Hotel Abashirikoso
8/10 Excellent - Based on 93 reviews
Hotel Abashirikoso sits on the shore of Lake Abashiri in northern Hokkaido, combining Showa-era character with practical modern comforts. The property presents a mix of Japanese and Western-style rooms—tatami areas with low tables and twin beds or larger suites with separate living spaces—most offering wide windows and direct lake views. Public areas include a dining hall and lounges that emphasize regional wood and classic, understated décor. Service is focused on attentive hospitality tailored to sightseeing and outdoor seasons around the lake.
The hotel’s natural hot spring complex is the centerpiece: a large onsen facility with four indoor pools, an open-air bath, a sauna and additional cold-plunge options, available to staying guests through the night and also open for day-trip bathing. For travelers seeking a traditional bathing experience in Hokkaido, this ryokan with onsen presents a clear choice—thermal waters and sequential pools designed for relaxation after coastal excursions, with baths oriented to make the most of seasonal light and lake views.
Meals lean on Okhotsk seafood and seasonal produce, offered as kaiseki-style dinners and buffet breakfasts that highlight local flavors. The property provides free Wi‑Fi, on-site parking and optional shuttle arrangements; it lies within easy reach of the drift-ice museum, the historic prison museum and Abashiri’s port, with JR Abashiri and Memanbetsu Airport a short drive away. The layout and facilities suit both single-night stopovers and longer stays for outdoor activities such as cycling and winter sightseeing. Front desk staff provide local guidance and can arrange massages and bicycle rental.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Abashirikoso
Positive Reviews
Lakeside location and views
Many guests praised the hotel’s setting right on the lake and highlighted the beautiful, relaxing views from rooms and the lobby.
Excellent onsen and spa facilities
Reviewers frequently mentioned a fantastic public onsen (indoor and outdoor), sauna, cold plunge and available private baths; baths were described as clean and very enjoyable.
Attentive, polite staff
Staff were noted as very friendly, helpful and attentive—welcoming guests, assisting with luggage, offering upgrades or private baths when needed.
Spacious rooms with Japanese–Western style
Guests liked the roomy accommodations that combine Japanese and Western design (tatami areas, comfortable beds), especially higher-grade/twin rooms with lake views.
Good food—breakfast and dinners
Many reviewers praised the breakfast buffet and hotel dinners as plentiful and high quality, sometimes described as a highlight of the stay.
Negative Reviews
Property is dated and needs renovation
Multiple reviews described halls, common areas and some rooms as old, tired or in need of major refurbishment despite being well maintained in places.
Remote location with limited nearby dining
Several guests noted the hotel is quite far from the main town and restaurants, so having a car or transport is recommended; few nearby eating options.
Weak air conditioning / heating in rooms
Some guests experienced insufficient cooling or heating (rooms too warm or heating not working well), requiring staff intervention or additional heaters.
Room cleanliness and maintenance issues in some cases
A minority of guests reported problems such as deeply stained carpets, moldy shower curtains, rusty fixtures or other signs of wear in individual rooms.
Practical/operational inconveniences
A few reviewers mentioned annoyances like slow hot-water delivery to rooms, long walks from certain wings to the large baths, and occasional small extra charges (e.g., for lobby items).
Frequently Asked Questions
The property offers Japanese-style, Japanese‑Western and twin rooms, including larger tatami 'family' rooms; most rooms are set up for adults and double/twin occupancy. Children and extra beds or baby cots are not provided, so check room descriptions when booking.
Yes — it has a natural hot spring (sodium chloride) with indoor and open‑air baths, a sauna and cold‑plunge options, plus public bathing facilities for guests.
Private/family baths are available by advance reservation; contact the hotel directly to book a private session.
There is no regular airport shuttle; Memanbetsu Airport is about a 20‑minute drive and the hotel is roughly 10 minutes by car or bus from JR Abashiri Station. The hotel can provide station pick‑up/drop‑off if arranged in advance, otherwise use taxi or rental car.
Standard check‑in starts at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00. Guests arriving after the published check‑in window should notify the hotel in advance so staff can prepare for a late arrival.
Staff speak Japanese and English, and the property notes additional Korean support is available.
Many public baths in Japan restrict visible tattoos and this property may refuse access to tattooed guests; if you have tattoos, request a private bath reservation to ensure access.
Pets are not permitted on the premises, and the property’s policies state that children and extra beds/cots are not accepted; confirm any special requests with the hotel before booking.
The hotel is lakeside on Lake Abashiri and lies close to attractions such as the Abashiri Prison Museum and the port; seasonal activities include museums, cycling and winter drift‑ice excursions depending on the season.
Free on‑site parking is provided (ample spaces) and the hotel offers complimentary Wi‑Fi; guests typically use rental cars, taxis, local buses or the hotel’s arranged station transfers to explore the area, and bike rental is sometimes available.