5 Hot Spring Resorts Easily Accessible from Sapporo by Public Transportation | How to Choose Buses, Express Trains, and Number of Nights
First, the conclusion:For proximity, Jozankei is a good choice; for a hot spring town and Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Noboribetsu; for lakeside scenery, Lake Toya; for Tokachi cuisine and moor hot springs, Tokachigawa; and if you want to combine it with sightseeing in Hakodate, Yunokawa is a good option.
The difficulty of a hot spring trip in Hokkaido varies not only by distance, but also by snow, wind, sunset, and bus service. We'll compare five options, separating day trips close to Sapporo from hot spring resorts requiring an overnight stay using express trains, allowing ample time for your return journey.
Comparison table of 5 hot spring resort options departing from Sapporo
| hot spring | Especially suitable for travel | Estimated length of stay |
|---|---|---|
| Jozankei Onsen | People who want to go to a hot spring for a day trip or a short overnight stay while staying in Sapporo | Day trip / Overnight stay |
| Noboribetsu Onsen | For those who want to combine a stroll through Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and an overnight stay in a hot spring town. | Mainly for one night |
| Toyako Onsen | People who want to enjoy lakeside walks, volcanic scenery, and seasonal events. | Mainly for one night |
| Tokachigawa Onsen | People who want to enjoy Tokachi cuisine, plant-based moor hot springs, and sightseeing around Obihiro | Mainly for one night |
| Yunokawa Onsen | For those who want to combine sightseeing in Hakodate, airport access, seafood, and hot springs into one place. | Mainly for one night |
Travel times and schedules vary depending on the travel date. We have not included fixed times here, instead encouraging you to check official access information and the latest announcements from transportation providers for final confirmation.
Jozankei Onsen | For those who want to visit a hot spring for a day trip or a short overnight stay while staying in Sapporo
How to arrange public transportation
From Sapporo Station, you can take a direct bus, a regular bus, or a combination of subway and bus. Distinguish between services that require reservations and those that don't, and confirm your return boarding location upon arrival.
Decision whether to go for a day trip or an overnight stay
It's possible to do this as a day trip, but if you want to enjoy the autumn foliage, snowscapes, and morning walks, an overnight stay is recommended. In winter, assume that travel time will be longer due to road conditions, and don't pack your schedule with plans after returning to Sapporo.
View the JEPS local guide for Jozankei Onsen./Check the official access information for Jozankei Onsen.
Noboribetsu Onsen | For those who want to combine a stroll through Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and a visit to the hot spring town in one night.
How to arrange public transportation
The basic route is to take the express train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Station and then a local bus to the hot spring resort area. Intercity buses and direct services have varying schedules, so be sure to check the official timetable for your travel date.
Decision whether to go for a day trip or an overnight stay
Spending one night exploring the Jigokudani area in the evening and the following morning gives you plenty of time. Since Noboribetsu Station and Noboribetsu Onsen are far apart, be sure to include the final leg of the journey in your itinerary.
View the JEPS local guide for Noboribetsu Onsen./Check the official access information for Noboribetsu Onsen.
Lake Toya Onsen | For those who want to enjoy lakeside walks, volcanic scenery, and seasonal events.
How to arrange public transportation
One option is to take a limited express train from Sapporo to Toya Station and then a bus to Toyako Onsen. Check the operating days and booking conditions, including for the bus from Sapporo.
Decision whether to go for a day trip or an overnight stay
This trip is more suited to an overnight stay than a day trip. Since lakeside events and sightseeing boat tours vary depending on the season and weather, we'll plan a trip that includes just hot springs and a stroll.
View the JEPS local guide for Toyako Onsen./Check the official access information for Toyako Onsen.
Tokachigawa Onsen | For those who want to enjoy Tokachi's cuisine, plant-based moor hot springs, and sightseeing around Obihiro.
How to arrange public transportation
From Sapporo, take the express train to Obihiro Station, then take a local bus or hotel shuttle to Tokachigawa Onsen. Check the train and bus connection times, as well as the return schedule, beforehand.
Decision whether to go for a day trip or an overnight stay
Considering the travel distance, it's best suited for an overnight stay or longer. Instead of commuting between Obihiro city and the hot springs every day, it's less burdensome to use the hot spring inn as a base for a few days.
View the JEPS local guide for Tokachigawa Onsen./Check the official access information for Tokachigawa Onsen.
Yunokawa Onsen | For those who want to combine Hakodate sightseeing, airport access, seafood, and hot springs in one place.
How to arrange public transportation
I'll travel from Sapporo to Hakodate by express train, then take the streetcar and bus to Yunokawa. Since this is a long journey, I'll consider it as part of an overnight trip to Hakodate rather than a day trip from Sapporo.
