Hōheikyō Hot Spring

It was a bit far from the city center, so we hopped on a free shuttle bus (departs at 10am everyday) from Mokamanai station directly to the onsen. 1300Yen for adult, and renting a full set of towel cost us an extra of 720Yen/pp. Please be advised that pnly cash is accepted. The onsen was in an old wooden house which we really loved. There was a small indoor pool and a bigger outdoor. The latter one was much beautiful. We went on weekday, so no crowded at all.

One of the most charming and wonderful Onsen experiences. It is not the fanciest Onsen but it oozes character and charm. The waters are really wonderful with 3 different temp pools and a gorgeous outdoor space. If you are lucky they will have their milk / beer / ice cream bar open while you are there. Best to bring towels if you want to save the purchase fees but it is only a couple dollars to buy them and they are nice souvenirs as well with the logo of the Onsen. Kind staff and although the facilities are a bit older they tend to them well. The water is really special and nice. Some people were bothered by the bugs outside but honestly they seem to ignore people and although they flew around me a bit they didn’t land on me or seem interested in me. Dragonflies, butterflies, and interesting bugs were everywhere. A waterwheel outside creates a wonderful sound scape. We went on a very hot day but don’t worry it does not matter as once you are in the water it feels a lot cooler. Evens out the temps on a hot day or warms you up on a cold one. Once you are finished don’t skip the Indian food restaurant, a real unique offering in Japan Onsen in my experience and delicious. To top it off you get to eat your dinner looking at beautiful garden, special spot You can get there really easily from Sapporo station just got to stop “26” which is just east of the main train station and one block south (ask information and they will direct you). No need for reservations as it is a city bus. The drive once you leave the city is beautiful lush valleys. One thing to note is make sure you have change ($1000 yen bills) and/or your Suica card is working and loaded up. You pay at the end of the trip but remember to grab a paper ticket when you board (keeps track of how many people on the bus for the driver). There is a bus leaving Sapporo and the Onsen every hour most of the time so really easy.

Around 1:30h to go from Sapporo to this outdoor onsen (by local bus 860 yen each way. The bus stop is right in front of the facility). It costs 1300 yen to use the onsen, and you can rent towels for around 800 or so (I brought mine). You purchase your ticket at the machine, on the first floor. You have to go all the way up to the 3rd floor... Keep walking until you see a curtain saying "women" and "men" on your left. Enter there. Once you enter the appropriate room based on your gender, you will need a 100 yen to put it in the locker and get a key. You will collect the money back, after you return the key. Take everything off, place it in the locker , and then you can enter the onsen area. You will need to shower first (Japanese takes showers seating down, so take a seat. They offer only shampoo and soap for you to wash yourself), and then you might enter the onsen either inside or outside. I had the impression the place was not very clean and it was also a bit scary to walk on the indoor area, where the floor is uneven and slippery. In my opinion, it was not worth the trip and I would not go back since it had only one very small onsen outside and one inside. My visit was on a Friday early afternoon, so not too busy, which was good for the size of the facility.

We spent a long time getting here on the bus to take a look We didn’t want to swim but just see the atmosphere. We were not allowed to even take a Quick Look without paying 1300 yen each. Not happy. We weren’t keen on spending 2600 yen to do a quick walk through, so watched the outside of the building as we waited a half hour for the next bus back. Hoheikyo, do better and learn flexibility. It was not a busy day at all.

Day trip onsen by taking a bus from Sapporo. The onsen is wonderful and clean. It's nice to soak in outdoor onsen when it's snowing. There is a resto attached to the onsen selling Japanese and Indian food. I ordered Japanese soba which was not bad. Most people ordered Indian food. I want to visit again in other seasons.

Very nice onsen, 1300 yen for entrance, recommend bringing your own towel, otherwise you have to pay for one. Pretty busy, when I was there. There are two bathing areas, one indoors with hotter water and one outdoors, a bit colder, 39-40 degrees Celcius with beautiful view over the area, I had a great time

Very nice onsen. Tattoo friendly (at least it was not a problem for our group and no signage saying otherwise). Outdoor pool options alternative male / female depending on the day. Curry was really delicious also. No need to buy tickets before. Cash only.

A tattoo-friendly onsen in Sapporo! For women there are only 2 baths, indoor and outdoor. The outdoor has a lovely winter mountainside view. A quaint, traditional atmosphere all throughout. The restaurant serves delicious curry and lassi. The naan is chewy and tears apart beautifully. Would love to go back! Perfect for a Sapporo daytrip. Tips: - I booked a Day Spa Package directly from the Jotetsu bus website, and only had to print the voucher out at 7/11 and present to the operator. Better to reserve on the Kappa liner. - Bring your own towel. They sell—not rent—towels there too.