Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 70 reviews
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA is a lakeside ryokan in Hokkaido set above a clear alpine lake, offering a compact collection of 25 suites designed as private villas. Every guest room is a suite of at least 100 m² with panoramic lake views and an in-room spa area: an open-air onsen and an indoor bathtub or jet bath are standard, so guests can bathe privately while overlooking the water. The property presents a calm, art-driven interior inspired by local Jōmon and Ainu motifs, and its design and room configuration are oriented toward extended-stay comfort and privacy rather than a traditional multi-room inn layout.
On-site facilities focus on dining, wellness and tailored service: a main restaurant and a teppanyaki counter serve multi-course seasonal cuisine that highlights Hokkaido produce, while a bar-lounge and curated lounge areas offer quieter moments. There is a small treatment menu for massage and spa services, a concierge desk that arranges activities around the lake and in the national park, and practical amenities including an airport shuttle, free parking and luggage assistance. Room types include multi-level executive villas and single-floor suites, each planned to function as a private retreat with a dedicated dining area and lake-facing balcony.
For travellers comparing intimate onsen experiences, the property exemplifies a modern ryokan with private onsen in which every suite functions as a private spa; it provides the sort of room-level thermal privacy often sought by those searching terms such as ryokan with private onsen Aomori, while remaining geographically located in Hokkaido’s Shikotsuko Onsen. The tone of service is personalised and service elements—private baths, lake views, seasonal kaiseki cuisine—are the anchors of the stay, appealing to guests prioritising seclusion, scenery and suite-scale comfort.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou A…
Positive Reviews
Beautiful, carefully designed rooms and decor
Reviewers repeatedly praised the property's design and attention to detail — well‑appointed rooms, tasteful decor and high‑quality furnishings that create a luxurious atmosphere.
Private in‑room onsen and excellent hot‑spring experience
Many guests highlighted the private onsen (some noted it fits two people) and the overall quality of the hotel’s hot‑spring baths as a standout feature.
Fantastic food and dining
Multiple reviews called the dinner and overall food excellent or fabulous, with guests specifically mentioning memorable meals and a wide selection.
Attentive, welcoming staff and service
Guests frequently mentioned very helpful, friendly and detail‑oriented staff; service is seen as warm and professional, contributing strongly to a relaxing stay.
Tranquil location, large balconies and great views
Reviewers enjoyed the quiet, private setting, spacious balconies and attractive views over the lake, which contributed to a peaceful and relaxing stay.
Negative Reviews
Limited English spoken by staff
Several guests noted a language barrier — staff speak little English; while Google Translate helped, non‑Japanese speakers should expect some communication limits.
Unclear directions and hotel transport information
Some guests found it difficult to understand how to get to the hotel or whether hotel transport was available; information about proximity to local events (e.g., ice festival) was also unclear for some visitors.
High price and perceived value depends on length of stay
A number of reviewers said the property is expensive and recommended staying at least two full days to get good value from the experience.
Limited on‑site activities / reservation options
Guests wished there were more activities available to book during their stay — especially in winter when local activities are fewer, some felt options were limited.
Operational/comfort issues (safety, temperature, responsiveness)
A few practical concerns were raised: one guest found the bathroom floor slippery when wet, another said the private onsen temperature was hard to adjust and tended to be too hot in summer, and one guest reported concierge responsiveness issues (calls unanswered or little help with packing).
Frequently Asked Questions
Capacities vary by room: Executive Suite Villa fits up to 5 guests; Suite Villa rooms fit 3 or 4 (connecting rooms can accommodate 4–7); most Suite Resort rooms are for 3, with adjoining-room options for larger groups.
Yes — every guest room features a private open‑air onsen; some room types also include a private jet bath (not classified as onsen).
Yes — the hotel operates a free Chitose Liner shuttle between New Chitose Airport/Chitose Station and the hotel; you must reserve the shuttle in advance (usually at least five days) and seats are limited.
You can take the hotel shuttle from Chitose Station or New Chitose Airport, use public buses (Hokkaido Chuo Bus), or drive; travel time is roughly 40–60 minutes depending on route and connections.
Standard check‑in is between 14:00 and 19:00 and check‑out is at 11:00.
The ryokan serves seasonal northern Japanese cuisine in its restaurant and offers room service during set hours; multi‑course dinner and breakfast options are commonly available and often require reservation.
Each room has its own private onsen; if you need a larger private or group bathing option, contact the hotel directly to request availability and arrangements.
The hotel provides English information online and routinely serves international guests; for specific language assistance or requests it is best to contact the hotel before arrival.
Children are accepted according to room capacity and some rooms offer extra beds or futons; for the hotel’s pet policy please contact the property directly to confirm.
The ryokan sits in the Shikotsuko Onsen area overlooking Lake Shikotsu, with lake activities, seasonal events and nature sightseeing nearby; the front desk can help arrange local excursions and transport to Chitose or Sapporo.