Iwanai Kogen Hotel
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 65 reviews
Perched on a wooded hillside above the town of Iwanai in Hokkaido, Iwanai Kogen Hotel blends hotel comforts with ryokan-style hospitality, offering panoramic views over the Japan Sea and the Shakotan coast. The property sits immediately above the local ski area, making it straightforward to pair winter sports with thermal relaxation; guests frequently combine day trips to Niseko and local hiking along the Niseko mountain range. Public spaces include a high-ceilinged lobby and a lounge that opens onto garden walks and an art museum on the grounds, while large windows showcase the coastline and the facility’s signature nightscape.
The hotel’s bathing facilities are a focal point: source-flowing hot spring baths (kakenagashi) feed an indoor pool, an open-air bath surrounded by forest, a Finland-style sauna, and two reservable private hot springs—named to evoke starry and family-focused experiences—so guests can choose a communal soak or book privacy. Dining emphasizes seasonal Hokkaido seafood in multi-course kaiseki dinners and a Japanese or Western breakfast, and the adjacent craft brewery and on-site restaurant provide informal options; the hotel also offers complimentary coffee around the clock and practical amenities such as free Wi‑Fi and a small shop for local products. This combination positions the property as a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido that balances traditional bathing culture with contemporary services.
Accommodation mixes Japanese rooms with futons and western-style bed rooms across a modest roster of guest rooms, all non-smoking and fitted with basic amenities suited to couples, families and active travelers. Practical features include free parking for large groups, laundry facilities, meeting and banquet space for events, and an accessible reception open through the evening; dinner reservations are recommended in advance for full-course meals. For travelers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Hokkaido while remaining within reach of coastal drives and ski access, the hotel presents a clear, service-oriented option grounded in local produce and a family-run approach.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Iwanai Kogen Hotel
Positive Reviews
Stunning sea and mountain views
Many guests praise the spectacular views over Iwanai, the Sea of Japan and the Shakotan Peninsula from rooms and public areas — described as a major highlight and unique feature of the property.
Relaxing, well-regarded onsen
The indoor and outdoor hot springs receive frequent praise: guests call the onsen beautiful, relaxing and a key reason to stay; toiletries are stocked in the onsen area for bathing.
Excellent traditional meals
Numerous reviewers compliment the ryokan-style kaiseki dinners and Japanese or Western breakfasts, describing the food as excellent and a memorable part of the stay.
Friendly, attentive staff and good hospitality
Staff are repeatedly noted as friendly, helpful and accommodating; many guests appreciated lobby hospitality, lounge service and prompt problem resolution when issues arose.
Convenient location and extra amenities
The ryokan is praised for its location (close to skiing/cat-skiing and town attractions), value for money, adjacent brewery/restaurant, and useful extras like 24-hour coffee and snacks.
Negative Reviews
Aged facility and maintenance issues
Multiple guests describe the property as dated or showing its age, with comments about old fixtures, slow/heavy doors and occasional maintenance problems (e.g., windows or scaffolding during renovations).
Very small bathrooms and in-room toilets
A recurring complaint is that room bathrooms and toilets are cramped, poorly lit or look worn; some guests experienced temporary hot water or flush interruptions during showers.
Limited in-room amenities/amenity placement
Some reviewers noted a lack of toiletries in rooms (e.g., no shampoo) or that amenities were located in the lobby rather than in-room, which caused inconvenience if not pointed out on check-in.
Dining availability and reservation rules
Guests warn that dinner and breakfast availability can be limited unless reserved in advance; breakfast time windows are tight for some guests and nearby dining options are scarce without reservations.
Occasional cleanliness and service inconsistencies
While many found the hotel clean, a few reported issues such as bugs or rusty drainage in the toilet area and some dissatisfaction with aspects of service or guidance on amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms generally accommodate up to four guests; traditional Japanese rooms fit futons for families and western rooms sleep up to four (two beds plus space for additional bedding).
The hotel offers a public gensen (hot spring) with indoor and open-air baths plus a Finland-style sauna; note open-air public baths may be closed in winter for safety.
Yes — the property has two private baths (Hoshi no Yu and Gin no Yu) that can be reserved; book early at check-in as availability is limited.
The hotel provides a free transfer from Iwanai Bus Terminal if you request it in advance; there is no regular shuttle from Niseko and taxis are recommended for other pickup points.
By car it’s approximately 3 hours from New Chitose Airport, about 2 hours from Sapporo and roughly 1 hour from Niseko; by public transport take a bus to Iwanai Bus Terminal and use the hotel transfer or a taxi for the final leg.
The hotel offers English information on its website and staff can assist guests in English to a practical degree; request language support when you book if you need it.
The ryokan serves kaiseki-style Japanese dinners and local seafood breakfasts, and recommends reserving meals at least two days before arrival; on-site specialties include fresh Hokkaido seafood and local sake.
Iwanai Resort ski area is very close, with easy day trips to Niseko, Otaru and the Shakotan Peninsula, plus local options like Nikka Whisky sites and coastline views.
The hotel offers free on-site parking for guests (capacity for many cars), is reachable by regional buses to Iwanai Bus Terminal, and local taxis serve the area.
Pets are not allowed at the property; there are no restaurants immediately next to the hotel, and the town center with shops and supermarkets is about a 10-minute drive away.