As a Hokkaido tourism expert with over 15 years of experience exploring the region, I have written over 1,000 travel articles for magazines and websites and have stayed at hundreds of hotels and inns across the region, including about 20 in Otaru alone.

When you think of "onsen," you likely imagine soaking in an outdoor bath while admiring the natural surroundings. Otaru has a number of hot spring facilities that offer this opportunity to bathe amidst the changing colors of the four seasons, as well as outdoor baths surrounded by snow in winter. However, despite the abundance of lodgings in Otaru, those featuring large baths, open-air baths, and private baths are somewhat limited.

Here, we share three tips on how to select the perfect hot spring hotel in Otaru, followed by five recommended hot spring hotels.

The choice of facility depends on who you plan to spend time with, and how you’d like to spend that time. For example, if you seek the experience of bathing in spacious separate men's and women's baths with large groups, opt for one with large baths.

Alternatively, if you prefer an open-air hot spring while taking in the beauty of the seasons, choose one with an outdoor bath.

Luckily, there are several options in Otaru offering both large baths and open-air baths to cater to different preferences.

For those seeking privacy and would prefer not to bare their bodies around strangers, individuals with tattoos, or families wanting to bathe together, private baths and guest room outdoor hot springs are possible options.

With access to a private bath or an open-air spring in your room, you can fully enjoy the Japanese bathing experience without any hesitation or discomfort. And while these services may be limited, there are still several facilities in Otaru that offer these accommodations to ensure a satisfying bathing experience for all users.

When considering who will use which bath, and each bath’s features, it's important to check out the descriptions on the accommodation’s official homepage as well as travel websites. This will help you narrow down your search based on the preferences and needs of the bathers by focusing on the types of baths available.

The next consideration is whether you have any preference regarding the type of hot springs. While many may picture a typical onsen as a large bathhouse or open-air bath for numerous individuals, the definition is a bit more nuanced.

According to Japanese law, an “onsen” is defined as “warm water exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, containing specific minerals, or with steam or gas emanating from the ground.”

Indeed, there are some establishments where the water in the large baths may consist of hot spring water, while others may use tap water or water heated by other means.

Accommodations in Otaru offer both options, but it’s important to note that those with non-spring water are not necessarily inferior to those with it. At the end of the day, bathing in a giant bathtub can still be a relaxing experience and help relieve fatigue, regardless of the source.

Hot springs, however, are believed to offer various health benefits in addition to the regular soothing effects, as the body absorbs the minerals in the water through the skin during bathing. Incidentally, many of Otaru’s hot springs are naturally salty, contributing to skin hydration and providing relief for cold sensitivity.

The easiest way to determine if a facility uses hot springs or not is by checking the facility’s information. Typically, only those that officially meet the legal definition of onsen can be recognized as such. If you’re particular about experiencing a hot spring’s specific ingredients and benefits, we recommend selecting a facility that labels itself as an onsen.

However, if you’re less concerned about these specifics, you can still enjoy your bathing experience by selecting any facility that offers your preferred style of bathing, whether that’s a large public bath or an outdoor hot spring. In this case, you’ll also have many more options to choose from.

Feedback shared by individuals who have visited firsthand can offer valuable insights. It’s important to consider factors such as the springs’ atmosphere, location, and user-friendliness to ensure they align with your preferences. However, it’s also important to note that the level of crowding can vary by day and time of use, and the ambiance of open-air baths can differ significantly based on season and weather conditions.

In addition, user reviews can also describe personal misunderstandings or opinions. Therefore, it’s advisable not to rely solely on word-of-mouth information but rather as a supplementary reference. Ultimately, it’s best to verify any details on the facility’s official website or official social media pages to ensure accuracy before making a decision.

Lastly, it’s important to note that most facilities prohibit using cameras or smartphones in the bathhouses, and forbid taking photos or videos or posting to social media. So refer only to photos taken with permission by authorized parties affiliated with facility, and from written reviews.

Several hot spring hotels are available in the Asarigawa Onsen area, located just a short 30-minute bus ride from Otaru Station and along the road from Otaru Station to Asarigawa Onsen. Based on Nobuka’s personal experiences and various reviews, here are five recommended hot spring hotels.

