Kojohama Onsen Hotel
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 259 reviews
Kojohama Onsen Hotel sits on the coastal route of Shiraoi in Hokkaido, combining a recently renovated hotel layout with a 100% natural hot spring that reopened its new bathing building in March 2024. The mineral-rich, slightly brownish sodium‑chloride water is noted locally as a bijin (beauty) bath for its silky feel and heat-retaining properties. Framed by the Pacific coastline, the property markets itself as a ryokan with onsen in Shiraoi while offering modern guest rooms, some with sea views, and communal spaces designed for relaxed, unhurried stays.
Bath facilities include indoor hot-spring pools, an open-air bath and a public onsen area alongside sauna facilities; day-trip bathing is available. Onsite amenities extend to a restaurant serving local seafood and Shiraoi beef, a recliner lounge with electric reclining chairs, a small library corner and a modest fitness room. Practical services noted across listings include free Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour reception, parking and station transfer options; check-in and check-out follow standard times. The layout suits families and travelers seeking both activity and quiet recovery.
Surroundings reward short drives or walks: the coastal seafood road and Ayoro beach, plus nearby attractions such as Noboribetsu Marine Park and a historic theme village, are within easy reach. The hotel’s salt spring chemistry makes it a destination for visitors who want a traditional bathing ritual without sacrificing contemporary comforts. As a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido, it provides a straightforward base for exploring southern Hokkaido’s coastal scenery while offering accessible bathing options for day visitors and overnight guests.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kojohama Onsen Hotel
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen facilities
Many guests praised the onsen as the highlight — described as clean, relaxing, varied and exactly as expected. Several reviews called it fantastic or wonderful and noted it made the stay memorable.
Clean, well-maintained property
Multiple reviewers commented on exceptional cleanliness throughout the hotel and common areas, including staff attention to details (e.g. wiping luggage wheels) and nicely kept shared facilities.
Comfortable rooms and bathrooms
Guests frequently mentioned comfortable beds, modern bathrooms and comfortable futons. Some rooms were described as large and recently renovated, offering a pleasant, restful stay.
Friendly, helpful staff and shuttle service
Staff were often reported as welcoming and helpful, with some English spoken. Reviewers appreciated the free shuttle service to the train station, which made access easier for visitors who used it.
Good breakfast, restaurant and overall value
Several guests enjoyed the hotel restaurant and praised the breakfast as outstanding. Other reviews noted good pricing or strong value for money, and a sufficiently large menu allowing guests to dine in-house.
Negative Reviews
Shoe-removal policy and limited slippers
Some guests found it surprising or inconvenient to remove shoes and circulate the property in socks; a few noted only basic plastic slippers were provided in rooms and would have preferred clearer expectations or extra slipper options.
Room size and luggage space
Multiple reviewers reported rooms can be small—particularly for families or two adults with large suitcases—making space tight and storage limited in some room types.
Location and accessibility for non-drivers
A number of guests said the hotel isn’t easy to reach without a car or good Japanese language skills; some struggled with public transport and wished the complimentary shuttle had been clearer in advance.
Restaurant/dining concerns and breakfast issues
A few guests were disappointed by the restaurant or felt breakfast was expensive. Other comments mentioned early breakfast times and a desire for English explanations of unfamiliar Japanese breakfast items.
Heating/amenities and occasional cleanliness problems
Problems reported included overly warm/heated rooms or weak air-conditioning, missing bathroom hooks, and isolated cleanliness issues (one guest reported a stained towel). There were also mentions of the main bath being closed at certain times (e.g. morning) leaving fewer bathing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers single, twin, double and Japanese-style rooms with futons; rooms typically accommodate 1–4 guests and family-style Japanese rooms can sleep up to four. For larger groups, you can request multiple rooms or a group booking.
The property has 100% natural sodium‑chloride hot spring water (a slightly brown ‘Bijin’ bath) and modern public baths. Day‑use bathing is available, and the baths are maintained as an onsen facility.
A shuttle service operates between the hotel and nearby stations (the hotel is about a 5‑minute shuttle from Noboribetsu Station). Shuttle schedules can be limited, so contact the hotel in advance to arrange pick‑up.
New Chitose Airport is roughly 60–65 km away, about a one‑hour drive. Options include renting a car or taking JR/train to Kojohama or Noboribetsu Station and using the hotel shuttle or local buses for the last leg.
Staff are reported to speak basic English and are described as helpful, though Japanese is the primary language. If you have specific needs, notifying the hotel in advance is recommended.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) with the latest listed arrival around 22:30, and check‑out is at 10:00 (10:00 AM). Please inform the hotel if you expect to arrive late.
Yes, the hotel has a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine and offers breakfast (listed as à la carte or Asian‑style). Dinner is also available in the on‑site dining room.
Nearby attractions include Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, Date Jidaimura (historic village), Noboribetsu Bear Park, coastal scenery along the local seafood road, and Ainu cultural sites. Many of these are reachable by short drives or local transport.
Private parking is available free of charge, and the hotel is within walking distance of Kojohama Station (roughly 10 minutes). Local buses serve the area and Noboribetsu Station provides wider rail connections.
Public onsen and day‑use bathing are listed, but private in‑room baths are not prominently advertised—please contact the hotel to request private‑use options. Pet policies are not detailed online, and there is a convenience store (konbini) within easy walking distance for essentials.