Maruko Onsen (Hokkaido) Complete Guide | The Charm of a Hidden Hot Spring and Spectacular Open-Air Bath on the Shore of Lake Shikotsu
Maruko Onsen, located on the northern shore of Lake Shikotsu in Horobi-nai, Chitose City, Hokkaido, is a historic single inn hot spring resort founded in 1915 (Taisho 4). Nestled within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this hot spring resort is known for its rare natural open-air bath with water sourcing from the ground level that blends seamlessly with the lake surface, and its efforts to walk in harmony with nature. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the charm of Maruko Onsen from every angle, including its hot springs, guest rooms, dining, access, and environmental conservation initiatives.
History and Location of Maruko Onsen
A Hidden Lake Shore Hot Spring Celebrating 110 Years
Maruko Onsen Ryokan was opened and established in 1915 (Taisho 4) by founder Shotaro Sasaki. The hot spring water, said to have healed the wounds of horses carrying sulfur in the early days of the resort, continues to flow naturally and abundantly today. In 2025, the ryokan will celebrate its 110th anniversary and is beloved by numerous hot spring enthusiasts as a historic hot spring resort representative of Hokkaido.
As a member of the “Japanese Association of Secret Hot Springs,” the resort is recognized for its commitment to preserving authentic hot spring culture. The location where you can monopolize the spectacular views of Lake Shikotsu and the operational philosophy of valuing coexistence with nature are the greatest characteristics of this inn.
The Natural Environment of Lake Shikotsu and the National Park
Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake with Japan’s second-deepest water depth and is known in Hokkaido as a lake that never freezes. Positioned within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, surrounded by two active volcanoes, Tarumai and Eniwa-dake, the appeal lies in its highly transparent lake water and pristine forests.
The single road along the lake shore leading to Maruko Onsen Ryokan maintains a beautiful landscape without electrical poles. This is because the ryokan operates independently of public infrastructure such as “electricity” and “water,” relying instead on self-generated power and water drawn from Lake Shikotsu. This environmental consciousness helps preserve the beautiful natural landscape of Lake Shikotsu.
Hot Spring Facilities and Characteristics of Maruko Onsen
Natural Wild Hot Spring (Ground-Level Spring Open-Air Bath)
The greatest charm of Maruko Onsen is the natural wild hot spring located at the water’s edge of the lake shore. This open-air bath is a rare ground-level spring in Japan, with a depth that changes according to the water level of the lake. Since the lake surface and the bath surface reach the same height, you can experience a sense of unity with the lake itself.
Because the lake’s water level fluctuates with the season and weather, visitors can enjoy open-air baths of different depths each time they visit. The spectacular view of Lake Shikotsu before you and the luxurious bathing experience in rustic nature epitomize the indulgence of a true hidden hot spring. The location fully maximizes the lakeside setting, providing a one-of-a-kind hot spring experience.
Spectacular Views from the Observation Open-Air Bath
The observation open-air bath is positioned on an elevated area where you can view the majestic scenery of Lake Shikotsu in its entirety. The view from above the lake surface offers a different charm from the natural wild hot spring, allowing visitors to savor the natural beauty of each season.
From fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, to snowy landscapes in winter, Lake Shikotsu presents a different appearance each season, which you can slowly enjoy while soaking in the warm spring. The lake surface shines beautifully during sunrise and sunset hours especially, enveloped in a magical atmosphere.
Large Public Bath and Private Bath
Both the men’s and women’s large public baths are spaciously designed, allowing for a relaxing hot spring experience. All tubs feature 100% source water flowing directly from the spring, allowing you to fully savor fresh hot spring water. The large public baths offer views of Lake Shikotsu, providing a sense of openness despite being indoors.
Private baths are recommended for families or couples seeking private time. Although reservation is required, these also feature authentic hot spring water flowing directly from the source. They are popular with families with young children, allowing them to slowly enjoy the hot spring without worrying about others.
Spring Quality and Benefits
The spring quality of Maruko Onsen is “Sodium-Calcium Chloride-Bicarbonate-Sulfate Spring,” with a total dissolved mineral content (excluding gaseous substances) of 1,726 mg/kg and a pH of 6.3 (neutral). It is a volcanic hot spring originating from Eniwa-dake, characterized by clear, colorless high-quality water.
