Zaborin
9.8/10 (Based on 112 reviews )
044-0084 Hokkaido, Kutchan, Kutchan Hanazono 76-4, Japan
Zaborin is a contemporary ryokan in Hanazono, Kutchan (Hokkaido), set in a quiet, wooded area near the Niseko region. The property is composed of 15 standalone villa suites designed for privacy and views of the surrounding nature. Onsen bathing is central to the stay: each villa has two private hot-spring baths (one indoor and one outdoor), fed by free-flowing natural volcanic spring water. Dining follows a ryokan style, with multi-course kita kaiseki served in an intimate dining room, and breakfasts offered in Japanese or Western style. Shared spaces and services are kept understated, with an emphasis on calm, personal time in-villa, plus practical support such as on-site parking and arranged transfers on request.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Everything
- Good food
- Hot bath
- Beautiful hotel, especially in falling snow
- Outdoor/private onsen with great view and intimate setting; relaxing environment
Negative reviews
- Does not serve lunch
- Could have had a bluetooth stereo
- Design finish details irked (unmatched exterior wood panelling, rotting wood, rusting iron around onsen) given the steep price
- No way to walk outside into the forest around it; no lunch makes stays of more than one day complicated due to no nearby place for lunch
- Beds/bedding can be too hot; would prefer more breathable bedding
Tokachigawa Moor Onsen Seijyakubow
9.7/10 (Based on 98 reviews )
080-0263 Hokkaido, Otofuke, Tokachigawa Onsen Minami16Chome1-19, Japan
Tokachigawa Moor Onsen Seijyakubow is a single-story ryokan in Tokachigawa Onsen, Otofuke (Hokkaido), set on the banks of the Tokachigawa River amid open countryside. Its defining feature is the Tokachigawa “moor” hot spring: amber-colored, plant-derived water, supplied as free-flowing onsen. Every guest room includes a private open-air bath fed directly from the source, and there are also large public baths to enjoy the same moor onsen. Wellness facilities include a Finnish-style löyly sauna, plus an on-site spa offering beauty treatments. Dining is centered on seasonal Tokachi ingredients, with both a Japanese kaiseki course restaurant and a teppanyaki grill option, alongside a bar for evening drinks. Outdoor parking is available on site.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Great place to relax and unwind
- Amazing service
- Amazing hot spring/private onsen (including in-room/private outdoor onsen)
- Incredible/superb food (kaiseki, teppanyaki, breakfast)
- Clean, new, comfortable, spacious rooms; beautiful/modern design and ambience; attentive/friendly staff (e.g., Shoji-san, Kyoko)
Negative reviews
- Shuttle van sign could be bigger; snow blocked the view
- Common area has no facilities; few scenic spots nearby
- Bathroom/WC layout inconvenient (standalone WC far from sink; awkward at night)
- Inaccessible for guests with disabilities (no wheelchairs/accessible rooms); onsen difficult to enter/exit and slippery
- Dining/communication issues: teppanyaki closure/availability not well communicated; chef too busy; lack of English-speaking staff; dinner could be better (beef)
Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen
9.5/10 (Based on 145 reviews )
061-2301 Hokkaido, Jozankei, Minami-ku Jozankei 857, Japan
Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen is a secluded ryokan-style inn in Jozankei, Hokkaido, set within the forested landscape of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The property has 23 Japanese-style suite rooms with tatami areas and separate living and sleeping spaces. The onsen experience is centered on in-room bathing: every suite includes a forest-view hot-spring bath supplied from the Usubetsu Onsen source, allowing private soaking at your own pace. Dining is served on site, with a course-style “Oku-Jozankei Italian” dinner concept and a Japanese set breakfast. Facilities also include an on-site spa/beauty salon and in-room massage options, plus free on-site parking and shuttle service by reservation.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Helpful, friendly, attentive and professional staff (including English-speaking staff mentioned); warm welcome and assistance with bags/check-in
- Excellent food/restaurant; memorable breakfasts and dinners (including Italian dinners and private dining); menus vary across days for breakfast
