Hot Springs Near Hokkaido: Best Onsen Day Trips & Getaways

Published: 2026-09-20 / Updated: 2026-10-29 ・ 7 min read

The best hot springs near Hokkaido's main travel hubs include Jozankei Onsen just outside Sapporo, Noboribetsu Onsen near the southern coast, and the historic mineral baths of northern Tohoku located just across the Tsugaru Strait. Whether you base your trip in Hokkaido's major cities or cross southward via the bullet train, you can reach dozens of celebrated hot spring towns in under two hours.

This guide outlines the most accessible hot springs within Hokkaido's primary transport corridors, as well as nearby options just across the regional boundary in northern Honshu.

Top Hot Springs Within Easy Reach of Sapporo

For visitors flying into New Chitose Airport (新千歳空港) or staying in Sapporo, several renowned onsen towns require minimal transit time.

Jozankei Onsen (定山渓温泉)

Located inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Jozankei sits in a forested river valley roughly an hour southwest of downtown Sapporo. It serves as the primary hot spring escape for city residents and international visitors alike.

• Travel Time: Approximately 60 to 75 minutes by direct bus from Sapporo Station.
• Transit Route: Take the "Kappa Liner" bus from Sapporo Station bus terminal directly into Jozankei. Advance reservations are recommended during peak autumn foliage and winter snow seasons.
• Setting: Riverside ryokan (traditional inns), public footbaths (ashi-yu), and scenic pedestrian bridges over the Toyohira River.

Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉)

Noboribetsu is widely considered Hokkaido’s most famous thermal town. Its volcanic source, Jigokudani (地獄谷, "Hell Valley"), produces multiple distinct mineral water types that feed large bathhouses throughout the village.

• Travel Time: Roughly 70 to 80 minutes by limited express train from Sapporo, or about an hour from New Chitose Airport.
• Transit Route: Board the JR Muroran Line Limited Express (such as the Hokuto or Suzuran) to JR Noboribetsu Station. From the station, local shuttle buses connect to the onsen terminal in roughly 15 minutes.
• Setting: Dramatic volcanic steam vents, walking trails, and large multi-pool facilities featuring sulfur, salt, and iron-rich waters.

Lake Toya Onsen (洞爺湖温泉)

Perched along the rim of a massive volcanic caldera lake, Toyako Onsen combines thermal baths with panoramic water and mountain views, dominated by Mount Usu and Mount Yotei.

• Travel Time: Approximately 100 to 110 minutes from Sapporo via limited express train.
• Transit Route: Take the JR Hokuto Limited Express from Sapporo to JR Toya Station, followed by a 20-minute local bus ride to the lakeshore district.
• Setting: Open-air lakeside baths (rotenburo), lakeside walking promenades, and scenic boat cruises.

Onsen Near Southern Hokkaido and Hakodate

Hakodate (函館), located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, functions as the regional transport gate connecting the island to Honshu via the undersea Seikan Tunnel.

Yunokawa Onsen (湯の川温泉)

Yunokawa is one of Hokkaido's oldest thermal retreats, situated directly on the ocean within Hakodate's city boundaries. It is notable for its coastal views and easy tram connections.

• Travel Time: Around 30 minutes from JR Hakodate Station, or under 10 minutes by taxi from Hakodate Airport.
• Transit Route: Board the Hakodate City Tram from Hakodate Station directly to the Yunokawa-Onsen tram stop.
• Setting: Urban seaside ryokan where bathers can look out over the Tsugaru Strait, sometimes spotting the lights of night-squid fishing boats on the horizon.

Hot Springs Just South of Hokkaido: Northern Tohoku

Travelers searching for hot springs near Hokkaido often overlook the northern tip of Honshu. Thanks to high-speed rail, northern Aomori Prefecture is easily accessible from southern Hokkaido.

The Hokkaido Shinkansen line runs from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (新函館北斗駅) through the Seikan Tunnel to Shin-Aomori Station (新青森駅) in roughly an hour. Rail passes and schedules can be researched directly through Japan National Tourism Organization and official rail operators such as JR East.

Asamushi Onsen (浅虫温泉)

Often described as the coastal hot spring retreat of Aomori, Asamushi faces Mutsu Bay and features simple, clear thermal springs with centuries of history.

