Now for the local information that you’re really looking for–where the best onsens around the region are. Niseko is home to a variety of natural hot spring onsens, each offering a unique opportunity for those looking to experience traditional Japanese relaxation. Below, we have listed our tips for the best and most accessible onsen experiences around town, but first, let’s hash over some essential etiquette tips that all visitors should know before visiting.
Onsen Etiquette
- Wash Prior To Bathing: Most Japanese onsens have a shower area for guests to thoroughly wash their body before entering the bath. It is seen as rude or impolite to enter an onsen with dirt, sweat or soap on your body, so it is important to scrub yourself clean before entering the hot spring.
- Use the Modesty Towel: As nudity is a huge part of the onsen experience, modesty is expected. You will be given a small modesty towel upon entry so that you can hide your private parts as you’re moving between the change rooms, showers and bathing areas.
- Tie Up Your Hair: If you have long hair, it is expected that you tie it up to avoid it touching the water.
- No Dunkin’: In a similar vein, dunking your head under the water is strictly prohibited in onsens.
- Tattoos: We know that a lot of people are wondering about this one. Yes, more often than not tattoos are banned in onsens due to their associations with organised crime in Japan. While some onsens will allow tattoos (especially the ones in tourist areas such as Niseko), many won’t. If you have a small tattoo, you can sometimes get a pad or bandage from reception to cover it up, however, if you’re covered in them, you may run into some issues.
- Pregnant & Period: If you are pregnant or on your period, it is recommended that you don’t attend an onsen.
- No Drunk People/No Glass: While we agree that the thought of an onsen and a couple of bev’s sounds like a pretty bangin’ time, the majority of onsens have banned the consumption of alcohol.
- Let it Fly: In most onsens (except for a few mixed gendered ones), it is mandatory that you must be naked while bathing to avoid dirty swimwear contaminating the hot spring.
Tip* – Some onsen have age restrictions on children, so if you are planning on attending with an infant it is worth checking in advance if the onsen will allow young children.
Benefits of Onsens
- Hot springs have a sedative effect that relieves stress, allowing you to unwind in deep relaxation.
- Sodium chloride hot springs are rich in carbon dioxide which helps promote blood circulation and warm the body.
- The minerals in hot-springs have an enriching quality on the skin, helping to give you softer skin while also removing oil and dirt from your sebum.
- Provides benefits for illnesses such as: neuralgia, muscular pain, arthritis, skin disease, hypertension, diabetes and more.
The Best Onsen Around Niseko
HIRAFUTEI ONSEN
Hirafutei is one of Hirafu’s most popular onsens. Located around the corner from both Rhythm Hirafu and The Chatrium Niseko, this stunning onsen is easily accessible and perfectly situated with jaw-dropping views of both Mt. Yotei and Mt. Annupuri. Making this relaxed, mountainside hot spring the perfect place to unwind after a day of skiing.
- Hours: 7:00 am – 10:30 am, 3:00pm – 11:00pm (last entry at 10:30 pm).
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo. Towels available.
- Bathing Pools: Large public bath, sauna, open-air bath, lying bath, cold bath.
- Spring Type: Sodium-chloride/hydrogen carbonate.
- Male and female pools separate.
- Family Friendly.
- Tattoo Friendly: Yes.
- Restaurant on-site.
- Price: Adult ¥1,200, Child, ¥600.
NISEKO GRAND HOTEL Onsen
One of the only mixed gender hot springs in the area, Niseko Grand Hotel’s onsen has become a staple for those that frequent Annupuri. Boasting multiple indoor onsens and an incredible open-air ‘grand bath,’ Niseko Grand Hotel is the perfect place to unwind with your friends and family after a long day on the slopes.
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo. Towels available. ‘Yukuta’ bathing suit for co-ed bath available for ¥100 rental.
- Bathing Pools: Large indoor public bath, open-air bath.
- Male, female and mixed gender baths available.
- Spring Type: Iron /sodium, iron/salt.
- Family Friendly:
- Tattoo Friendly: Yes.
- Restaurant on-site.
- Price: Adult ¥1,300, Child ¥650
*Garden open-air baths closed for cleaning 7:30 am – 6:30 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
YUGOKORO-TEI Onsen
Located next to the gates of Moiwa, Yugokoro onsen features a large outdoor bath in a picturesque forest setting. Its striking wooden pavilion creates a classic Japanese atmosphere, which can be enjoyed by anyone wanting to experience the tranquillity of this 54-degree Celsius hot spring.
- Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 am (entry until 11:00 pm). 24 hours for hotel guests.
