Complete Guide to Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan｜Enjoying the Hidden Hot Spring and Nature of Numata Town, Hokkaido
“Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan,” located in Horoshin, Numata Town, Uryu District, Hokkaido, is a hot spring resort nestled deep in the forest and accessible from Sapporo and Asahikawa. This hot spring facility with approximately 60 years of history draws its source from the spring water of Horoshin, once called “miracle water,” and features a unique infrared stone sauna and mist sauna using Hokutolite, an extremely rare mineral found worldwide. This article introduces all the charms of Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan.
About Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan
Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan is a hot spring inn that opened in 1981, situated in a quiet rural area surrounded by the rich nature of Numata Town, Hokkaido. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center, it serves as a space where visitors can refresh both body and mind away from urban hustle and bustle, beloved by local residents as well as tourists from throughout Hokkaido and beyond.
In July 2025, the facility will undergo partial renovations, adding a circular drink counter in the lobby lounge. With “Numata Shangri-la” as its concept, it provides an even more comfortable and pleasant stay environment. The facility name “Hotaru-kan” (Firefly Hall) symbolizes the pristine natural environment of the surrounding area, and depending on the season, visitors can actually see fireflies, a precious attraction of this location.
Basic Facility Information
Address: 377 Horoshin, Numata Town, Uryu District, Hokkaido
Opened: 1981
Latest Renovation: July 2025 (Lobby Lounge)
Concept: Light Village Numata Shangri-la
The Mineral Quality and Benefits of Horoshin Onsen
The greatest charm of Horoshin Onsen lies in its excellent mineral quality. This gentle simple sulfur cold mineral spring, with a faint sulfur aroma, warms the body from its core and has the effect of conditioning the skin to be soft and supple.
Characteristics of the Mineral Quality
Mineral Type: Simple sulfur cold mineral spring
Characteristics: Faint sulfur aroma, gentle water texture, relatively mild stimulation
Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, contusions, sprains, chronic digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, post-illness recovery period, fatigue recovery, health improvement, chronic skin diseases, chronic gynecological conditions, cuts, diabetes, etc.
Despite being a sulfur spring, it has minimal irritation, making it safe for those with sensitive skin and small children. Since its discovery approximately 60 years ago as “miracle water,” this hot spring has continued to support the health of local people, and its benefits remain unchanged in modern times.
Composition of Hot Spring Facilities
Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan’s hot spring facilities include both indoor and outdoor baths. The view from the outdoor bath in particular is spectacular, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the hot spring while feeling the majestic nature of Hokkaido up close. The landscape changes with the seasons, displaying the beauty of new green in spring, deep green in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snow scenery in winter.
The bath area is equipped with amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, making it possible to visit without bringing anything. The meticulously maintained facility ensures a comfortable bathing experience.
The Globally Rare “Hokutolite” Infrared Stone Sauna
One of the particularly noteworthy attractions of Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan is the infrared stone sauna and mist sauna using Hokutolite, an extremely rare hot spring deposit mineral found worldwide. Hokutolite is a precious mineral that is produced only at Beitou Hot Spring in Taiwan and Tamagawa Hot Spring in Akita Prefecture, and is designated as a natural monument.
Details of the Infrared Stone Sauna
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Operating Hours: 11:00-12:00, 13:00-20:00
Charges: 1,000 yen (500 yen facility fee + 500 yen infrared sauna fee)
Effects: Relaxation, detoxification, skin beautifying effects, fatigue recovery
The radon released from Hokutolite is said to promote metabolism and help the body eliminate waste. You can experience the benefits of hot springs along with the power of this rare mineral, an experience unique to Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Information
Even without staying overnight, you can enjoy the hot spring through day-trip bathing, which is also popular. Many customers stop by during drives from Asahikawa or Sapporo, and it is also cherished as a local recreation spot.
Day-Trip Bathing Fees
Adults: 500 yen
Children: 250 yen
Preschoolers: Free
This reasonable pricing is also one of the reasons why Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan is beloved by the community. Quality hot springs can be enjoyed at an affordable price, attracting many repeat customers, and the facility is bustling with local regulars on weekends.
