Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu, in Hakodate, Hokkaido, boasts a natural hot spring with waters that flow freely from its own spring! What’s more, here you can enjoy multicourse Japanese kaiseki meals that use seasonal ingredients. This special kaiseki course has won a star in the cuisine category of the Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2012.

The inn instantly captivates with its beautiful and iconic exterior and ambiance, representative of Japan. Stately Japanese architecture, a refined atmosphere, and traditional hospitality have attracted the attention of many guests, including various dignitaries, since its opening.

The historic inn has had guests such as Helen Keller, who stayed in September 1947, as well as Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun, who stayed in August 1954.

Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu had no choice but to close for a year starting in February 2020 due to the spread of Covid-19. However, this closing time was used for renewal construction.

Upon its reopening, the inn was upgraded to include two additional private, half-open-air baths! Centering around the concept of "pursuing a freeing and comfortable stay with old traditions," the attractive qualities of the past remain while comforts and conveniences suited to the modern age were added. This style of accommodation has something to offer everyone!

Another one of the inn’s attractions is the natural hot spring waters that gush from a spring on the premises. The guest room baths and open-air baths overlook the Tsugaru Strait, and on a clear day, the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture can be seen from across the water.

All 22 guest rooms offer a spectacular, panoramic ocean view from the large windows! There are five types of rooms ranging from Japanese-style rooms of approximately 60 square meters to luxurious maisonette rooms - each accommodating up to four people.

All guest rooms are equipped with the inn’s original futon mattresses and beds for a good night’s sleep. There’s also a range of inn-produced amenities that are hinoki cypress-scented.

In addition to this, some rooms have iPads so that you can enjoy your favorite music and videos during your stay!

For foreign guests. we especially recommend the Japanese-style room shown above! “Yachiyo” is a special guest room with a prestigious and dignified structure and is also a replica of the room that Emperor Showa stayed in.

The inn’s original carvings have been preserved, and together with the hinoki cypress indoor bath, you can enjoy an extraordinarily luxurious experience!

Along with the hot springs, you won’t want to miss out on dishes awarded a Michelin Guide star! Kaiseki, abundant in seasonal ingredients, is prepared by Executive Chef Narita.

The cuisine served at the inn is said to embody the spirit of hospitality, also used in Japanese tea ceremonies-otherwise known as the "three ki."

The "three ki" throughout the kaiseki course include the seasons (kisetsu in Japanese), the vessel (utsuwa, also “eaki" in Japanese kanji characters), and the occasion (kikai in Japanese). Meals served at Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu implements “the three ki” into all meals-regarding this concept with the utmost importance.

The dishes are truly first-rate! Everything is meticulously prepared with high attention to detail, letting you experience the essence of the inn through delicate flavors.

Variety-filled breakfasts are another treat!

The spacious dining room is equipped with tables and chairs for a comfortable and relaxed dining experience.

Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu is located within Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen, one of Hokkaido's three major hot spring resorts.

Nearby are Kosetsuen (Miharashi Park), Hokkaido’s only designated National Scenic Beauty*; Trappistine Monastery, Japan’s first women’s abbey; Nezaki Beach, with its borrowed scenery*; a tropical botanical garden with monkeys bathing in hot springs; and Matsukura River. With so many attractions, it’s truly a fantastic base for sightseeing in Hakodate!

*National Scenic Beauty: An approved scenic area under the Cultural Properties Protection Law, designated by the national government.
*Borrowed scenery: A landscaping technique used in Japanese and Chinese gardens that incorporates scenery from outside of the garden as a backdrop (landscape).

After spending the day sightseeing, take a relaxing soak in the hot springs and enjoy luxurious kaiseki! Many guests from both Japan and abroad revisit the inn and all it has to offer.

We also recommend the inn-organized experience packages. Enjoy extraordinary experiences such as hiking (English guidance available), tea ceremonies, and soba noodle-making workshops (Japanese only)!

Multilingual support
Japanese, English, Chinese

Facility Information
・Rooms: 22
・Hours: Check-in from 3:00 p.m. / Check-out at 11:00 a.m.
・Rate: 22.8 square-meter rooms in the new building start from 39,600 yen / The “Yachiyo” special guest room in the main building starts from 73,700 yen
*All packages are for one-night, two-meal stays (two guests to a room), rates shown are for one guest (including tax, excluding bathing fees).

＊The information in this article is from October 2022. Please check the official website for the latest information.