Benefits include relief from stiff shoulders, lower back pain, neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue recovery. Skin-beautifying effects are also expected, with bathers noting that skin becomes moist and smooth after bathing. The abundantly flowing natural spring water allows you to fully experience the true power of hot springs.
Sauna Facility
With the 2024 renovation, sauna facilities have also been enhanced. Combining hot springs with sauna provides deeper relaxation effects. The “totsu” (refreshing sensation) experience while gazing at the spectacular Lake Shikotsu view is a blissful moment that makes you forget urban hustle and bustle.
A cold water bath and outdoor air bath space following the sauna are also equipped, allowing for a full sauna experience. The luxury of enjoying both hot springs and sauna is unique to Maruko Onsen Ryokan.
Guest Rooms and Dining
Diverse Room Types
Maruko Onsen Ryokan offers various room types, including lakeside Japanese rooms, lakeside Japanese-Western rooms, and lakeside family Japanese-Western rooms. All guest rooms offer beautiful views of Lake Shikotsu, and the shimmering lake surface visible from the windows makes you lose track of time.
The lakeside family Japanese-Western room is especially recommended for families with small children. The spacious area allows the entire family to relax comfortably. A kids’ space will be newly established in August 2025, further evolving the inn into a more family-friendly accommodation.
Japanese rooms offer a serene atmosphere with pleasant tatami mat scent and wooden warmth. Japanese-Western rooms feature both beds and tatami, accommodating visitors of all ages in comfort.
Hearth Kaiseki Cuisine Featuring Hokkaido Flavors
Dinner features kaiseki cuisine enjoyed around a hearth, which is popular. Using abundant fresh ingredients from Hokkaido, the dishes are delightful to both eye and palate, adding color to your travel memories. Fish and vegetables grilled over the hearth are fragrant, allowing you to fully savor the original flavor of ingredients.
Various dishes made from fresh seafood caught around Lake Shikotsu, Hokkaido-grown vegetables, and locally sourced ingredients change seasonally. You can enjoy spring wild vegetables, fresh seafood in summer, mushrooms in autumn, and root vegetables in winter, tasting the flavors of each season.
Breakfast features Hokkaido-style dishes, offering gentle Japanese cuisine for your body warmed by the hot spring. Breakfast enjoyed while overlooking the morning scenery of Lake Shikotsu beautifully colors the beginning of your day.
Accommodation Plans and Day-Use Hot Spring Bathing
Official Accommodation Plans
Maruko Onsen Ryokan offers various accommodation plans. Starting from plans at 24,000 yen (including tax) for two people, special anniversary plans, multi-night plans, and seasonal limited plans allow you to choose according to your purpose and budget.
Reservations through the official website are most economical, often featuring exclusive plans and special benefits. While reservations are also possible through reservation sites like Jalan.net, it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information and room availability.
Early booking discounts and multi-night discounts appear regularly. Advanced reservations are necessary especially during busy seasons such as autumn foliage and year-end holidays.
Day-Use Hot Spring Bathing Information
In addition to overnight stays, day-use hot spring bathing is also available. Business hours and fees may vary by season and day of the week, so it is recommended to confirm in advance via the official website or phone.
Day-use bathing allows you to use all hot spring facilities including the natural wild spring, observation open-air bath, and large public bath. With relatively good access from New Chitose Airport, many tourists visit before or after flights, making it ideal for beginning or ending a Hokkaido trip.
Day-use bathing may be restricted depending on congestion. Weekday visits are recommended, particularly on weekends and holidays when crowded.
Access and Surrounding Attractions
Access from New Chitose Airport
Access to Maruko Onsen Ryokan is approximately 50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. Using a rental car is most convenient, though public transportation options include bus and taxi transfers from Chitose Station.
When driving, proceed toward Lake Shikotsu via National Route 453, pass through the Shikotsu Onsen area, and continue north along the lake shore. Following the lakeside single road leads to Maruko Onsen Ryokan surrounded by beautiful nature. The scenery during the drive is also wonderful.
