Horohoro Sanso
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 81 reviews
Horohoro Sanso sits in the Kitayuzawa area of Date, Hokkaido, presented in a mountain‑villa style that blends timber architecture with a relaxed tatami room layout. The property offers a mix of traditional Japanese guest rooms and larger family arrangements across its inventory, and public spaces include a wood‑framed lobby with a fireplace and a single buffet restaurant named Mori no Uta that highlights local produce. Practical amenities aimed at car travellers include ample on‑site parking and a shuttle service linking the ryokan to nearby transport points, making it straightforward to reach from regional rail and bus connections. As a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido, the house leans on its thermal facilities as a defining feature rather than luxury trappings.
The hot spring complex combines multiple bathing experiences: expansive indoor pools, an open‑air rock bath constructed with river stone, a sauna and whirlpool, plus stone‑bed (ganbanyoku) treatments and reservable private baths for guests who prefer solitude. Water chemistry is described on property materials as an alkalescent thermal spring with a high source temperature, and the spa operates with scheduled hours and an advance reservation policy for some services; family or private bathing can require an additional fee. The property also runs a short shuttle loop (the onsen tour service) that lets guests sample a nearby onsen facility without driving, which is useful for visitors who want to explore multiple baths in one stay. These features make Horohoro Sanso a straightforward choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Hokkaido when privacy or family bathing is needed.
Practical strengths for planning a stay include roomy tatami layouts that suit groups and families, an all‑you‑can‑choose style dining arrangement focusing on regional ingredients, and on‑site leisure options such as a small fitness area and seasonal outdoor spaces. The property’s scale and communal facilities mean it tends to cater to guests who value a variety of bathing options and a social dining atmosphere over boutique seclusion; staff services include assistance with local sightseeing and shuttle arrangements. For travellers prioritising clear onsen access and traditional Japanese room layouts within easy reach of south‑Hokkaido attractions, Horohoro Sanso presents a well‑documented, service‑oriented ryokan experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Horohoro Sanso
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Many guests praise the hot spring: large, modern and clean baths with several pools, sometimes alternating the main baths daily; some guests noted nearly 24/7 availability and an overall standout onsen experience.
Abundant and tasty buffet meals
Breakfast and dinner buffets are frequently highlighted as varied and delicious, with many choices (including vegetarian and some Western options). Several reviewers appreciated that meals are included with the room.
Friendly, authentic staff and service
Staff are described as helpful and welcoming, contributing to an authentic Japanese stay. Multiple guests said the team met expectations and provided good service on arrival and during the stay.
Spacious traditional rooms and clean tatami areas
Guests mention large tatami-style rooms that are generally well maintained and clean. Families noted comfortable futon setups and roomy accommodation for groups.
Convenient transport and family-friendly features
Many reviewers appreciated the free shuttle service to/from Sapporo and family-oriented facilities (family baths, options for children). Some rooms had Wi‑Fi and the hotel was seen as convenient for groups and families.
Negative Reviews
Dated rooms and musty or worn areas
Several guests reported that rooms and interior areas feel old or shabby, with musty smells, humidity stains and signs of wear; multiple reviewers suggested refurbishment or sprucing up is needed.
No in-room showers; shared bathing only
Multiple reviews note there are no private in-room showers and guests must use shared baths/onsen facilities, which was not always made clear at booking.
Booking and extra charge issues
A few guests experienced booking/confirmation problems (double bookings, lack of communication) or unexpected charges—examples include an onsen surcharge at checkout and added fees for extra beds for children despite booking information.
Seasonal insects and mountain location drawbacks
Some reviewers mentioned encountering bugs (e.g., many stink bugs in certain seasons) and noted the remote, mountain location can increase the chance of insects or limit accessibility.
Limited shuttle timing, futon comfort and price concerns
There are reports of a very limited shuttle timetable (one midday shuttle that some missed), occasional futons felt thin and needed extra padding, and at least one guest felt the price was slightly high relative to the buffet style food quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include Japanese-style rooms that sleep up to six on futons and smaller twin or triple rooms; capacity depends on the room type so check the room description when booking.
Yes — the ryokan has large communal onsen open daily for guests and also offers reservable private baths and a ganbanyoku stone-spa area.
The property operates shuttle services to/from major stations (including JR Sapporo) and sometimes airport transfers; reservation with the hotel is required and seats are limited.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and offer friendly help; English is spoken to a limited degree, so a translation app can be useful for detailed requests.
Expect a traditional mountain-style ryokan with tatami rooms and yukata robes, extensive onsen baths, and buffet-style meals reflecting local ingredients.
The ryokan is in the Kitayuzawa/Date area with easy driving access to Lake Tōya, Mount Horo, Noboribetsu and local onsen sights; many guests use it as a base for regional sightseeing.
By train the nearest major station is Date-Monbetsu, followed by a local bus or taxi to Kitayuzawa Onsen; the hotel’s shuttle can be an alternative from larger hubs with prior reservation.
Standard check-in generally begins in the mid-afternoon (around 15:00) and check-out is in the morning (around 10:00); confirm the exact times on your reservation confirmation.
Private hot-spring baths can be reserved separately; pets are not permitted on the property.
The ryokan has an on-site restaurant serving buffet meals for guests and a small shop for snacks and souvenirs; for larger supermarkets or specialty stores you will need to travel into town.