Winter in Hokkaido: Snow Alone Is Not Enough — 6 Must-Visit Healing Hot Springs

Winter in Hokkaido is not just about watching the snow.
What truly warms both the body and the heart are the hot springs.
As steam rises to your cheeks and snowflakes fall softly onto your shoulders, with the sounds of water, wind, and the scent of pine surrounding you, you’ll understand why Hokkaido’s winter is so addictive.
But Hokkaido has so many hot springs that first-time visitors can easily feel overwhelmed.
The following six are what I consider “absolutely worth soaking in during winter.”
They offer excellent water quality, beautiful scenery, stable experiences, and are reliably enjoyable.

I. Tokachigawa Onsen · Otofuke

Hokkaido’s unique “plant-based hot spring” that leaves your skin silky smooth all day.
This hot spring is extremely special — it is a rare “moor hot spring” (plant-based) found in very few places in the world.
The water has a golden-brown color, a soft and gentle texture, and is rich in natural moisturizing components. After bathing, your skin becomes noticeably smoother, earning it the nickname “beauty hot spring.”
In winter, the outdoor baths are surrounded by snow, and the contrast between the golden water and the cold air creates one of the most iconic Hokkaido winter hot spring scenes.
▸ Highlights:
•    Hokkaido’s one-and-only plant-based hot spring
•    Excellent moisturizing effect; leaves skin soft and fine
•    Recommended for: first-time visitors, skincare lovers, and those wanting a unique hot spring experience

II. Lake Shikotsu Onsen

A hot spring with one of the clearest lakes in Japan — a dreamlike winter lakeside view.
Lake Shikotsu is famous for its incredible water clarity. In winter, the lake turns a tranquil icy blue, with snow-covered mountains and mist that make it look like a peaceful painting.
Most inns here are built right by the lakeside. Soaking in an open-air bath with the vast lake right in front of you is beyond relaxing.
Compared to Lake Tōya, Lake Shikotsu is quieter and better for unwinding.
▸ Highlights:
•    Only 1 hour from Sapporo — easy access
•    Stunning “Lake Shikotsu Blue” winter scenery
•    Calm and quiet atmosphere, ideal for deep relaxation
•    Recommended for: travelers who want beautiful winter lake views without long travel time

III. Karurusu Onsen · Noboribetsu

A hidden hot spring loved by locals — quieter and more natural than Noboribetsu.
Although Noboribetsu Onsen is more famous, many Hokkaido residents prefer the nearby Karurusu Onsen.
The water is mild and gentle, the environment is natural, and the inns are small but thoughtfully maintained.
In winter, the open-air baths surrounded by snow offer a peaceful “northern Japan” atmosphere with no crowds — just the hot spring and nature.
▸ Highlights:
•    A hot spring area truly frequented by locals
•    Natural environment with a quiet, pure atmosphere
•    Smooth, gentle water that leaves your body feeling light
•    Recommended for: those wanting to avoid crowds and enjoy quiet soaking time

IV. Lake Tōya Onsen

A gentle winter lake that never freezes — wide views and a relaxing holiday feel.
The charm of Lake Tōya isn’t only the lake itself, but the unique calmness of winter.
As a volcanic lake, it doesn’t freeze even in severe cold. The water remains mirror-like, and snow falls in silence.
Most inns have open-air baths facing the lake directly, with especially soothing light during early mornings.
▸ Highlights:
•    Wide lake views; the non-freezing lake is a special feature
•    Many inn options with consistently good quality
•    Gentle winter atmosphere with a strong vacation vibe
•    Recommended for: first-time visitors wanting comfort and reliable scenery

V. Sōunkyō Onsen

Winter-only ice waterfalls and powerful northern landscapes in a canyon setting.
Sōunkyō’s winter scenery is full of dramatic beauty — snow-covered valleys, icy cliffs, and the popular annual Ice Waterfall Festival illuminated at night.
While soaking in the hot spring, you face towering white cliffs and swirling steam mixed with ice and snow — a rare canyon hot spring experience in Hokkaido.
▸ Highlights:
•    Winter-only Ice Waterfall Festival with dazzling night lights
•    Grand snow-covered valley scenery with strong natural presence
•    Rustic atmosphere with low commercial feel
•    Recommended for: nature lovers seeking majestic Hokkaido winter landscapes

VI. Kawayu Onsen · Teshikaga

A strongly sulfuric, primal hot spring — winter mist creates an otherworldly scene.
Kawayu Onsen is famous for its powerful sulfuric water, making it one of Hokkaido’s most distinctive hot springs.
In winter, nearby Lake Kussharo produces rising mist, and the air is filled with the scents of sulfur, snow, and wood — capturing the raw wilderness of eastern Hokkaido.
▸ Highlights:
•    Unique strong-acidity sulfur hot spring — unforgettable experience
•    Winter lakeside mist creates dreamlike scenery
•    Full of untouched, natural atmosphere
•    Recommended for: lovers of rustic, wild environments who don’t mind the sulfur smell

Winter in Hokkaido leaves a deeper impression with hot springs than with scenery alone.
A truly good hot spring helps you understand why Japanese people say:
“If you visit Hokkaido in winter but don’t soak in a hot spring, it’s like you never came at all.”