We have reviewed 15 spa & hot springs tours in hokkaido, comparing itineraries, prices, and what each one delivers on the ground. The list below leads with the tours we would book first.
★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · from $71.16Our top pick
Join guide Jun or Hiro for a small-group ride near Jozankei, mostly on paved roads with river and canyon views. After about 10 kilometers of cycling, soak at Hoheikyo Onsen and eat curry with naan. Pickup, equipment, lunch, and admission are included.
“Love the weather and the local Onsen experience. Jun picked us up in the hotel at 9AM and we hopped into his van to the mountain area for around 45 minutes. When we reached, he assembled the bikes and we got to try them first to fit. We got to bike in the woods around 10 minutes, the rest is in the side of the road. It's quite an experience. Then he would take us to a local snack place to taste the red bean Japanese snack and cold drinks. The Onsen was wonderful as it had an outdoor onset with beautiful natural view. The curry lunch we had was…”
★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $224.02Highest rated
Meet Chris at Makomanai Station for a five-hour snowshoe trek near Sapporo. Gear, poles, gaiters, lunch, transport, and Koganeyu Onsen admission are included. Expect forest trails, deep powder, mountain views, and a flexible pace for beginners.
“I would rate snowshoeing as my no.1 attraction in Hokkaido. The wilderness of Hokkaido's forest fully covered by snow was uncovered beautifully by Chris, my tour guide. He is super familiar with the area and carefully avoided any area that can potentially be challenging to trek or risky due to crevices or waterbodies. The general opinion is that snowshoeing is not for everyone and not easy to do. This is definitely a myth! Anyone who can walk well can do this tour! At the end of snowshoeing tour, we went to the onsen as well which was nice. A visit to Hokkaido is not complete without this tour.”
Walk through two meters of snow in Daisetsuzan National Park with a local guide such as Ikki, using snowshoes and translation support. Afterward, soak at Hakuginso Onsen for ¥700 extra. Morning and night departures are offered.
“Great winter activity that’s not snowboarding/skiing! Beautiful landscape that was taken in at a leisurely pace. Would absolutely recommend doing the Onsen afterwards, great way to warm up after walking around in the snow. Our guide Ikki was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area”
Travel by private car from Sapporo to Kokusai Ski Resort and Hoheikyo Onsen. Ski or ride the gondola in winter, see autumn color at Houheikyou Dam, and return to Sapporo in about 8 to 9 hours. Meals and admissions cost extra.
“Great itinerary, tour guide was excellent. The sites visited were amazing and the timing of them were coordinated well.”
Travel from Sapporo to Jozankei with guide Tomo or Tomoe in private transportation. Walk the Jozankei trail, see seasonal Shiraito Falls, visit the shrine, then spend two hours at Hoheikyo Onsen.
“We had an outstanding day with Tomo. The drive from Sapporo to Jozankei alone was worth the trip.”
Meet guide Chris at Makomanai Station for a small-group hike through Hokkaido’s forests, ridges, and mountain trails. Choose from several routes, then relax at Koganeyu Onsen before returning to Sapporo.
“Chris took me on an out of the way hike up a nice ridge to a vantage point overlooking an old caldera. Would have never found this one on my own. He then brought me to an onsen that was equally nice, not overly crowded even though it was a weekend, and plenty of locals enjoying themselves (i.e. not a tourist trap).”
Meet guide Chris at Makomanai Station for a private-van hiking day tailored to your fitness. Pick from forest trails, mountain summits, lake views, lunch, and an onsen, with groups limited to six.
“Chris was professional, very knowledgeable on the area and super accomodating. A novice to trekking I got a great experience of a good climb , with spectacular views of the area and no question was left unanswered. Exactly what I was after! Highly recommended!”
Travel from Sapporo Station to Hoheikyo Dam for turquoise water, mountain views, and easy walking paths, then relax at Hoheikyo Onsen. The small group has an English-speaking guide, with Scott Edmond among the guides used for this outing.
“Scott Edmond was our tour guide. Retired USAF, with a native born Japanese wife of 40 years he is a long time resident of Sapporo and the kindest most knowledgeable man. Very solicitous of our comfort and ability to handle the walking, the subway and bus rides that coRead more”
Travel by private taxi from Sapporo to Hoheikyo Onsen, where you get about two hours to soak in 100% natural hot spring water beneath a snowy Hokkaido sky. Bath fees, transfer, taxes, and insurance are included. Meals and towels cost extra.
“During my time in the onsen it started to snow I was so happy. This has been something on my bucket list and booking this made the transportation a breeze. My driver spoke a little English but he came prepared with translation on how thingRead more”
Join an English-speaking guide from Sapporo Station for an autumn outing to Hoheikyo Dam, easy forest walks, and Hoheikyo Onsen’s enormous outdoor bath. Transport, admission, and towel set are included, but lunch is not.
★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 0 reviews · 1h 30m · from $61Best value
Follow an English-speaking guide through Jōzankei Shrine, Jōzan Temple, Jōzan Gensen Park, and Iwaya Kannon Hall. Learn about monk Mizumi Jōzan, soak your feet in a free hot spring, and explore a dim cave lined with Buddhist statues.
Meet at McDonald’s in Susukino at 3:30 pm for a private evening combining four hours of night skiing at Fu’s Snow Area with a relaxing 70-minute soak at Hoheikyo Onsen. Ski gear, lift access, and onsen entry are included.
Travel from Sapporo to Lake Toya and Noboribetsu with an English or Chinese-speaking guide and Chinese-speaking driver-guide. See volcanic scenery, taste farm ice cream, meet Hokkaido brown bears, and return after 9 to 10 hours.
Travel by bus from Sapporo to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, with 90 minutes for ice sculptures and photos, then enjoy lunch and a two-hour soak at Marukoma Onsen. The group is capped at 21 people.
Meet your guide at Jozankei Sightseeing Information Center for a 90-minute private walk through Jozankei Onsen. Visit Jozankei Shrine, Jozan Temple, Iwaya Kannon Hall, and Jozan Gensen Park, where you can soak your feet and boil an egg in hot spring water.
