Complete Guide to Kyowa Hot Spring | Thorough Explanation of the Charm of Carbonated Cold Mineral Spring and Mushroom Full Course
Nestled in the mountains of Aibetsu Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, Kyowa Hot Spring is a quiet hot spring inn surrounded by natural forest. The natural hot spring with its rare carbonated cold mineral water found in the prefecture, combined with cuisine featuring an abundance of locally-produced mushrooms, has become the talk of many hot spring enthusiasts and hikers. This article presents the full charm of Kyowa Hot Spring.
About Kyowa Hot Spring
Kyowa Hot Spring is a single inn hot spring source located in the farmland area of Aibetsu Town, Hokkaido. Surrounded by mountains of the Daisetsuzan range, it offers good access to the Teshiogake trailhead, making it also used as a base for hikers.
As a lodging facility, Kyowa Hot Spring retains the character of a traditional hot spring inn while being equipped with clean and comfortable facilities. The environment surrounded by fields, farmland, and forest is ideal for refreshing body and mind away from urban hustle and bustle.
History and Location of Kyowa Hot Spring
Aibetsu Town is located in the central part of Hokkaido, in the eastern part of the Kamikawa Basin, surrounded by mountains of the Daisetsuzan range in a nature-rich region. Kyowa Hot Spring has long been enjoyed as a hot spring source utilizing the thermal resources of this area.
The location at the southwestern base of Oishi Peak is ideal as a base for outdoor activities such as summer mountaineering and hiking, and winter skiing. Fishing can also be enjoyed in the nearby Yodo River, allowing visitors to enjoy nature in all four seasons.
Mineral Composition and Benefits of Carbonated Cold Mineral Spring
The most distinctive feature of Kyowa Hot Spring is its rare “carbonated cold mineral spring” water quality found throughout the prefecture. This hot spring possesses unique characteristics different from typical hot springs.
What is Carbonated Cold Mineral Spring?
Carbonated cold mineral spring is cold mineral water rich in carbonic gas. When soaking in the water, fine bubbles similar to lemonade cling to the skin—a distinctive characteristic. Since the source temperature is low, it is heated to an appropriate temperature before being offered to guests.
These bubbles result from carbonic gas, which when absorbed through the skin dilates blood vessels and promotes blood circulation. Known as “cold spring water,” the refreshing sensation after bathing is supported by many people.
Expected Benefits
The carbonated cold mineral spring at Kyowa Hot Spring is said to be effective for the following conditions:
- Arteriosclerosis: Improved blood circulation is expected to help prevent and improve arteriosclerosis
- Hypertension: The blood vessel dilation action contributes to blood pressure stabilization
- Poor Circulation: Blood flow promotion effects provide warming from the body’s core
- Neuralgia: Pain relief is expected through improved blood flow
- Constipation: Enhanced internal organ function aids digestive system activity
- Chronic Skin Conditions: Removes skin impurities and helps improve skin condition
Skin Beautification Effects and Massage Action
Carbonated cold mineral spring is also known as a “beautiful skin spring.” The fine bubbles gently remove skin impurities and old dead skin cells, improving skin texture. Additionally, the light massaging effect from the bubbles can be expected, promoting skin blood circulation and supporting restoration of healthy skin tone.
The refreshing sensation after bathing is exceptional, with the body becoming warm while the skin surface retains a refreshed feeling. Not few repeat visitors come from distant places seeking this unique bathing experience.
The Appeal of Signature Mushroom Cuisine
Another major attraction of Kyowa Hot Spring is the cuisine featuring an abundance of mushrooms, a specialty product of Aibetsu Town.
Contents of the Mushroom Full Course
The “mushroom full course” provided to lodging guests is a luxurious eleven-course meal featuring mushrooms throughout. With the head chef pulling out all the stops, this proud menu includes dishes such as:
- Mushroom Gratin: A dish where creamy sauce and several types of mushroom umami match exquisitely
- Mushroom Yanagawa Style: A traditional yanagawa hot pot style featuring mushrooms
- Mushroom Rice: Cooked rice where you can fully savor mushroom aroma and umami
- Various other creative mushroom-centered dishes from appetizers to dessert
Aibetsu Town’s Mushroom Specialty Products
Aibetsu Town is one of Hokkaido’s leading mushroom-producing regions. The cool climate and rich natural environment are ideal for cultivating high-quality mushrooms. Kyowa Hot Spring uses freshly cultivated local mushrooms, and these safe, secure, and healthy ingredients support the quality of the cuisine.
