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5 Luxury Holiday Rentals in Hokkaido: Enjoy a Refreshing Summer Stay In Japan's Breathtaking North Country

5 Luxury Holiday Rentals in Hokkaido: Enjoy a Refreshing Summer Stay In Japan's Breathtaking North Country

Date published: 28 April 2022

Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a different side of the country. Home to some of the country's most breathtaking scenery, this land also avoids the kind of sweltering summertime humidity found further south, making it a prime destination in the warmer months.

Enjoy a relaxing getaway while being able to connect with locals, by staying at a holiday rental. As many traditional-style Japanese homes have been renovated into holiday rentals, you can enjoy a unique experience first-hand. Plus, staying close to local residents and exploring the city from their perspective will give you an insight into the area you might not get otherwise.

Read on to hear our recommendations for vacation rentals in Hokkaido.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Hakodate Classic Hotels: Relax at the historic Western-style hotel in Hakodate
  2. 2. The Setsmon: A modern rental apartment in secluded Niseko
  3. 3. Fuyunoki: A great base in Kitanomine for sightseeing around Furano
  4. 4. Kuranoya: Great for families with good access to the city
  5. 5. Tachikawa Family's House: Feel Hakodate's history and culture at a designated Culturally Important Property
  6. Stay at a one-of-a-kind vacation rental in Hokkaido

1. Hakodate Classic Hotels: Relax at the historic Western-style hotel in Hakodate

The renovated old Wajima residence (Photo courtesy of Hakodate Classic Hotels)
The renovated old Wajima residence (Photo courtesy of Hakodate Classic Hotels)

Hakodate opened its doors to the world as a trading port in 1855. Consulates of the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom subsequently opened, leading to an increased number of international residents and a flourishing of Western culture and architecture.

On the outskirts of the city, Goryokaku even incorporates Western-style architecture.

Goryokaku is the star-shaped fortress that is a famous tourist destination in Hokkaido. Not only are there beautiful night views and great food, but there are also many attractions nearby, such as Onuma Park and Matsumae Castle.

Hakodate is the kind of city that has so much to explore, you won't be content with just a day trip here!

That's where Hakodate Classic Hotels comes in. Located at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, the hotel renovated the former Wajima residence, built in 1915 in an eclectic Japanese and Western style. It reopened in July 2017 as a single rental hotel (maximum 8 people).

A great location for sightseeing in Hakodate
A great location for sightseeing in Hakodate

It was officially designated as an "Important Structure for City Scenery Formation in Hakodate," and it nicely conveys the atmosphere of Hakodate of the time.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Hakodate Tram's Hakodate Dock-Mae Station, it is close to Mt. Hakodate, the Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse, and Hakodate Morning Market.

One guest noted, "The house is lovely and has everything you need. There are four bedrooms big enough for seven people. I love the atmosphere." And there are many other similarly happy customers leaving positive reviews.

A relaxing yet refined atmosphere in the living room (Photo courtesy of Hakodate Classic Hotels)
A relaxing yet refined atmosphere in the living room (Photo courtesy of Hakodate Classic Hotels)

There is a distinctly Japanese atmosphere on the first floor, completed by the Japanese-style latticed bay windows and sliding doors.

Of course, the dining room has everything you need to cook your meals, including a refrigerator, microwave, rice cooker, dishes, and a hot plate.

Hakodate is not only famous for its seafood cuisine but also its wineries and breweries. In addition, the Trappist Monastery produces "Trappist Butter," following a traditional method from the French Cistercians. Have a look for local and exciting ingredients to throw a Hakodate party!

The bedroom with its welcoming soft sunlight
The bedroom with its welcoming soft sunlight

On the second floor, decorated with sash windows and gorgeous window frames, there is a Western-style room that can accommodate up to 8 people. Staff will await your arrival, but otherwise, there are no staff on-site, so please make sure to notify them in advance if your arrival time changes.

A unique iwaburo bath created with stones (Photo courtesy of Hakodate Classic Hotels)
A unique iwaburo bath created with stones (Photo courtesy of Hakodate Classic Hotels)

One of the best things about this rental hotel is the quaint rock bath. You can make use of the bath 24 hours a day, as well as the sauna. If you're not used to Japanese-style hot baths, you can feel free to set the bath temperature to be slightly cooler.

But take a warm bath before bed, and you'll feel warm and cozy for a great night's sleep. In Japanese culture, families often bathe together with their children, and this is the perfect place to enjoy that experience and bring their rubber ducks and bath toys.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are required to wear masks

Foreign language support
Reserve on Booking.com for support in other languages.

2. The Setsmon: A modern rental apartment in secluded Niseko

A gorgeous apartment building set amongst natural scenery (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)
A gorgeous apartment building set amongst natural scenery (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)

Niseko is an international resort well-known for its powder snow that is great when skiing in Hokkaido.

People come from all over the world for rafting and horseback riding in the spring and summer months, and the fabulous powder snow in winter.

Because there's so much to do, it's best to stay for at least a few nights to make the most of your trip.

The Setumon is located in Hirafu, the heart of Niseko, and is a 5-minute walk to the ski lifts. The apartment has an excellent view of Mt. Yotei, known for its similar shape to the famous Mt. Fuji, and provides convenient access to a number of different activities.

A great place to look out onto the Niseko Volcanic Group (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)
A great place to look out onto the Niseko Volcanic Group (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)

The Setsumon is about two and a half hours by bus from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station. The area has more than enough to do, with Michelin-starred restaurants, bars, and hot springs all close by.

Room sizes vary from 45 square meters to a maximum of 155 square meters (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)
Room sizes vary from 45 square meters to a maximum of 155 square meters (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)

Each room is a "condominium type" room, or a standalone apartment, that comes equipped with a private balcony, kitchen, utensils, bathroom amenities, and international TV channels. Cribs and high chairs are available to travel comfortably with little ones (must be booked in advance).

The apartments are designed to give you a comfortable and relaxing holiday (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)
The apartments are designed to give you a comfortable and relaxing holiday (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)

There are eight different grades of room, each with its own style. The "Studio Room" (2 people) and "Alpine Deluxe Apartment" (2-4 people 1LDK* and 2LDK*) have a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, microwave, hot water dispenser, and toaster to give you all the necessities for cooking for yourself.

(*1LDK: 1 room plus living room, dining room, and kitchen. *2LDK: 2 rooms plus living room, dining room, and kitchen.)

Feel liberated as you submerge yourself in the top-floor jacuzzi (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)
Feel liberated as you submerge yourself in the top-floor jacuzzi (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)

The "Alpine Premier Apartment" (for six people) has a bright and comfortable living room with modern furnishings, and sunlight pours in through the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

The "Penthouse Apartment" (up to 6 people) is a maisonette on the top floor. It has a main bedroom and outdoor jacuzzi on the upper floor, and two further bedrooms as well as a kitchen and living room on the lower floor, creating a luxurious space for large groups to enjoy privacy.

The modern interior and exterior are great characteristics of the building (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)
The modern interior and exterior are great characteristics of the building (Photo courtesy of Niseko Management Service)

Guests have left reviews to the tune of "Great location, modern, and well-equipped apartment. It has a large living room, fully equipped kitchen and very comfortable beds. And the host was friendly and considerate." (Australian guest)

"I had an amazing stay. The staff speaks fluent English, too." (Indonesian guest) So there are certainly some happy customers here.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are required to wear masks

Multilingual support
・ Reservations can be made in other languages on Booking.com.
・ Reception services are available in English.

  • The Setsumon
    • Address 1-3-4-17, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan, Hokkaido, 044-0080
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Hirafu Station (Hakodate Main Line)
      51 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

3. Fuyunoki: A great base in Kitanomine for sightseeing around Furano

A convenient condo close to bus stops, restaurants, and convenience stores (Photo courtesy of All-About Furano)
A convenient condo close to bus stops, restaurants, and convenience stores (Photo courtesy of All-About Furano)

Fuyunoki is an apartment-style accommodation located in the Kitanomine area, about an eight-minute drive from Furano Station.

The warm wooden decorations and furnishings create a welcoming atmosphere, making for a relaxing visit. The accommodation is conveniently located about 350m from the Kitanomine Gondola Station, 500m from a convenience store, and is within walking distance of various cafes and restaurants.

