Tabist Chikuba Shinyotei Hakodate Yunokawaonsen
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 306 reviews
Tabist Chikuba Shinyotei Hakodate Yunokawaonsen is a long-established Sukiya-style ryokan set in Yunokawa Onsen, Hakodate. Founded in 1949, the property overlooks a seasonal Japanese garden and emphasizes a quiet, traditional atmosphere with tatami-floored rooms and bamboo-inspired hospitality. Located a short drive from Hakodate Airport and within easy reach of local attractions, the inn frames an authentic stay around regional ingredients and kaiseki dining, appealing to travellers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Hakodate.
The hot spring facilities use 100% natural Yunokawa water drawn directly from the source and include named baths such as Man-yo-no-Yu and Chikurin-no-yu. Baths consist of separate indoor and outdoor pools (one male, one female) with a scheduled gender rotation; operating hours extend from mid-afternoon into the night and resume early morning, with cleaning closures at set times. Amenities supplied for onsen use include face and bath towels and basic toiletries, and the open-air baths are designed to showcase the surrounding garden across the seasons.
Rooms are arranged across east and south wings with a VIP suite option, combining traditional Japanese layouts with modern comforts such as air conditioning and a small refrigerator. Meals focus on seasonal Hokkaido produce and seafood served as multi-course kaiseki, and the property offers private teahouse-style dining rooms for intimate groups. Practical facilities include complimentary on-site parking and a small gift shop, and guests are provided yukata and slippers to complete the traditional ryokan experience; overall the hotel presents a measured, service-focused option for a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tabist Chikuba Shinyotei Hakod…
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple reviews praised the hot springs — indoor and outdoor baths are relaxing, well maintained, and suitable for long periods. Guests noted the onsen was fantastic, clean, and even tattoo‑friendly in some areas.
Authentic Japanese/ryokan experience
Many guests enjoyed the traditional tatami rooms, Japanese styling and atmosphere. Reviewers described the stay as a true Japan experience, with spacious tatami rooms, private garden baths for suite guests, and pleasant traditional decoration.
Cleanliness and good maintenance
Rooms and public areas were frequently described as very clean and well maintained. Several guests highlighted the overall hygiene and upkeep of the property.
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff were repeatedly described as kind, welcoming and accommodating, with some English spoken. Guests appreciated helpful service and would stay again.
Good food and useful facilities
Dinner and breakfast were praised (dinner described as exceptional and breakfast varied). Reviewers also liked the spa, parking availability, and convenience of coffee machines and nearby tram access.
Negative Reviews
Service and amenity mix‑ups
Some guests experienced mistakes such as not being offered or initially not receiving breakfast, towels or yukata; one guest had to return to the desk to request items. These incidents suggest occasional lapses in service/communication.
Outdoor onsen is small / limited variety
A number of reviewers noted the outdoor bath is relatively small and there is limited variety in pool temperatures, while the indoor onsen was generally considered better.
Location can feel remote
Several guests mentioned the ryokan is a bit out of the way or not in the town center (longer tram rides to major sights), which may be less convenient for those wanting to be near the harbor or central attractions.
Room comfort and amenity issues
Some minor comfort complaints appeared: heating in rooms was hard to control for at least one guest, pillows were noted as small by another, and guests were reminded to bring towels from the room for the baths in some cases.
Limited power outlets
One reviewer reported a lack of electrical outlets in the rooms, which may be inconvenient for travelers with multiple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single and twin rooms to family and suite rooms that sleep up to eight guests on futons; children of any age are welcome. Cots and extra beds are not available, so larger groups should book rooms designed for families.
The ryokan uses Yunokawa natural hot spring water with separate indoor and outdoor baths for men and women; bath hours are roughly 15:00–01:00 and 05:00–10:00, with cleaning closures overnight and mid-day. Basic amenities (face towel, bath towel, toothbrush, razor, comb) are provided and a small hot-spring tax applies to adults.
Yes, some suite and higher-category rooms include a private open-air hot spring bath for exclusive use by that room’s guests. Standard public baths remain available to all staying guests.
Policies vary by property, and while some guests have reported acceptance of tattoos here, practices can change; please contact the ryokan in advance to confirm if visible tattoos will be accepted. Staff can advise on options such as private in-room baths if needed.
There is no regular hotel shuttle listed; the ryokan is about a 5‑minute taxi ride from Hakodate Airport and within roughly 700–1,000 metres on foot. Public transport options include the Yunokawa tram/rail stop, about a 6–8 minute walk away.
The property provides English information online and booking pages in English, and reception staff can usually assist visitors in English with basic requests. For detailed or specialized needs, contacting the ryokan before arrival is recommended.
Traditional kaiseki and set dinner options are available, but dinner typically must be booked as part of a meal-inclusive rate; guests should notify the ryokan of arrival time because dinner service requires check-in by around 19:00. Please inform the ryokan in advance of any food allergies or dietary needs.
Pets are not allowed at the property. Private use of the hot spring is possible only where a room includes its own private bath; the public baths are shared and generally not reservable except via rooms with private facilities.
The ryokan sits in Yunokawa Onsen within walking distance of the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden and Yukura Shrine; Goryōkaku and Goryōkaku Tower are a short drive (around 4 km) and Mount Hakodate is accessible by car or public transport. Free on-site parking is available for guests who drive.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (guests are asked to advise expected arrival time) and check-out is by 11:00; the property offers 24-hour reception and will hold luggage before check-in or after check-out. If you expect to arrive late or require specific services on arrival day, contact the ryokan in advance.