- In-room/private onsen highly praised, including views (snow/woods/mountains) and privacy
- Rooms described as spacious, comfortable, clean; good views and quiet/relaxing atmosphere
- Beautiful setting/design: tranquil retreat, gardens/pond, mountain/forest scenery; convenient free shuttle bus from Sapporo Station mentioned
Negative reviews
- Property is remote/far from town; limited nearby things to explore/restaurants and a car is advisable for day trips/sightseeing
- Suggestion for a small shuttle to town due to walking distance in rain/snow
- Laundry: only 1 washer/dryer leading to long waits; request for more machines
- Air conditioning can feel stuffy at night
- Communication issues before arrival: replies in Japanese regarding allergies/logistics; also mention of needing more breakfast buffet selections
Chalet Ivy Jozankei
9.4/10 (Based on 161 reviews )
061-2302 Hokkaido, Jozankei, Minami-Ku Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3Chome 231, Japan
Chalet Ivy Jozankei is a ryokan-style hotel in Jozankei Onsen, Hokkaido, set along the Toyohira River in a quiet hot-spring area outside central Sapporo. The onsen experience is a core feature: every one of the 26 rooms is equipped with a private hot-spring bath with a view, and the property also offers a large public bath with both indoor and open-air bathing areas. For dining, the in-house restaurant ZUI serves modern Japanese cuisine inspired by kaiseki, featuring local Hokkaido ingredients, with breakfast and dinner service. Additional facilities typically include a fitness room and a wellness spa offering treatments in a calm, contemporary-Japanese atmosphere.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Everything was excellent / everything was great (staff and amenities).
- Spacious, clean, well-designed rooms; some mention amazing views and feeling like home.
- Food praised repeatedly (breakfast/dinner, kaiseki, teppanyaki for some); fresh seasonal ingredients; well-portioned meals.
- Onsen highlights: in-room/private onsen and open-air onsen described as calm, relaxing, amazing.
- Friendly, attentive, helpful staff; many speak English; lounge/snack/refreshment area cozy with good selection (including 24-hour lounge and midnight snacks).
Negative reviews
- Dessert was missed one night because staff did not inform guests there was still dessert.
- Some guests didn’t enjoy the teppanyaki dinner as much and preferred kaiseki.
- Wish for wider time windows for breakfast and dinner.
- No laundry services.
- Noise from a room above (child running/stomping); staff didn’t explain how to use the water for the private onsen; one review wanted balcony access but it was closed.
Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort
9.3/10 (Based on 133 reviews )
042-0932 Hokkaido, Hakodate, Yunokawa-cho 1-2-27, Japan
Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort (Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu) is a traditional ryokan in Yunokawa Onsen, Hakodate (Hokkaido), set on the waterfront with wide views across the Tsugaru Strait. The onsen is supplied from the property’s own hot-spring source, and the public baths are separated by gender (Hana-no-yu for women, Tsuki-no-yu for men). Bathing includes indoor large baths and an open-air bath facing the sea; the women’s bath features a hinoki-wood tub, while the men’s bath is a stone bath. Meals focus on Japanese cuisine in a kaiseki style, with seasonal ingredients and seafood. The ryokan also offers massage services and on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Amazing full Japanese ryokan experience; amazing dinner and breakfast with a view; fully attentive staff.
- Excellent hospitality, clean room, and wonderful food.
- Old world, traditional charms; great service/professional staff; excellent food.
- Beautiful wood design; excellent dinner; clean and relaxing.
- Beautiful hotel with aesthetic details; spotlessly clean; kind/welcoming staff; private hot spring available; amazing abundant breakfast; breathtaking restaurant view; spacious room with ocean view.
Negative reviews
- Location is a bit out of the way; good for 1–2 nights max.
- A little pricey / quite expensive.
- TV was too small (minor point).
- English not widely spoken; no comfortable regular seating in room.