A short stroll will take you to Ningle Terrace, a romantic shopping area with 15 log houses set in the woods, or the nearby English-style Kazeno Garden, with its quaint countryside cottages. The setting makes for a perfect stroll in the refreshing breeze.

The relaxing living room (Photo courtesy of All About Furano)
The relaxing living room (Photo courtesy of All About Furano)

The rooms consist of two-bedroom apartment units (up to 4 guests) and three-bedroom apartment units (up to 6 guests), and each is classified as one "unit."

The units are air-conditioned and come complete with a living room with a flat-screen TV, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, a safety box, and a private bathroom with slippers and a hairdryer.

The units have everything you need for the day-to-day, including a refrigerator, oven, stove, pots, and even a coffee maker so that you can feel right at home.

The lighting and windows have been carefully placed for a comfortable bedroom atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of All About Furano)
The lighting and windows have been carefully placed for a comfortable bedroom atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of All About Furano)

There are also ski racks in the entrance by the front door. So you can easily maintain your skis and snowboards during your stay. Upstairs is open-plan, with a living and dining area as well as a scenic balcony. The first floor is where you'll find the shower room, laundry space, and bedroom.

Furano is a treasure trove of delicious ingredients! (Photo courtesy of All About Furano)
Furano is a treasure trove of delicious ingredients! (Photo courtesy of All About Furano)

The "Furano Marche", about a 10-minute drive away, offers a wide range of specialties from around Furano that will open a whole new world of culinary possibilities.

In reviews of Fuyunoki, guests have mentioned: "The staff are amicable and always ready to help. The rooms are as clean as a hotel room, and the description of the service is very clear" (Guest from China), as well as "It feels like home, with so much space, a comfortable bed, a complete set of cooking utensils, and an individual parking space." (Guest from Hong Kong)

Get away from the hustle and bustle in a calm and quiet atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of All About Furano)
Get away from the hustle and bustle in a calm and quiet atmosphere. (Photo courtesy of All About Furano)

From spring to summer, Furano comes alive with colorful flowers such as lavender and poppies, and in autumn, the wheat fields glow a warm gold.

Winter is a glittering white, and each season has its own unique selling point. Stay for a more extended holiday and fully enjoy Furano's beautiful natural scenes.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are required to wear masks

Multilingual support
・ Reservations can be made in other languages on Booking.com.
・ The staff can assist in English.

  • Fuyunoki
    • Address 20-30 Kitanominecho, Furano-shi, Hokkaido, 076-0034
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Furano Station (Nemuro Main Line / Furano Line)
      42 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    • Please enquire directly about rates.

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

4. Kuranoya: Great for families with good access to the city

About 3 minutes on foot to the subway Hosuisusukino Station, 20 seconds on foot from exit 6 (Photo courtesy of Kuraya)
About 3 minutes on foot to the subway Hosuisusukino Station, 20 seconds on foot from exit 6 (Photo courtesy of Kuraya)

The largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo, is dotted with tourist attractions such as the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office) and the Sapporo City Clock Tower.

Located in the city's heart, Kuranoya Sapporo Villa is about a 5-minute walk from Hosuisusukino Station, making it very accessible. It's the ideal spot as a base for sightseeing in the city.

It's also a good option if you come by car, as there is a free parking lot that can park up to two cars (depending on vehicle type).

The monochrome theme adds to the refreshing sense of cleanliness (Photo courtesy of Kuranoya)
The monochrome theme adds to the refreshing sense of cleanliness (Photo courtesy of Kuranoya)

There are four bedrooms: 1 room with 2 single beds, 1 room with 4 single beds, and 2 rooms with a queen-size bed in each. In addition, 2 sofa beds, 1 semi-double mattress and 1 baby cot can be added. In total, the apartment can sleep up to 14 people.

Each room has a bed with a down comforter, down pillows, and feather pillows. It has a toilet, a wheelchair-accessible shower room, a bidet, and a bathtub, as well as a hairdryer, bathrobes, and towels.

