Opened in August of 2019, this high-class accommodation allows guests to experience life on Lake Toya. Just a 2-hour drive from Sapporo and a 1.5-hour drive from New Chitose Airport, along with a free courtesy car available from Sapporo city, it is surprisingly easy to get to this secluded location!

Upon arrival, your extraordinary stay begins with the calming sounds of a waterfall echoing down the entrance walkway.

Once you exit the walkway, a huge infinity pool spreads out before you, appearing as if connected to Lake Toya in an elegant display. The lobby is chic and modern, flawlessly blending the Japanese-style interior with the surrounding scenery.

All rooms are furnished with private rotenburo open-air onsen baths, allowing you to avoid other customers and soak in peace while relishing the lake views. The 9.5 square meter ’infinity terrace’ provides another space to appreciate these views, with magical fireworks displays often lighting up the sky during certain seasons.

Foreign guests raved about their stay, commenting: “It was the perfect view,” and “The room’s interior was lovely.”

Of course, the best lake views come from inside the private rotenburo onsen, where you can bask in the feeling of undisturbed privacy and allow the world to pass by without concern.

While spending all your time in the private bath is tempting, it’s worthwhile checking out the huge shared ‘infinity’ bath, which connects seamlessly to the lake. As the edge of the bath protrudes into the air, it’ll feel like you’re floating in the sky! If the weather permits, the stars here are equally spectacular!

For dinner, head to Lake Suite Ko no Sumika’s restaurant, ‘The Toya,’ to be served a series of Japanese dishes of local ingredients, including Toya-gyu wagyu, seafood from the Funka Bay, and seasonal vegetables.

Being the closest part of the building to the lake, the restaurant is cleverly designed to blend in perfectly with the surrounding nature. There is a full-body disinfecting machine, alcohol spray, and limited capacity, allowing guests to dine with peace of mind.

At Ko no Sumika’s guest-only restaurant, the Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa (Main Building), you can feast upon Japanese courses of 4-5 dishes (table set) complemented by a Japanese-Chinese-Western mini-buffet. Guests are required to wear disposable gloves when taking food, and tongs are disinfected and washed after every use.

English and Chinese language assistance from international staff is available. If there is no one on duty, Japanese staff can communicate with a translation device.

In the town of Utoro on the Shiretoko Peninsula lies a quaint, family-run inn isolated from the rest of the world. For those with cars, it’s a 6-hour drive from Sapporo and a 2-hour drive from Abashiri.

For those without, it’s still accessible via public transport; however, you’ll need to take the Shari bus service from JR Shiretokoshari Station and get off at the Utoro Bus Terminal, from where you’ll be picked up via their shuttle service (requires reservation).

Despite the lengthy journey, the unspoiled beauty of the Natural World Heritage Site of Shiretoko combined with Hotel Kifu Club’s warm hospitality, cozy rooms, delicious food, and natural onsen make the trip worthwhile! Its remoteness and small capacity also make for the perfect social distance getaway!

Including the Japanese and western rooms in the main building and the separated log cabin, there are 15 rooms, all boasting views of the Sea of Okhotsk. We especially recommend watching the sun set into the ocean in the summertime. There’s no better place to appreciate Shiretoko’s lush, untouched nature in comfort than here!

Renovated in 2016, the facility’s public bath is an unfiltered free-flowing carbonated saltwater hot spring with myriad health benefits.

There is also a private rotenburo open-air onsen that can be reserved. It’s a service extremely popular among foreign guests, with many commenting: “The private open-air bath was absolutely incredible!”

From bird songs in the afternoon to a night sky covered by stars, you’ll be able to relish every inch of Hokkaido’s rural beauty in contentment and warmth! During check-in, each room will be able to reserve one hour of private bath time for themselves.

Dinner is served in their spacious restaurant and features their’ oil fondue’ set, allowing guests to fry tempura while eating it, along with a set of seasonal seafood and mountain pickings.

The seafood is sourced directly from local anglers, and the kombu dashi (Japanese soup stock made with kombu kelp) is made from Hokkaido’s renowned Rausu kombu - minerally-rich kombu kelp that grows only in the Rausu area. Such experiences allow a thorough encounter with the tastes of Shiretoko.

The rice, which is the renowned ‘Yumepirika,’ is sourced from the innkeeper’s farming acquaintance in Rankoshi, while the miso soup is a blend of homemade miso paste and hand-picked funori seaweed.

The simple and nourishing breakfast is served in oak bowls made by Kenichiro Watanabe of celebrated furniture producer STANDARD TRADE, along with those made by Oke Craft from the Hokkaido town of Oketo.

