Tokachigawa to Sapporo: Hokkaido Winter Magic

Blessed with abundant sunshine and rich soil, the gently flowing Tokachi River and rare botanical-based moor hot springs, the majestic landscapes of the Tokachi region are a sight to behold. Such treasures are easily accessible for guests of the Tokachigawa Onsen Daiichi Hotel. The hotel is divided into two buildings. All of the 24 rooms and suites at the Hoshu-tei complex are equipped with balconies and outdoor baths filled with moor hot spring water while some of the 87 rooms at the larger Toyo-tei building offer spring water baths. Rooms in Toyo-tei are available with both Japanese and western design aesthetics. At Yuraku, guests can experience the full luxury of the hot springs at public spring baths in the scenic outdoors among a garden of river stones. The area also features a dry sauna, mist sauna, hinoki, utase-yu, low and high-temperature bathtubs, and Jacuzzi. Additionally, there is a salon where all oils are created by the "father of aromatherapy" Dr. Jean Valnet of France. Two beautiful restaurants serve local cuisines and Japanese buffet. The resort also includes a tea lounge, bar, karaoke box, banquet halls, parking spaces, and 18-hole golf course. 

Luxurious botanical moor hot springs known for smoothing and moisturizing skin only occur at two places in the world. The Tokachigawa Onsen Sanyoan hotel is located at one them. At the hotel's exclusive Fugetsu Large Bathhouse, guests can relax in a traditional Japanese cypress bath or a tiled bath and enjoy water from the moor hot spring. Guest rooms that allude to novels and literary works are beautifully feature illumination art by famed lighting designer Reiko Chikada and furnished with pinewood floors, handmade Japanese paper walls, Ryukya tatami mats, and 23 kinds of informal cotton kimonos along with six types of pillows for guests. There are rooms with Japanese and Western-style beds, all of which include baths made from Japanese cypress grown in Akita Prefecture along with a living space and other amenities.  Two rooms house open-air baths. The Shunju Main Dining Room aims to appeal to each of the guest's five senses with creative Japanese dishes featuring such specialties as fresh crab and seafood from the Tokachi and Hiroo regions along with cattle raised on natural feed. The menu changes every two months. An aromatherapy salon is supervised by one of Japan's leading phytotherapists and aromatherapists, Chiyoko Kusakabe, and boasts oils by French by aromatherapy pioneer Dr. Jean Valnet. A bar, library, and music shop are also on-site.

Across the Nusamai Bridge in Kushiro and a short walk from Itsukushima Jinja Shinto temple rests the Hotel La Vista Kushirogawa. Casual, comfortable rooms are equipped with such modern amenities as wood furnishings, flat-screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms have tatami floors, futons, and chabudai dining tables. The hotel houses an informal restaurant with Japanese dishes and a gender-segregated bathhouse with natural indoor and outdoor tubs as well as a sauna, all fed by hot spring water, where guests can relax. Additionally, some of the best views of Kushiro are provided at the hotel’s observation lounge. Parking is complimentary, a business center is available, and a free shuttle to the train station is organized.

Covering most of the Shiretoko Peninsula on the northeastern tip of the island of Hokkaidō, Shiretoko National Park is known for its waterfalls, forests, and wildlife. The natural splendor of this World Natural Heritage Site is best enjoyed from the Shiretoko Grand Hotel, a resort that seeks to marry the beauty of the region with premium comfort. The rooms have clean, subdued designs that are designed in harmony with their views of Shiretoko's mountains and the Sea of Okhotsk. Some are equipped with open-air baths and all are feature such modern amenities as LCD televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, and essential toiletries. Rooms are offered in western and Japanese styles. All guests are welcomed to join the open-air bath with hot spring water and breathtaking sights. The hotel has various dining options including a buffet with Japanese and western dishes and a "Shiretoko Breakfast" that comprises 50 dishes of both Japanese and western origin, all of which are locally sourced, fresh, and healthy. A bar, cigar lounge, laundry mat, kids’ corner, pet lounge, and outdoor lounge are all on-site.