Guest Rooms and Accommodation Plans
Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan offers a variety of room types featuring both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms. All rooms are clean and comfortable, characterized by a calm atmosphere where you can feel Hokkaido’s nature.
Room Features
Japanese-style Rooms: Spacious Japanese rooms with pleasant tatami aroma. Ideal for families and groups.
Western-style Rooms: Comfortable Western-style rooms with beds. Recommended for business use or small group stays.
Room Facilities: TV, humidifying air purifiers, heating and cooling, yukata robes, towels and other amenities necessary for a comfortable stay are complete. Humidifying air purifiers are installed in all rooms, ensuring comfort even in Hokkaido’s dry climate.
Types of Accommodation Plans
Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan offers various accommodation plans. From basic plans with two meals included to room-only plans and seasonal special plans, you can choose according to your travel style.
For group use, special rates apply to plans of a certain number of people and above, accommodating company trips, club retreats, and similar events. Reservations can be made through the official website, Jalan.net, Rakuten Travel, and other major reservation sites.
Dining and Restaurant
The meals at Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan are proud to utilize seasonal ingredients from Numata Town. Fresh seafood and mountain delicacies unique to Hokkaido are among the major pleasures of staying at the inn.
Characteristics of the Cuisine
Commitment to Local Ingredients: Numata Town is known for the “Yotaka Andon Festival” and is a major rice-producing region with abundant quality agricultural products. Dishes made with fresh vegetables grown locally, Hokkaido-produced meat, and fish and shellfish from nearby waters change seasonally, offering new flavors with each visit.
Fusion of Japanese and Western Cuisine: A cooking style that pleasantly bridges both Japanese and Western traditions, accommodating guests of all ages. Based on traditional Japanese culinary techniques while incorporating modern arrangements, each dish is visually beautiful and makes meal time special.
Numata’s Seasonal Bounty in Every Dish: Spring brings wild vegetables, summer brings fresh produce, autumn brings mushrooms and chestnuts, and winter brings root vegetables—a menu composition that maximizes the seasonal ingredients available. The head chef carefully selects ingredients and prepares them using optimal cooking methods to bring out the authentic deliciousness of each ingredient.
Access Information
Access to Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan is convenient by car. The facility can be reached in relatively short time from both Sapporo and Asahikawa.
Access by Car
From Sapporo: Approximately 90 minutes (approximately 120 km) via the Doo-oh Expressway
From Asahikawa: Approximately 45-50 minutes (approximately 40 km) via National Route 12
From Fukagawa: Approximately 30 minutes via National Route 12
When using the Doo-oh Expressway, the typical route is to exit at either Fukagawa IC or Takikawa IC and proceed via National Route 12. Entering the address “377 Horoshin, Numata Town, Uryu District, Hokkaido” into your car navigation will lead you there smoothly.
Access by Public Transportation
JR: Approximately 20 minutes by town bus from JR Ishikari-Numata Station
Bus: The Numata town bus operates service, but since the number of buses is limited, it is necessary to check the schedule in advance.
While access by public transportation is somewhat inconvenient, the silence and abundance of nature upon arrival are exceptional. Taxi service from the station is also available, with a travel time of approximately 15 minutes.
Surrounding Activities and Tourist Attractions
Around Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan, there are various activities and tourist attractions where you can observe, learn about, and experience nature up close.
Nature Experiences
Forest Walks: Walking trails are maintained in the surrounding forest area. From spring through autumn, you can enjoy forest bathing while listening to the calls of wild birds.
Firefly Viewing: The fireflies, which are the namesake of the facility, can be seen from late June to early July. The magical sight of this ethereal light is possible precisely because of the clean water environment, making it worth visiting.
Snow Scenery: In winter, the entire area becomes a silvery landscape, where you can enjoy snow-country-specific activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Numata Town Sightseeing
Yotaka Andon Festival: Held every August, this is Numata Town’s largest event. The festival, where giant lanterns are paraded through the town in a magical atmosphere, is counted among Hokkaido’s three major lantern festivals.
