Yunokawa Kanko Hotel Shoen
7/10 Very good - Based on 426 reviews
Yunokawa Kanko Hotel Shoen sits on the Yunokawa Onsen strip in Hakodate, Hokkaido, offering a ryokan-style stay that blends straightforward hospitality with easy access to local sights. The property is arranged in multiple wings that look toward garden spaces and the Tsugaru Strait, and its location places guests a short transfer from the airport and within walking distance of the area’s botanical garden and tram stops. The hotel’s practical layout and 24-hour reception make it a convenient base for short stays, family visits and travelers connecting through southern Hokkaido.
Bathing facilities are the hotel’s main draw: guests can use large gender-separated indoor baths and an outdoor garden rotenburo, book a reservable top-floor view rotenburo for private use, or choose rooms fitted with their own baths. The water comes from Yunokawa’s saline hot-spring source and is offered for communal relaxation as well as time-limited private bathing; reservations and limited-use private baths are available subject to the property’s schedule. For travelers comparing regional onsen options, searching for a ryokan with onsen in Aomori will reveal similar distinctions between public, private and in-room bathing styles.
Accommodation varies from traditional tatami rooms to semi-Western layouts with private bathrooms, and a selection of rooms include attached open-air baths for more privacy. Dining is served as buffet and set-menu options with dinner plans that frequently include drink packages, while on-site leisure — karaoke, table tennis, billiards and rentable private baths — rounds out the stay. Practical amenities such as free on-site parking, scheduled shuttle service to major transit points and multilingual front-desk support make the hotel suitable for families, couples and overnight transit guests; those comparing choices for a ryokan with onsen Aomori or Hokkaido will find its mix of communal and private bathing instructive.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yunokawa Kanko Hotel Shoen
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen facilities
Many guests praised the large hot-spring area, including a pleasant outdoor bath (rotenburo) and rentable private onsen options; water temperature and variety of baths were frequently described as very comfortable.
Generous buffet meals and drink service
The dinner and breakfast buffets are popular — wide selection, local Hokkaido products (e.g. Hakodate milk/yogurt), and free-flow alcoholic and soft drinks during dinner were noted as strong highlights.
Friendly, accommodating staff
Staff were described as very helpful and flexible (for example, allowing late arrivals into the dining room and providing smooth check-in even when busy), contributing to positive stays.
Comfortable traditional rooms and good value
Guests liked the Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futons, often noting cleanliness and comfort; many felt the overall price (including meals and onsen access) offered good value compared with similar properties.
Convenient location and useful amenities
The hotel is close to botanical gardens, restaurants and transit (bus/tram), with useful extras reported such as cheap/ free laundry, massage chairs, karaoke and nearby dining options.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities and maintenance needs
Several reviewers noted the property shows its age and would benefit from renovations or repairs (common mentions: older public areas, some bathrooms and fixtures needing updates or repairs).
Inconsistent food quality for some guests
While many enjoyed the buffet, a number of guests found aspects of the dinner or breakfast lacking (complaints about taste, limited/low-quality bread or lack of fresh fruit) and some would choose to eat out for dinner.
Room comfort and cleanliness issues
Complaints included persistent stale smoke or bathroom smells in supposedly non-smoking rooms, dust triggering allergies, and hard futons — affecting sleep comfort for some guests.
Room access, layout and minor inconveniences
Problems reported include confusing/long routes from reception to rooms, rooms that felt too hot at night, squeaky door knobs, and exit doors that do not auto-lock — small issues that affected convenience or comfort.
Communication and parking/shuttle difficulties
Some guests experienced poor communication (e.g. not being informed about a free shuttle that filled up) and others found vehicle access or parking awkward at the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin and tatami rooms to Japanese-style rooms with futons; many rooms accommodate up to three guests—check the room description when booking.
Yes, there are indoor and open-air hot spring baths with separate men’s and women’s areas and typical bathing hours in the afternoon–evening and early morning; yukata are provided and standard onsen etiquette applies, and guests with tattoos should check the policy in advance.
Yes, a rooftop private open-air bath is available for reservation—contact the hotel ahead of arrival to book a time.
The hotel is a short drive from Hakodate Airport and offers shuttle services to/from JR Hakodate Station (advance reservation usually required); confirm pickup times with the hotel before you travel.
Check-in normally starts at 3:00 PM (the property does not offer after-hours check-in) and check-out is by 10:00 AM.
Staff can assist in basic English, but Japanese is the primary language; consider bringing a translation app for more detailed requests.
Pets are not allowed at the property.
The ryokan serves buffet-style dinner and breakfast featuring local seafood and regional dishes, and private or kaiseki dining options are available on request.
Located in Yunokawa Onsen, the hotel is close to Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, Goryokaku Park, Motomachi and the Mount Hakodate ropeway; local buses and taxis connect to central Hakodate.
Free on-site parking is provided, and convenience stores and local shops are within walking distance in the Yunokawa area.