Hokkaido Hidden Hot Springs | Best Areas & Day Trips

From Noboribetsu, known as the "department store of hot springs," to Tokachidake Onsen at Hokkaido's highest elevation, to secluded hot springs tucked away in the mountains — Hokkaido offers an extraordinary range of water types and scenery. This guide covers what makes each area unique, day-trip bathing, and how to get there.

Why Visit Hokkaido's Hot Springs

Hokkaido has many volcanoes, so the mineral makeup of its hot springs varies widely from region to region. Some, like Noboribetsu, are large resort towns with an astonishing 10,000 tons of water a day and nine distinct spring types, while others are single, secluded inns tucked deep in the mountains — there's something to match any style of trip. Many open-air baths look out over dramatic natural scenery, so soaking while taking in the view through each of Hokkaido's four seasons is part of the appeal.

Recommended Hot Spring Areas in Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Onsen

Known as the "department store of hot springs," Noboribetsu is one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring towns, with nine different spring types. Nearby sights include the volcanic Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and a bear park, and it's a convenient 50-minute drive from New Chitose Airport.

Niseko Onsen-kyo

At the foot of the Niseko mountain range, distinctive hot springs like Konbu Onsen, Goshiki Onsen, and Ooyunuma are scattered across the area. Styles range from rustic single inns to resort-hotel spas, and a hot-spring-hopping pass lets you visit multiple facilities at a discount.

Jozankei Onsen

Just about an hour's drive from central Sapporo, Jozankei is prized for its easy access. Many facilities offer day-trip bathing with views of the Toyohira River gorge, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in the city.

Tokachidake Onsen

One of Hokkaido's highest-elevation hot spring areas, known for open-air baths with seasonal views of clouds below or autumn foliage. Many travelers combine a visit here with sightseeing in the Furano / Biei area.

Best Time to Go Hot Spring Hopping

Hot springs can be enjoyed year-round, but soaking in an open-air bath while snow falls around you is a distinctly wintertime pleasure. Autumn foliage season (late September–October) is also especially popular at hot spring towns nestled in the mountains.

Season	What to Expect
June–August	Comfortable temperatures and fresh summer greenery
September–October	A popular season paired with fall foliage
December–February	Open-air baths with snowy views — a quintessentially Hokkaido experience

Day-Trip Bathing

Many hotels and ryokan offer day-trip bathing plans, so you don't need to stay overnight to enjoy the springs. Noboribetsu and Jozankei each cluster several facilities close together, so if you have the time, hopping between a few different baths is a great way to compare them. Prices vary by facility, so check each official website in advance.

What to Bring

• A towel (many facilities rent or sell them)
• A change of clothes
• Moisturizer (some spring waters can be drying on the skin)

Getting There

From Sapporo

By car: About 1 hour to Jozankei, 1.5 hours to Noboribetsu, and 2 hours to Niseko.

By public transport: Jozankei and Noboribetsu have bus service, though schedules can be limited.

By taxi: If you'd like to visit several hot spring areas or go straight there with no transfers, a private charter taxi (MUTO TAXI) is convenient.

From New Chitose Airport

By car: About 50 minutes to Noboribetsu, and 2 hours to Niseko.

By public transport: Direct buses from the airport are limited, and transfers may be required.

By taxi: If you'd like to head straight to the hot springs after landing, a private charter taxi direct from the airport is convenient.

Taxi Fares by Area & Related Guides

• New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu Onsen — approx. ¥28,000–33,000
• New Chitose Airport to Jozankei Onsen — approx. ¥25,000–30,000
• Sapporo to Jozankei Onsen — approx. ¥11,000–13,000
• New Chitose Airport to Niseko — approx. ¥35,000–40,000
• Hokkaido Horse Riding (Noboribetsu)

Frequently Asked Questions