Fossil Museum: Numata Town is also known as a fossil site, and the town’s fossil museum displays valuable fossils.
Agricultural Experiences: As a rice-producing region, Numata Town offers agricultural experience programs including rice planting and harvesting, depending on the season.
Attractions by Season
Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan has different charms in each of the four seasons.
Spring (April-June)
A season of beautiful fresh greenery emerging with the snow melt. It is also wild vegetable harvesting season, with seasonal vegetables appearing in meals. The firefly viewing season begins from late June.
Summer (July-September)
You can fully enjoy Hokkaido’s cool summer surrounded by deep green forest. In August, the Yotaka Andon Festival is held, filling the entire town with energy. The summer starry sky visible from the outdoor bath is exceptional.
Autumn (October-November)
A season of beautiful autumn foliage. The colored mountains visible from the outdoor bath possess a beauty like a painting. Autumn flavors such as mushrooms and chestnuts add color to the meals.
Winter (December-March)
The outdoor bath surrounded by snow-covered landscape, with steam rising, offers the distinctive ambiance of Hokkaido hot springs. You can spend blissful moments enjoying the snow-viewing bath while warming your body to its core.
Precautions and Etiquette When Using the Facility
Hot Spring Etiquette
- Always rinse your body with a rinse bucket before entering the bath
- Be careful not to put towels in the hot water
- Avoid prolonged bathing and take breaks periodically
- Refrain from bathing after consuming alcohol
Procedures When Staying
Procedures at the front desk are necessary upon check-in. Please prepare your reservation confirmation sheet and identification. Standard check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM, but these may vary depending on the plan, so please confirm at the time of reservation.
Other Precautions
- Regarding pet accompaniment, please inquire in advance
- The facility is non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas
- Valuables should be kept in the in-room safe or left with the front desk
Reservation Methods and Inquiries
Reservations for Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan are available through multiple methods.
Reservation Methods
- Official Website: Latest information and direct reservations available (https://horosin-onsen.com/)
- Jalan.net: Point rewards and limited plans available
- Rakuten Travel: Earn and use Rakuten points
- Phone Reservation: Reserve directly by calling the facility
Each reservation site may offer different plans and campaigns depending on the period, so comparison shopping is recommended.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of reservations incurs a specified cancellation fee starting from several days before the stay date. Please confirm the details at the time of reservation, and if you must cancel, please contact the facility as soon as possible.
Privacy Policy and Personal Information Protection
Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan appropriately manages customer personal information and strictly protects it based on our privacy policy. Personal information provided during reservation or stay is not used for purposes other than service provision.
Detailed privacy policy is posted on the official website, maintaining transparency in information handling. Please use our services with confidence.
SNS and Latest Information
Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan shares the latest information on Instagram (@horoshin_onsen_hotarukan). Seasonal scenery, cuisine introductions, and event information are regularly updated, making it convenient for information gathering before your visit.
Under the concept “Deep in the mountains of rural Numata. Destination: Numata Shangri-la,” the appeal of the quiet rural area embraced by light is communicated through photos and videos. Following the account allows you to get special plans and advantageous information as soon as they are announced.
Summary: Refresh Body and Mind at Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan
Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan is a hot spring inn located in a quiet forest, approximately 90 minutes from Sapporo and 45 minutes from Asahikawa, yet far removed from urban bustle. With nearly 60 years of history, it offers quality sulfur springs, an infrared stone sauna and mist sauna using globally rare Hokutolite, delicious cuisine utilizing seasonal local ingredients from Numata Town, and the beautiful nature of the four seasons—all of these provide deep healing and comfort to visitors.
Whether used as a day-trip hot spring or accommodation facility, the facility’s flexibility, reasonable pricing, and comfortable environment further enhanced by the July 2025 renovation. Horoshin Onsen Hotaru-kan, where you can feel Hokkaido’s nature up close and experience deep healing alongside the blessings of hot springs, is a hot spring destination that people from throughout Hokkaido and beyond should definitely visit.
Why not spend time at this special place called Numata Shangri-la refreshing both body and mind during your next weekend or holiday break? The quiet rural area embraced by light will surely welcome you warmly.
