20 Open-air Baths with Magnificent Views in Hokkaido

Beautiful sceneries of wild nature and natural hot springs are some of the key features of Hokkaido. Here we have picked 20 spots where you can enjoy the best of both worlds - outdoor hot spring baths with magnificent views.

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1. Kumo No Ue Onsen (雲の上温泉)

This is an inn with a hot spring bath located at the highest altitude in Hokkaido. You can see Hidaka and Tokachi Mountains from the outdoor bath, making you feel as if you are bathing in a floating air.  Each season shows different views of the mountains which makes it any time of the year an ideal to visit this place. If you are lucky you can enjoy the splendid view of Unkai Terrace  (the sea of clouds) depending on the climate and time of the day.    

HP: ryounkakuonsen.wix.com/ryounkaku (Japanese Only)

Address: Tokachidake Onsen, Furano-cho,  Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

2. Toyohira Gorge Onsen (豊平峡温泉)

Soica2001/Wikimedia Commons

Toyohira Gorge is about an hour drive from the city center of Sapporo.  All open air baths are carefully selected and maintained well. The area came as a winner on TripAdvisor.  Enjoy the great ambience of the surrounding greenery as you bath in this award-winning hot spring. 

HP: www.hoheikyo.co.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 608-2 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

3. Open-air Bath On Ice (氷上露天風呂)

This unique experience of bathing on ice at Lake Shikaribetsu is an annual event from the end of January to March. You won't find a hot spring bath situated on a frozen lake anywhere else in the entire world!  Bathing in the middle of the snowy Winter Wonderland would be a memorable event that would stay with you for sure. 

HP: www.gutabi.jp/spot/detail/1473 (Japanese Only)

Address: Kawato-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

4. Makkari Onsen (まっかり温泉)

From Makkari Onsen you can see Mount Yotei, a mountain dubbed as the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido. The view of the mountain would entertain you at all times as it changes throughout the hours of the day and the time of the year. 

Address: 174-3 Midorioka, Makkari, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

5. Osaru Gawa No Yu (オサル川の湯)

Osaru Gawa no yu is a mixed open-air hot spring situated alongside Osaru River. Its no-frills bath tub is surrounded by stones and facing the river.   Why not indulge in a tranquil, peaceful setting as you listen to the river stream. 

Address: Bankei, Sobetsu, Usu-gun, Hokkaido  (Google Map)

6. Marukoma Onsen Ryokan (丸駒温泉旅館)

This inn is by Lake Shikotsu. Only things that divide the lake and the natural hot spring bath of the inn are the rocks.  Since the bath is literally connected to the lake,  the temperature of bath water depends on the lake.  This is the only place you can soak in the warm water of Shikotsu Lake with the lakeview in front of you.

HP: www.marukoma.co.jp/onsen.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 7 Horobinai, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

7. Hotel Chi No Hate (ホテル地の涯)

Travel-Picture/Flickr

The hotel is located in the secluded part and the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko. The conserved area sustains the wild nature from ancient times. The open-air bath is made of wild rocks and blends harmoniously with the scenery.  There are 3 types of mixed hot spring baths to enjoy. 

HP: iwaobetu.com/ (Japanese Only)

Address:  Iwaobetsu Onsen, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

8. Furukawa (ふる川)

The outdoor bath at this seaside villa Furukawa faces the Pacific Ocean, making you feel as if you are in the sea. You can't get a better view of the sea while bathing than here.  

HP: www.kokorono-resort.com/spa.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 4 Chome-353 Jōzankeionsennishi, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

9. Kenichi Onsen Ryokan (見市温泉旅館)

This inn is an establishment. It has a long history and has been loved by the locals over a period of time. The view of the river 10 meters below the outdoor hotspring bath is simply stunning. Listen to the stream of the river and feel the pleasant mountain breeze as you bathe. 

HP: www.kenichi-spa.com/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 13 Kumaishiotanicho, Yakumo, Futami-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

10. Fukiage Roten No Yu (吹上露天の湯)

Fukiage Onsen is in the middle of Tokachi Mountain range. It has an elevation of 1000 meters.  Here you can have a peaceful time surrounded by wild nature throughout the year.  We particularly recommend the outdoor hot spring experience in winter when the area is covered with snow. 