Decision whether to go for a day trip or an overnight stay
A minimum of one night is recommended, and two nights are ideal if you also want to see Hakodate city. On days when you're connecting with express trains or flights on your return journey, don't pack too much sightseeing into your morning schedule.
View the JEPS local guide for Yunokawa Onsen/Check the official access information for Yunokawa Onsen.
First, decide where in Sapporo you will depart from.
Even when departing from Sapporo, the most convenient hot spring destinations vary depending on whether you start from a Shinkansen station, a major conventional train station, or a highway bus terminal. Compare transportation options, including travel time from your home to the departure station and early morning/late-night options. A route with multiple options for the return journey is more convenient than one that is only convenient for the outbound journey, as it makes it easier to recover from delays or bad weather.
On the booking screen, stations and bus stops that appear to have the same name may actually be in different locations. Connect your departure point, arrival point, transfer station, and the nearest bus stop to your accommodation on the map, and check the walking distance as well. If you are traveling with others, it is best to ensure that everyone can see the same route and booking number.
Consider luggage and transportation within the hot spring town separately.
When traveling to a hot spring resort using public transport, the biggest burden isn't getting to the station, but whether you can get to your accommodation with large luggage. Hot spring towns often have stone steps, slopes, snowy paths, and gravel roads, so even short distances on a map can take a long time. Be sure to check the conditions for hotel shuttle services, luggage storage at the station or tourist information center, and courier services when making your reservation.
If you plan to sightsee before checking in, pack only your valuables, medicine, and rain gear in a small bag. On your departure day, calculate the time it will take to get from luggage collection to the train station or bus stop. Using the second-to-last train as your guideline will allow you to travel at a relaxed pace after bathing or shopping.
Don't choose a hot spring resort based solely on "proximity."
Even if the travel time is short, a trip involving multiple bus transfers after arrival can be busier than a one-night trip centered on walking. Decide on one main purpose for this trip, such as wanting to stroll through a hot spring town, prioritizing open-air baths, enjoying meals, or visiting family-friendly facilities. Once you've narrowed your choices down to two options, compare the location of the accommodations and the return journey to make your final decision.
The season is also a factor to consider. Summer offers the charm of highlands and streams, autumn the vibrant foliage, and winter the snowscapes, but these also increase the risk of crowds and service disruptions. If you base your decision on whether you can still enjoy hot springs, food, and exploring towns even on days when the scenery isn't visible, your trip will be less affected by the weather.
Basic model for a one-night, two-day trip.
- Day 1, morning:Departing from Sapporo. Reserved seats and buses requiring reservations will be secured in advance.
- Day 1 afternoon:Upon arrival, we'll leave our luggage and focus on exploring a hot spring town or a single tourist spot within walking distance.
- Evening of Day 1:We will check in with plenty of time to spare for dinner and bath time.
- Morning of day 2:After my morning bath and breakfast, I take a short walk before it gets crowded.
- Day 2, lunchtime:I head to the train station or bus stop for my return journey and choose a bus that I can catch up on even if I miss one.
Conditions for a day trip, conditions for an overnight stay
Day trips are suitable for those with few transfers and where the purpose after arrival is limited to either bathing or a walk. Overnight trips are suitable for those that involve bus travel from the station, those choosing a ryokan (Japanese inn) with dinner included, those visiting multiple public baths, or those adding sightseeing that may be affected by the weather.
Even if the estimated travel time in your search is short, your actual time at your destination will be shorter when you factor in waiting time at the station, travel to your accommodation, and luggage storage. Please compare the travel time from your front door to your accommodation.
Pre-booking checklist
- Round-trip train/bus tickets and whether reservations are required.
- Distance from the train station/bus stop to the accommodation and shuttle service conditions
- Final check-in for dinner-inclusive plans
- Last reception time for day-use bathing and closing time
- Large item storage and delivery
- Service information during winter, heavy rain, and strong winds.
- Alternative flight in case of delay
FAQ
Is it possible to take a hot spring trip from Sapporo without a car?
Yes, it's possible. Checking the local bus and hotel transfer options after arriving by train or express bus, and securing your return transportation in advance, will help stabilize your plans.
Which is better, a day trip or an overnight stay?
If the combined travel time, including the final leg of the journey at your destination, is long, or if you plan to enjoy visiting hot springs or having dinner, an overnight stay is recommended. If you're traveling a short distance and have a single objective, a day trip is also an option.
What should I check before booking accommodation?
Please check the nearest train station/bus stop, shuttle reservation details, last dinner start time, bathing conditions, cancellation policy, and return travel information.
How do you plan for winter or bad weather days?
Reconfirm official train schedules on the day of travel and allow for extra transfer time. It's important to create an itinerary that can still function with hot springs and meals even if outdoor sightseeing is canceled, and to avoid packing your schedule too tightly after returning home.