Biei Shirogane Onsen AONOBI YUYU
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 322 reviews
Biei Shirogane Onsen AONOBI YUYU perches along a canyon in Shirogane, Biei, Hokkaido, a short walk from Shirahige Waterfall and a short drive from the Blue Pond. The property combines ryokan-style touches with hotel-scale services: a range of Japanese tatami rooms, Western-style twins and larger canyon-view suites, communal lounges themed on the blue-pond palette, and designated spaces for relaxation. Positioned for nature-based sightseeing, it presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in Biei and a practical base for exploring central Hokkaido.
The onsen is presented as a central element of the stay: spring water described as rich in metasilicic acid flows directly from source and is offered without added water, reheating, or mechanical circulation. Bathing options include an open-air rotenburo set into the canyon and indoor public baths, complemented by sauna facilities, all designed to make use of seasonal views and the natural soundscape of rivers and waterfalls. Basic bathing amenities are provided in the bath areas.
Meals focus on regional produce with an evening and breakfast buffet at the main dining room and a private-room dining option for quieter meals, highlighting vegetables and dairy from Biei and wider Hokkaido. The property lists roughly 49 guest rooms, on-site parking and a reservation-required shuttle between the hotel and Asahikawa or Biei stations. For travellers seeking thermal bathing in a nature setting, this ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido offers a blend of communal hot-spring bathing, local cuisine and easy access to nearby sights.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Biei Shirogane Onsen AONOBI YU…
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen, including outdoor baths
Many guests praised the hot springs as clean, hot and enjoyable—several reviews singled out the outdoor onsen and sauna as highlights and noted the facilities were tidy and well maintained.
Very good food (breakfast and dinner)
Numerous guests complimented the meals: buffets with many options, local Japanese cuisine, and evening meals described as exceptional or exceedingly good by multiple reviewers.
Friendly, helpful staff (multilingual at times)
Staff were frequently described as kind and attentive. Some reviews noted staff spoke some English and there were Indonesian staff members that made communication easier for certain guests.
Excellent location by the waterfall and Blue Pond
The ryokan’s location was repeatedly praised—right next to the waterfall, within walking distance of viewpoints and the Blue Pond. A few guests also appreciated a free shuttle service to the station and to the Blue Pond.
Comfortable, traditional ryokan experience
Many guests enjoyed the traditional atmosphere, comfortable futons and well-appointed rooms. Reviews described the property as cosy, peaceful and suitable for relaxing stays.
Negative Reviews
Dinner service and food presentation problems for some
Several guests reported issues with dinner service: dishes being set too early or already cold, insufficient staff leading to slow service, and some overcooked items or poorer presentation on set menus compared with expectations.
Outdated or poorly maintained facilities
A number of reviewers mentioned aging or outdated facilities (broken vending machine, dusty rooms) and inconsistent provision of toiletries in rooms; a few suggested improvements to maintenance and supplies.
Small, dark rooms with limited or no views
Some guests found rooms to be small, dark or lacking a view, making them less appealing for spending time in the room—families in particular noted room size constraints versus price.
Toilet odors, noisy toilets and intrusive sensors
A few reviews called out unpleasant smells (described as sulphur or sewage), very loud toilets and annoying night light sensors that affected comfort.
Privacy, security and remote location concerns
Concerns were raised about limited front-desk hours and only one room key, reports of locals accessing the onsen late at night, and the general remoteness (closest town some distance away), meaning guests may need a car or must plan transfers carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 49 rooms with types from twin rooms for 2 up to Japanese-style suites with futons for 4–6 guests; specific room capacity is shown on each room option when booking.
There are indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths plus a sauna; the water is a 100% free-flowing spring rich in metasilicic acid, promoted for its skin‑moisturizing properties.
Guests with visible tattoos may be refused access to the large public baths, so please check with the ryokan if this applies to you.
A free shuttle runs between JR Asahikawa Station, JR Biei Station and the hotel (reservation required); seats are limited so please request it in advance.
Asahikawa Airport is about a 40‑minute drive to the ryokan; from New Chitose you typically travel to Sapporo/Asahikawa by train then use the shuttle or car — total travel time varies but usually exceeds one hour.
The property provides some English support and has English information online, though staff English ability can be limited; basic English communication is generally available at reception.
The ryokan offers buffet breakfast and dinner (with occasional kaiseki/private dining options); dinner and breakfast have set last‑entry times and buffet service means specific allergy accommodations are limited, so notify the ryokan in advance.
Pets are not permitted on the premises; private onsen rentals are not listed among standard facilities — private dining rooms exist, so contact the ryokan directly to request family‑use options or private bathing if needed.
There is an on‑site shop selling local products and vending machines, but no full supermarket on site; the nearest convenience stores and larger shops are in Biei town, roughly a 20‑minute drive away.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; guests should inform the ryokan if arriving late (you generally must check in by about 19:30 to be served dinner).