On the northeastern coast of Hokkaido lies scenic Abashiri, a site with numerous beautiful views for visitors to enjoy before escaping from the cold to the comfort of the region’s natural hot springs at Dormy Inn Abashiri. The hotel's 145 rooms come with both Japanese and western designs and are equipped with such modern amenities as wireless Internet, refrigerators, and essential toiletries. The indoor and outdoor facilities of the hotel’s gender-segregated bathhouse all filled with natural hot spring water. The on-site restaurant offers roughly 60 kinds of Japanese and Western dishes and a buffet is available; additionally, the hotel is expertly located in an area near the Abashiri River where there are several restaurants. There are also smoking booths, a laundromat, and internet room.

Sitting at the crossroads between luxury and tradition is Hokutennooka Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort, a world-class resort overlooking Lake Abashiri. The resort is designed to preserve and relive the traditions of the Okhotsk people, historical inhabitants of Hokkaido who disappeared under mysterious circumstances: the lobby of the hotel is designed like a traditional pit house, artwork and carvings that recall the Okhotsk culture are placed throughout the buildings, and hotel staff often wear traditional clothing. But while this hotel prides itself on celebrating the past, it is also about celebrating the present guest, with luxury spa treatments and an outdoor spring bath, gourmet French, Japanese and western cuisine served in three on-site restaurants, and luxurious guestrooms and suites, including those in the Ko no Za wing that each feature their own open-air bath. Soak in culture while relaxing in a hot spring bath - that is how the past meets the best at this luxurious resort. 

Enjoy a stay in Daisetuzan National Park at Hotel Taisetsu, a lovely hotel situated at the highest area in Sounkyo, offering stunning views of the lush, natural area. Guests may soak in the views while soaking in the hotel’s open-air bath and sauna, open 24 hours, or spend their days exploring the local area. Both Japanese and Western-style rooms and suites are available, and guests can enjoy details including “tatami" mats, air-conditioning, and daily newspapers. The star of the hotel - the restaurant - is ready to whip up the ultimate in local fare over five courses: “Oogi”, “Irodor”, “Hana”, “Miyabi”, and “Utage”.  

Enjoy a stay at Sounkyo Onsen Hotel in Hokkaidō, Japan. Nestled between mountains and beside the Ishikari River, this resort is a perfect natural retreat for those who like to be in nature, while also enjoying high-quality service and luxury accommodation. Year-round, guests can relax in the on-site hot springs baths and enjoy forest views from the relaxing sauna. For dining options, choices range from traditional Japanese, Chinese and western cuisine - all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients – as well as a buffet restaurant, and peaceful in-suite dining, decorated in traditional Japanese design, western design, or a fusion of the two. A natural oasis awaits at Sounkyo Onsen Hotel.

The JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo provides sleek style and convenience in Hokkaido, Japan. Conveniently located above JR Sapporo Station with a direct link from Chitose International Airport by JR line, it is the perfect stop during a business trip for some rest, relaxation, and a dash of luxury. Guests can dine on French cuisine at MIKUNI Sapporo, seasonal western dishes at Sky J, traditional Japanese at Tancho, and casual European fare at Serena. Then, they can enjoy an indulgent treatment at the Sky Resort Spa and relax in the natural hot springs, air bubble baths and saunas. At the end of the day, guests can take in spectacular views from their room or suite, all located on floors 23 to 34 for the perfect sweeping panorama. 

The Sapporo Grand Hotel is a mature hotel with decades of experience delighting its guests, having been the first European-style hotel to enter the Hokkaido market. Guest rooms combine a traditional Japanese feel with modern, high-tech touches. We recommend the Premium Floor, Grand in Grand, which provide guests with luxurious comforts in a homely atmosphere. Guests may choose from seven bars and restaurants, serving Western, Japanese (including local Hokkaido speciality cuisine), and Chinese favorites. Guests may also make use of the hotel’s chapel, shopping arcade, business center and library, and Healing Court spa, where all kinds of aesthetic treatments are available. The hotel is conveniently-located a mere eight-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, and around 40 minutes by high-speed rail from Chitose Airport.