Various types of mushrooms including shiitake, maitake, enoki, and nameko are used, allowing guests to enjoy the differences in texture and flavor of each.
Light Meal Menu at the Dining Hall
For day-use bath guests and lodging guests wishing light meals, the dining hall also offers menus such as:
- Mushroom Ramen: Warm ramen topped with plenty of mushrooms
- Mushroom Bowl: A rice bowl dish that brings out mushroom umami
These menus are well-received for offering convenient access to mushroom cuisine.
Details of Lodging Facilities
Kyowa Hot Spring is an attractive lodging facility featuring the calm atmosphere unique to a countryside inn.
Room Types and Facilities
Guest rooms are primarily Japanese-style, providing spaces where you can relax comfortably on tatami mats. Windows offer views of surrounding natural forest and farmland scenery, allowing you to enjoy seasonal landscapes.
With limited guest rooms, a quiet and private stay is possible. The facility also accepts group guests and accommodates group use.
Facilities Within the Inn
- Large Public Bath: Indoor hot spring bath where you can enjoy the carbonated cold mineral spring
- Dining Hall: Dining area serving mushroom cuisine
- Rest Space: Common area for relaxation after bathing
- Parking Lot: Free parking available
Target Lodging Rates
Lodging rates are based on one night with two meals. Adult rates vary by season, day of the week, and room type, but are characterized by affordable pricing. Group discounts are also available, making group use more economical.
Regarding Hokkaido Accommodation Tax: As of April 2023, an accommodation tax is levied at lodging facilities within Hokkaido. An additional 200 or 500 yen per person per night is required depending on lodging rates, so please confirm when making your reservation.
Day-Use Bath Usage Guide
Kyowa Hot Spring accepts day-use bathing as well as overnight stays.
Day-Use Bath Rates and Hours
Day-use bathing is a popular service allowing convenient visits during tourism or hiking. Reservations are not needed if using during business hours (restrictions may apply depending on crowding conditions).
Adult rates are reasonably priced, and towels and other items can be rented or purchased. After bathing, you can enjoy mushroom ramen or mushroom bowl at the dining hall.
Ways to Enjoy Day-Use Bathing
Day-use bathing allows easy experience of the carbonated cold mineral spring’s benefits. It is ideal for soothing a tired body after mountaineering or hiking, and especially in summer, the refreshing sensation of “cold spring water” feels particularly pleasant.
After bathing, relax in the rest space and replenish nutrition with mushroom cuisine.
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Access
Kyowa Hot Spring is well-positioned for access to popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido.
Access to Asahiyama Zoo
Hokkaido’s representative tourist spot “Asahiyama Zoo” is approximately 35 minutes by car away. A plan combining a zoo visit with an overnight stay at Kyowa Hot Spring is particularly popular with families.
As a Base for Teshiogake Mountaineering
The location about 60 minutes by car from the Teshiogake trailhead is a major attraction for mountaineering enthusiasts. The ideal usage is departing early for day-trip mountaineering and soothing fatigue in the hot spring after descent.
Teshiogake is one of the famous peaks of the Daisetsuzan range, offering alpine plants in summer and autumn foliage in fall. Kyowa Hot Spring is an ideal lodging choice before and after mountaineering.
Cooperation with Kyowa Ski Area
In winter, the facility is busy with ski enthusiasts visiting nearby Kyowa Ski Area. Taking advantage of the nearby location, visitors can relax in the hot spring after enjoying skiing and snowboarding.
Fishing Experience in the Yodo River
Trout fishing can be enjoyed in the nearby Yodo River. Fishing enthusiasts may wish to plan stays combining fishing with hot spring relaxation.
Access Methods and Transportation
The primary convenient access to Kyowa Hot Spring is by private vehicle.