- Room walls were thin (noise from next door); food was ok/not great or fresh.
Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei
9.1/10 (Based on 327 reviews )
061-2303 Hokkaido, Jozankei, Minami-ku Jozankeionsennishi 3-105 , Japan
Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei is a traditional onsen ryokan in the Jozankei Onsen area of Hokkaido, in the Sapporo (Minami) district. The property is known for hot-spring bathing options that include gender-separated public baths with open-air tubs, a jacuzzi and a sauna, plus a separate forest bathhouse (“Mori no Yu”) with indoor and open-air baths in a quieter, minimalist setting. Private reservable baths are also available for an added fee. Guest rooms span Japanese, Western, and hybrid styles, with some categories offering in-room bathing. Dining is served on site, with a focus on seasonal Japanese cuisine and set meals for breakfast and dinner. A calm atmosphere and guest facilities support restful stays.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Beautiful facilities and relaxing lounge with complimentary desserts/drinks (scenic snow/mountain views mentioned)
- Onsens highly praised (public baths, detached outdoor onsen, natural onsen, private in-room/roof options)
- Staff often described as lovely, polite, helpful; dinner staff noted as very friendly
- Food frequently described as excellent/fantastic and generous (notably breakfast; kaiseki dinners)
- Convenient transport options mentioned (free shuttle bus from central Sapporo; location good for walking/exploring)
Negative reviews
- Some bathrooms/rooms show wear or cleanliness issues (tired bathroom, broken cabinet door, water stains; spider webs/mould mentioned)
- Reception/front desk issues in some reviews (not very friendly/ignorant; billing/apology issue; hard to reach by phone)
- Breakfast/dining logistics and crowding issues (rush during breakfast; some found meal pacing slow)
- Communication problems (no/late replies to Booking.com emails/messages; unclear shuttle arrangements; limited English for some staff/meal explanations)
- Facility/amenity drawbacks for some guests (private onsen could be more roomy; massage chairs often occupied or broken; poor Wi‑Fi and/or non-working air conditioning reported)
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta
9/10 (Based on 453 reviews )
066-0281 Hokkaido, Chitose, Shikotsuko Onsen, Japan
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta is an onsen ryokan-style resort in Shikotsuko Onsen, within the natural setting of Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido. Its public bath, “Shikotsu Biyu,” offers outdoor and indoor onsen areas with jetted standing, lay-down, and sit-down baths, plus a Finnish sauna. The hot spring is described as a hydrogen carbonate spring, often associated with a soft, moisturizing feel. Some room categories also include private onsen baths. Dining includes a health-focused buffet restaurant and Japanese dining options (including kaiseki-style). On site, you’ll also find a treatment spa, fitness gym, lounge areas, and free parking for staying guests.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Lovely, helpful, courteous and efficient staff; dedicated service (incl. friendly/helpful manager).
- Food highly praised: superb buffet dinner and breakfast; excellent kaiseki meals; great dining experience; fresh seafood/vegetables; good variety/quality.
- Fantastic/amazing location by Lake Shikotsu with beautiful/breathtaking views; scenic and peaceful setting.
- Rooms described as comfortable, spacious and well-appointed; some enjoyed in-room/private onsen/open-air bath; good onsen onsite.
- Convenient transport mentioned (e.g., free shuttle to airport / shuttle to Chitose station; valet parking).
Negative reviews
- Breakfast criticized by some (e.g., “not perfect”); winter walk through corridors to breakfast hall unpleasant.
- Some dissatisfaction with drinks/value: humble sake quality at buffet; wish for complimentary sake; expensive/poor value for money for some.
- Facilities/maintenance issues: fitness centre under-utilised; shower not up to standard; open-air bath area needs improvement; few hotel facilities/activities in winter.
- Service issues reported by some: staff not attentive/not welcoming/rough; trash bags not cleared; cold/indifferent after checkout; bar fully booked without notice and staff too busy to serve.