HP: www.n43.net/onsen/fukiage/tennoyu/ (Japanese Only)

Address: Fukiage, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

11. Imagine Hotel & Resort Hakodate (イマジンホテル&リゾート函館)

You will be facing the Tsugaru Strait from the open-air bath of Imagine Hotel & Resort Hakodate. You can expect a moisturising effect from the soft, translucent spring water as you bathe with a splendid sea view.

HP: www.f-laterre.com/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 3-1-17 Yunokawacho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

12. Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen (水無海浜温泉)

Soica2001/Wikimedia Commons

This spa is located on the seaside of Hakodate. It is a rare natural hot spring bath by the beach and popular among the beachgoers. The Pacific Ocean is right in front of this outdoor bath so you will have a great view. 

HP: www.hakobura.jp/db/db-onsen/2008/11/post.html (Japanese Only)

Address: 100 Esanmisaki-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

13. Misaki No Yu Shakotan (岬の湯 しゃこたん)

Misaki no yu is located in Shakotan. You can get the best view from this open-air bath when both Capes Kamui and Shakotan glow in sunset. Watch the nearby Japan Sea as you enjoy a relaxing bathtime. 

HP: www.n43.net/onsen/syakotan/misakinoyu/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 212-1  Nozukacho, Shakotan, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

14. Kotan Onsen (コタン温泉)

This spa is located at the southern side of Lake Kussharo.  The bathing area is situated by the lake shore, adjacent to the lake itself.  You can even stride across to the lake.  If you want to immerse yourself in the wild nature to feel what Hakkaido is all about, we recommend this lakeside spa. 

HP: www.masyuko.or.jp/pc/onsen/cotan.html (Japanese Only)

Address: Kotan Kussharo, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

15. The Lakeview TOYO NO Kaze Resort (ザ レイクビュー TOYO 乃の風リゾート)

The hotel stands beside Lake Toya.  Enjoy the panoramic view of the lake as well as good hot spring water at its open-air infinity bathtub. It is an ideal resort if you want to enjoy a great view of Lake Toya in a luxurious setting of the hotel.  

HP: http://nonokaze-resort.com/spa (Japanese Only)

Address: 29 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

16. La Vista Hakodate Bay (ラビスタ函館ベイ)

La Vista Hakodate Bay stands near Port of Hakodate.  Its outdoor bath is located on the top floor with a view of Tsugaru Strait and Mount Hakodate so why not enjoy the splendid million dollar night view of Hakodate? 

HP: www.hotespa.net/hotels/lahakodate/ (Japanese Only)

17. Iwai No Yado Noboribetsu Grand Hotel (祝いの宿登別グランドホテル)

Listen to the waterfalls. Enjoy the aroma of wooden bath made of Japanese cypress. Submerge in the wild rock bath. You can have all these experiences at the Japanese garden-style open-air baths of Noboribetsu Grand Hotel. The garden has a wonderful atmosphere, showcasing different seasonal features of Japan all year round. 

HP: http://www.nobogura.co.jp/english/hotsprings.html

Address: 154 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

18. Tenninkyo Onsen (天人峡温泉)

This spa is within the premises of Hotel Tenninkaku.  It is pleasant to watch the seasonal landscape and listen to the stream of Chubetsu River that runs below as you soak in warm spring water. 

HP: www.tenninkaku.jp/spa/ (Japanese Only)

Address: Tenninkyoonsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

19. Yoroushi Onsen (養老牛温泉)

This spa is within the premises of Yuyado Daiichi. Its open-air bath is in a rather unique, wild setting as there is nothing but some rocks between the bath and the river that runs by.  You can therefore enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings. 

HP: www.yoroushi.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: Yoroushionsen,  Yoroushi, Nakashibetsu-cho, Shibetsu-gun, Hokkaido (Google Map)

20. Hiraiso Onsen (平磯温泉)

Hiraiso Onsen is in the premises of  Ginrinso, an inn in Otaru. Watching the sun rise over Ishikari Bay from the bath made of rocks from all over Hokkaido is nothing but mesmerizing.  Looking down on the lovely scenery of  Otaru as if you own the entire city will also be a memorable experience.   

HP: http://www.ryokancollection.com/eng/ginrinsou/ryokan_facilities.htm?ryokan=ginrinsoh&subSection=bath

Address: 1-1-13 Sakura, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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