jyozankei Shikanoyu
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jyozankei Shikanoyu occupies a long-established ryokan in the Jozankei hot-spring valley of Hokkaido, combining Showa-era retro interiors with practical modern amenities. Guest rooms range from traditional tatami-and-futon Japanese styles to more contemporary Western-facing rooms, many arranged to maximise views of the mountain stream. The property operates scheduled shuttle connections to central Sapporo (advance reservation required) and maintains a 24-hour front desk, luggage and ski storage, and a small souvenir shop; public areas offer complimentary lobby Wi‑Fi and relaxed communal lounges.
Its bath complex, known as SHIKAnoYU, centres on a large public onsen with both indoor pools and open-air baths that overlook the valley, plus a steam-style Löyly sauna and multiple soaking tubs. The ryokan welcomes day-trip bathing alongside guest access, and on-site towel provision and bathing facilities are organised to serve both individual travellers and groups. For travellers searching specifically for a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido, the emphasis here is on communal hot-spring experiences drawn from the local spring source rather than isolated private onsen suites.
Dining highlights showcase Hokkaido produce in a mix of set-course and buffet formats, and an on-site restaurant presents regional specialties alongside a traditional-room dining option. Public leisure facilities include a small izakaya-style corner, karaoke and table-tennis, a curated library and board games, and a shop selling local sweets and keepsakes. The overall character suits travellers prioritising an authentic onsen stay with straightforward services and a nostalgic atmosphere in Jozankei’s valley setting. Its welcoming staff assist with local sightseeing and transport arrangements year-round easily.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: jyozankei Shikanoyu
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple guests praised the hot spring area as large, clean and relaxing. Reviewers noted the onsen was a highlight of the stay and often not overly crowded; some parts of the bathing area have also been recently renovated.
Generous buffet for breakfast and dinner
Many reviews highlighted the wide variety at the buffet (breakfast and dinner), mentioning stations such as ramen/noodle, sashimi, curry, salads and desserts. Several guests enjoyed the selection and found the meals a strong part of the experience.
Great location and scenery
Guests appreciated the hotel's location in Jozankei with beautiful views and close proximity to local attractions such as the Jozankei Nature Luminaire, making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
Friendly, attentive staff and added touches
Multiple reviews mentioned helpful, courteous front desk staff, thoughtful service (including providing yukata for guests) and small gestures such as gifts for children that enhanced the stay.
Traditional Japanese atmosphere and comfortable rooms
Several guests enjoyed the traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami areas and felt the accommodation captured what to expect from an onsen hotel. Some rooms were noted as spacious and comfortable, with renovated areas improving the experience.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent dinner quality
While many praised the buffet variety, a number of guests felt the dinner quality was only average or could be improved, with some specifically disappointed by taste or drink availability (alcohol often charged separately).
Room maintenance and cleanliness issues in some units
A few reviewers reported problems with older room fixtures: tired bathrooms, mildew or bad smells, an old refrigerator, and damaged items (e.g., chipped glass). These issues affected some guests' impressions.
Crowding and limited facility capacity
Guests noted that certain facilities can be busy: the onsen can be small at peak times in some areas, the free shuttle and public buses frequently fill up (requiring early booking), and long waits or standing on buses were reported.
Access, parking and navigation difficulties
Several visitors found the entrance or route confusing (maps/Google Maps led them astray) and described maze-like corridors to rooms. Parking was limited for some, requiring use of a further lot and a 7–8 minute walk to retrieve a car.
Room comfort and amenities concerns
Some guests experienced uncomfortable beds, small room sizes, poor air ventilation (needed to open windows at night) and unreliable Wi‑Fi, which detracted from overall comfort for those visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type; many Japanese-style rooms typically accommodate 2–4 guests. Extra beds and cots are not provided, so confirm the maximum occupancy for your chosen room when booking.
Shikanoyu offers large indoor baths, open-air baths overlooking the mountain stream and sauna facilities (including a Löyly-style sauna). Day-use bathing is available with set hours and towel rental information listed by the property.
The hotel operates a free pick-up shuttle from the NHK Sapporo Branch (advance reservation required, typically at least one day). Shin Chitose Airport is about a 90-minute drive and downtown Sapporo about 50 minutes by car; the property also runs a shuttle to Sapporo on certain schedules.
Staff provide service in Japanese and English to assist international guests.
The ryokan serves seasonal Hokkaido cuisine with a breakfast buffet of Japanese and Western dishes; dinners are offered either in the restaurant, in private dining rooms or in-room depending on the rate and availability. If you need a children’s menu or special requests, notify the hotel in advance.
Jozankei is a hot-spring town with scenic walking trails, river gorges and seasonal foliage; there are local parks, dams and sightseeing points nearby, and Sapporo’s city attractions are reachable within about an hour. Ask reception for current local recommendations and seasonal highlights.
The nearest stop is in the Jozankei onsen area (Jozankei yu no machi) served by regional buses from Sapporo; timetables vary by season. If you rely on public transport, check bus schedules in advance or use the hotel shuttle where available.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; to be served dinner at the property you should arrive by the hotel’s dinner cut-off (around 19:30). If you expect to arrive late, notify the hotel in advance so they can advise about dining availability.
The property’s primary facilities are public baths; private or family-bath availability is not prominently listed, so please ask the front desk on arrival or when booking. Pets are not allowed at the ryokan.
The hotel has a gift shop, vending machines, luggage storage and free on-site parking, and the Jozankei area has small shops and souvenir stores. For full supermarkets or larger services you will typically need to travel into Sapporo.