- Room comfort issues: bed too firm; rooms too warm/heated with limited cooling; loud A/C; noise heard from corridor/children; cigarette smoke drifted in; private open-air bath equipment noisy at night.
Shogetsu Grand Hotel
9/10 (Based on 234 reviews )
061-2302 Hokkaido, Jozankei, Minami-ku Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-239, Japan
Shogetsu Grand Hotel is a hot-spring inn in the Jozankei Onsen area of Sapporo (Hokkaido), set in a valley landscape. The onsen uses source hot-spring water (the original source is high-temperature, so water is added). Facilities include a large public bath with multiple bath levels and a lie-down bath, plus a steam sauna that uses natural spring source steam. Private baths are also available by reservation for a set time and additional fee. Dining focuses on Japanese cuisine with seasonal ingredients; breakfast is served as a Japanese set meal with a small buffet selection. The property also offers guest-only hospitality services in the lounge at scheduled hours, and a shuttle service to/from Sapporo Station (reservation required).
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Great service; plenty of food and drinks offered so guests “never get hungry.”
- Golden Package arranged everything and provided an authentic Japanese fine-dining experience.
- Lounge offers different snacks and drinks at different times of day; always something to look forward to.
- Shuttle bus service from Sapporo Station was described as very convenient.
- Rooms described as spacious/huge and comfortable/clean; onsen and lounge amenities (snacks/drinks, free beer at set times) were highly appreciated.
Negative reviews
- Location is a bit far from the airport.
- Very few staff could speak English, making conversation difficult for some guests.
- Food sometimes below expectations/mediocre and “need improvement” (set dinner/breakfast).
- Outdoor onsen was described as a little small/smaller than expected.
- Hotel entrance/signage can be difficult to find (especially at night; name in Japanese only; “No sign entrance of hotel”).
Kuriya Suizan
9/10 (Based on 109 reviews )
061-2303 Hokkaido, Jozankei, Nishi 3-chome 4, Japan
Kuriya Suizan is an onsen-focused ryokan-style inn in the Jozankei Onsen area, in Minami-ku, Sapporo (Hokkaido). The hot-spring bathing options include an open-air bath and rooms with en-suite open-air hot-spring baths, allowing either shared or in-room soaking depending on the room category. A beauty salon/spa is also listed on site. Dining is positioned as a central part of the stay, with chefs preparing a course-style meal in view, drawing on seasonal ingredients from across Hokkaido and mixing multiple culinary styles. Practical amenities include Wi‑Fi, a bar, a garden area, free private parking, an elevator, and a 24-hour front desk. The property operates with an adult-oriented age policy.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Amazing food (dinner and breakfast), described as premium/Japanese stylish
- Stunning views
- Onsen experience praised (including private onsen suites)
- Kind/helpful/professional staff and great service
- Clean, quiet, comfortable/modern building with traditional Japanese architecture; lounge/welcome drinks/snacks appreciated
Negative reviews
- Some rooms have no shower
- Hotel access can be difficult (far from bus station; rough/slope road, exhausting especially in rain)
- Fewer shuttle buses to Sapporo / shuttle frequency felt limited
- Staffing seems insufficient at times, leading to longer waits for dining/service
- Onsen/bath area considered small or limited (e.g., only one onsen; outdoor area small/limited scenery); path to open-air bath could be icy and dangerous
Ryokan Ichinomatsu
9/10 (Based on 71 reviews )
042-0932 Hokkaido, Hakodate, Yunokawa-cho 1-3-17, Japan
Ryokan Ichinomatsu is a traditional Japanese inn in Yunokawa Onsen, Hakodate (Hokkaido), close to Hakodate Airport and within easy reach of city sights. The key feature is its onsen bathing area, with public hot-spring baths including indoor baths and open-air bathing; the property is associated with Yunokawa’s hot-spring waters, described as a calcium–sodium chloride spring. Guest rooms are Japanese-style with tatami flooring and futon bedding, and many stays include both dinner and breakfast, typically served in-room. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi and free on-site parking, and massage services are listed by some platforms. The overall atmosphere is quiet and ryokan-like, with a courtyard/garden setting mentioned across listings.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional service and very welcoming, attentive staff
- Food/meals (dinner and breakfast) described as exceptional, delicious and fresh
- Onsen/hot spring baths very relaxing and enjoyable
- Clean, tidy and comfortable accommodation; rooms noted as spacious and well decorated
- Serene/quiet atmosphere with a beautiful garden/inner courtyard (including fish pond)
Negative reviews
- Breakfast and dinner served early / breakfast only served until 08:30
- Some found breakfast boring after several days
- Property/rooms/onsen a bit dated; onsen needs TLC/upgrades; visible aging on walls
- Location inconvenient/far from train station; often need taxis (especially in snow)
- Dinner quality could be better; breakfast below expectations
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zaborin | 9.8▲ | 112 | 5 | 9.8▲ | 9.9▲ | 9.9▲ | 9.5▲ | 9.1 | 9.9▲ |
| 2 | Tokachigawa Moor Onsen Seijyakubow | 9.7 | 98 | 5 | 9.8▲ | 9.9▲ | 9.8 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.8 |
| 3 | Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen | 9.5 | 145 | 5 | 9.7 | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.1 | 9.3▲ | 9.6 |
| 4 | Chalet Ivy Jozankei | 9.4 | 161 | 5 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.4 | 8.7 | 9.7 |
| 5 | Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort | 9.3 | 133 | 5 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 8.9 | 7.9▼ | 9.4 |
| 6 | Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei | 9.1 | 327 | 5 | 9.5 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 8.9 | 8.8 | 9.4 |
| 7 | Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta | 9▼ | 453▲ | 5 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| 8 | Shogetsu Grand Hotel | 9▼ | 234 | 5 | 9.2▼ | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.1 | 8.6 | 9.4 |
| 9 | Kuriya Suizan | 9▼ | 109 | 5 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 8.5▼ | 7.9▼ | 8.9▼ |
| 10 | Ryokan Ichinomatsu | 9▼ | 71▼ | 5 | 9.5 | 9.1▼ | 9.3▼ | 8.5▼ | 9.0 | 8.9▼ |
FAQ
Zaborin is a contemporary ryokan in the Hanazono area of Kutchan, surrounded by quiet woods near the Niseko region. Each villa suite comes with two private hot-spring baths, one indoor and one open-air, fed by free-flowing natural volcanic spring water. Dining follows a refined ryokan style with multi-course kita kaiseki, plus Japanese or Western breakfast options.
Tokachigawa Moor Onsen Seijyakubow sits by the Tokachigawa River in open countryside and is centered around Tokachigawa’s amber-colored “moor” hot spring. Every room includes a private open-air bath supplied with free-flowing onsen water, and there are also large public baths. You can add wellness time with a Finnish-style löyly sauna and an on-site spa, then choose between kaiseki or teppanyaki for dinner.
Okujozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen is a secluded ryokan-style stay set in the forested landscape of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Every suite includes a private hot-spring bath with forest views, supplied from the Usubetsu Onsen source. Meals are served on site with an “Oku-Jozankei Italian” course dinner concept and a Japanese set breakfast, and shuttle service is available by reservation.
Chalet Ivy Jozankei is located in the Jozankei Onsen area along the Toyohira River, a calm hot-spring retreat outside central Sapporo. Every room has a private hot-spring bath with a view, and the hotel also features a large public bath with indoor and open-air areas. The in-house restaurant serves modern Japanese cuisine inspired by kaiseki, highlighting local Hokkaido ingredients.
Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort is a traditional ryokan in Yunokawa Onsen, set on the waterfront with views across the Tsugaru Strait. The onsen is supplied from the property’s own source, with gender-separated public baths and an open-air bath facing the sea. Kaiseki-style dining focuses on seasonal Japanese cuisine and seafood, and on-site parking is available.