Kotohira Hot Spring (Hokkaido) Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation of the Charm and History of Yubetsu no Yu and Access Information
Located on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, the town of Kotohira is home to “Kotohira Hot Spring,” a historic hot spring that has continued since the Meiji era. Also known as “Yubetsu Hot Spring,” this thermal spring boasts top-class water quality in all of Hokkaido and was once beloved by many visitors as a therapeutic bathing destination. This article provides a thorough introduction to the charm of Kotohira Hot Spring, centered on its main facility “Yubetsu no Yu.”
History and Origins of Kotohira Hot Spring
Hot Spring History Continuing Since the Meiji Era
The history of Kotohira Hot Spring is long. According to the Kotohira Town History, “Yubetsu Hot Spring Development” is recorded in 1880 (Meiji 13). Furthermore, it is listed as “Yubetsu Hot Spring” in the “Japanese Mineral Spring Records” compiled by the government in 1886 for the first time nationwide, revealing that this is a hot spring area with a history of over 140 years.
Role as a Therapeutic Bathing Destination
In the past, Kotohira Hot Spring was a place visited not only by local residents but also by many therapeutic bathing guests from distant places. In particular, people suffering from chronic skin conditions, joint pain, and neuralgia would stay long-term and seek treatment through the hot spring’s therapeutic effects. In an era when modern medical care had not yet developed, hot springs were one of the valuable treatment methods.
As a Region-Specific Resource
Kotohira Hot Spring has been protected as an important region-specific resource, not merely as a tourist attraction. Local residents have treasured this hot spring for generations, and it continues to be used today as a municipally-operated day bathing facility by many people.
About Kotohira Hot Spring Yubetsu no Yu
Facility Overview
“Kotohira Hot Spring Yubetsu no Yu” is a public day-use hot spring facility operated by Kotohira Town. It is located slightly south of National Route 229, with an impressive building serving as a landmark. Surrounding the facility are wind power generation installations, showing that Kotohira Town is putting effort into wind power generation.
The interior is spaciously designed, with a large public bath, open-air bath, private family bath, restaurant, and lodging cottages, accommodating a wide range of needs from day-use to overnight stays.
Basic Facility Information
Address
Hokkaido Suttsu-gun Suttsu-cho, Yubetsu-cho, Shimo-Yubetsu 462
Business Hours
10:30～21:00 (Final admission 20:30)
Closed Days
First Monday of the month (If Monday is a holiday, closure is moved to the following day)
Bathing Fees
- Adult: 500 yen
- Child (Elementary school student): 250 yen
- Infant: Free
Parking
Free parking available (Capacity: 104 vehicles)
Inquiry
TEL: 0136-64-5211
The Charm of a Hot Spring Where You Can Enjoy Two Types of Spring Quality
Characteristics and Benefits of Sulfur Spring
One of the major charms of Kotohira Hot Spring is its sulfur spring. Provided through a circulation system with fresh water added, this hot spring is characterized by a smooth feel, and it is well-known that the skin becomes smooth after bathing.
Main Benefits of Sulfur Spring:
- Skin beautification effects (action to soften dead skin)
- Improvement of chronic skin diseases
- Alleviation of atopic dermatitis
- Chronic gynecological disease
- Cuts and burns
- Arteriosclerosis
It has the distinctive scent of sulfur, allowing you to fully appreciate the nature of a hot spring. Due to its high skin-beautifying effects, this is particularly popular with women.
Characteristics and Benefits of Chloride Spring
The other type of spring quality is chloride spring. This also uses a circulation system with fresh water added, providing healing effects and allowing you to warm up deeply from within.
Main Benefits of Chloride Spring:
- Blood circulation promotion
- Improvement of coldness
- Neuralgia and muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Motor paralysis
- Joint stiffness
- Bruises and sprains
- Chronic gastrointestinal disorders
- Hemorrhoids
- Post-illness recovery period and fatigue recovery
- Health enhancement
Chloride spring is also called “warming water,” and the body remains warm for a time after bathing. This spring quality is especially recommended for bathing in winter.
Bathing Method Alternating Between the Two Spring Qualities
At Yubetsu no Yu, you can enjoy both sulfur spring and chloride spring. The recommended bathing method is to first warm your body with the chloride spring to promote blood circulation, then slowly care for your skin with the sulfur spring. Being able to experience two different types of spring quality is a luxury unique to Kotohira Hot Spring.
Well-Equipped In-Facility Amenities
Large Public Bath
The spacious large public bath has multiple bathing pools arranged throughout. Natural light streams in from large windows, creating an open and relaxing atmosphere for enjoying the hot spring at leisure. The variety of bathing pools is rich, with bathing pools of different temperatures to choose from, allowing bathing suited to your preference.