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru is a hot spring hotel conveniently situated in front of Otaru Station, just a 1-minute walk away. As the closest accommodation to Otaru Station, it has some of the best access for travelers, allowing guests to easily explore major tourist attractions like the nearby Otaru Canal. And its popularity is further enhanced by its spacious hot spring baths!

On the second floor of the building is the spacious Akari-no-yu bath, separated by gender and available for unlimited during your stay (between 3 PM to 10 AM the following day). While there are slight variations in the construction of both bathhouses, both feature main bathtubs for large groups, rock and cypress tubs, as well as rock and ceramic open-air baths, and dry saunas and water baths.

The hot water in the indoor baths is sourced from a hot spring with a strong alkaline quality, infused with salt and other beneficial elements, said to be particularly beneficial for individuals with cold sensitivity and various other ailments.

With its diverse range of facilities, Dormy Inn is an ideal destination for unwinding, conveniently located in front of the station. The bathing area also has each washing space separated individually, so you can wash yourself off without worrying about neighboring guests.

After a soak in the large bath, guests can chill out in the adjacent rest area, where complimentary lactic acid bacteria drinks are available from 5 AM to 10 AM, and ice cream is served from 3 PM to 1 AM the following day. This thoughtful service provides a refreshing treat to cool off after a soothing bath!

Most rooms accommodate up to two guests, with some being Japanese-style tatami rooms. There’s also the men’s-only capsule hotel-style Global Cabin for men who wish to lodge at a budget-friendly price.

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru is famous for its luxurious buffet-style breakfast, where you can enjoy delicacies unique to Otaru, including kaisen-don, (a rice bowl generously topped with salmon roe and sashimi), grilled scallops, soup curry, and more. With outstanding hot spring baths and meals both on offer, your stay is guaranteed to leave you fully content and rejuvenated!

Otaru Asari Classe Hotel is a typical hot spring hotel in Asarigawa Hot Spring, situated about 20 minutes by car from Otaru Station, Otaru Canal, and other prominent attractions in the city, or just under 30 minutes by bus.

In addition to the separate men's and women's public baths, this hotel offers guest rooms equipped with hot spring open-air baths. In addition to the indoor baths, the large bathrooms include open-air rock baths, along with saunas. The indoor bath has a series of large glass windows, offering an illusion of being outdoors and creating a sense of spaciousness. However, the open-air bath provides an even more invigorating experience, allowing guests to soak while admiring the changing scenery of the seasons.

All the water in the baths is sourced from the hot spring. It is mildly alkaline and enriched with calcium and salt. This makes the water soft to the touch and famous for leaving the skin feeling moisturized and smooth after each bath.

There are a total of six guest rooms with open-air hot spring baths. Rooms include a Japanese/Western layout with both wooden floors and tatami (up to four guests) and a Western-style room for two persons. Each room features its own open-air bath, which you can use from check-in to check-out, allowing guests to enjoy the springs whenever they like.

You can also choose to include breakfast or dinner with your stay. As Asarigawa Onsen does not have any restaurants or convenience stores within walking distance, guests are encouraged to do any shopping and buy food before arriving at the hotel, or to use the hotel's restaurant and shops. For dinner, we recommend the Kaisen Ankake Yakisoba and seafood curry or the dinner course, which features dishes made with local ingredients (reservation required).

Winkel Village, located in Asarigawa Onsen, offers a range of accommodations including rental villas, condominiums, and campgrounds. Situated opposite the Otaru Asari Classe Hotel, it's a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking maximum fun!

Our focus here are the condominiums, each featuring a shower room and an outdoor hot spring on the terrace that guests can exclusively enjoy at their convenience through the duration of their stay. Perched atop a hill, the low fence also offers amazing views. The spring water, slightly alkaline and enriched with salt and calcium, is known for its skin-smoothing properties, heat retention, and skin hydration.

The condos have rooms accommodating 4, 5, and 7 people, ideal for families and groups, and fully equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, gas stove, and cooking utensils, including knives and tableware. This allows guests to enjoy cooking meals as if hosting their own home party. All you need is to bring your own food!

In addition to soaking in the springs, this condo also offers a special treat not commonly found elsewhere. There’s a barbecue stove and beer server on the terrace, allowing guests to enjoy meals like jingisukan and grilled scallops.

All equipment can be rented, and charcoal and beer kegs are available for sale, so all you need is the right ingredients! Why not grab some local seafood, meat, and vegetable at the Otaru Market and host a party? Soak your feet in the springs and sip on a beer while enjoying a footbath. According to Nobuka, the cooler months are the best time to visit!