English assistance is available.

A 2.5-hour drive from New Chitose Airport and a 1 3/4-hour drive from Sapporo Station, Zaborin Ryokan is a luxury hotel hidden away in the depths of Niseko’s vast birch forests.

In this secluded realm of unspoiled tranquility, you entirely remove yourself from everyday stress and reach a state of blissful ‘zen.’

While respecting its Japanese roots, the hotel design is refreshing and modern, seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment and encouraging a deeper connection with nature.

Those visiting via public transport can be picked up by their courtesy car from JR Kutchan Station (a 15-minute drive).

Each of the 15 suite-style rooms boasts its own creative flair, with the surrounding nature effortlessly flowing in through the expansive windows. In addition to western and Japanese-style, rooms with a 7-piece tatami antechamber are also available.

Each room is furnished with both a private indoor and outdoor onsen, with free-flowing thermal water pumped up from a spring on the hotel grounds.

Depending upon the room type, the outdoor rotenburo onsen will either be carved out of a giant stone or made from Hinoki cypress wood. Encompassed by dynamic scenery, you'll feel at one with nature as you soak away stress in these decorative tubs.

While honoring traditional Japanese cooking methods, the head chef tactfully utilizes Hokkaido ingredients and local knowledge combined with his own unique sensibility to create the ultimate original ‘northern kaiseki’ cuisine.

Highlighting Hokkaido’s seasonal delicacies, the presentation overflows with imagination and a playful heart, giving equal enjoyment to your eyes as well as your taste buds.

Additionally, foreign guests have been more than satisfied with their experience, commenting: “The meals served here are on another level!”

Each room is affixed with a private dining space, completely separating you from all other guests. The hotel website has English, Chinese, and Korean options, and the staff can speak English.

Opened in 2019, this snazzy resort hotel was designed to emulate the experience of staying on a ship anchored in Hakodate. Based on the theme of ‘private cruising,’ you can unwind and relish your holiday accompanied by fantastic views of Mt. Hakodate from the breezy Hakodate Bay Area.

You can also zone out with views 15 floors above from the Spa Stellar Deck’s stunning infinity sky bath. Only a 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station, a 2-minute walk to the Hakodate Morning Market, and a 20-minute drive to Hakodate Airport, the location is second-to-none!

There are 17 room types to choose from, each based around a different scene. This includes the reasonably-priced ‘standard floor,’ the exquisite ‘royal floor,’ and even rooms to stay with your dogs! (Those staying with dogs must sign an agreement form.)

Each suite room on the 13th ’royal floor’ boasts a private open-air bath with views, allowing guests to unwind with friends and family and forget all about the world below. Other perks include free welcome sweets, free drinks at the 1st-floor bar, and priority seating at breakfast.

After warming up your body in the bath, you can cool down and savor drinks and ice cream at the ‘Stellar Lounge’ over Hakodate’s brilliant night scenery. With a spacious, separated seating arrangement, you can completely forget about the other customers and let your mind go free.

It’s no exaggeration to say that one of the most impressive aspects of the Century Marina Hakodate is its breakfast. Inspired by famous port towns across the world, the Yuuyoo Terrace Hakodate is an extravagant buffet of over 150 dishes crafted with Hokkaido’s freshest ingredients.

With such an overwhelming selection of high-quality produce to feast on, you’ll surely be satisfied for the rest of the day! One foreign guest sang high praises, commenting: “There are various types of cuisine available, and everything was mind-blowingly delicious.”

The Century Marina Hakodate website can be switched to English or Chinese, and there are staff at the front desk who can speak English and Korean (depending upon shift).

With easy access to both Motomachi and Goryokaku Tower, it’s the perfect location to use as a sightseeing base. English guidance is available.

Exceptionally positioned on a slope overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Furukawa is located in Shiraoi, the site of an ancient Ainu village and home to Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park.

Hotel Furukawa is 10 minutes by car from Noboribetsu Station on the JR Muroran Main Line and 15 minutes from the Central Hokkaido Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange. You can also book a courtesy car from JR Noboribetsu Station (requires reservation).

Aided by the soothing rhythm of the ocean and the treasure-trove of Shiraoi delicacies, you’ll feel the outside world vanish as you settle into a life of bliss!

Apart from the dog-friendly 1st-floor rooms, all rooms are ocean-front with gorgeous sweeping views. Each was purposely designed with large, open windows allowing the scenery to flow inside, making guests feel at one with the encompassing nature. You can select from 11 types of rooms, including Japanese, western, and ‘special.’

