Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 304 reviews
Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort sits on a wooded hill above Lake Abashiri and presents a design concept inspired by northern peoples and Okhotsk culture. Accommodation ranges from contemporary tower rooms to the Ko no Za suites, some of which feature private open‑air onsen in a secluded garden setting, and a cluster of villa‑style units with a treehouse option. Rooms combine Western comforts with Japanese touches such as tatami areas, in‑room coffee stations and locally inspired sleepwear, and many offer wide views toward the Okhotsk coast and surrounding forest.
The resort’s bathing and wellness facilities include large public hot‑spring baths and a separate spa offering treatments that use Hokkaido ingredients; a private treatment room and an option for solo reservations are available for those seeking privacy. Dining covers both regional seafood and Western‑style menus across a chef’s restaurant and buffet dining, supported by lounges, a library, a small market, a cigar room and a sculptural foot‑bath feature on the grounds. These features make it a practical choice for travelers searching for a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido while also appealing to guests who want rooms with private bathing.
Practical services include a small fitness area, an activity desk for local outings, free Wi‑Fi throughout and onsite parking, and the property is a short drive from the local train station and area museums, making it a base for exploring eastern Hokkaido. The resort also offers day‑use bathing plans and event programming seasonally, so visitors can plan either a single‑day spa experience or a longer stay to combine onsen time with regional sightseeing and outdoor activities. Staffed front‑desk services can advise on transfers and local itineraries.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsur…
Positive Reviews
Excellent buffet meals
Many guests praised the breakfast and dinner buffets as abundant, high quality and a highlight of their stay.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff are frequently described as welcoming, helpful and professional—going out of their way to assist with luggage, children’s needs and transport.
Relaxing atmosphere and beautiful property
Reviewers mention a calm, pleasant atmosphere, attractive building and grounds, comfortable lounge areas and a lakeside location that enhance relaxation.
Well‑appointed onsen facilities
The thermal baths and outdoor/on‑rock baths are repeatedly noted as well designed and enjoyable, contributing to a restful experience.
Comfortable rooms and good amenities
Many found rooms spacious and comfortable (including Japanese‑style rooms), with ample parking and occasional hotel transport to nearby sites.
Negative Reviews
Small bathrooms in some rooms
Multiple guests reported that toilets and shower/bathroom spaces were cramped or too small, especially in standard rooms.
Restaurant crowding and limited service windows
Because the hotel is large and meal service windows can be short, buffets can feel crowded at peak times and create a rushed experience for guests.
Inconsistent food perceptions and cooking odours
While many loved the food, a number of reviews mentioned bland or repetitive buffet choices and strong cooking smells in the restaurant that could cling to clothing.
Some rooms dated; maintenance needed
A few guests noted older or dated rooms (annex) and requested maintenance on wooden structures like outdoor decks and railings.
Remote location and accessibility
Several reviewers highlighted the secluded/out‑of‑the‑way position and recommended having a car; one report also mentioned not receiving a preferred higher‑floor room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; check the specific room's maximum occupancy when booking. Extra beds and cribs are not available at this property.
The resort offers public indoor and open-air hot-spring baths and some room types include a private hot-spring bath. Private-use options (room baths or day-trip private sets) can be arranged by contacting the hotel in advance.
The hotel runs a free shuttle between JR Abashiri Station and JR Yobito Station on request, and seasonal airport pick-up from Memanbetsu Airport is offered at specific times. Shuttle reservations must be made in advance.
Memanbetsu Airport is the nearest, about a 20–25 minute drive to the resort. Taxis or the hotel shuttle (when available) are the usual options from the airport.
The resort provides English information on its official site and front-desk staff can assist in basic English, though Japanese is the primary language. If you have specific language needs, contact the hotel before arrival.
The resort emphasizes Okhotsk and northern ethnic design, offers Ainu-inspired sleepwear, local Okhotsk cuisine, onsen bathing culture, a library and a regional spa for an authentic Hokkaido experience. Dining includes both buffet and a chef’s restaurant featuring local ingredients.
The resort overlooks Lake Abashiri and is close to the Abashiri Prison Museum and the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples; it also serves as a base for longer excursions to Shiretoko and Akan areas. Many local sights are reachable by short drives.
JR Yobito Station is the closest station (a short shuttle ride), with Abashiri Station reachable by taxi; a car is recommended and free on-site parking is provided. Taxis and local buses serve regional attractions.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check-out is by 10:00 (10:00 AM). Guests should inform the hotel if arriving late, as dinner service may not be available for arrivals after approximately 19:30.
Some small-dog accommodations are available by prior arrangement, so contact the hotel to confirm pet-friendly rooms and rules. A convenience store and local supermarkets are accessible in the area, and private onsen options can be requested in advance.