trips and hot-spring cures, why not visit for a milestone wedding anniversary or other special occasion?

The onsen has long been popular as a hot-spring cure, and many people stay for long periods of time to treat illnesses and injuries. It is also famous for its huge "limestone flower dome" formed by the lime contained in the spring water, and is designated as a natural monument of Hokkaido. The experience of taking a bath while viewing the limestone dome from the open-air bath at the inn is sure to be something different.

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