Bourou Noguchi Hakodate
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 256 reviews
Bourou Noguchi Hakodate sits on Yunokawa Onsen in Hakodate, Hokkaido, blending modern minimalism with traditional Japanese touches. The property presents sleek mezzanine suites and WAMODERN rooms finished in the house’s signature design, many of which feature panoramic baths and in-room hot spring options that frame town and sea views. Set within a long-established hot spring district, the hotel positions itself as a refined ryokan experience that balances contemporary furnishings, quiet communal spaces and onsen bathing culture; it functions effectively as a ryokan with onsen in Hakodate, Hokkaido.
Accommodation ranges from compact “Ohitorisama” singles to duplex suites; a large portion of guest rooms include private hot spring baths and several suite types offer spacious Yunokawa Onsen tubs or cypress panoramic baths. Spa facilities extend beyond soaking: a spa lounge provides massages and aesthetic treatments, a stone Ganban-Yoku heated-bed therapy and sauna complement public open-air baths, and on-site therapists deliver tailored relaxation programs. For travelers seeking seclusion and ritual, the hotel presents a genuine ryokan with private onsen in Hakodate, with private dining available for multi-course kaiseki-style meals.
On-site dining and social spaces include multiple restaurants, a waterside café, a sky salon and a Japanese tea room alongside a library and leisure areas such as a billiard room. Service features cover shuttle arrangements, complimentary parking and hotel-wide Wi‑Fi, and the culinary program highlights Hokkaido ingredients with options for intimate, private dining. The hotel’s location provides straightforward access to Hakodate’s key attractions, while nearby airport and local transport links make transfers to the Yunokawa area convenient for guests.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Bourou Noguchi Hakodate
Positive Reviews
Exceptional food and private dining
Many guests praised the meals as outstanding, fine-dining quality or Michelin-level, with private dining rooms and thoughtful presentation for dinner and breakfast.
Private in-room onsen and excellent public baths
Multiple reviewers highlighted the private hot spring baths in rooms as spacious, easy to use and very relaxing; public onsen (including rooftop/indoor-outdoor options) were also noted as unique and memorable.
Attentive, professional and friendly staff
Staff were repeatedly described as polite, helpful and accommodating (special requests, birthday surprises, flexible arrangements), contributing strongly to guests' positive experiences.
Spacious, beautiful rooms and well-maintained facilities
Guests reported large, stylish rooms (including duplex/family suites), a chic modern ryokan design, well-maintained facilities such as club lounge, sauna and spa, plus complimentary fridge drinks and small touches in the room.
Relaxing atmosphere and convenient amenities
Visitors enjoyed a quiet, relaxing stay with amenities like spa treatments, soft-serve ice cream/drinks in lounges and proximity to the airport for solo travelers; many said they would happily return.
Negative Reviews
Location a bit distant from city centre
Several reviewers noted the property is somewhat far from the city centre (about 20 minutes by bus); guests said it’s not a major problem but worth considering for those wanting immediate central access.
Air conditioning and room temperature uneven
A few guests experienced cooling issues or uneven air conditioning in very large rooms, making nights uncomfortably warm at times.
Occasional housekeeping or room odor issues
A minority reported housekeeping lapses (e.g., found used item near the room entrance) and one guest mentioned a persistent bad smell in their room that could not be eliminated.
Wi‑Fi speed and basic in‑room tech
At least one reviewer requested improved Wi‑Fi speed/quality, and another described the in‑room TV/cable as very basic.
Restaurant booking requirement and bed size for tall guests
One guest was surprised by an unadvertised requirement to reserve the restaurant a day in advance (though staff were flexible), and another noted futons/beds were too small for very tall guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single rooms to suites and Japanese-modern suites that can accommodate couples, families or groups (some room types list up to 4+ occupants); children of all ages are welcome and children aged 3 and above are treated as adults. Cribs and extra beds are not available.
Yes — the property has indoor and rooftop open-air hot-spring baths with city views, plus many room types include a private onsen bath for in-room bathing. Public baths are shared and subject to house rules (tattoos may restrict access).
The property operates a shuttle service (reservations requested directly to the hotel) and the official site accepts shuttle bookings; for airport access public buses and taxis also serve Yunokawa Onsen. Please contact the ryokan in advance to reserve any transfer.
Hakodate Airport is very close — about a 10-minute taxi ride or a short public-bus route plus a brief walk; JR Hakodate Station is roughly a 15-minute drive. Streetcar or public-transport travel may take longer depending on connections.
Japanese is the primary language, and the hotel provides English-language information on its site; staff commonly assist international guests in English, though complex requests may require extra time or translation help. If you have specific language needs, notify the hotel before arrival.
The ryokan has multiple on-site restaurants serving seasonal Hakodate cuisine, including kaiseki-style multi-course dinners and breakfast. Dinner options often require advance reservation and guests who wish to dine on-site should inform the hotel in advance (there is a check-in time to be served dinner).
Pets are not allowed at the property. Some guest rooms include private onsen baths for your exclusive use, but public baths are shared and parties or events are not permitted on the premises.
Popular nearby sights include Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Park and Tower, the Motomachi and Bay Area, and the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden — most are within a short drive (about 10–20 minutes). The reception can advise on sightseeing routes and local transport options.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is from 07:00 to 11:00; the property asks guests to notify the hotel of their expected arrival time in advance. Note that guests should check in by about 19:30 if they plan to have dinner served at the hotel.
The hotel provides free private parking and is well connected by local buses and taxis; convenience stores and local shops are a short walk or short drive away in the Yunokawa/Hakodate area. The front desk can give exact directions and timetables.