Nayoro Onsen Sunpillar
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 41 reviews
Nayoro Onsen Sunpillar sits quietly at the edge of a forested slope beside the Piyashiri ski area, offering a practical base for outdoor activity and a straightforward, service-oriented stay. The property is built around its thermal facilities: the onsen taps a calcium–sodium sulfate and bicarbonate spring known locally for easing neuralgia, muscle and joint aches and sensitivity to cold. Day-use bathing is available alongside guest access, and public hours typically span late morning to late evening with a regular weekly maintenance closing; the facility also highlights a roomy sauna added during recent renovations.
Guest accommodation mixes modest Japanese-style rooms and Western-style options designed for comfort rather than luxury, with communal bathing areas, simple toiletries and heated facilities typical for the region. On-site amenities include a restaurant serving regional dishes prepared with local produce, a small fitness area, meeting spaces and free parking; staff operate reception services and can assist with ski- and sightseeing-related arrangements. Practical conveniences such as in-room climate control, tea-making facilities and steady housekeeping keep the focus on relaxation after a day outdoors.
Positioned for winter sports and summer trails alike, the property is a convenient ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido: it is minutes from ski runs and within easy reach of local attractions such as an astronomical observatory and seasonal sunflower fields. Winter visitors also come for the atmospheric “sun pillar” phenomenon that can appear on very cold mornings; the combination of reliable hot-water bathing, proximity to outdoor recreation and straightforward guest services makes the venue a functional choice for travelers seeking an accessible hot-spring stay in Nayoro.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Nayoro Onsen Sunpillar
Positive Reviews
High-quality onsen (hot springs)
Many guests praised the onsen’s cleanliness and mineral quality, reporting it felt restorative and pleasant to use; several reviews highlighted the large public baths and overall enjoyment of the hot springs.
Excellent dinners / strong food offering
Multiple reviewers were very satisfied with evening meals, describing the dinner as delicious or more impressive than expected; some booked plans specifically for the dinner and reported high satisfaction.
Friendly, attentive staff and hospitality
Staff were frequently described as polite, kind and helpful, providing good service at reception and in the dining area, which contributed to comfortable stays.
Quiet, relaxing location
Guests appreciated the peaceful, quiet setting — ideal for rest and relaxation, with several noting they could sleep well even during heavy rain or that the property felt tranquil.
Clean, spacious rooms and good value
Many comments noted rooms were clean and roomy for families or couples, and several guests felt the accommodation offered good value (including useful on-site facilities like parking, an RV area, and some free services).
Negative Reviews
Remote location / far from town
Several guests found the property quite far from the main town and lacking nearby convenience stores, and some said the access roads were tricky or led to getting lost.
Aging or worn facilities
Multiple reviews mentioned the building and some facilities showed signs of age or wear, with requests for updates or improvements to furnishings and public areas.
Onsen temperature or variety issues
Some guests reported the baths were either too hot or that there were only a small number of pools with limited temperature options; a few families noted children could not enjoy the hot pools, and others wished for an open-air bath.
Bedding and pillow comfort problems
A number of reviewers said pillows or futons were too high or too heavy for their comfort, and at least one guest described bedding as unacceptable, affecting sleep quality.
Housekeeping / amenities and connectivity concerns
Complaints included insects/bugs around the property, occasional cleanliness issues (stained sofa armrest), missing toiletry items in the bath area (facial cleanser, comb, skincare), unstable in-room Wi‑Fi, and one report of air-conditioning not working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are arranged for two adults; some Japanese-style rooms can take additional futons for families—check each room’s maximum occupancy on your booking.
Yes, the ryokan features hot-spring onsen facilities with public baths, plus spa and sauna amenities.
Private/reservable baths are not clearly listed on main pages, so please contact the property in advance to request a private or family bath if required.
No regular airport shuttle is advertised; guests typically arrive by car (free on-site parking) or via public transport and local taxis—contact the hotel to arrange any transfers.
Check-in is from 15:00 (3:00 PM) to 23:00 (11:00 PM) and check-out is by 10:00 AM; the front desk is staffed during limited hours and after‑hours check‑in may not be available.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and English ability is limited; notify the property ahead of arrival if you need English assistance.
The ryokan is close to Nayoro Piyashiri Ski Area and within driving distance of Nayoro Municipal Observatory, Nayoro Park, the Northland Museum and seasonal sunflower fields—winter skiing and summer hiking are common activities.
Pets are not allowed on the property.
Free self-parking is available onsite and the hotel offers ski storage; local buses and taxis serve Nayoro for trips to stations and nearby sights.
There is an on-site restaurant though meal availability depends on the rate and plan, so confirm at booking; convenience stores and small supermarkets are available in Nayoro for additional supplies.