Open-Air Bath
From the open-air bath, you can enjoy the changing scenery of Kotohira through the seasons. New green in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter, each season presents a different appearance. Particularly, the winter snow-viewing bath is exceptional, and the contrast between the cold external air and warm hot spring is pleasant, beloved by many repeat visitors.
Family Bath Introduction
For day-use guests, a private family bath is available where you can fully enjoy the hot spring in a private space. It is ideal for families with small children and those who wish to bathe slowly without worrying about others.
Characteristics of Family Bath:
- Completely private space
- Uses chloride spring
- Effect of warming the body from its core
- Can spend relaxing time with family or friends
- Advance reservation is recommended
The family bath is popular, so advance telephone reservation is especially recommended during weekends and holidays.
Weekend-Limited! Basil Bath Jacuzzi Hot Spring
On weekends, you can enjoy a special basil bath jacuzzi hot spring using “Kaze no Basil” (wind basil) from Kotohira. This is a special hot spring utilizing basil, a specialty of Kotohira Town, and offers relaxation and pain-relieving effects.
Jacuzzi bathing enveloped in the refreshing scent of basil is a special experience that refreshes both body and mind. When visiting on weekends, be sure to try this special hot spring.
Amenities
Yubetsu no Yu provides basic amenities.
Provided Amenities:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Hair dryer
Towels are sold for a fee, so it is recommended to bring your own. Additionally, skincare products such as lotion and emulsion are not provided, so please bring them if needed.
Dining and Restaurant
Restaurant Menu
A dining area is attached to Yubetsu no Yu, where you can enjoy meals leisurely after bathing. The restaurant offers dishes using local Kotohira ingredients and menus unique to Hokkaido.
Popular Menu Items (Examples):
- Seafood rice bowl (fresh seafood landed at Kotohira Port)
- Ramen
- Set meals
- Curry rice
- Udon and soba noodles
Kotohira Town is a town where fishing is thriving, and seafood dishes in particular are known for being fresh and delicious. Meals after warming in the hot spring are exceptional and ideal for a rest during a drive.
Business Hours
The restaurant’s business hours follow the hot spring’s business hours, though last orders may be set earlier than closing time. If you wish to dine, it is recommended to visit with sufficient time.
Cottage Lodging Facility
Characteristics of Cottages
Yubetsu no Yu also has lodging cottages. It is recommended for those who want to take their time and stay to fully enjoy Kotohira’s nature and hot spring, rather than just a day visit.
Cottage Equipment:
- Kitchen
- Bedding
- Air conditioning/heating
- Toilet and washroom
- Television
If you stay in a cottage, you can bathe in the hot spring as many times as you wish. Morning baths, evening baths, and night baths—enjoying the hot spring multiple times a day is a privilege only guests have.
Enjoying the Surrounding Nature
The cottage area is a naturally rich environment where you can spend quiet time. At night, the starry sky is beautifully visible, allowing you to relax away from urban hustle and bustle. It is ideal for family and group use and is recommended for those who value private time.
Access Information
Access by Public Transportation
When Using JR and Bus:
- From Oshamanbe Station
- Get off at JR Hakodate Main Line “Oshamanbe Station”
- Take Niseko Bus bound for Suttsu Terminal for approximately 53 minutes
- Get off at “Yubetsu no Yu” bus stop
- From Iwanai
- Board Central Bus from Sapporo Station Front Terminal heading to Iwanai
- Get off at Iwanai Bus Terminal
- Board Niseko Bus from Iwanai Terminal bound for Suttsu (approximately 60 minutes)
- Get off at “Yubetsu no Yu” bus stop
When using public transportation, the number of buses is limited, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Access by Car
From Sapporo:
- From “Kotoni IC” on the Sapporo-Otaru Expressway via National Routes 5 and 229
- Approximately 96km to Shimamaki area
- Travel time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
From Hakodate:
- Go north on National Route 5, then change to National Route 229 from Oshamanbe
- Travel time: Approximately 2 hours
From Niseko Area:
- Change from National Route 5 to National Route 229
- Travel time: Approximately 1 hour
A free parking lot with 104 spaces is available, making car access convenient. Car visits are especially recommended for families with children or group use.
Tourist Spots in Kotohira Town
Kaze no Machi Kotohira (Wind Town Kotohira)
Kotohira Town is known as “Wind Town,” where wind power generation is thriving. Numerous wind turbines are installed throughout the town, and their landscape has become a symbol of Kotohira Town. Wind power generation facilities are located near Yubetsu no Yu, allowing you to view the turbines while soaking in the hot spring.
Kotohira Bay and Fishing Port
Kotohira Town is a port town facing the Sea of Japan, with an abundance of fresh seafood. At Kotohira Bay, various marine products such as atka mackerel, squid, sea urchin, and abalone are landed. Walking around the fishing port allows you to feel the atmosphere of a bustling fishing town.