Otaru Korakuen is a hot spring inn located near the Asari Interchange on the expressway linking Sapporo and Otaru. If you're traveling from Otaru Station, simply head towards Asarigawa Onsen. It’s about a 15-minute drive away.

The inn is situated on a large plot of land and has a large bathhouse with an open-air bath, along with private baths and guest rooms featuring their own open-air baths. Each of these baths use hot spring water drawn from 500 meters underground. This water is highly alkaline and characterized by its thickness, and the smoothing effect it leaves on the skin post-bath.

The inn features two large baths, "Iwanoyu" and "Morinoyu", each designated for either men or women, alternating at different times throughout the day. This switch occurs at midnight, allowing guests who wish to experience both baths to do so at different times of the day. Towels are also available in the bathhouse, eliminating the need for guests to bring their own.

Iwanoyu boasts an indoor bath designed in the likeness of a warehouse, and an open-air bath with natural stones. There’s also a sauna and a self-löyly (a type of Finnish sauna). The Morinoyu bath is surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with both indoor and outdoor baths, and even a traditional Finnish sauna.

The private bath, “Kogake no Ideyu,” is a generous space of 80 square meters with an indoor bath and sauna overlooking the garden through a large window. Each session lasts 45 minutes, and reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon check-in. If you’re interested, we recommend checking in early!

Otaru Korakuen has a total of 34 guest rooms, 28 of which include an open-air bath. There are several types of rooms, including Japanese-style, Japanese/Western, and maisonette rooms, with most accommodating 2-4 guests (some can accommodate up to six).

The inn’s interior exudes a purely Japanese ambiance, with tatami mats and wood used throughout, including in the pillars and doors. Both dinner and breakfast are elaborate Japanese dishes that use the finest seasonal ingredients. It's the perfect choice for those seeking to immerse themselves in the cultural experience of a traditional Japanese onsen inn.

Ryotei Yuyado Ginrinso is a hot spring inn on a hilltop overlooking the Otaru Sea. Conveniently located a quick 5-minute drive from Otaru Chikko Station (the second stop from Otaru Station toward Sapporo), guests can arrange for a pickup from the station with prior reservation.

The inn is housed in a historically significant structure recognized by Otaru City, known as Otaru Nishin Goten (or Herring Mansion). Originally built in 1900 in Yoichi Town, which neighbors Otaru City, it served as the home of a herring fisherman and provided lodging for fishermen. The mansion was relocated to its current location in 1938.

The large bathhouse has an indoor bath, an open-air bath overlooking the sea, and a sauna. Some guest rooms even boast their own private indoor baths. The open-air bath is about 330 square meters in size, and is a rock bath with a rustic feel. Overlooking the distant ocean, guests can lose themselves in the serene port town atmosphere, accompanied by the gentle sounds of the birds and passing ships. Complimentary towels are provided, eliminating the need to bring your own.

All baths are supplied with hot spring water sourced from a depth of 1,300 meters beneath the property. The spring water is soft to the touch and contains a high salt content, and is popular for leaving the skin feeling moist and supple post-bath.

All guest rooms are designed for double occupancy and encompass a variety of Japanese-style tatami rooms and Japanese-Western fusion rooms, with the exception of two Western-style rooms. Amongst these, the Japanese-style and special rooms in the new wing feature their own indoor hot spring baths, which are so spaciously sized, you won’t believe they’re for your own private use! The views are also breathtaking, ensuring a truly gratifying stay.

For dinner, indulge in authentic Japanese kaiseki cuisine, a culinary delight that tempts all five senses with its delicious flavors, aromas, and textures. Breakfast is a set menu of traditional Japanese dishes.

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of a Japanese ryokan with its distinct architecture, atmosphere, hot spring baths, and meals. While most of the facilities are in Japanese, international guests are encouraged to use translation tools or apps when needed for a comfortable stay.

In addition to the variety of onsen hotels, Otaru also boasts condos with hot springs, along with your traditional onsen inns. Each offers unique atmospheres and amenities, making any of them highly recommended options. So pick one that best aligns with your preferences, and enrich your Otaru journey with a rejuvenating hot spring experience!

*Information in article as of March 2024. Please see official websites for the latest updates & information.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki