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Toasty Warm from a Wood Fire! A Must-Visit for Fans: Chitose's Shukubai Onsen
There are certain hot springs beloved not only by locals but also by dedicated onsen fans from all over Japan. Shukubai Onsen in Chitose City is one such place. The real thrill, it seems, is the surprise of finding such a wonderful spring in a location like this, which certainly raises expectations. Let's take a look inside.
With no tourist spots in sight, just an endless expanse of nature, a solitary building stands. This is Shukubai Onsen. The fact that people travel from across the country specifically to visit this place is quite remarkable.
The most prominent landmark when visiting Shukubai Onsen is a giant bowling pin. If you look closely, you'll see "Shukubai Onsen" written in large letters, apparently serving as a sign. Once you've entered the address into your car's navigation system, all you need to do is drive along and look for the pin lying by the roadside.
The facility has no open-air baths, just a single indoor bath. However, the large windows provide a spacious and open feeling. The water has the color of dark oolong tea, and upon entering, you'll find it has a wonderfully smooth, almost syrupy texture that caresses the skin.
The spring's quality is a sodium bicarbonate spring, formerly known as a "baking soda spring." It is said to soften the surface of the skin and be beneficial for skin diseases, burns, and cuts. Additionally, it contains chlorides, which provide excellent moisturizing effects—a welcome bonus. You might not even need moisturizing cream after your bath.
Incidentally, the spring's natural temperature is quite low at around 21°C (70°F), so it is heated here with firewood. This means the water is hottest right at opening time, so much so that the parts of your body submerged in the water quickly turn red. If you prefer a milder temperature, it's best to visit later in the day.
Perhaps because of the wood fire, you can smell smoke as you approach the building. This creates a sense of excitement you don't often find at other facilities, and it might be another reason why dedicated onsen fans are so captivated by this place.
Despite this, the atmosphere, including the rest area, is very cozy and welcoming. It has a nostalgic feel, like returning to your family home, ensuring that anyone can relax and feel at ease.
When you visit Chitose, be sure to look for the giant pin and stop by.
※If you want to get a better feel for Shukubai Onsen, please check out our YouTube channel, "Howatto Yumeguri Hokkaido"!
＜Special Thanks＞
Shukubai Onsen
Location: 2142-7 Shukubai, Chitose, Hokkaido
Phone: 0123-29-2222
With no tourist spots in sight, just an endless expanse of nature, a solitary building stands. This is Shukubai Onsen. The fact that people travel from across the country specifically to visit this place is quite remarkable.
The most prominent landmark when visiting Shukubai Onsen is a giant bowling pin. If you look closely, you'll see "Shukubai Onsen" written in large letters, apparently serving as a sign. Once you've entered the address into your car's navigation system, all you need to do is drive along and look for the pin lying by the roadside.
The facility has no open-air baths, just a single indoor bath. However, the large windows provide a spacious and open feeling. The water has the color of dark oolong tea, and upon entering, you'll find it has a wonderfully smooth, almost syrupy texture that caresses the skin.
The spring's quality is a sodium bicarbonate spring, formerly known as a "baking soda spring." It is said to soften the surface of the skin and be beneficial for skin diseases, burns, and cuts. Additionally, it contains chlorides, which provide excellent moisturizing effects—a welcome bonus. You might not even need moisturizing cream after your bath.
Incidentally, the spring's natural temperature is quite low at around 21°C (70°F), so it is heated here with firewood. This means the water is hottest right at opening time, so much so that the parts of your body submerged in the water quickly turn red. If you prefer a milder temperature, it's best to visit later in the day.
Perhaps because of the wood fire, you can smell smoke as you approach the building. This creates a sense of excitement you don't often find at other facilities, and it might be another reason why dedicated onsen fans are so captivated by this place.
Despite this, the atmosphere, including the rest area, is very cozy and welcoming. It has a nostalgic feel, like returning to your family home, ensuring that anyone can relax and feel at ease.
When you visit Chitose, be sure to look for the giant pin and stop by.
※If you want to get a better feel for Shukubai Onsen, please check out our YouTube channel, "Howatto Yumeguri Hokkaido"!
＜Special Thanks＞
Shukubai Onsen
Location: 2142-7 Shukubai, Chitose, Hokkaido
Phone: 0123-29-2222
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," and we have many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We will continue to share the charm of this amazing prefecture.
