Introducing 5 hot springs full of Iwamizawa’s charm!

Iwamizawa City is a regional city with a population of about 80,000, located in the northeastern suburbs of Sapporo. Since ancient times, it has played an important role as a key transportation hub in Hokkaido. Even today, many buses start and end their routes in Iwamizawa, maintaining its central position. The Iwamizawa area is also one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall regions, often featured in the news for its intense winter snowfalls. Because of this snowy landscape, Iwamizawa offers exceptional hot springs where you can soak while gazing at the snow scenery. This time, we’ll introduce five hot springs in the Iwamizawa area.

1. Kitamura Onsen Hotel

If you want to experience pure, free-flowing natural hot spring water in Iwamizawa, the Kitamura Onsen Hotel is recommended. The hot water is drawn from multiple sources and blended to create a 100% free-flowing spring, with no added heat or water—completely natural. The spring type is a strong salt spring, known for keeping you warm long after your bath.

If you get hungry after bathing, the facility also has a restaurant offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes, from ramen to sashimi set meals. For those who want to rest more, hotel rooms can be rented by the hour—perfect for relaxing and enjoying a meal or conversation without worrying about time. The location is about a 10-minute drive north from downtown Iwamizawa along Route 6. Though the number of buses is limited, a shuttle bus also runs from JR Iwamizawa Station.

2. Natural Hot Spring Iwamizawa Yurara

Natural Hot Spring Iwamizawa Yurara is a day-use hot spring facility located on the western outskirts of the city, conveniently situated along Route 12 for easy access from Sapporo. The spring is a sodium-chloride (strong salt) spring, and its brownish water is known as “heat water” because it warms you from the core. The facility’s standout feature is its use of “black silica” stones sourced directly from Kaminokuni Town in southern Hokkaido, placed throughout the baths. Black silica emits far-infrared radiation, commonly used in stone saunas, enhancing relaxation and thermal effects.

Inside the facility, there are vending machines, a game corner, relaxation spaces, a foot massage area, nap rooms, and even a welfare bath designed for people with disabilities. Discounted admission options are available, such as the “no-towel” rate or an early-morning bath before 8 a.m.

3. Log Hotel Maple Lodge

About a 40-minute drive from Iwamizawa Station along Route 38 toward Yubari, you’ll find the lodge-style buildings of “Spa in Maple Lodge.” Built from Canadian logs, this facility includes lodging, hot springs, and tennis courts, and caters to a wide range of visitors from students to families.

Day-use bathing is also available. The spring is a cool sodium bicarbonate mineral spring, with two baths—one made of cypress and another of granite. You can soak while surrounded by the scent of logs and the sounds of wild birds. