Shikotsuko Daiichi Hotel Suizantei
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 141 reviews
Shikotsuko Daiichi Hotel Suizantei sits on the shore of Lake Shikotsu within a protected park in Hokkaido, offering a calm lakeside atmosphere framed by a manicured Japanese garden and seasonal views. The property blends restrained modern comfort with traditional ryokan elements: tatami rooms, futons and a quiet public bathing wing. Public onsen facilities include multiple indoor and outdoor baths and a sauna; the setting is intentionally understated to focus on nature and restorative bathing, making it a sought-after ryokan with onsen Hokkaido.
Rooms range from Western-style twins to Japanese rooms with private open-air hot-spring baths; several suites feature garden-facing rotenburo. Many room types include standard amenities such as air-conditioning, refrigerators and flat-screen TVs, while select rooms offer en-suite open-air baths that draw directly from the hotel’s hot-spring sources. The hotel also makes private baths and small reserved bathing rooms available for a fee, so couples or families can arrange a secluded soak — a practical choice for those seeking a ryokan with private onsen Chitose.
Dining emphasizes seasonal, multi-course kaiseki menus and a Japanese breakfast, served in dedicated dining spaces that balance presentation and local produce. Staff provide daily services including a limited shuttle and concierge to help plan lakeside walks, mountain viewpoints and nearby nature activities; massages and a spa add to the wellness focus. The hotel’s deliberate pacing, attention to hospitality and range of bathing options suit travelers who value quiet, restorative stays that combine classic onsen rituals with contemporary comforts.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shikotsuko Daiichi Hotel Suiza…
Positive Reviews
Beautiful onsens (private and public)
Multiple guests praised the onsen facilities — both in-room private open-air baths and the communal baths — describing them as beautiful, enjoyable at night and a highlight of the stay.
Excellent dining experience
Guests frequently mentioned very good to exceptional food: multi-course traditional Japanese dinners (fresh, mostly local seafood, wagyu option for allergies), breakfast with authentic dishes, and available snacks, wine and pastries.
Attentive, friendly staff
Staff received consistent praise for warmth and helpfulness — greeting guests on arrival, assisting with luggage, communicating efficiently, remembering names and accommodating dietary needs.
Great location and lake views
The ryokan’s setting near Lake Shikotsu was appreciated for its peacefulness and scenic views; guests noted easy access to lakeside activities and a shuttle service to JR Chitose station.
Relaxing, clean and cozy atmosphere
Reviewers enjoyed the ryokan’s calm, nostalgic timber interior, clean facilities, tatami sitting areas and comfortable beds; lounges offering free tea, coffee and croissants added to the cozy, relaxing experience.
Negative Reviews
Room temperature / AC issues
Several guests reported rooms being uncomfortably warm and air conditioning doing little to cool them, which affected sleep for some visitors.
Maintenance and cleanliness concerns in spots
A number of reviews noted signs of ageing (old furniture, need for renovation) and small cleanliness issues such as cobwebs or areas showing wear that could use attention.
Bathroom problems and limited amenities
Some guests experienced bathroom issues (a clogged sink, occasional urine odor in a toilet) and noted limited grooming/drying space in the onsen area, causing waits to dry hair or get ready.
Food preferences and breakfast variety
While food is often praised, a few guests found dinner merely ‘okay’ or preferred different styles (kaiseki), and several said breakfast felt repetitive or too focused on fish/tofu; limited early availability of coffee/bread was also mentioned.
Booking, extra charges and shuttle pickup confusion
There were reports of unexpected extra charges when the number of guests wasn’t correctly selected at booking, and at least one guest missed the hotel shuttle due to unclear pickup directions at the station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are designed for two adults; children under 13 are not permitted and extra beds/cribs are not available.
The property offers public hot-spring baths including indoor and open-air pools and a sauna, with rooms that overlook gardens or the lake in some categories.
Yes — some guestrooms include private open-air baths, and separate private/reservable baths are available for use for an additional fee with advance booking.
Guests with tattoos may be refused access to public bathing areas; using a private/reservable bath or a room with a private onsen is the usual alternative.
A complimentary shuttle runs to/from JR Chitose Station once daily (advance reservation required, usually at least 3 days); the hotel is roughly 30–40 minutes by car from New Chitose (Shin‑Chitose) Airport and public buses also serve the Shikotsuko area.
Yes — the Shikotsuko lake bus stop is within a short walk of the ryokan and regional buses connect the lake, Chitose stations and the airport; free on‑site parking is also provided for drivers.
Standard check-in starts in the mid‑afternoon (around 15:00) and check-out is by 11:00; guests should inform the hotel of arrival time, and you must check in by about 19:30 if you wish to be served dinner.
The ryokan serves multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfast in on‑site dining rooms; to dine at the property you should reserve meals (typically by 18:00 the day before).
Staff are generally helpful and can provide basic English assistance, though some communications may be mainly in Japanese; Wi‑Fi availability varies by listing, so confirm with the property before arrival.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan; the immediate onsen village has restaurants and small shops, but not a large supermarket — it’s easiest to buy groceries or larger items at New Chitose Airport or in Chitose before you arrive.