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo. Towels available for 200¥.
- Bathing Pools: Indoor public bath, open-air Karamatsu no Yu bath.
- Spring Type: Geothermal mineral bath.
- Male and female pools separate.
- Family Friendly.
- Tattoo Friendly: Yes, but must be covered.
- Restaurant on-site, although only lunch is available for non-hotel guests and is a set menu, however, when purchased visitors gain access to the hot springs for free.
- Price: ¥1,000.
GOSHIKI ONSEN
Located between Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Annupuri, Goshiki Onsen uses natural water fresh from Mt. Iwanopuri. A short drive from Annupuri, Goshiki’s onsen is one of the most popular in the Niseko area, especially in summer.
- Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo, hairdryer. Towels available.
- Bathing Pools: Large indoor public bath, open-air bath.
- Spring Type: Sulphate.
- Male and female pools separate.
- Family Friendly.
- Tattoo Friendly: TBC.
- Restaurant on-site.
- Price: Adult ¥800, Child ¥500.
Hilton Niseko Village Onsen
A spacious onsen with both indoor and outdoor options, based at the Hilton Niseko Village. This serene setting overlooks a pond and has incredible Yotei views, giving you the opportunity to tune out and graze the incredible sights.
- Hours: 5:30 am – 11:00 pm.
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo, hairdryer. Towels available.
- Bathing Pools: Large indoor public bath, open-air bath.
- Male and female pools separate.
- Family Friendly.
- Tattoo Friendly.
- Restaurant on-site
*This onsen is only available for hotel guests.
Hotel Kanronomori Onsen
An open-air onsen heated by water from the nearby Niseko Ambetsu River, surrounded by natural Hokkaido forest landscape. For an even more tranquil experience, Kanronomi also offers private onsen hire for 50 minutes, giving visitors an exclusive experience to unwind in solitude. Plus, for those looking to break a sweat before unwinding in the natural onsen, Hotel Kanronomori also hosts a fully-equipped gym, open to both staying guests and the public.
- Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm.
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo, hairdryer. Towels available.
- Bathing Pools: Large indoor public bath, private onsen with sauna, open-air wood bath, open-air tile bath.
- Spring Type: Sulfar, sodium, calcium, chloride, hydrogen carbonate.
- Male and female pools separate.
- Family Friendly.
- Tattoo Friendly: Yes.
- Restaurant on-site with live music bar.
- Price: N/A
Rankoshi Koryu Sokushin Center Yusenkaku
A local favourite, Yusenkaku onsen is located next to Kombu station in the neighbouring town of Rankoshi. Offering a selection of onsens, with each said to offer different health benefits, Yusenkaku is an onsen that is worth the drive. The downside, for those staying in central Niseko areas like Hirafu and Niseko Village, Yusenkaku may be difficult to access without the use of a car.
- Hours: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm.
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo, hairdryer. Towels available.
- Bathing Pools: Indoor bath, open-air bath, jacuzzi, cold bath, wading bath, dry sauna, wet sauna and family bath (reservations required).
- Spring Type: Sodium-chloride/bicarbonate.
- Male and female pools separate.
- Family Friendly.
- Tattoo Friendly: Yes.
- Restaurant on-site.
- Price: N/A
Kyogoku Onsen
One of Rhythm staff’s favourites, Kyogoku Onsen, is situated just a few minutes from Kyogoku Fukidashi Park and is perfect for families and visitors with access to a car. Located 20 minutes away from Niseko’s Hirafu area, Kyogoku offers a large onsen area and is in close proximity to local parks, eateries, and campsites, making it the perfect year-round destination.
- Hours: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm.
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo, hairdryer. Towels available.
- Bathing Pools: Indoor bath, open-air bath, jacuzzi, jet bath, dry sauna.
- Male and female pools separate.
- Family Friendly.
- Tattoo Friendly: No.
- Restaurant on-site.
- Price: ¥600.
Kiranoyu Onsen
A one-minute walk from JR Niseko Station, Kiranoyu onsen offers a selection of natural hot-springs. From Mikageishi (granite) baths, to open-air rock baths, Kiranoyu offers something for all kinds of travellers.
- Hours: 10:00 am – 9:30 pm.
- Amenities: Body soap, shampoo, hairdryer. Towels available.
- Bathing Pools: Indoor bath, granite open-air bath, rock open-air bath, jacuzzi, dry sauna.
- Male and female pools separate.
- Family Friendly.
- Tattoo Friendly: Yes.
- Restaurant on-site.
- Price: 500¥.
