Abashiri Kanko Hotel
7,2/10 Very good - Based on 316 reviews
Abashiri Kanko Hotel sits on a low hill with clear sightlines across Lake Abashiri, offering a practical lakeside base for exploring the Okhotsk coast. The property combines Western-style rooms and traditional tatami rooms, supplies yukata for guests and places an emphasis on unobstructed views from many windows. With around ninety rooms and multilingual front‑desk support, the hotel presents itself as a convenient, service‑oriented option for travellers seeking easy access to regional attractions while retaining a distinctly Japanese bathing culture; it is frequently chosen as a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido.
The bathing facilities feature segregated indoor and outdoor alkaline hot‑spring baths plus a sauna, with an open‑air tub that looks toward the lake; these are public baths rather than private reserves, and guests can arrange massage and other spa services on request. Dining highlights include restaurant menus built around fresh Hokkaido produce, buffet breakfast service and family‑style evening options that showcase local seafood and seasonal vegetables. Public communal spaces, a souvenir shop and basic banquet facilities support relaxed stays focused on thermal bathing and regional cuisine for groups and families.
Practical amenities include free parking, coin laundry, luggage storage and complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas, and the hotel is a short drive from the city station and the regional airport, making it a straightforward stop for excursions to the prison museum, drift‑ice tours and nearby ski areas. Reception staff can help arrange local tours and transfers, and the combination of panoramic onsen views, mixed room types and accessible location makes the property a sensible choice for visitors wanting easy onsen access and a central launch point to explore eastern Hokkaido.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Abashiri Kanko Hotel
Positive Reviews
Scenic lakeside location
Many reviewers praised the setting — the hotel sits by the lake and in a woodland area, offering quiet surroundings and attractive lake views from rooms and public areas; convenient parking and a nearby bus stop were also noted.
Good onsen / hot spring facilities
Guests highlighted the hot springs as a key selling point: large public baths, an outdoor pool and good-quality water; many enjoyed the onsen experience and considered it a primary reason to stay.
Spacious, comfortable rooms
Multiple comments mentioned roomy accommodations with comfortable layouts and pleasant views; guests appreciated the space, especially in Japanese-style and lake-view rooms.
Breakfast and evening meals generally well received
Reviewers reported satisfying meals — breakfast was often praised for local/Japanese choices and dinner was described as plentiful (including seafood/prawns); some noted seasonal limitations but overall food was a positive.
Good value and resort amenities
Several guests felt the hotel offered value for money, noting a lower price than similar properties and useful amenities such as free massage chairs, a games/library area, bike rentals and a notable comic-reading corner.
Negative Reviews
Property is outdated and needs renovation
A recurring concern was the age and condition of the building and rooms — many reviewers described the premises as tired or outdated and suggested significant renovation and garden/entrance work was needed.
Cleanliness and maintenance problems
Multiple reports of poor upkeep included dust and stains in rooms and common areas, broken fixtures (e.g., flush, hot water delays), noisy or problematic toilets and old, noisy air-conditioning units.
Lingering cigarette smell and odors
Several guests noted a persistent smell of cigarette smoke in the lobby and some rooms, as well as generally aged odors in carpets and common areas that affected perceived cleanliness.
Remote location and accessibility issues
Many found the hotel far from the town center, requiring taxis or driving; some had difficulty finding the entrance (poor signage, GPS directed to staff areas) and public-transport access was inconvenient.
Service limitations and language/inconvenience at night
Problems mentioned included limited English from staff, front desk closure late at night (no assistance after 22:00), lack of expected services (e.g., bed-making), and customers having to manage issues themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese-style rooms can sleep up to four guests on futons; twin rooms accommodate two on beds; some suites combine beds and futons for families — check the room type when booking.
Yes. The hotel offers public indoor and outdoor onsen and a sauna with lake views; yukata and slippers are provided for guests.
Private/reservable baths are not listed among the standard amenities; if you need a private bath, contact the property to confirm availability.
No dedicated hotel shuttle is listed; Memanbetsu Airport is about a 20-minute drive and an airport limousine bus serves Abashiri.
The property listing does not guarantee full multilingual services; staff score and reviews indicate helpful service, but only basic English should be expected.
Guests can stay in tatami-style rooms with futons, wear provided yukata, bathe in communal onsen, and enjoy Japanese-style meals in the on-site restaurant.
Major nearby attractions include the Abashiri Prison Museum, the Okhotsk Drift Ice (Ryu-hyo) Museum, Lake Abashiri and Mt. Tento, all reachable by short drive or local bus.
Local buses and taxis operate in the area; Abashiri Bus Terminal links to Memanbetsu Airport and sightseeing routes, and JR Abashiri Station provides regional train connections.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is until 10:00.
The hotel has an on-site Japanese restaurant and buffet breakfast; Abashiri city centre with shops and convenience stores is a short drive or bus ride away.