Access by Car
From Asahikawa City Center:
- Proceed east on National Route 39 toward Aibetsu Town
- Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Free parking available
From Sapporo Area:
- Use the Doh-Oh Expressway, exiting at Asahikawa Takasu IC
- Then proceed via National Route 39 toward Aibetsu Town
- Travel time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Access by Public Transportation
Using public transportation, JR Sekihoku Main Line “Aibetsu Station” is the nearest station. The station is about 20 minutes by car from the inn, but we recommend confirming in advance whether shuttle service is available.
Bus service is limited, making taxi use the most practical option.
Four-Season Enjoyment
Kyowa Hot Spring offers different appeals throughout the four seasons.
Spring and Summer Enjoyment
From spring through summer is a season of beautiful fresh greenery. It is prime season for mountaineering and hiking, with many hikers visiting mountains in the surrounding area including Teshiogake.
The carbonated cold mineral spring is exceptional in the fresh climate, with the refreshing sensation after bathing being particularly pronounced. You can also enjoy nature walks in the surrounding area and fishing in the Yodo River.
Autumn Foliage Season
Autumn is when the Daisetsuzan range, known as a famous autumn foliage location, is most beautiful. Relaxing in the hot spring while viewing the colorfully changing mountains is truly a moment of bliss.
Mushrooms are also in their prime season in autumn. The mushroom full course during this period offers even richer flavor.
Winter Snow Resort
Winter is the season for winter sports centered on Kyowa Ski Area. Warming a cold body from skiing or snowboarding in a hot spring is the ultimate luxury.
Time spent at a quiet hot spring inn surrounded by snowy scenery becomes a special experience impossible to have in the city.
Reservation Methods and Usage Precautions
Here is a summary of reservation methods and precautions for using Kyowa Hot Spring.
Reservation Methods
Lodging reservations are possible through the following methods:
- Official Website: Direct reservation from Kyowa Hot Spring’s official website
- Telephone Reservation: Reservations are also accepted by direct phone call
- Travel Agencies: Reservations through travel agencies such as Kinki Nippon Tourist are also possible
Especially weekends, holidays, and autumn foliage season are expected to be crowded, so early reservations are recommended.
Usage Precautions
- Business Hours: Please confirm day-use bath business hours in advance
- Closure Days: Regular closure days exist, so confirmation before visiting is necessary
- Winter Road Conditions: In winter, snow accumulation and road freezing are possible, making studded tire installation essential
- Mobile Signal: Being in a mountainous area, mobile phone signal may be weak
- Cash Preparation: Since credit cards may not be accepted, having cash on hand provides peace of mind
Summary of Kyowa Hot Spring’s Appeal
Kyowa Hot Spring is especially recommended for the following types of people:
- Those Seeking Hot Spring Therapy: Hot spring enthusiasts seeking the benefits of carbonated cold mineral spring
- Mountaineering and Outdoor Enthusiasts: As a base for Teshiogake mountaineering or nature walking accommodation
- Mushroom Cuisine Fans: Those wishing to enjoy authentic cuisine using locally-produced mushrooms
- Those Seeking Quiet Environments: Those wishing to refresh mind and body away from urban hustle and bustle
- Families with Children: Hokkaido trips combined with Asahiyama Zoo sightseeing
The calm atmosphere unique to a single inn, the rare carbonated cold mineral spring, and mushroom cuisine utilizing local ingredients come together to provide a special experience unique to Kyowa Hot Spring.
A quiet hideaway hot spring worthy of the name, Kyowa Hot Spring provides an opportunity for complete body and mind refreshment.
When visiting Hokkaido, why not stop by Kyowa Hot Spring, a secluded hot spring fitting of the name? “Taste and experiences” that can only be found in the countryside are surely waiting for you.
In Closing
Kyowa Hot Spring continues to be loved by many as a secluded hot spring in Aibetsu Town, Hokkaido, surrounded by vast nature. This hot spring inn, with two major attractions—the rare carbonated cold mineral spring and locally-produced mushroom cuisine—provides unforgettable memories to all who visit.
Natural beauty in all four seasons, activities such as mountaineering and skiing, and above all, relaxation time with hot springs and dining. A stay at Kyowa Hot Spring becomes an ideal opportunity to soothe daily fatigue and refresh body and mind.
When visiting Hokkaido, please visit Kyowa Hot Spring and enjoy a special experience found nowhere else.
