Hoheikyo Onsen

An Abundant Natural Hot Spring

Hoheikyo Onsen has an exceptionally abundant supply of spring water, directing the equivalent of approximately 3,250 drums of hot spring water per day into its bathing facilities. The water is classified as a sodium-calcium bicarbonate hot spring, also known as a sodium bicarbonate or “baking soda” spring.

The spring water is slightly pale yellow and transparent, with little taste or odor. Hoheikyo Onsen is also notable for being described as the only hot spring facility in Sapporo where the spring water can be consumed.

One of Japan’s Largest Open-Air Baths

The outdoor bath is one of the largest of its kind in Japan, with a maximum capacity of approximately 200 bathers. Rather than being enclosed by buildings, the bath opens toward the surrounding natural landscape, allowing visitors to enjoy the forest and mountains while soaking in the hot spring.

A distinctive 3-meter-diameter water wheel is used to help regulate the temperature of the free-flowing spring water. This unusual feature adds to the character of the bathing area while helping create a comfortable bathing environment.

A Snowy Open-Air Bath in Winter

Winter offers a particularly memorable experience at Hoheikyo Onsen. The surrounding landscape becomes covered in snow, creating a peaceful yukimi-buro, or snow-viewing bath, where visitors can soak in warm spring water while looking out over the white landscape.

At night, the snowy outdoor bath is illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere. The contrast between the warm bath, snow-covered surroundings, and soft lighting makes winter bathing one of the highlights of a visit.

Famous Indian Curry and Freshly Baked Naan

Hoheikyo Onsen is also well known for its distinctive food, particularly its authentic North Indian cuisine. The restaurant uses dozens of spices to create flavorful curries, making the meal an enjoyable part of the hot spring experience.

Visitors can watch Nepalese cooks preparing naan and tandoori chicken in a special ceramic oven. The combination of a hot spring bath and freshly baked naan with aromatic curry has become one of Hoheikyo Onsen’s signature attractions.

A Relaxing Escape from Sapporo

Hoheikyo Onsen is located in the mountainous Jozankei area, where the natural landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. The surrounding forests are fresh and green in summer, while autumn brings brilliant foliage to the valley. Winter transforms the area into a quiet snowy landscape.

The onsen can be reached by traveling south from central Sapporo along National Route 230 and continuing for about 10 minutes from Jozankei Onsen. The journey makes it an accessible destination for travelers looking to combine the convenience of Sapporo with the tranquility of a mountain hot spring.

A Classic Hokkaido Hot Spring Experience

Hoheikyo Onsen offers the rare pleasure of bathing in naturally flowing hot spring water while surrounded by the forests of Hokkaido. Its enormous open-air bath, abundant spring water, distinctive water wheel, snowy winter scenery, and famous Indian curry make it much more than an ordinary day-use bathing facility.

For travelers exploring Sapporo and Jozankei, a visit to Hoheikyo Onsen is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the natural landscape, and experience one of the most relaxing traditions of Japanese travel.