Benkei Cape
About 15 minutes by car from Kotohira Town is “Benkei Cape,” a scenic spot overlooking the Sea of Japan. A legend related to Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Benkei remains at this place, and from the observation deck, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Sea of Japan.
Michi-no-Eki Minato-ma~re Kotohira (Roadside Station)
At the roadside station in the center of Kotohira Town, you can purchase local specialty products and souvenirs. Fresh seafood, agricultural products, processed goods and more are displayed, making it a convenient base for Kotohira sightseeing.
Ways to Enjoy Kotohira Hot Spring and Recommended Plans
Day-Use Plan
Duration: 3–4 hours
- Upon arrival, pay the bathing fee at the reception desk
- Enjoy the sulfur spring and chloride spring in the large public bath (60–90 minutes)
- Relax in the open-air bath
- Have a meal at the restaurant after bathing
- Spend time leisurely in the rest area
This plan allows you to enjoy the hot spring thoroughly during a drive stopover.
Overnight Stay Plan
1 Night 2 Days
Day 1:
- Afternoon: Check-in, place luggage in cottage
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely hot spring bath
- Night: Dine at the restaurant or prepare your own meal
- Night: Bathe in the hot spring once more (night bathing is exceptional)
Day 2:
- Morning: Enjoy a morning bath
- Daytime: Sightseeing after check-out
- Lunch: Shopping and lunch at the roadside station
An overnight stay allows you to bathe multiple times without time constraints, providing a true therapeutic bathing experience.
Sightseeing Loop Plan
Using Kotohira Hot Spring as a base and visiting surrounding tourist attractions is also recommended.
- Morning: Sightseeing in the Niseko area
- Lunch: Arrival at Kotohira Town, lunch at the roadside station
- Afternoon: Sightseeing such as Benkei Cape
- Evening: Hot spring at Yubetsu no Yu
- Night: Stay at cottage or proceed to next destination
The Shakotan Peninsula and Iwanai Town are also nearby, making it ideal as a Sea of Japan side driving route.
Points to Note When Visiting Kotohira Hot Spring
Confirming Closed Days
The first Monday of the month is a closed day, but if Monday is a holiday, the closure is moved to the following day. It is recommended to confirm the business day before visiting. Particularly during consecutive holidays, the business schedule may change, so calling in advance for inquiries is reassuring.
Winter Access
Winter in Hokkaido brings heavy snowfall, and road conditions can deteriorate. In particular, National Route 229 is a coastal road requiring caution for blizzards and icy road surfaces. When visiting in winter, studless tires are essential, and depending on weather, the road may be closed. Check road information in advance.
Peak Periods
Weekends and consecutive holidays, especially weekends when basil bath is available, can be crowded. For those wishing to enjoy the hot spring leisurely, weekday visits are recommended. Additionally, local users are frequent, so evenings tend to be relatively crowded.
Bringing Towels
Towels are sold for a fee, so bringing your own is economical. Particularly for families, preparing towels for each family member is advisable.
Summary of Kotohira Hot Spring’s Charm
Kotohira Hot Spring (Yubetsu no Yu) possesses the following charms:
- Historic hot spring area: History of over 140 years continuing since the Meiji era
- Two types of spring quality: Enjoy both sulfur spring and chloride spring
- Skin beautification effects: Excellent skin-beautifying effects of sulfur spring
- Blood circulation promotion: Warming from the core through chloride spring
- Well-equipped facilities: Large public bath, open-air bath, family bath, restaurant, cottages
- Reasonable pricing: Affordable rate of 500 yen for adults
- Nature-rich environment: Location allowing enjoyment of scenery throughout the seasons
- Local specialty products: Utilization of regional resources such as weekend-only basil bath
- Good access to surrounding attractions: Well-positioned as a tourism base
- Spacious parking lot: Convenient for car access with 104 spaces
Conclusion
Kotohira Hot Spring is a hidden gem of hot springs located on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido. While boasting top-class water quality even throughout all Hokkaido, its charm lies in its unsophisticated atmosphere not overly commercialized for tourism. The luxury of enjoying two different types of spring quality—sulfur and chloride—simultaneously, the dual benefits of skin beautification and blood circulation promotion effects, and a history cherished by local residents for many years—all of these make Kotohira Hot Spring a special place.
It is also ideally positioned as a driving route from Sapporo or Hakodate and easily incorporates into travel plans combined with tourist attractions such as Niseko and the Shakotan Peninsula. While a day-use visit is fully satisfying, staying at a cottage and leisurely enjoying the hot spring is also recommended.
In Kaze no Machi (Wind Town) Kotohira, please enjoy a hot spring experience that refreshes both body and mind. Soaking in the historic hot spring waters continuing since the Meiji era while experiencing the natural environment of the Sea of Japan and the region’s culture will surely become an unforgettable memory of your trip.
