Hokkaido sits on one of the most volcanically active zones in Japan, which means hot spring water bubbles up across the entire island. The variety is remarkable: sulphur-rich volcanic waters at Noboribetsu, sodium chloride springs along the coast at Yunokawa, iron-tinged baths in the mountains of Daisetsuzan, and simple, soothing alkaline springs in quiet rural towns that rarely appear in tourist guides.
Unlike the crowded onsen towns of Honshu, many of Hokkaido’s hot springs remain relatively uncrowded, particularly those in the eastern and northern regions. For visitors unfamiliar with Japanese bathing culture, Hokkaido is arguably the most welcoming place to try onsen for the first time — the international tourism industry (particularly around Niseko) has made facilities more accommodating to foreign visitors than most other regions.
Major Onsen Areas
Noboribetsu Onsen
Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring town, fed by the volcanic Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Nine distinct mineral water types flow into the town’s baths, creating an unusual diversity of bathing experiences within a single location. The scale of Dai-ichi Takimotokan’s bath house (over 35 pools) makes it one of the largest public bathing facilities in Japan. Noboribetsu is approximately 75 minutes from Sapporo by JR limited express.
Day-use bathing is available at several facilities. The most accessible for visitors is Dai-ichi Takimotokan (¥2,250 day use) which offers the widest variety of water types. For a quieter, more local experience, Sagiriyu public bath (¥480) uses the same volcanic water without the tourist infrastructure.
A guided day trip combining Noboribetsu with Lake Toya is available through Klook from approximately $39.
Jozankei Onsen
The closest major hot spring area to Sapporo, situated in a forested river valley approximately 60 minutes by bus from the city centre. Jozankei has operated as a bathing destination since the 1860s and offers a mix of large resort hotels and smaller ryokans. The autumn foliage here (typically early to mid-October) is among the most accessible and dramatic in Hokkaido.
Several hotels welcome day visitors for bathing. Free foot baths are available along the main street for those who want to sample the water without committing to a full soak.
Yunokawa Onsen (Hakodate)
Hokkaido’s oldest hot spring area, located on the eastern coast of the Hakodate peninsula. The springs here are sodium chloride-based, producing water that helps retain body heat after bathing. Several hotels offer oceanfront outdoor baths with views across the Tsugaru Strait. In winter, the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden within the Yunokawa area is notable for its colony of wild Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs.
Lake Toya Onsen
A lakefront hot spring town on the shores of a volcanic caldera lake, approximately two hours from Sapporo. The combination of lake views, volcanic geology (Mt. Usu looms above the town), and comfortable onsen hotels makes this a popular overnight destination. From April to October, fireworks are launched from boats on the lake every evening.
Sounkyo Onsen (Daisetsuzan)
A mountain hot spring at the entrance to the Sounkyo Gorge in Daisetsuzan National Park. The setting is dramatic: steep cliffs, waterfalls (which freeze in winter for the Ice Waterfall Festival), and dense forest. This is one of the most atmospheric onsen locations in Hokkaido, particularly in autumn when the gorge is framed by vivid foliage.
Tokachigawa Onsen
An unusual onsen area in the Tokachi region where the spring water is plant-based (moor spring) rather than volcanic. The dark brown water, rich in humic substances from ancient plant matter, is said to be beneficial for the skin. Tokachigawa is less well-known internationally but popular with Japanese domestic tourists seeking therapeutic bathing.
Onsen Etiquette
Japanese bathing culture follows specific conventions that visitors should understand before entering any public bath:
- Wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath. Entering without washing first is the single most significant etiquette breach.
- Do not bring your towel into the bath water. Most bathers fold their small towel and place it on their head.
- Onsen are entered without clothing. Swimsuits are not worn in traditional onsen (some resort-style facilities with mixed bathing areas are exceptions).
- Keep noise to a minimum. Onsen are spaces for quiet relaxation.
- Do not submerge your head or hair in the bath.
- Rinse off at the shower station when finished.
Tattoo Policies
Most traditional onsen in Japan do not permit visible tattoos, a policy rooted in the historical association between tattoos and organised crime. However, this is gradually changing, particularly in Hokkaido’s tourist-oriented areas. Options for tattooed visitors include:
- Private baths (kashikiri-buro) — many onsen hotels offer private bathing rooms for rent by the hour, typically ¥2,000–5,000
- Tattoo cover patches — waterproof adhesive patches available at drugstores and some onsen reception desks
- Niseko area — generally the most tolerant area in Hokkaido due to high international visitor numbers
- Hotel onsen with relaxed policies — the Dormy Inn chain is widely reported as accommodating to tattooed guests
Types of Bathing Facilities
| Type | Description | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rotenburo | Outdoor bath, often with scenic views | Included in facility entry |
| Sento | Public bathhouse (may not use natural spring water) | ¥450–¥800 |
| Day-use onsen | Hotel or dedicated facility open to non-guests | ¥800–¥2,500 |
| Kashikiri-buro | Private bath for rent (solves tattoo issues) | ¥2,000–¥5,000/hour |
| Ryokan onsen | Inn with bathing facilities for guests | Included in stay |
| Ashiyu | Foot bath (outdoor, free, clothed) | Free |
Planning Your Onsen Visit
Most onsen towns are accessible as day trips from Sapporo, though an overnight stay allows for the full experience of bathing in the evening and again in the early morning when facilities are quietest. The Hokkaido Rail Guide covers train access to all major onsen areas, and our accommodation guide includes onsen hotel recommendations by region.