Koganetokyu Hot Spring (Hokkaido) Complete Guide｜Enjoy authentic spa therapy at a hidden gem 40 minutes from Sapporo
About Koganetokyu Hot Spring
Koganetokyu Hot Spring (こがねゆおんせん) is a historic hot spring resort located in Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Situated near the foot of a mountain where the Toyohira River flows, about 200 meters inland from National Route 230 before Jozankei Hot Spring, it is known as a quiet and calm hot spring resort with a serene atmosphere.
Despite being just about 40 minutes from downtown Sapporo, it is located in a rural suburban area far from urban hustle and bustle, and has been loved by local residents and hot spring enthusiasts for over a century as a “nearby spa therapy destination.” Currently, two hot spring inns operate here: “Yumoto Koganetokyu” and “Yumoto Koganetokyu Onsen Matsunoyu,” offering everything from day-trip bathing to overnight stays.
History of Koganetokyu Hot Spring
Opening in the Meiji Era
The history of Koganetokyu Hot Spring began in 1883 (Meiji 16). A hot spring was discovered at the foot of a mountain where the Toyohira River flows, and its benefits became a topic of conversation from the beginning. Many people, hearing of its reputation, came seeking spa therapy, and it developed into an important hot spring resort near Sapporo.
Over a Century of Tradition as a Spa Therapy Destination
More than 140 years after its opening, Koganetokyu Hot Spring continues to maintain its tradition as a “nearby spa therapy destination.” Rather than becoming a large-scale tourist destination like Jozankei Hot Spring, it preserves its quiet, understated character as a small hot spring resort, beloved by those seeking the genuine benefits of authentic hot springs.
For local Sapporo residents, as the phrase “pop by Koganetokyu, take a quick spa therapy dip” suggests, it is cherished as a hot spring they can use in their daily lives.
Spring Quality and Benefits of Koganetokyu Hot Spring
Characteristics of Simple Sulfur Spring
The spring quality of Koganetokyu Hot Spring is “simple sulfur spring (weakly alkaline).” Unlike the spring quality around Jozankei Hot Spring, it has characteristics that are gentle on the skin. This is an authentic source spring water that is not diluted, naturally welling up, characterized by the distinctive aroma of sulfur and smooth texture.
Weakly alkaline water is also known as a “beauty spring” that softens skin keratin, and it is said that skin becomes smooth and silky after bathing.
Benefits
The simple sulfur spring of Koganetokyu Hot Spring is said to have the following benefits:
- Skin Diseases: Atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, etc.
- Neuralgia: Sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, etc.
- Muscle Pain and Joint Pain: Post-exercise muscle fatigue, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
- Frozen Shoulder: Pain relief from periarthritis of the shoulder joint
- Rheumatism: Improvement of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
- Chronic Digestive Disorders: Normalizing digestive function
- Fatigue Recovery: Relief from daily tiredness
The fact that it was a topic of high efficacy from the time of its opening is due to these diverse benefits. It is said to be particularly effective for rheumatism and atopy, and it is not uncommon for people to stay for extended periods to undergo spa therapy.
Facilities Introduction of Koganetokyu Hot Spring
Yumoto Koganetokyu
“Yumoto Koganetokyu” is a relatively new hot spring facility building with excellent cleaning and facility maintenance, keeping both the interior and exterior in pristine condition.
Facility Features
- Open-Air Bath: An open space where you can bathe while enjoying the view of the Toyohira River’s clear flow
- Tub Bath: A small bathing pool with a sense of privacy
- Jacuzzi: Soothe your fatigue with water jet massage
- Mist Sauna: A gentle sauna with low temperature and high humidity
- Cypress Sauna: A full-scale sauna with the pleasant scent of wood
- Indoor Bath: Enjoy seasonal scenery through windows
With various types of baths, you can enjoy a combination of hot springs and sauna. The design allows you to spend a moment gently restoring your mind and body with nature’s power.
Rates and Hours of Operation
- Day-Trip Bathing Fee: 800 yen
- Accommodation: Available (reservation required)
Yumoto Koganetokyu Onsen Matsunoyu
“Matsunoyu” is also one of the representative hot spring inns of Koganetokyu Hot Spring. An environment where you can bathe while enjoying views of the Toyohira River is in place, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the hot spring in a quiet atmosphere.
