Kyukamura Shikotsuko
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 227 reviews
Kyukamura Shikotsuko sits on the shore of Lake Shikotsu inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, offering views across a famously clear lake and access to forest trails and lakeside activities. The surrounding forest hosts a variety of wild birds. The property blends ryokan elements with resort conveniences, offering three room types—Japanese tatami, Western and mixed Japanese‑Western—designed for quiet relaxation after outdoor excursions. Located about 50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, it functions as a ryokan with onsen in Shikotsu-Toya National Park for visitors seeking nature-focused stays.
Bathing facilities use naturally sourced hot springs noted for a soft, smooth texture that helps relieve travel fatigue and leaves skin feeling refreshed. Communal baths and a sauna are provided, organized in separate morning, daytime and evening sessions for staying guests. The complex emphasizes a larger public onsen with gentle mineral content rather than private in‑room baths, and it offers practical changing and bathing amenities. As a regional option, it presents a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido that pairs accessible facilities with a clear connection to the local environment.
Onsite dining highlights seasonal Hokkaido produce with evening course meals and buffet breakfast featuring rice porridge, local breads and seafood dishes; window seats are arranged for bird‑watching at mealtime. Guests can book lake activities such as canoeing and stand‑up paddleboarding in summer and observe winter events on the frozen lake. The property provides free parking, a small shop, shuttle service by prior reservation and complimentary Wi‑Fi, making it suitable for families and nature travellers seeking unpretentious lakeside hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kyukamura Shikotsuko
Positive Reviews
Picturesque lakeside location and natural setting
Multiple reviewers praised the hotel’s setting above Lake Shikotsu in a national-park environment — scenic viewpoints, lovely walks, and abundant wildlife (deer, birds) visible from the grounds and dining areas.
High-quality food and generous buffets
Guests repeatedly highlighted excellent breakfasts and dinners with wide variety, refined Japanese dishes and memorable items (shabu, croissants, desserts). Many said the meals were a major highlight of their stay.
Attentive, friendly and helpful staff
Staff were described as very welcoming, courteous and accommodating — helping with luggage, providing welcome drinks, communicating for non-Japanese speakers (including email replies and use of translation tools), and offering extra services like pillow options.
Relaxing onsen and spa facilities
The shared onsen, sauna and bathing amenities received strong praise: comfortable temperatures, good facilities, skin-benefiting baths, availability of toiletries (salt scrubs, lotions), and tattoo-friendly policy noted by some guests.
Peaceful, small-scale hotel with birdwatching features
Reviewers appreciated the hotel’s intimate size, quiet atmosphere, eco-friendly touches and birdwatching supports (feeders, binoculars, nature information), making it ideal for a restful nature retreat.
Negative Reviews
No private in-room showers
Several guests pointed out that rooms typically lack a private shower — guests must use the shared onsen facilities for bathing, which may concern those expecting en-suite showers.
Onsen capacity and layout limitations
A few reviewers felt the onsen was on the small side or had only one pool, which could mean limited availability at peak times despite its good quality.
Uncomfortable beds or limited pillow supply
Some guests reported firm/uncomfortable mattresses and flat or insufficient pillows (only one pillow per bed in some rooms), requesting better bedding options.
Rooms can feel dated or a bit old
A number of reviews mentioned that some rooms are somewhat old-fashioned or in need of updates — Japanese-style rooms were fine but not fancy, and a few guests noted visible age.
Shuttle availability and communication issues
While the free shuttle is appreciated, a few guests experienced limited schedules, one-way service or lack of clear prior information about shuttle timings and pick-up, which can be inconvenient given the hotel’s remote location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include Western, Japanese and mixed styles; twin rooms suit two and Japanese-style rooms can accommodate up to four using futon bedding. Extra beds and baby cots are not provided; children of any age are welcome but those 13 and over are charged as adults.
Yes — the property features a natural onsen and a sauna with public bathing periods (evening 15:00–24:00; morning 05:00–09:00; daytime 11:00–15:00). Private baths are not listed as a standard option.
There is no dedicated hotel airport shuttle; however Hokkaido Chuo Bus operates regular buses from New Chitose Airport to Shikotsu (about 50–60 minutes) and the hotel can arrange pick-up/drop-off by prior reservation via local shuttle or bus service. Contact the hotel in advance to request collection.
Japanese is the primary language but the hotel provides English information on its site and some staff can assist in English. Expect helpful staff but variable English fluency depending on the desk and time.
The ryokan serves seasonal Japanese cuisine including kaiseki-style options and buffet service; breakfast is typically 07:30–09:00 and dinner around 17:30–20:00. Child meal options are available and the hotel can be notified in advance for dietary requests.
The hotel sits by Lake Shikotsu with activities such as canoeing, SUP, nature walks and birdwatching; the Shikotsuko Visitor Center and the Northern Horse Park (around 25–30 km) are popular nearby sights. Seasonal events such as the lake ice festival take place in winter.
Transport options include Hokkaido Chuo Bus services to the Shikotsuko bus stop, taxis and rental cars; the property has free parking for about 80 vehicles. For best flexibility and local timetables, ask the front desk on arrival.
Standard check‑in is 15:00–19:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; the front desk operates roughly 07:00–21:00 and the property has an entrance lock from 00:00–05:00. If you expect to arrive outside the check‑in window or during the locked hours, contact the hotel ahead of time.
The facility offers public onsen and a sauna; private onsen reservations are not described as a regular option. Pets are not permitted on the property.
There is a small on‑site shop open in the morning and evening for basic items (shop hours around 07:30–20:00). For larger supermarkets or extensive shopping, the nearest stores are in Chitose town — the front desk can give directions and transport options.