Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 118 reviews
Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Akan, Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza presents a quietly refined ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido that blends traditional Japanese hospitality with considered modern comforts. The property positions itself as an adult retreat with non-smoking rooms, a small library and a listening room for relaxed evenings, and public bathing facilities alongside in-room open-air baths. Every guest room is equipped with a private open-air onsen-style bath and basic amenities such as Wi‑Fi, safety box, and room wear (samue); guests follow a shoe-free entry and may wear the provided kimono and socks within communal spaces to complete the atmosphere.
Dining focuses on seasonal local produce served in kaiseki style at the on-site restaurant, with a limited number of private dining rooms and the option in certain room types to dine in-room. A bar with a counter crafted from a single tree provides a quiet place for drinks after dinner, and spa treatments are available by appointment and can be arranged in your room. Practical services include a local shuttle (advance reservation recommended), an on-site shop with regional souvenirs, and small conveniences such as a garden foot bath; the property advises guests to check arrival times if they wish to dine on the first night, as dinner service is scheduled in the evening.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
Positive Reviews
Outstanding, attentive service
Many guests praised the staff as exceptionally polite, thoughtful and helpful, highlighting personalised touches (e.g. attentive in-room service, interpreters available) that made stays feel effortless and special.
Beautiful, spacious rooms with private onsen and lake views
Rooms were described as large, clean and well appointed, often with floor-to-ceiling lake views and a private outdoor onsen in-room — a frequently noted highlight.
Excellent kaiseki meals and breakfast
The multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts received repeated compliments for presentation and flavour, with guests noting high-quality ingredients and memorable dining experiences.
Outstanding communal onsen and spa facilities
Guests loved the rooftop/open-air onsen, hot stone spa and other facilities — many called the onsen experiences once-in-a-lifetime and praised the overall spa amenities.
Serene lakeside location and relaxing atmosphere
The hotel’s setting at Lake Akan and surrounding nature was repeatedly described as peaceful and beautiful, contributing strongly to a restorative, relaxing stay.
Negative Reviews
Price concerns
A number of guests felt the hotel was expensive for what they received, mentioning that costs were high relative to expectations despite good quality; a few said the price affected perceived value.
Language and communication issues
Some visitors noted limited English among staff which made specific requests harder; a few mentioned the reception provides an interpreter, but language can still be a hurdle.
Transport, access and signage challenges
Several reviews reported that reaching the hotel can be tricky: hotel signage is not always obvious, JR and local bus schedules may not align, and taxis between stations can be costly.
Minor in-room/usability issues
Guests reported small annoyances such as an insensitive lighting remote and a shortage of electrical sockets in rooms, which affected convenience for some travellers.
Occasional service/personnel drawbacks and privacy concerns
A few isolated comments mentioned staff-related negatives (for example, noticing a smell of smoke after a treatment) and that rooftop onsen sightlines to nearby buildings reduced a sense of privacy for some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Suites vary by type but most accommodate up to four guests using a mix of single beds and futons; cribs or extra beds are generally not available and room pricing is per person.
Most suite types include a private open‑air bath in the room, and the property also operates two large public onsen for guests to use, following standard onsen etiquette.
The hotel operates a reservation‑only express bus/shuttle on seasonal schedules between the New Chitose/Kitahiroshima area and Lake Akan; seats are limited and you must reserve in advance (typically several days before arrival).
Kushiro Airport is the nearest (about 80–90 minutes by public bus), while travel from New Chitose usually requires train and bus connections or the hotel’s seasonal reserved express bus; driving is also an option with free parking on site.
Yes, the hotel provides multilingual support including a telephone interpretation service and staff are accustomed to assisting international guests.
The hotel serves multi‑course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts in its restaurant, with a limited number of private dining rooms and some in‑room dining options depending on room type; dinner service generally runs around 18:00–21:00.
Lake Akan, Ainu Kotan (Ainu village), the Akandake‑jinja shrine and the Akankohan Eco Museum are all within a short walk from the ryokan.
Local buses and seasonal shuttles connect the onsen area but services are limited; a car is more convenient for wider exploration and the hotel offers free parking and valet service.
Standard check‑in starts at 14:00 (check‑in window typically until early evening) and check‑out is by 11:00; please inform the hotel if you expect a late arrival, noting that guests arriving after the dinner cutoff may not be served dinner.
In‑room baths provide private bathing; the large public onsen are shared and the hotel does not generally advertise private public‑bath rentals; pets are not permitted, and you’ll find small shops and souvenir stores in the onsen area while larger supermarkets are in Kushiro city.