Rates
- Day-Trip Bathing Fee: 650 yen
- Accommodation: Available (reservation required)
Access to Koganetokyu Hot Spring
Location
Address: Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Koganetokyu
It is located about 200 meters inland from National Route 230. It is situated on the way toward Jozankei Hot Spring from downtown Sapporo, before Jozankei Hot Spring.
Access by Public Transportation
Using Subway and Bus
- Get off at “Makomanai Station” on the Subway Namboku Line
- Board the Jotetsu Bus “Jozankei Hot Spring bound” service (Express 7, Express 8, etc.)
- Get off at “Koganetokyu” bus stop (approximately 40 minutes)
- Walk approximately 5-6 minutes
Direct Bus from Sapporo Station
Board the Jozankei Hot Spring bound bus from Sapporo Station (Express 7, Express 8) and arrive at the “Koganetokyu” bus stop in approximately 60 minutes.
From the bus stop to the hot spring facility is approximately 5-6 minutes walk. Since it is located a short distance inland from National Route 230, be careful not to miss the small signboard. When you have your back to Sapporo, the signboard is on your right.
Access by Car
From the center of Sapporo, head toward Jozankei Hot Spring on National Route 230, and you will arrive in approximately 30-40 minutes. There is a small signboard along the route, so be careful not to miss it. Parking is available at each facility.
Tourist Spots Around Koganetokyu Hot Spring
Jozankei Hot Spring
Located about 10 minutes by car from Koganetokyu Hot Spring, it is one of Hokkaido’s premier hot spring resorts. Large hotels and inns line the streets, and tourist facilities are well-equipped. A popular combination is to enjoy quiet spa therapy at Koganetokyu Hot Spring and then enjoy sightseeing and dining at Jozankei Hot Spring.
Jozankei Scenic Cafe
There is a scenic cafe standing on a cliff about 40 meters high overlooking the Shirai River. You can see the scenery of Jozankei in all seasons through the windows, and you can spend a relaxing time in a very calm space.
Katsura Fudo
Known as a symbolic landmark of Koganetokyu Hot Spring, Katsura Fudo is a place of faith for the local community. It is a spot where you can feel the history and culture of the hot spring resort.
Toyohira River’s Clear Flow
The Toyohira River, which flows right near the hot spring facilities, offers beautiful natural scenery throughout the seasons. Spring greens, summer coolness, autumn foliage, and winter snow landscapes—it displays a different face with each season.
Ways to Enjoy Koganetokyu Hot Spring
As a Day-Trip Hot Spring
Taking advantage of the convenient 40-minute access from downtown Sapporo, you can visit as a day-trip hot spring at your leisure. True to the concept of “pop by Koganetokyu, take a quick spa therapy dip,” you can visit whenever the mood strikes—on the way home from work or on a weekend afternoon—and enjoy authentic hot spring bathing.
Day-trip bathing fees of 650-800 yen are reasonable, making it a hot spring you’ll want to visit again and again.
Authentic Spa Therapy Through Overnight Stay
The two hot spring inns also offer accommodation. In a quiet environment, you can bathe in the hot spring multiple times morning and evening, experiencing authentic spa therapy. Especially if the goal is to improve symptoms such as skin diseases or rheumatism, it is recommended to stay for several days and thoroughly enjoy the benefits of the hot spring.
Enjoying Nature in All Seasons
From the open-air and indoor baths of Koganetokyu Hot Spring, you can enjoy the natural scenery of all seasons.
- Spring: New greenery sprouts, and the snowmelt flow of the Toyohira River is vigorous
- Summer: Lush mountains and the clear river flow bring a refreshing coolness
- Autumn: Autumn foliage colors the mountains, and the combination with hot springs is spectacular
- Winter: An open-air bath in a snowy landscape is an extraordinary experience
Sauna and Hot Spring Combination
“Yumoto Koganetokyu” has a mist sauna and a cypress sauna. After sweating in the sauna, immerse yourself in the simple sulfur spring, then enjoy the open air while gazing at the Toyohira River’s clear flow—a “getting settled” (totoriouu) experience is possible.
In the midst of the recent sauna boom, combined enjoyment of hot springs and sauna has gained attention, and Koganetokyu Hot Spring is gaining popularity as a facility providing both at a high level.
Charms of Koganetokyu Hot Spring
The Closest Authentic Hot Spring to Sapporo
The greatest charm of Koganetokyu Hot Spring is the ability to enjoy authentic source spring water without dilution despite being just 40 minutes from downtown Sapporo. Since it is located before Jozankei Hot Spring, it is even more accessible.
