Takasago Onsen
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 277 reviews
Takasago Onsen sits on a hillside near Asahikawa in Hokkaido, a Showa-era spa hotel that blends nostalgic decor with thermal bathing. The property is a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido, fed by natural hot spring water and arranged across public indoor baths, rock baths and open-air rotenburo. Several upper-floor rooms include individual outdoor tubs or rock-style private baths, allowing guests a ryokan with private onsen experience while watching city lights or snow.
Guest rooms combine tatami flooring and futon bedding with simple, functional furnishings; a named top-floor "Nikko" room is described as having an open-air bath with expansive views while "Icho" and "Nanakamado" types use stone baths set into the room. The on-site restaurant focuses on regional dishes and set meals, and communal spaces include a compact snack shop and a retro arcade corner stocked with inexpensive nostalgic confections and tabletop games. Practical amenities such as free parking, multilingual staff presence and winter accessibility support multi-night stays.
Bathing etiquette is emphasized throughout the property with guidance on pre-wash routines and hydration; larger public baths and smaller rock pools operate alongside saunas and coin laundry to serve longer stays. Access is straightforward by car from the city centre, and the combination of homely communal bathing areas and a handful of private tubs makes the property suitable for families, couples and skiers who want a compact Showa-era atmosphere. For travelers prioritizing quiet, private bathing options in the Asahikawa area, this property presents a clear, low-key choice.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takasago Onsen
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Multiple reviews mention warm, welcoming and very helpful staff who assist guests and enhance the stay.
Extensive onsen facilities
The property offers many hot-spring baths (including outdoor/rooftop baths and multiple indoor pools), and some rooms have private onsen — guests praise the variety and size of the baths.
Family-friendly entertainment and spaces
Good facilities for children and families: kids' corner, retro arcade and games, manga/library, play areas and activities that keep children entertained.
Good value with included breakfast and roomy family accommodation
Guests found the stay good value for money; the included breakfast is simple but satisfactory, rooms are often spacious and comfortable for families, and meals are generally reasonably priced.
Traditional retro charm and useful location for drives
Many guests enjoyed the traditional ryokan style, retro 1970s design and nostalgic décor. Several used the hotel as a convenient base for driving to nearby sightseeing spots and ski areas.
Negative Reviews
Dated and worn facilities
Repeated comments about the building and some rooms looking old or tired (stained carpets, worn curtains, aging decor and parts of the hot-spring facilities showing wear).
Remote location and transport limitations
The hotel is located far from downtown and public transport can be inconvenient; many guests said a car is recommended and bus access can be tricky in winter.
Onsens can be crowded with day visitors
Several reviewers noted that day-trippers use the public baths, making some onsen areas busy at peak times and creating competition for space and parking.
Limited in-room amenities and awkward room features
Some rooms lacked toiletries (only basic soap/handwash provided), toilets were outside the room for some room types, futon/room layouts could feel cramped, and occasional noisy fixtures were reported.
Language/signage and occasional dining disappointment
A number of guests experienced limited English communication and Japanese-only ordering signage/machines; a few found dinner or breakfast disappointing on specific stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Rooms are traditional Japanese with futons; room types include family rooms and some rooms offer up to four futons. No extra beds or cots are provided, so check the room listing for exact maximum occupancy.
The property has multiple public baths including an outdoor rock bath, a sauna and several therapeutic baths, plus a reservable family/private bath option.
Yes — a family bath can be reserved and certain special rooms include private open-air or rock baths; contact the ryokan to book these options.
Public onsen access may be restricted for visible tattoos; guests can request a private/family bath or an in-room bath where available and should confirm ahead of arrival.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; Asahikawa Airport is about 16 km away, so taxis or rental cars are the usual options, and you can contact the ryokan if you need assistance.
The website provides English information but on-site staff primarily speak Japanese. Expect limited English and consider a translation app or sending requests in writing before arrival.
An on-site restaurant serves Japanese set meals and an Asian-style breakfast. The restaurant operates lunchtime and evening hours (with extended weekend hours); check current opening times when booking.
The ryokan is in Asahikawa close to local parks, museums and attractions such as the Ayako Miura Literature Museum and Asahiyama Zoo, all reachable by short drive. The front desk can advise on local sightseeing and seasonal activities.
The ryokan is not within easy walking distance of a major train station, so most guests arrive by taxi, bus or car. Free private parking is available on-site.