The Sapporo Nijo Market, known as the "Town Kitchen" is within walking distance. Make delicious food using local Hokkaido ingredients (Photo courtesy of Kuranoya)
The Sapporo Nijo Market, known as the "Town Kitchen" is within walking distance. Make delicious food using local Hokkaido ingredients (Photo courtesy of Kuranoya)

Each apartment has a kitchen equipped with a large dishwasher, frying pan, pot, knife, cutting board, microwave, toaster, large refrigerator, rice cooker, electric pot, cups, chopsticks, spoons, forks, plates, wine glasses, etc., so you can cook your own meals.

Board games, puzzles, children's books, and more for the kids (Photo courtesy of Kuranoya)
Board games, puzzles, children's books, and more for the kids (Photo courtesy of Kuranoya)

Bedrooms have down pillows and feather pillows, and baby cots are available (advance booking required). There are also toys, picture books, baby chairs, and kids' plates for families visiting with young children.

You can see Sapporo Odori Park from the room (Photo courtesy of Kuranoya)
You can see Sapporo Odori Park from the room (Photo courtesy of Kuranoya)

So many of Sapporo's famous sightseeing spots are within walking distance of the Kuranoya Sapporo Villas. You can also use the subway or tram to visit various other tourist attractions, such as the Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo City, Mt. Iwate, where you can enjoy scenic night views, and the Shiroi Koibito Park, which is where Hokkaido's famous Shiroi Koibito treats are made.

In reviews, guests have mentioned, "Very good accommodation, suitable for large groups. It's within walking distance to the main part of the city where all the shops and restaurants are located." (Guest from Thailand) As well as, "The host was very nice and responsive, great location. Overall a great place to stay, with a great host." (Guest from Hong Kong) Stay a while and enjoy leisurely sightseeing in the city.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are required to wear masks

Multilingual support
・Reservations can be made in other languages on Booking.com.

5. Tachikawa Family's House: Feel Hakodate's history and culture at a designated Culturally Important Property

Take in the dignified atmosphere of such a historic building
Take in the dignified atmosphere of such a historic building

To get there from the JR Hakodate Station, take Line 5 on the tram bound for Hakodate Dock-Mae Station, and get off at Omachi Station. From there, it's a 3-minute walk to Tachikawa Family's House.

The stately home was built in 1901 and is officially designated as a "Culturally Important Property."

Next door is the dedicated reception room, which Senkichi built in 1915, the fifth generation of the Tachikawa family.

The Tachikawa family built up their fortune through rice, fish, and shipping businesses, mainly through Shinnosuke in their second generation in 1863. He often threw parties with people of note, and you can still feel the glitz and glamor now in the luxurious decor throughout the residence.

The luxurious living and dining area
The luxurious living and dining area

The guesthouse consists of a living room, dining room, and kitchen on the first floor, and a bedroom, bathroom, and roof terrace on the second floor.

Kaminaga Teisuke worked hard at the time to create modern furniture in Hakodate, inspired by German furniture magazines and American department store catalogs.

Some of these pieces, which are a show of the times, can be found in the first-floor guest room. You get the entire building to yourself, making for a carefree stay with your family or accompanying guests.

A stylish bathroom with a cabriole-legged bathtub
A stylish bathroom with a cabriole-legged bathtub

The bathroom is equipped with amenities of C.O. Bigelow, a dispensary founded in New York in 1838.

The bedroom provides 26 square meters of space and relaxation
The bedroom provides 26 square meters of space and relaxation

No matter where you point your camera, you'll get a beautiful shot, and the setting is often used for magazines, commercials, television, and other media.

Many guests have mentioned things like, "The atmosphere is amazing, so stylish!" And the accommodation has garnered many positive reviews.

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are required to wear masks

Multilingual support
・ Reservations can be made in other languages on Booking.com.
・ Reception services are available in English.

Stay at a one-of-a-kind vacation rental in Hokkaido

Vacation rentals open up a whole new world of possibilities for travel, allowing you to experience the culture and history of the area, rather than simply being a place to rest your head at night. Many of the options we've looked at today are nice and spacious, meaning you can travel at ease even with large groups or family.

Find your new favorite accommodation and make new memories in Hokkaido you won't soon forget.

Text by: Masakazu
Translation by: Cassandra Lord
*The information in this article is correct as of April 2022. Please check the official websites for the latest information.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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