So you can entirely get away and enjoy some digital detox, all rooms are television-free (there are large televisions in the spa relaxation room and the 1st-floor smoking space).

The bath, Bijin no Yu, is a part of the renowned Kojohama hot springs. With spacious outdoor and indoor baths, including a breathtaking open-air infinity bath connecting to the sea, you’ll be able to bask in the glorious weather and phenomenal night skies without interruption. If you get up in time, you can also witness the sun rising from the ocean!

You can also escape the other guests in the private baths (separate fee, 80-minute reservation), which are made from hinoki cypress wood and stone. Along with the expansive windows and ocean views is a refreshing private deck.

The dinner is a Japanese set course making the most of Shiraoi’s renowned produce. This includes Shiraoi-gyu Japanese Black wagyu, seafood sourced from Maehama, and locally-picked vegetables. There is also a menu with Shiraoi-gyu steak and other delightful dishes to choose from.

The restaurant has private dining rooms, allowing complete separation from the other guests. Breakfast consists of a Japanese-style set meal made from a fantastic selection of premium Hokkaido ingredients as well as famous and delicious bread from Shiraoi.

In addition, an open terrace with hammocks, footbaths, and a meditation room have been set up to allow guests the opportunity to fully connect with the nature around them. If you want to see the sunrise, ask for a morning call!

Staff can converse in basic English, sometimes with the assistance of a translation device.

Adagio Hokkaido is a quaint little inn located south of Biei Town. It’s a 20-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport, or you can take a free shuttle bus (reservation required) from JR Biei Station.

Three sides of the facility are surrounded by trees while a seemingly-endless rural landscape stretches out front. Depending on the season, you might even be greeted by fields of blooming flowers!

Facing the direction of the fields is a restaurant with a large window. Here you can delight in cuisine made from local and seasonal ingredients while enjoying the beautiful scenery that stretches before you. Accommodation packages don’t include breakfast, so be sure to inquire about options when booking!

Guest rooms fit up to four guests (or up to three adults). The large windows allow light to pour in-making lounging around tables and chairs a genuinely relaxing experience! All rooms also have their own bathroom and amenities.

Adagio Hokkaido even offers spectacular views from its surrounding areas-enticing guests to take walks and explore. With bike rentals available, it’s recommended you cycle when visiting the nearby Biei Town. If you’d like to take a car, it’s only a ten-minute drive to Biei Town’s panoramic flower garden known as Shikisai-no-oka.

Since this facility is distanced from the town’s center, you can enjoy some romantic stargazing on a clear night.

Foreign guests who stayed here were charmed by the excellent hospitality, commenting: “My mood was lifted just from the service,” and “It’s a very warm experience.”

Information source: Booking.com

Furano Resort Orika is a hillside resort hotel surrounded by a golf course. With its triangular roof and orange-colored exterior, it stands out even from afar! To access the hotel, you can either take a ten-minute drive or use the free shuttle bus from JR Furano Station.

The hillside views are spectacular! Guest rooms are either twins or suites. With windows showcasing the golf course’s bright green grass, rural landscapes, and the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group, it’s as though you’re looking at a majestic landscape painting through a picture frame. All rooms, including the reasonable twin, let you enjoy breathtaking sights!

As with the guest rooms, there are also large windows at the public bath facility, enabling you to unwind in warm waters while taking in the view of the majestic Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group. Plus, the open-air bath has no glass partition, bringing nature closer. Depending on the season, you might even be able to enjoy a colorful landscape of fields filled with blooming flowers.

At the hotel’s restaurant, “Orika,” you can enjoy Western-style cuisine made with carefully-selected ingredients. Large glass windows offer beautiful views of your surroundings, making the space feel incredibly open. Above are modern chandeliers, and music is played from the restaurant’s piano-ensuring a gratifying dining experience! Other dining options include the hotel’s French restaurant, “Leila.”

Other services include massages and beauty treatments. There are English-speaking staff available.

Information source: Booking.com

The Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen is a hot spring village located approximately five kilometers from central Hakodate City. It’s very convenient to access, only a ten-minute drive from Hakodate Airport. Although there aren’t any shuttle buses available, getting off at the city bus stop “Nettai Shokubutsuen-mae“ will have you right at the facility’s entrance.

Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari/Hewitt Resort is one of the hotels in this hot spring village. The sizeable public bath on the upper floor is an open-air bath facing the Tsugaru Strait. Offering an experience where the hot spring and ocean meet, you’ll feel like the horizon melds into one.

