English
If there is one other thing Niseko is abundant in other than snow, it is the onsens. Being nestled in Hokkaido’s volcanic region, onsen bathing is the perfect activity to end a day of spending time on the mountain or exploring Niseko and its neighbouring areas. With over 25 public onsens in and around Niseko, there’s plenty of places to experience and enjoy this much loved activity.
Photo Credit: Vacation Niseko
Kiranoyu Onsen
A popular onsen spot among locals, Kiranoyu is located just in front of Niseko Station, making it easily accessible for both tourists and locals. A simple onsen facility, Kiranoyu has one Japanese-style and one Western-style onsens that gets alternates daily between men and women – making it so that you get to experience two different kinds of onsen if you visit for two consecutive days.
Other than their bathing facilities, Kiranoyu also has a resting area free for anyone to use after a bath and a small stand that sells souvenirs and other local specialties that visitors may appreciate.
Spring Quality: Sodium chloride, bicarbonate spring
Good for: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, chronic digestive diseases, chronic skin diseases, poor circulation, etc.
Photo Credit: Makkari Tourism Association
Makkari Onsen
Situated at the foot of Mt. Yotei, the town of Makkari has plenty of places that provide a great view of the well-loved mountain – including its local onsen. Though its facilities are not as extensive as the other onsen spots in this list, what makes Makkari Onsen a favourite amongst onsen lovers is its rustic atmosphere, its fully open air bath that provides a direct view of Mt. Yotei, and its all natural hot spring water that flows directly from the source.
Spring Quality: Sodium chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate spring
Good for: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, stiff joints, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive diseases, hemorrhoids, poor circulation, etc.
Photo Credit: Kyogoku Tourism Association
Kyogoku Onsen
Famous for its spring water, you shouldn’t miss out on dropping by the Kyogoku Onsen. Just a stone’s throw away from Fukidashi Park, the Kyogoku Onsen has plenty of amenities from an all natural hot spring, an outdoor bath (with a great view of Mt. Yotei as well!), whirlpool bath, sauna, a rest area with very reasonable food, and a stand that sells snacks and beverages.
Spring Quality: Sodium chloride, sulfate spring
Good for: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, stiff joints, sprains, chronic digestive diseases, cuts, etc.
Photo Credit: Rankoshi Town
Yusenkaku Konbu Onsen
Operating since 1958, Yusenkaku Konbu Onsen in Rankoshi is a much loved spot by the locals. Being a bit further away from the hustle and bustle of Niseko, this onsen spot is quieter and gives off a more authentic rural atmosphere. In addition to the usual communal bath, its facilities also include an open air bath, jacuzzi, wet and dry sauna, and even a barrier-free private bath (reservations required).
Spring Quality: Sodium bicarbonate spring
Good for: Muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue recovery, chronic skin diseases, chronic gynecological diseases, cuts, burns, etc.
Photo Credit: Rankoshi Town
Yukichichibu Onsen
Hidden away in a valley, about 15 minutes away from Yusenkaku, is the Yukichichibu Onsen. This community-run onsen offers visitors a variety of bathing choices with indoor baths and seven open-air baths overlooking Nitonupuri. Its hot spring rich in sulphur and mineral mud (a mix of grey clay and thermal mud), Yukichichibu’s waters has gained the reputation for healing the skin and acting as a natural moisturiser. For the ladies, the mud bath is a must try where you can coat your skin with the mud like a clay pack.
Spring Quality: Simple sulfur hot spring
Good for: Neuralgia, back pain, chronic eczema, motor dysfunction of joints, fatigue recovery, etc.
Photo Credit: Hokkaido Love
Goshiki Onsen
Located near the trailheads of Annupuri and Iwaonupuri, Goshiki Onsen is the perfect place to go to after a day of hiking in the mountains. Constructed entirely of wood, Goshiki Onsen gives off a more traditional atmosphere compared to others. Its name, goshiki, which means five colours, is said to come from the fact that the onsen has five different types of spring water and the colour of water changes depending on the day.
Spring Quality: Sulfur-containing magnesium and sodium sulfate and chloride spring
Good for: neuralgia, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, etc.
Photo Credit: Niseko Promotion Board
Ikoino Yuyado Iroha Onsen
Found at the base of Annupuri Ski area, what we love about Ikoino Yuyado Iroha is that you can enjoy the stunning natural scenery through the large glass windows of the indoor bath and of course, through the outdoor bath that is surrounded by boulders and trees. Facilities include bed baths and a sauna, as well as chairs in the bath to make it safer for the elderly and children.
Spring Quality: Sodium-hydrogen carbonate spring, sulfate, chloride spring
Good for: Neuralgia, myalgia, arthralgia, subacromial bursitis, motor paralysis, stiff joints, bruises, sprains, hemorrhoids, chronic enteropathy, arteriosclerosis, chronic dermatitis, etc.
Niseko Grand Hotel Onsen
Niseko Grand Hotel’s outdoor baths is considered the largest in Niseko but it is also famous for another thing: it is the only onsen in the area that allows mixed gender bathing. Indoor baths are separated by gender but their natural and open air baths – decorated by trees, a zen garden, and even a wooden bridge – are enjoyed by both genders. For the comfort of the guests, bathing wear is provided for use in the outdoor area – shorts for men, and a dress for women.
Spring Quality: Sodium chloride, hydrogen carbonate spring
Good for: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, stiff joints, bruises, sprains, hemorrhoids, chronic digestive diseases, chronic skin diseases, etc.
Hotels
If you will be staying in a hotel around Niseko, more often than not, your hotel will have an onsen available for its guests, making it so that you don’t have to step out of the hotel. For Setsu Niseko, our onsen bathing facilities consist of separate public onsens for men and women, a cold plunge, a sauna, as well as four private onsens for those who prefer a little more privacy.
Niseko Yu Meguri Pass
Exploring Niseko’s onsens can be an activity in and of itself. In fact, there is a pass called Niseko Yu Meguri Pass which allows you entry to a maximum of three (selected) onsens for ¥2100, including some of the ones we mentioned in this list.
Unlike other popular activities in Niseko that are seasonal, onsen is an activity that can be enjoyed all year round, making it a great addition to your itinerary no matter what season you visit Niseko. To make your visit even better, take advantage of our Winter and Summer Special Offers and book a stay with us now.