• Access from Hokkaido: Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station, transfer to the local JR Ou Line to Aomori Station, and switch to the Aoimori Railway to reach Asamushi-Onsen Station. Total transit time from Hakodate is roughly two to two-and-a-half hours.
• Highlights: Fresh local seafood, coastal island views, and traditional wooden bathhouses.

Sukayu Onsen (酸ヶ湯温泉)

Located high in the Hakkoda Mountains south of Aomori City, Sukayu is an atmospheric, historic mountain lodge famous for its massive mixed-gender wooden bathhouse, the "Senninburo" (Bath of a Thousand Bathers).

• Access from Hokkaido: Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station, then take a JR bus toward the Hakkoda ropeway and Sukayu Onsen (roughly 70 to 80 minutes by bus, depending on winter road conditions).
• Highlights: Highly acidic, milky-white waters and historic cedar architecture. Note that while the main bath is traditionally mixed, designated women-only hours and partitioned areas are maintained.

First-Time Visitor Guide: Etiquette and Practicalities

Japanese hot springs follow strict customs to maintain cleanliness and comfort for all bathers.

The Bathing Process Step-by-Step

1. Remove Shoes: Take off outdoor footwear at the entrance (genkan) and switch to slippers or bare feet as directed.
2. Purchase Admission: Day-use visitors typically pay at a front desk or purchase an entry ticket via a vending machine. Fees usually range from 500 to 1,500 yen per adult.
3. Separate by Gender: Enter through the correct curtain (noren). Blue curtains marked with 男 (otoko) indicate men; red curtains marked with 女 (onna) indicate women.
4. Undress Completely: In the changing room, place all clothing, jewelry, and watches into a locker or basket. Swimsuits are strictly prohibited in standard Japanese hot springs.
5. Wash Before Soaking: Head to the washing stalls before touching the communal pool. Sit on the provided plastic stool, lather thoroughly with soap and shampoo, and rinse off completely.
6. Enter the Water Slowly: Ease into the mineral bath. Do not splash, dive, or submerge your head.
7. Manage Your Small Towel: You will be given a small modesty towel. Keep this out of the water; fold it and set it on your head or place it on the side of the tub.
8. Dry Off Before Re-entering: Use your wrung-out modesty towel to pat dry before walking back onto the changing room mats.

What to Bring

• Cash: Many ticket machines and rural coin lockers accept 100-yen coins and 1,000-yen bills only.
• Towels: Some high-end facilities include towels with admission, but day-use baths often charge a small rental fee (roughly 200 to 500 yen). Carrying your own hand towel and bath towel is economical.
• Hair Ties: Long hair must be tied up to prevent it from touching the communal bathwater.
• Plastic Bag: Helpful for carrying wet towels back to your hotel.

Tattoo Regulations

Tattoo acceptance continues to evolve across Japan, but restrictions remain common. Some establishments prohibit visible body art entirely due to historical associations with organized crime.

• Cover Patches: If you have small, discreet tattoos, covering them with waterproof tape or skin-colored bandages is often accepted.
• Private Baths (Kashikiri): Travelers with extensive tattoos should seek ryokan offering private, reservable family baths (kashikiri-buro) or guest rooms with attached open-air baths.
• Always Verify: Policies differ significantly by facility. Check the official website or contact the bathhouse in advance to confirm their entry rules.

Winter Travel Considerations

Hokkaido and northern Tohoku experience heavy snowfall from December through March. Train lines and highway buses operate reliably in winter conditions, but sudden blizzards can cause delays.

If renting a car to reach remote mountain springs, ensure your rental includes four-wheel drive and studless snow tires. For drivers unaccustomed to severe ice and black-ice conditions, relying on public limited express trains and highway express buses is the safer alternative. Always consult local transit schedules on official transportation websites prior to departure.

FAQ

Q. Can I visit hot springs near Sapporo as a day trip?

A. Yes. Jozankei Onsen is roughly an hour away from central Sapporo by direct highway bus, making it an ideal day excursion.

Q. How do I access hot springs in northern Tohoku from Hokkaido?

A. You can take the Hokkaido Shinkansen through the Seikan Tunnel from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station directly into Aomori Prefecture.

Q. Are tattoos allowed in hot springs around Hokkaido?

A. Policies vary by facility. Some traditional baths prohibit visible tattoos, while others allow waterproof cover patches or offer reservable private baths.