Kamihoroso
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 78 reviews
Kamihoroso is a mountain ryokan perched on the slopes of the Tokachidake range in Kami‑furano, Hokkaido, offering a straightforward blend of traditional rooms and communal facilities designed for nature‑oriented stays. Accommodation is primarily Japanese‑style with tatami flooring and futons, and several room types provide valley or mountain views; some rooms include private bathrooms while others use shared facilities. The property operates an onsen fed from local springs with both indoor and open‑air baths that look out over the forested basin, making the bathing experience a central part of a stay here. Practical amenities include a restaurant serving multi‑course Japanese meals focused on local produce, a guest lounge with complimentary refreshments, parking and a shuttle service to nearby transport points to simplify arrivals and departures.
Public bathing is the property’s highlight: a timber‑lined indoor bath and an outdoor rotenburo give clear sightlines to the surrounding peaks and, in suitable conditions, to starry skies or valley cloud. The onsen operates for both residents and day visitors with daytime access hours, and the ryokan keeps a simple, service‑oriented approach to guest care that includes front‑desk assistance and housekeeping. The dining rhythm follows traditional seasonal courses that emphasize vegetables, local pork and mountain greens; service notes from recent guests commonly point to generous portions and a homely presentation. For active travellers the location doubles as a base for hiking in summer and alpine skiing or snow activities in winter, with luggage‑friendly transfer options to the nearest stations.
Check‑in is generally in the mid‑afternoon, with morning checkout, and a day‑use bathing window is available for non‑residents during scheduled hours, making Kamihoroso suitable for both overnight stays and single‑visit onsen experiences. While travellers sometimes search broadly for a “ryokan with onsen Aomori,” this property exemplifies the mountain onsen tradition within Hokkaido and is a clear choice for visitors seeking a countryside ryokan with onsen and direct access to the Tokachidake natural area. The ryokan’s mix of open‑air bathing, traditional rooms and a focus on local cuisine makes it a practical option for travellers prioritizing a quiet onsen retreat.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kamihoroso
Positive Reviews
Beautiful onsen with scenic views
Many guests praised the all-wood hot spring baths and open-air onsen, often noting stunning mountain, valley or sunset views and a relaxing atmosphere (including enjoying snow while in the onsen).
Excellent food
Numerous reviews highlighted very good to extraordinary dinners and breakfasts — well prepared, generous meals that many guests said were a major reason to stay.
Great location for outdoor activities
Reviewers appreciated the ryokan’s setting for hiking, skiing and exploring nearby peaks (Tokachi‑Dake, Furano‑Dake) and described it as a quiet, natural and nostalgic mountain retreat.
Friendly, helpful staff
Many guests reported warm, helpful and accommodating staff who enhanced the traditional ryokan experience and made stays enjoyable.
Comfort amenities and free lounge offerings
Visitors liked the traditional Japanese rooms, free lounge with drinks and snacks, and small conveniences (microwave, ice, cutlery). Several mentioned free beer/whisky highballs or a snacks bar as a nice touch.
Negative Reviews
Meal availability and communication issues
Multiple guests reported misleading booking descriptions or lack of meal options on arrival (unable to add meals, no regular restaurant service), repeated identical dinners across nights, and failures to accommodate dietary requests (e.g., vegetarian messages not passed on).
Transport and access costs/inconsistency
Reviews mentioned limited or inconsistent shuttle service leading to expensive taxi fares; some guests expected a free shuttle that was not available for their arrival/departure.
Accessibility and building limitations
Several guests noted there is no elevator and luggage must be carried up stairs; this can be inconvenient for older or large groups and was mentioned alongside requests for ski‑work storage or better facilities.
Service reliability and front desk problems
A number of reviews described reception issues—front desk unattended at times, long waits to check in, and reports of rude or grumpy staff on duty that affected guest experience and perceived safety (doors unlocked, no night staff).
Condition, cleanliness and value concerns
Some guests found parts of the property run down or in need of maintenance, cleanliness could be improved, rooms sometimes small for larger groups, and a few felt price did not match quality of food or common areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style (mostly 10-tatami) and are arranged with futons; depending on the room type they can sleep from about 2 up to 5 guests, so check the specific room description when booking.
The ryokan offers a wooden indoor bath and an open-air onsen with valley and mountain views fed by the local hot spring; guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from public bathing, so please enquire ahead.
The property provides a reservation-based pick-up service from nearby stations (and local shuttle options are mentioned); contact the ryokan in advance to arrange collection.
Asahikawa Airport is the nearest airport (roughly 40 km by road), and the JR Furano/Kamifurano stations are the closest rail links, with additional local bus connections to the onsen area.
Staff are primarily Japanese and many guests report helpful service; some English is usually available but language ability can be limited, so notify the ryokan in advance if you need specific language support.
The ryokan serves breakfast and dinner on-site featuring Hokkaido and local ingredients (for example Furano beef and seasonal produce) presented in Japanese-style courses in the restaurant.
The ryokan sits in the Tokachidake Onsen area with access to mountain hiking, observation points for clouds, sunsets and stars, seasonal lavender fields around Furano, and nearby ski areas in winter.
Take the JR Furano Line to Furano or Kamifurano and then use the town bus or the ryokan’s reservation shuttle to reach Tokachidake Onsen; public schedules are seasonal, so check timetables ahead of travel.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the ryokan if you expect to arrive outside the posted check-in window.
Pets are not permitted at the property; the facility offers public and open-air baths and private-bath rentals may be possible on request—ask when you book; the nearest convenience stores and supermarkets are located in the valley towns, a drive from the onsen.