Choyo Tei
7,1/10 Very good - Based on 166 reviews
Choyo Tei sits in Sounkyo Onsen amid steep canyon walls and riverside pine around Daisetsuzan National Park, offering a blend of modern comfort and traditional touches. Rooms range from Japanese-style tatami suites to Western-bedded rooms with a tatami seating area; many come with yukata robes, kettles and en suite baths. Public spaces include a coffee lounge and a relaxed Japanese-style pub, and the hotel presents seasonal menus in its dining rooms that emphasize regional ingredients alongside international buffet options, making it a practical base for nature-focused itineraries.
The property’s bathing facilities are a clear focus: guests can use a rooftop seventh-floor hot-spring bath with mountain views, as well as indoor and outdoor communal onsen facilities, plus a sauna and optional massage services for deeper relaxation. Bath amenities are provided in the large bathing areas and staff can advise on etiquette; the property also maintains shops and duty‑free outlets on site for basic needs. Practical conveniences include free Wi‑Fi throughout public areas and complimentary parking for self‑driving visitors.
Located a short walk from the Sounkyo ropeway and within easy reach of waterfalls and hiking trails, Choyo Tei is straightforward to reach by regional rail and road—about a 25‑minute taxi ride from the nearest JR station and roughly two hours by car from a major city hub—while limited shuttle options operate subject to reservation. As a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido, and specifically positioned as a ryokan with onsen in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, it suits travelers seeking mountain scenery, accessible hot-spring bathing and family-friendly dining in a single complementary setting.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Choyo Tei
Positive Reviews
Multiple attractive onsen with scenic views
Many guests praised the hot-spring baths — several onsen to choose from, a rooftop onsen with mountain views, and overall the onsen experience was a highlight for visitors.
Generous, tasty buffet meals
The dinner and breakfast buffets are frequently described as excellent, delicious and good value, with a wide selection (some guests also enjoyed complimentary sake).
Friendly, helpful staff and useful services
Staff were repeatedly noted as kind and accommodating — examples include meeting guests at the bus stop, shuttle service to events, luggage storage, jump‑starting a car, and easy check‑in.
Excellent location near ropeway and park
The hotel’s location was praised for being inside/near the national park and within walking distance of the Sounkyo ropeway and local attractions, making it convenient for sightseeing and hiking.
Comfortable tatami-style rooms and good amenities
Many reviewers liked the spacious rooms with tatami area, comfortable beds and bedding; some also mentioned fast Wi‑Fi, good heating, ample free parking and helpful little extras (kimonos, information on bath times).
Negative Reviews
Property feels dated and some cleanliness issues
Multiple reviews mention the hotel is aging — stained carpets and worn public areas, occasional complaints about dirty restaurant walls and even concerns about onsen cleanliness in some reports.
Small bathrooms and room layout drawbacks
Several guests reported very small bathrooms, low sinks or raised floors making ceilings feel low; the Japanese 'modern' style (remove shoes, low tables, sliding windows, no curtains) can be less functional for Western guests.
Onsen access fee and unclear booking information
Some guests found an onsen fee charged at checkout (not included in the booking price) and felt the listing was misleading about extra charges for onsen access.
Dining issues: repetition, facility condition and service hiccups
While food quality was often praised, reviewers also reported repetitive buffet menus across days, an outdated/dirty dining facility in places, and occasional chaotic service (e.g., insufficient cutlery, broken soda fountain).
Room comfort problems: hot water, ventilation and lack of A/C
Common complaints included slow hot water during peak times on higher floors, toilets/rooms with poor ventilation or smells, and rooms without air conditioning (only central heating; fans available on request).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms suit couples and families; some room types sleep two adults plus one child using futons, and family rooms are available. Cribs and extra beds are not provided, so check room maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — the property offers public hot-spring baths including rooftop open-air baths and a sauna on the upper floor. Guests follow standard ryokan onsen etiquette and can wear provided yukata while in the facility.
The hotel offers shuttle services at certain times/seasonally and also advises reserving shuttle seats in advance. Taxis and local buses are common alternatives for transfers to Sounkyo.
Asahikawa is the closest regional gateway; Sapporo/New Chitose is larger but a longer drive. Typical public options are train to JR Kamikawa then a taxi or Dohoku bus onward to Sounkyo.
Japanese is the primary language; some staff can assist in English, though availability may be limited. Contact the hotel ahead of arrival if you need language support or special assistance.
Guests receive a yukata and can use tatami seating in rooms, enjoy communal onsen bathing, and choose Japanese-style buffet dining options. The property blends traditional ryokan elements with larger hotel facilities.
The Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Ropeway is a short walk away and several waterfalls and gorge trails (for example Ryusei no Taki) are within a short drive. The area is popular for hiking, scenic drives and seasonal foliage.
Take a train to JR Kamikawa Station and then a taxi of roughly 20–30 minutes or a local Dohoku bus to Sounkyo; some bus routes stop near the hot-spring area. If you drive, free on-site parking is available.
Standard check-in begins in the mid-afternoon (around 15:00) and check-out is typically by 10:00. If you expect to arrive late or need an early check-out, notify the hotel in advance.
Public indoor and rooftop onsen are provided; private/reserved onsen use may be possible by request, so contact the property to inquire. Pets are not accepted; there are local shops and restaurants in the Sounkyo area and the front desk can advise on the nearest supermarket.