While full of all kinds of diverse landscapes, Japan has no shortage of amazing spots where you can kick back, relax and, well, just unwind.
Speaking of which, for anyone unwilling to settle for anything short of a premium experience, Ryokans are the place to be.
There are many of those in most parts of the country, but on this page, we are drilling down to the best of the best in the Hokkaido region. Check them out and pick your favorite one below.
Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort (Hakodate)
Take a short 15-minute drive from JR Hakodate Station or a 7-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, and you’ll be at Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort.
At first glance, it’s clear why this has been the designated Ryokan for the Showa Emperor. There’s more here than just the premium luxury. You’ll also be able to take in captivating ocean views, and (yes the name gives it away…) get to immerse yourself in the open-air hot springs. Talk of an unbeatable experience.
Once inside, the unmistakable Japanese culture stands out.
And this goes for almost everything; Japanese meals, flooring made of tatami (woven straw), and traditional futon bedding to top it all up. But what makes this place truly amazing is how they have thrown in a blend of both cultural and modern touches.
You will find a flat-screen TV in your room. And yes, there’s also a fridge, which you may not use, but it’s better to have it and not need it, right?
Whenever you want to unwind, just head over to the public bathing area where you can enjoy a massage (this comes at an extra charge.) Or get up-close with nature at the Goryokaku Park, which is only a 15-minute drive from the resort. There’s ample free parking.
- Number of rooms: 51
Ryokan Ichinomatsu
Free private parking, free WiFi, access to hot spring bath… What more could you ask for in a Ryokan? Well, obviously there should be more to this place than just that. And sure enough, there is.
Ryokan Ichinomatsu passes as a 5-star choice in every aspect. You will also get full-day security and convenient luggage storage space. But there’s even more. You can rest assured of your comfort, thanks to heating facilities in each unit, along with ideal air-conditioning.
Wait, there’s more, you also get a safety deposit box, a private bathroom (with a bidet), a flat-screen TV, a kettle, a tatami, as well as a fridge.
Once your indoor stay is no longer exciting, consider stepping out and checking out the open-air bath or take a stroll and take in the stunning garden views. You can also spend the evening relaxing in one of the several hot springs.
- Number of rooms: 26
- Distance from Hakodate Airport; 1Km
- Goryokaku Park: 4.9Km
Lake Toya Tsuruga Resort
Here comes yet another Ryokan that will surely offer you one of the most memorable experiences. To start off inside the units, each one is air-conditioned and has heating facilities for absolute comfort, and you have a private bathroom. Each unit also comes with a kettle, a safety deposit box, free WiFi, and a flat-screen TV.
Some rooms even have a balcony and others have some of the best mountain views on the whole property.
For socializing and outdoor fun, Lake Toya Tsuruga Resort got you. Head down to the hot spring bath, and check out the spa facilities, the sauna, or the open-air bath.
There’s also a coffee shop, as well as a minimarket, and if you are yearning for some adventure, sightseeing tours are also available.
- Distance from Higashi-muroran station: 37Km
- Distance from New Chitose Airport: 109Km
- Distance from Lake Toya: 3.8Km
- Number of rooms: 38
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo
Situated right in the center of Sapporo is the Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo. This resort has everything from a sauna, a hot spring bath, air-conditioned rooms, as well as bed linens and towels in each room.
In each unit, you’ll also get a flat-screen TV, a kettle, and free WiFi, and in some rooms, you get the best views of the city while others have balconies.
Odori Park is also nearby for whenever you could be in need of a mid-afternoon stroll.
Albeit being a 3-star resort, Onsen Ryokan has a 24-hour front desk, allowing you to check in at any time.
You can make an arrangement for private parking, but note that attracts an extra charge.
- Distance from Okadama Airport: 9Km
- Distance from Sapporo Station: 1.8Km
- Number of rooms: 252
Chalet Ivy Jozankei
At Chalet Ivy, you get pretty much everything you could ask for in a paradise getaway like this. Free WiFi, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a kettle, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom with a hot tub, are all included in each unit.