Winter road conditions require snow tires due to frozen surfaces and snow accumulation. For those uncertain about driving, it is recommended to confirm shuttle service availability in advance.
Attractions Around Lake Shikotsu
When visiting Maruko Onsen, also enjoy surrounding attractions. The Shikotsu Lake Visitor Center provides information about Lake Shikotsu’s nature and history. Exhibitions and video presentations deepen your understanding of Lake Shikotsu.
The Shikotsu Onsen area features other accommodations such as “Shikotsu Onsen Lakeside Villa Suimei-kaku,” cafes, and souvenir shops. There are various ways to enjoy the area through lake shore walks and sightseeing cruises.
Utona Lake is nearby and popular as a bird-watching spot. In a natural-rich environment, you can observe migratory birds through all four seasons. Climbing Tarumai and Eniwa-dake mountains is also possible, recommended for those wanting to spend time actively.
Environmental Conservation Initiatives of Maruko Onsen Ryokan
Attitude of Walking Together with Nature
The most noteworthy aspect of Maruko Onsen Ryokan is its commitment to protecting “nature,” “hot springs,” and the “environment.” This inn, without public infrastructure such as “electricity” and “water,” adheres to the policy of generating necessary electricity itself and drawing only necessary water from Lake Shikotsu.
The inn utilizes self-flowing hot springs characteristic of the caldera lake and maximizes the blessings of nature in its operations. This attitude is not merely an eco activity but rather the philosophy itself of an inn integrated with nature.
The lakeside single road without electrical poles symbolizes these efforts. By protecting the landscape and minimizing environmental impact, this beautiful scenery is preserved.
Aiming for Sustainable Hot Spring Destinations
The lobby underwent renovation in December 2024, transforming into a more comfortable space. However, the attitude of pursuing comfort while not forgetting environmental considerations remains unchanged.
To preserve naturally flowing hot springs and pass Lake Shikotsu’s beautiful environment to future generations, Maruko Onsen Ryokan continues its daily efforts. The inn values helping visiting guests understand the preciousness of this natural environment and develop awareness to protect it together.
The fact that naturally flowing hot spring water continues to spring forth unchanged since the resort’s opening as it celebrates its 110th anniversary demonstrates the success of these efforts.
Charm of Maruko Onsen Through the Four Seasons
Spring’s Fresh Greenery and Mountain Vegetable Season
Spring at Maruko Onsen is the season of fresh greenery arriving with the snow melt. The forest surrounding Lake Shikotsu becomes covered in vibrant green, creating a landscape full of vitality. Mountain vegetables are abundant during this season, appearing in the cuisine.
From the natural wild spring, the contrast between newly sprouting trees and the lake surface is beautiful, allowing you to feel the arrival of spring. Though some days remain slightly cool, the warmth of the hot spring is pleasant, allowing for prolonged bathing.
Summer’s Deep Green and Lake Water Activities
Summer at Lake Shikotsu features deep green surroundings and is the season when the lake’s high transparency is most beautiful. You can enjoy the luxury of enjoying canoeing and lake bathing followed by soothing away fatigue in the hot spring.
The natural wild spring maintains comfortable temperatures even in summer. Bathing while feeling the blue sky reflected on the lake surface and the refreshing breeze is a unique summer pleasure. Nights feature beautiful starry skies, and the multitude of stars visible from the open-air bath is breathtaking.
Autumn Foliage Season
Autumn is said to be the most beautiful season at Maruko Onsen. The mountains surrounding Lake Shikotsu turn red and yellow, and the autumn leaves reflected on the lake are breathtakingly beautiful. The view from the observation open-air bath is simply spectacular.
Reservations become difficult during autumn foliage season, requiring early planning. However, the experience is well worth it. Viewing autumn leaves while soaking in the hot spring will become a lifelong memory.
Winter’s Snow Landscape and Silence
Winter at Maruko Onsen is a fantastical world enveloped in silence. The snow-covered Lake Shikotsu and surrounding mountains, contrasted with rising steam from the hot spring, create beautiful scenery with winter charm.
