Hanabishi Hotel
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 602 reviews
Hanabishi Hotel sits in the Yunokawa Onsen district of Hakodate and blends traditional Japanese hospitality with practical modern comforts. The property offers a range of accommodations from tatami-floored Japanese-style rooms and mixed Japanese-Western rooms to larger suites that include private open-air baths, making it suitable for couples, families and small groups. A short walk to the local tram stop puts the city’s main sights within easy reach while the hotel’s garden and lobby spaces emphasize seasonal decor and a calm atmosphere that reflects local coastal character.
The bathing facilities are a core feature: guests can follow a bathing circuit through multiple public hot-spring baths and garden open-air tubs, plus a Finnish-style sauna and dedicated women’s amenities. Select rooms provide a private open-air hot spring so you can enjoy onsen water in seclusion; the hotel therefore functions both as a ryokan with onsen in Hakodate and as a ryokan with private onsen in Hokkaido for visitors seeking privacy. Bathing areas are designed with natural materials such as rock, cypress and ceramic to complement the waters and views.
Dining highlights focus on seasonal Japanese cuisine with kaiseki-style dinner options and a breakfast service that includes both local Japanese dishes and Western selections prepared in a live kitchen. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, on-site parking, a small salon offering reflexology, karaoke and equipment for families; staff can also arrange tram passes and local suggestions for the morning market, botanical garden and Mt. Hakodate. Overall the hotel balances a traditional onsen experience with straightforward access to Hakodate’s sightseeing and transport connections.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hanabishi Hotel
Positive Reviews
Relaxing, well-maintained onsen
Many guests praised the hot-spring baths as large, relaxing and well kept — a highlight of the stay and a key reason visitors choose this ryokan.
Polite, helpful staff
Staff repeatedly described as courteous, friendly and helpful (including assistance at check‑in and multilingual help on some occasions), contributing to a pleasant experience.
Clean, traditional Japanese rooms and ambiance
Guests appreciated the authentic Japanese-style rooms, cleanliness and overall ryokan atmosphere — rooms often described as spacious and traditionally furnished.
Excellent breakfast and good food
The buffet breakfast received strong praise for its large selection and quality; many guests also complimented the Japanese dinner offerings when available.
Convenient facilities and location for certain travellers
Reviewers liked the on‑site amenities (souvenir shop, restaurant, parking) and noted it is convenient for car travellers and reasonably close to attractions/port or tram connections.
Negative Reviews
Additional onsen/spa charge not clear
Multiple guests reported being charged an extra fee for using the onsen (a 'spa tax' or per‑person fee) that was added at checkout rather than included or clearly communicated at booking, causing frustration.
Dinner availability and dietary accommodations
Several guests encountered confusion about dinner service (must be prebooked or sometimes unavailable on certain days) and one guest reported no effort to accommodate a vegan request despite available ingredients at breakfast.
Distance from station and transport issues
The property is on the outskirts of town for some visitors; tram journeys were described as slow or crowded by one reviewer, making access less convenient for guests relying on public transport.
Rooms need occasional maintenance or refresh
Some rooms showed wear (scuff marks, difficulty with doors/closets, holes) and a few reviewers suggested parts of the accommodation and equipment could use refurbishment.
Accessibility/comfort concerns for some guests
A few guests noted comfort issues: futons/tatami can be hard to use for older guests, futon thickness or thin walls causing noise, an air‑conditioning quirk, and an 'open' bath that is still walled/roofed limiting the outdoor feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary by type: twin rooms suit 1–2 guests, standard Japanese or Japanese-Western rooms accommodate small families, and special rooms with a private open-air bath can fit around 2–5 people. Cribs and extra beds are not available, so add ages when booking for accurate occupancy.
Hanabishi Hotel offers multiple public hot-spring baths including garden open-air baths and a sauna; general bathing hours are in the afternoon/evening and early morning with separate time blocks for men and women. Sauna and bath schedules differ from the public baths, so check the front desk on arrival for exact times.
Yes, some special rooms include a private open-air hot-spring bath that guests can use 24 hours. For private use of the public baths or special requests, contact the front desk in advance to confirm availability.
The hotel is located about a short drive from Hakodate Airport and is within a short walk of the Yunokawa tram stop. There is no routinely advertised hotel shuttle, so common options are taxi or public tram from the airport or main stations.
Some staff can assist in English and the hotel provides basic English information; front-desk staff can help arrange transport and sightseeing in English when available. For specific language needs, notify the hotel before arrival.
The hotel serves kaiseki-style Japanese dinners and a breakfast service that includes Japanese and Western options; the property has an on-site restaurant and private dining rooms. Dinner service usually requires prior reservation and may not be available for very late arrivals.
Pets are not allowed and the property does not permit parties or large events without prior arrangement. For small private functions or requests, contact the hotel directly to discuss possibilities and restrictions.
The hotel sits in Yunokawa Onsen and is close to Yukura Shrine, the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, the Hakodate Morning Market, Goryokaku area, and Mt. Hakodate viewpoint. These sites are easily reached by tram or a short taxi ride.
The hotel is a short walk from the Yunokawa tram stop, and the front desk sells tram passes for convenient travel around the city; electric bicycles are also available to borrow. Taxis and local buses can be used for destinations not served directly by tram.
Standard check-in begins in the afternoon and check-out is in the morning; exact hours are listed on your booking confirmation. Guests must check in by the hotel’s stated dinner cut-off time if they have a dinner plan, so inform the hotel of any late arrivals in advance.