Quiet and Calm Environment
Koganetokyu Hot Spring, having avoided large-scale tourist development, is a quiet hot spring resort with only two hot spring inns in operation. Located in a rural suburban area, it offers a perfect environment to enjoy hot springs leisurely, far from urban noise.
High Efficacy
The history of becoming a topic of high efficacy from the beginning of its opening, with many people flocking to it, demonstrates the certainty of the simple sulfur spring’s benefits. People with concerns about skin diseases, rheumatism, and neuralgia especially visit seeking its benefits.
Reasonable Rates
Day-trip bathing rates of 650-800 yen are extremely reasonable for an authentic source spring water hot spring. The affordable price point, making it easy to visit repeatedly, is one reason it is cherished as a “nearby spa therapy destination.”
Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities
In particular, “Yumoto Koganetokyu” is a relatively new building with excellent cleaning and facility management. The fact that a clean and comfortable environment is maintained despite being an ancient hot spring resort is a major attraction.
Notes When Visiting Koganetokyu Hot Spring
Don’t Miss the Signboard
The signboard along National Route 230 is small and easy to miss in a moment. When heading toward Jozankei with Sapporo at your back, the signboard is on your right, so search for it carefully.
Confirm Public Transportation Schedules
Bus service is limited, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance. In particular, if you don’t confirm the return bus time, you may end up waiting for a long time.
Accommodation Requires Reservation
Both are small-scale hot spring inns, so reservations are always required if you wish to stay overnight. Crowding is expected especially on weekends and during the autumn foliage season.
Winter Road Conditions
In winter, road surfaces may be frozen. If traveling by car, winter tires are essential. Also, the walking route from the bus stop to the facility may be covered with snow, so it is recommended to wear shoes with good grip.
Differences Between Koganetokyu Hot Spring and Jozankei Hot Spring
Although both are located in Minami Ward, Sapporo, Koganetokyu Hot Spring and Jozankei Hot Spring have different characteristics.
Scale and Atmosphere
- Koganetokyu Hot Spring: A small hot spring resort with only two hot spring inns. Quiet and calm atmosphere
- Jozankei Hot Spring: A large-scale hot spring resort with numerous hotels and inns. Well-equipped with tourist facilities
Spring Quality
- Koganetokyu Hot Spring: Simple sulfur spring (weakly alkaline). Gentle on skin with beauty benefits
- Jozankei Hot Spring: Sodium-chloride spring is the main type. Different spring quality from Koganetokyu
Access
- Koganetokyu Hot Spring: Approximately 40 minutes from downtown Sapporo. Located before Jozankei
- Jozankei Hot Spring: Approximately 50-60 minutes from downtown Sapporo
Usage Style
- Koganetokyu Hot Spring: Suited for day-trip spa therapy and quiet hot spring therapy
- Jozankei Hot Spring: Suited for hot spring trips combined with sightseeing and leisure
Both are excellent hot springs near Sapporo, but you can choose between them depending on the experience you seek. Koganetokyu Hot Spring is recommended for those seeking authentic spa therapy or a quiet environment, while Jozankei Hot Spring is recommended for those wanting to enjoy sightseeing and dining as well.
Conclusion
Koganetokyu Hot Spring is a hidden gem offering both a convenient 40-minute access from downtown Sapporo and the history of an opening in 1883, with authentic simple sulfur spring bathing.
Loved by local residents for over a century as a “nearby spa therapy destination,” Koganetokyu Hot Spring has avoided large-scale tourist development like Jozankei Hot Spring and maintains a quiet, calm atmosphere. The undiluted source spring water offered by two hot spring inns is said to have high efficacy for skin diseases, rheumatism, and neuralgia, and can be enjoyed in various styles—from day-trip bathing to extended spa therapy stays.
An open-air bath overlooking the Toyohira River’s clear flow, natural scenery of all seasons, and a “getting settled” experience combining hot spring and sauna. True to its concept of “pop by Koganetokyu, take a quick spa therapy dip,” this easily accessible hot spring has become an important place of healing for Sapporo residents.
Whether you visit in combination with Jozankei Hot Spring or enjoy spa therapy thoroughly at Koganetokyu Hot Spring alone, why not experience the charm of this historic hot spring resort in a style that suits you?
