Shogetsu Grand Hotel
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 211 reviews
Shogetsu Grand Hotel sits on the Jozankei valley rim, with guest rooms and public spaces oriented toward river-carved gorges and forested slopes. The property mixes Japanese and Western accommodation styles—tatami areas and futons alongside twin beds—while common areas include a lounge that extends daily services for guests and a reception desk operating around the clock. Practical amenities noted across official information include free Wi‑Fi, on-site parking, a shuttle bus connection from the city and easy access to nearby walking paths and a thermal park, making the hotel a straightforward base for exploring the Jozankei onsen district and surrounding outdoor attractions.
Bathing facilities form a core part of the experience: the hotel maintains large indoor baths, an open-air bath and a sauna, all supplied by abundant local spring water drawn from Jozankei’s source. There is also the option to reserve a privately reserved bath for small groups or couples, and communal bathing areas overlook the valley so seasons and weather are part of the setting. These features position the property as an option often found under searches for a ryokan with onsen in Aomori, while its combination of public and reservable bathing spaces suits both social hot-spring visits and quieter, more private stays.
Dining emphasizes seasonal ingredients prepared in multi-course Japanese service, with many guests choosing evening kaiseki and regional vegetable dishes; staff commonly provide yukata for in-house wear and offer lounge conveniences such as refreshments. Room configurations range from compact Japanese-family layouts to larger modern twin rooms with refrigeration and safes, and the hotel lists services including massage and a small souvenir shop. For visitors prioritizing secluded bathing, the availability of a reservable option makes this a relevant search result for ryokan with private onsen in Aomori-oriented queries while remaining firmly rooted in Jozankei’s hot-spring tradition.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shogetsu Grand Hotel
Positive Reviews
High-quality food (kaiseki) and breakfast
Many guests praised the meals—both dinner and breakfast were described as fresh, beautifully presented and abundant (kaiseki course meals). Several reviewers said meals were a highlight and sometimes made lunch unnecessary.
Excellent onsen facilities
The hot spring facilities received strong praise: clean, well-maintained indoor and outdoor pools with different temperatures, attractive outdoor areas and private onsen options that guests enjoyed.
Well-equipped lounge with complimentary amenities
The all-day lounge was repeatedly mentioned as a great space to relax, offering free drinks, snacks, honey/yogurt buffets and daily free beer or infused liquors, creating a pleasant atmosphere for guests to gather.
Spacious, clean and comfortable rooms
Rooms were noted as large and comfortable (often half tatami/half wood flooring), clean, well heated on arrival, with practical layouts (separate toilet and bath, shower and bathtub, drinking water tap).
Attentive staff and convenient location/shuttle
Staff were described as friendly and professional, with examples of helpful service (e.g., retrieving a lost wallet). Multiple reviewers appreciated the hotel’s location close to town attractions and the availability of shuttle connections to Sapporo.
Negative Reviews
Difficult-to-find entrance and unclear drop-off/parking
Several guests had trouble locating the hotel entrance at night or in snow due to lack of visible signage and unclear parking/drop-off arrangements; steps from parking to lobby were noted as inconvenient with heavy luggage.
Limited breakfast/buffet variety
Some reviewers wanted more fresh fruit, breads and local Hokkaido dairy items (yogurt, milk) at the breakfast buffet; a few also found certain appetizers or soups too salty or menus repetitive across multiple nights.
Lounge/amenity hours and check-in restrictions
Guests suggested the lounge should be open later or 24/7 for relaxing; one reviewer also reported strict check-in rules that prevented waiting in the lounge when arriving early.
Transport issues and occasional staffing/communication limits
There were reports of shuttle cancellations requiring taxis, and a few guests found staff English limited or experienced understaffing (e.g., no luggage assistance at arrival/departure).
Some facilities dated or smaller than expected
A minority of guests mentioned the onsen or certain facilities felt a bit old, and one noted the outdoor onsen was smaller than expected; a few also commented on high room rates or lack of air conditioning in warm periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include standard twins, modern Japanese–Western rooms, a family room for up to 4 people, premium rooms with private onsen, and one suite; many rooms can be arranged with Western beds or futon bedding.
Yes — the property has large indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, a steam sauna, and scenic valley views from the bathing areas.
Private baths are offered on an hourly basis in the evenings and some premium rooms and the suite include private in-room onsen; reservations for private-use baths are required.
The hotel does not operate a regular free airport shuttle; public buses and occasional hotel shuttle options may run from Sapporo Station by reservation, so check with the hotel before travel.
Take a bus bound for Jozankei or Hoheikyo-onsen from Sapporo Station (terminal bus stop 12) and alight at Jozankei Jinja-mae, which is a short 2–3 minute walk to the hotel.
Standard check-in generally begins in the mid-afternoon and check-out is in the morning; please confirm exact times on your reservation or with the hotel directly.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course (kaiseki) dinners and Japanese-style breakfasts; guests are asked to reserve dinner in advance (ideally at booking or before arrival) to ensure service.
The hotel provides English information on its website and staff can assist guests in English for general needs; for detailed requests or special dietary needs, inform the hotel in advance.
The hotel is a short walk from Jozankei Gensen Park and local walking paths, with sights like Futami Suspension Bridge, Houheikyo Dam and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort reachable by car within about 30 minutes.
Pets are not permitted at the property; the area has small local shops and a hotel souvenir shop within walking distance, while larger supermarkets are located in central Sapporo.