Yunokawa Onsen Emi Hakodateya
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 654 reviews
Yunokawa Onsen Emi Hakodateya sits in the Yunokawa hot-spring district of Hakodate and presents a compact, service-focused ryokan with onsen in Hakodate, Hokkaido. The property maintains a small scale—about 26 rooms—and arranges communal spaces around a hearth-lined lounge and a courtyard to encourage relaxed social interaction. Room types range from traditional tatami suites to western-style twins and larger deluxe rooms; each offers practical conveniences such as in-room coffee facilities and complimentary Wi‑Fi for straightforward, comfortable stays.
The ryokan’s bathing facilities draw directly from Yunokawa’s spring and operate as a continuous, source-fed supply, providing both indoor and open-air public baths that emphasize clear, unfiltered spring water. Bath amenities and towels are supplied in the locker rooms and the hot-spring areas are available for repeated use during operating hours, allowing guests to plan short or extended soaks. Guests seeking a ryokan with private onsen should note that the property’s thermal facilities are communal rather than private, with layouts designed for shared relaxation.
Dining highlights centre on Hakodate’s seafood, with an evening menu that showcases locally caught fish and a breakfast offered buffet-style; public spaces also provide complimentary coffee and light refreshments in the lounge. Practical amenities include on-site parking and multilingual reception staff, and the location offers convenient links to local attractions and transport options, including a short transfer to the nearby airport and botanical garden. The overall experience suits travellers after an authentic onsen stay in Hokkaido with modest, well-maintained facilities and attentive, straightforward service.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yunokawa Onsen Emi Hakodateya
Positive Reviews
Relaxing, high-quality onsen
Many reviewers praised the onsen as lovely, authentic and relaxing; comments highlight very hot water and long opening hours (one reviewer noted it is open most of the day).
Friendly, helpful staff
Numerous guests mentioned attentive, kind staff and excellent customer service — including special assistance such as allowing late use of facilities or parking after events.
Complimentary drinks and snacks
Several reviews appreciated free offerings in the lounge (coffee, ice cream, sparkling wine) and a well-stocked snack bar, which added to the overall experience.
Excellent breakfast with variety
Breakfast was repeatedly described as exceptional and generous, with a wide selection of Japanese and Western items that satisfied diverse tastes.
Quiet, comfortable and well-equipped rooms
Guests enjoyed the small, calm atmosphere (hotel of ~26 rooms), noting spacious, quiet and comfortable rooms that make for a restful stay.
Negative Reviews
Location is a bit far from centre
Multiple reviewers found the property somewhat distant from Hakodate center or tram stops; reaching downtown may require a bus, taxi, or car despite some noting a nearby bus stop and parking.
Limited nearby dining options
A few guests noted there are not many restaurants close by and recommended booking half board or being prepared to travel for evening meals.
Small or tight bathrooms in some rooms
At least one reviewer reported the private bathroom felt too cramped, indicating room layouts vary and some bathrooms are compact.
Limited English spoken by some staff
One reviewer noted most staff did not speak English, requiring use of translation tools for communication in some situations.
Onsen closing time can be restrictive
A reviewer mentioned the bath closes earlier than expected, which may limit late-evening use of the onsen for some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 26 rooms with room types for singles and twins (1–2 guests) and Japanese-style rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people; some rooms fit three guests.
There are indoor and open-air (rotenburo) baths with rock and tile baths; the property uses natural source-fed (gensen kakenagashi) hot spring water and provides towels in the locker rooms.
Onsen policies vary and the property does not publish a clear tattoo policy online; tattoos may be restricted in communal baths, so check with the ryokan before your stay if you have visible tattoos.
The hotel lists communal indoor and outdoor baths but does not advertise rentable private or in-room onsen online; contact the ryokan to request a private or family bath option.
Hakodate Airport is very close (about 0.6 miles); it takes roughly 8 minutes by car or airport bus, and taxis or the airport bus are the usual transport options since no regular hotel shuttle is listed online.
The property provides English-language information and has staff who can assist guests in English.
The ryokan offers a buffet breakfast and an on-site restaurant for dinner featuring local seafood and sushi; breakfast is typically served buffet-style.
No, pets are not permitted at this property.
Check-in generally begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM; please notify the ryokan in advance if you expect to arrive late.
The ryokan is located in Yunokawa Onsen near the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden and the local hot-spring area; the Yunokawa tram stop is about a 10–12 minute walk, and convenience stores and a local supermarket are within walking distance.