Oh, and yes, the beds are fitted with linen, and towels are provided for each unit as well. And that’s not all. You will also enjoy other conveniences like air-conditioning, a well-fitted kitchenette with a microwave, a dishwasher, and other kitchenware.
You will also get access to a hot tub and hot spring bath. Some of the facilities in this resort include a restaurant, spa as well as a fitness room.
With this Ryokan sitting in a geothermal area, you can experience a relaxing open-air bath in the various hot springs.
- Distance from Okadama Airport: 35Km
- Distance from Otarushi Zenibako City Center: 43Km
- Distance from Otaru Station: 44Km
- Number of rooms: 26
Tokachigawa Moor Onsen Seijyakubow
At Tokachigawa, you’ll get the true essence of convenience and luxury. Everything from air-conditioned rooms, free parking, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with free toiletries and bidet, and a hair dryer.
Heading there in winter? No problem! Each room is equipped with heating facilities; you won’t have to spend the night curled up.
For a fun pastime, there’s a sauna, a public bath, and a hot spring bath. There’s also a beautiful garden where you can relax, or take a stroll to walk off a heavy lunch treat.
You’ll also get free WiFi so you can either surf the internet or work from your unit. And in the true style of any 5-star resort, there is a traditional restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese meals.
However, you can also enjoy an American or vegetarian breakfast depending on your preferences.
- Distance from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport: 36Km
- Distance from Obihiro Station – 11Km
- Free private parking is available
- Number of rooms: 4
Hanamomiji (Jozankei)
If you are within the Jozankei area, there’s no better place to spend the night (or the weekend) than in Hanamomiji Ryokan.
Like most of the other resorts above, here too you will find all the luxury and convenience.
Outside, fun activities await in facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, karaoke facilities, and a gift shop. There’s also a game room available. Hot spring baths are also available, where you can relax while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains.
Free WiFi is provided and accessible from anywhere within the public areas of the premises. Indoors, the units are fitted with tatami flooring, a flat-screen TV, a low table, traditional futon bedding, and heating facilities.
You can’t go wrong with the suite bathroom, with a bathtub as well as free toiletries. Other perks include a reliable 24-hour front desk service as well as a free luggage storage space. In the restaurant, you can treat yourself (or loved ones) to a seasonal Japanese dinner.
There is a private dining room and a guest room where you can have some private and quiet space as a family or group.
- Distance from Shin Chitose Airport: 90-minute drive
- Number of rooms: 135
Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu
Here’s one for those in search of an adults-only Ryokan. Noguchi Noboribetsu doesn’t skimp on quality though.
The suites here are very spacious, featuring wide windows and wooden floors. You get a living area with sofas, a satellite LCD TV, as well as a private bath.
The fun continues outside, where you will enjoy relaxing open-air hot spring baths. And if you are willing to spend a little extra, then you can always try a Korean-style stone sauna (ganbanyoku) as well.
For even more outdoor fun, a 15-minute hike to the Jigokudani volcanic valley will offer you a calming experience. Of course, you will be able to enjoy the different amazing Japanese cuisines, and after you can grab a drink at the free minibar, or spend the evening watching a DVD.
Other great perks include a massage facility, duty-free shopping at available shops, and free WiFi connectivity.
- Distance from New Chitose Airport: 1-hour drive
- Distance from JR Sapporo Train station: 2-hour drive
- Distance to Noboribetsu Bear Park: 7-minute cable car ride
- Free on-site parking is available
- Number of rooms: 52
To Conclude
These are some of the best Ryokans in Kyoto and they are worth your while to try them out. You might also want to prepare a list of things you are expecting to have and double-check with the Ryokans you are planning to visit via email or direct contact. Just FYI, the images you see here are meant for illustration purposes only.
