Just a 10-minute drive from Nakashibetsu Airport in Eastern Hokkaido, you'll find "NAKASHIBETSU HOTEL KUTEKUN," a unique hotel made from converted shipping containers. Not only are the guest rooms built from containers, but so is its exquisite sauna, which is said to be so divine that it impresses even the most seasoned sauna enthusiasts. This time, we'll introduce Hotel Kutekun, a destination that draws travelers from all over Japan in search of a comfortable stay and a top-tier sauna experience.

A Name Inspired by a Hidden Waterfall

Hotel Kutekun was named after the Kutekun Waterfall, a hidden gem in Nakashibetsu, with the hope of choosing a name familiar to the locals. The idea of turning containers into a hotel came from the company's prior experience using containers for employee housing. This expertise was leveraged to create the one-of-a-kind Hotel Kutekun.

A Commitment to Comfort

Hotel Kutekun's concept is "easy Stay." With the desire for guests to use the facility casually, the space is designed to be simple yet serene. Beds chosen to maximize comfort are provided, allowing you to relax to your heart's content. The guest room interiors are based on light blue and white, inspired by the waterfall, ensuring a clean and pleasant stay. The universal room, accessible by wheelchair, is fully equipped to ensure a comfortable stay for guests with disabilities.

Furthermore, when you arrive at Hotel Kutekun by car, you can park directly in front of your room, making loading and unloading luggage a breeze. It's also incredibly convenient if you accidentally leave something in your car, as you can retrieve it in no time.

An Owner's Passion? The Ultimate Sauna Packed with All the Best Features

A key feature of Hotel Kutekun is its communal sauna. Wearing swimsuits or special sauna wear, up to eight people, men and women together, can enjoy the sauna at the same time. It features an automatic löyly system (which pours water on the hot stones), and outside, there's a large cold plunge pool—an essential part of the sauna experience. After a good sweat, a plunge into the cold water is guaranteed to bring you to a state of "totonou," or ultimate bliss.

The idea to install this sauna came from Mr. Muneyasu Takahashi, the president of the operating company Takahashi Kogyo, who is a sauna lover himself. "As a sauna enthusiast, I made sure the sauna's specifications are what I find most comfortable. It's still a work in progress," he says.

A Lesson in Community Contribution from the Eastern Iburi Earthquake Blackout

In August 2023, Hotel Kutekun signed an agreement with the town of Shibetsu regarding the use of its accommodation facilities in the event of a disaster. "Having experienced the blackout during the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, I felt the need for a place where evacuees and families with small children could stay without hardship. We will provide rooms upon request during a disaster," says Mr. Takahashi. The sauna will also be opened to provide warmth in such emergencies. This is a unique community contribution from Hotel Kutekun, born from the experience of a major disaster.

For a Smart and Enjoyable Base for Your Eastern Hokkaido Travels

"Once you stay with us, you'll feel a level of quality that makes you forget you're in a container," says Mr. Takahashi. True to his words, once you step inside a guest room, it's so comfortable you'll forget you're in a container. The hotel also offers contactless check-in and check-out, allowing for a seamless stay in Eastern Hokkaido. The hotel is set to evolve even further. Be sure to enjoy a fulfilling stay at Hotel Kutekun, a secret spot in Eastern Hokkaido.

NAKASHIBETSU HOTEL KUTEKUN

■Location: 1 Higashi 39-jo Kita, Nakashibetsu-cho, Shibetsu-gun, Hokkaido

NAKASHIBETSU HOTEL KUTEKUN Official Website

Check these out too!