Lake Shikotsu, being a lake that never freezes, allows you to enjoy the lake’s beauty even in winter. Snow-viewing open-air bathing is extraordinary, offering a time of bliss watching accumulating snow while soaking.
Winter requires attention to road conditions, but offers quieter and more serene atmosphere. Especially recommended for those seeking a distinctly winter Hokkaido experience.
Latest Information and Blog of Maruko Onsen Ryokan
Check Latest Information on Official Blog
The official website of Maruko Onsen Ryokan features an official blog with regular updates. Seasonal highlights, surrounding nature information, in-house events, and announcements are continuously posted.
Checking the blog before visiting allows you to discover season-specific enjoyments and recommended ways to spend time. Timely information such as autumn foliage timing and migratory bird arrival is also available.
Announcements and Event Information
Maruko Onsen Ryokan continues to evolve, with the December 2024 lobby renovation and August 2025 kids’ space establishment. Latest information can be found on the official website’s “announcements” page.
Seasonal limited events and special plans are announced regularly, making periodic checks recommended. Early booking specials and repeat visitor benefits may also be available.
Tips for Maximizing Your Enjoyment of Maruko Onsen
Ensuring Adequate Stay Time
Fully savoring the charm of Maruko Onsen requires leisurely time. While day-use bathing is possible, at least one overnight stay is recommended. You can enjoy the quiet early morning hot spring, spectacular views at dusk, and nighttime starry skies—different appearances at different times.
Multi-night stays allow even deeper appreciation of Maruko Onsen’s charm. You can tour nearby attractions, slowly read, and discover your own way of enjoying the experience.
Reservation Timing
Being a popular inn, especially on weekends, holidays, and during foliage season, early reservations are essential. Reservations are accepted three months in advance, so booking is recommended as soon as travel plans are confirmed.
Weekday bookings are relatively easy to secure and offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Rates are often lower on weekdays, so those with flexible schedules may consider weekday stays.
Luggage and Clothing
Though basic amenities are provided at the hot spring inn, those with preferences may bring preferred cosmetics and shampoos.
Clothing varies greatly by season. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, so bringing a cardigan is prudent. Winter requires thorough cold-weather preparation. Bringing a camera allows you to capture spectacular scenery.
Combining with Surrounding Attractions
Enjoying surrounding Lake Shikotsu attractions in addition to Maruko Onsen itself creates a more fulfilling trip. Various activities are available including learning at the Shikotsu Lake Visitor Center, lake shore walks, sightseeing cruises, and canoe experiences.
With good access from New Chitose Airport, incorporating it at the beginning or end of a Hokkaido trip is also recommended. It can be combined with sightseeing in Chitose or Sapporo city areas.
Conclusion: Experiencing Authentic Hot Spring Bathing at Maruko Onsen
Maruko Onsen Ryokan is a historic single inn celebrating its 110th anniversary nestled on the Lake Shikotsu shore in Chitose City, Hokkaido. The natural wild spring blending seamlessly with the lake surface, the spectacular observation open-air bath, large public baths with 100% source water flowing directly, and hearth kaiseki cuisine featuring Hokkaido flavors—all provide a special experience unique to Maruko Onsen.
The attitude of walking with nature while protecting the environment as operations continue demonstrates how modern hot spring inns should be. Operations independent of public infrastructure such as electricity and water, maximizing nature’s blessings, show unique characteristics absent in other hot spring destinations.
Lake Shikotsu’s spectacular scenery changing through the four seasons, abundantly flowing naturally sourced hot spring water, cuisine using fresh Hokkaido ingredients, and warm hospitality—all harmonize to provide unforgettable memories to visitors.
Its convenient access, approximately 50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, is also appealing. When visiting Hokkaido, be sure to visit Maruko Onsen Ryokan and experience authentic hot springs and nature’s splendor. As a member of the Japanese Association of Secret Hot Springs, it will continue welcoming visitors in its unchanged manner.
Whether staying overnight or taking a day-use bath, Maruko Onsen is a must-visit special place when in Hokkaido. Enjoy leisurely time flowing gently while embraced by Lake Shikotsu’s beautiful nature.