Oceanview rooms can be found on floors seven and up. Room types include a twin room with two single beds and a family room. The family room fits up to four, making it a perfect option for those traveling with children.

Breakfast and dinner is served at the buffet-style restaurant, Tsukifune, on the second floor. Here you can delight in fresh seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi! With breakfast serving seafood bowls and other delights, overnight guests are sure to be more than satisfied!

The Kaiseki restaurant, Kumonami, is also located on the hotel’s first floor. Dining options include counter seating where you can watch sushi and sashimi being prepared by the chef, or private dining rooms where you can enjoy eating without worrying about your surroundings.

Nearby the hotel is the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, famous for its hot-tubbing monkeys.

Since the front desk is open at any hour, you can rely on someone to assist you in case of an emergency. There are also English-speaking staff available.

Information source: Booking.com

Hotel Neuschloss Otaru is approximately an hour and 50-minute drive from New Chitose Airport and a roughly 20-minute drive from JR Otaru Station. A short walk from the hotel is the tourist attraction, Otaru Aquarium! There’s a free shuttle bus running from JR Otaru Station and Hotel Neuschloss Otaru, so those who don’t have a car can also access it easily.

As seen in the center of the photo, the hotel can be found on a hill in Niseko‑Shakotan‑Otaru Kaigan Quasi‑National Park. Surrounded by greenery and the ocean, it’s the perfect option for those who want to enjoy a tranquil stay in Otaru.

Given titles such as “ocean-front” and “ocean-view,” guest rooms with European-inspired interiors are named after how they face the ocean. There’s a wide variety of room types, including Western-style double rooms and twin rooms, Japanese-style rooms that fit up to four, and luxurious suite rooms.

You can enjoy the exquisite scenery of Otaru’s coast spread right before you from the ocean-front room. Only here could you witness every detail of the sky and ocean changing color while the sun slowly sets.

All rooms come attached with a fine view open-air bath, enabling you to relax and soak with views of the ocean privately. A foreign guest who highly enjoyed their stay commented: “Staying in a room with a private bath and amazing views was absolutely blissful.”

At the hotel’s restaurant, Blau Küste, you can enjoy French cuisine in a refined atmosphere with large windows exposing the ocean. Moreover, the bar lounge, Perle, is the place to go for alcoholic drinks!

English-speaking staff is available.

Information source: Booking.com

Aya Niseko is an apartment hotel located in Niseko, a town extremely popular for enjoying winter activities. It’s around a 16-minute drive from JR Hirafu Station and a roughly two-hour drive from Sapporo as well as New Chitose Airport. Almost all guest rooms have windows stretching from the floor to the ceiling, offering beautiful views of Niseko.

Guest rooms have a modern interior. Room types include simple studio-sized rooms, suite-style rooms with extensive amenities, and large-capacity penthouses, enabling guests to choose a space that best fits their needs.

Suite-style “apartment guest rooms” come with their own kitchen and dining room! This allows you to fully unwind as though you were at home.

Many foreign guests commented: “The rooms were clean and spacious. I would love to stay here again.”

A multitude of shops and restaurants can be found a mere ten-minute walk from the hotel! You have the option to buy ingredients and cook at home, to get take out, or eat out. The possibilities are endless when it comes to meals!

The penthouse fits up to nine guests! Inside, you’ll find an open-air bath that gives you a jaw-dropping view of Mount Yotei. In addition, a natural hot spring is available at the hotel’s large public bath.

Each guest room has its own unique atmosphere. From simple twin beds to modern double beds shown in the photo above, you can choose the style you like best!

Aya Niseko has a sauna, a private hot spring, gym, and conference room. What’s more, reception is open twenty-four-seven and concierge services are available. In the winter, ski rentals, as well as ski and snowboarding lessons, are offered by the hotel. English-speaking staff are also present.

Since Niseko is a popular ski resort area, we recommended stopping by in the less crowded summer. With such a stunning location, this facility can be enjoyed any time of the year!

Information source: Booking.com

Hokkaido summers are best spent enjoying outdoor activities such as open-air baths! We highly recommend relaxing at accommodation facilities that boast incredible views. Staff at such facilities are more than happy to give recommendations for activities and make reservations, so don’t be shy to ask!

*This article has been updated in June 2022 from its original published in February 2021. For the latest information, please refer to the official websites.
Text by: Minna no Kotobasha

You can enjoy a variety of fun snow activities in this area in winter, including skiing and snowboarding. To save money and hassle, we recommend booking lift tickets in advance. Enjoy the unique winter landscapes and outstanding sense of openness that snow resorts afford, while also avoiding the crowds.