If you’re wanting to reset and heal both body and soul at the same time, then an onsen (hot springs spa) is the very thing!
Chitose has onsen districts around Lake Shikotsu and along Rt. 337. Some onsen such as ‘Bihada-no-yu’ (for beautiful skin) and ‘Kodakara-no-yu are very popular with women, and others are fed with drinkable mineral water which is good for maintaining your inner health. Leave all your tiredness and stress behind…
Marukoma Onsen – The oldest onsen in the Lake Shikotsu area
This onsen offers a selection of bathing pools. The long-established ryokan was built In 1915, and the outdoor bathing pool fed by free-flowing mineral waters has been popular ever since the day it first opened. Natural open-air rocky baths and open-air baths made of Japanese cypress with good views and saunas provide opportunities for complete relaxation.
Contact – Marukoma Onsen Ryokan
Address: 7 Poropinai, Chitose City (Chitose-shi)
Tel: 0123-25-2341
Ito Onsen – ‘Kodakara-no-yu’ – a secluded hot spring
The outdoor bathing pool is surrounded by a wall of natural rocks and steeped in rustic charm. The waters of Kodakara-no-yu are 100% natural and popular with women. Open-air rock-lined baths combined with the rural beauty of the Lake Shikotsu shoreline add to the charm of this hot spring.
Contact – Ito Onsen
Address: Poropinai, Chitose City (Chitose-shi)
Tel: 0123-25-2620
Lake Shikotsu (Shikotsuko) Onsen – ‘Bihada-no-yu’ – Does wonders for your skin
An onsen district offering various types of bathing pools and a number of onsen ryokan guest houses and restaurants. ‘Bihada-no-yu’ is popular with women. Lake Shikotsu Hot Springs form a resort town consisting of rows of hotels, Japanese-style inns (ryokan), restaurants and souvenir shops. The hot spring is called “Bihada-no-Yu” (“Healthy Skin Hot Spring”) because it is effective for producing a smooth complexion.
A short walk from Shikotsu Lakeside Bus Terminal / Chuo Bus.
| Shikotsuko Kanko Hotel Kosuikan | Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose City (Chitose-shi) | Tel: 0123-25-2211 |
| Shikotsuko Youth Hostel | Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose City (Chitose-shi) | Tel: 0123-25-2311 |
| Kyukamura Shikotsuko | Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose City (Chitose-shi) | Tel: 0123-25-2201 |
| Shikotsuko Daiichi Hotel | Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose City (Chitose-shi) | Tel: 0123-25-2323 |
| Shikotsuko Hokkai Hotel | Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose City (Chitose-shi) | Tel: 0123-25-2221 |
| Hotel Suimeikaku | Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose City (Chitose-shi) | Tel: 0123-25-2131 |
Matsubara Onsen – Boasting the highest concentration of humus in Hokkaido!
Along Rt, 337 is an alkaline hot spring with the highest concentration of humus found in any of Hokkaido’s onsen. Bathers can also enjoy pools with weak levels of sodium chloride.
Contact – Matsubara Onsen Ryokan
Address: 708 Izumisato, Chitose City (Chitose-shi)
Tel: 0123-29-2536
Onsen (Hot Springs Spa) Snippets
The meaning of Kakari-yu’
Jumping straight into the hot spring without warming up first can be very dangerous as it causes your blood pressure to rise dramatically. ‘Kakari-yu’ is water that you splash over yourself before you enter the bath to gradually warm the body and prevent rising blood pressure. Water should first be applied to the feet and legs, then the hands, arms, er back shoulders and upwards until you reach your head. It is particularly important during winter or before dipping into a very hot bath.
‘A towel on the head’ prevents dizziness
Should you soak loo long In the bathing pool, blood circulation in the brain worsens leaving you feeHng dizzy. In order to prevent dizziness caused by prolonged bathing, a cold, wet towel placed on1 the head while bathing can be very effective. Also, when washing before entering the pool, splashing a little more water on your head than usual can prevent dizziness.
Replenish fluids before and after a bath!
Perspiration causes the body to lose moisture am the blood to thicken which can result in a brain’ infarction or an Irregular pulse. For this reason, it is very important to have a drink before and after a bath. As alcohol acts as a diuretic, those who go for a beer straight after an onsen should be extra_ careful about replenishing fluids.
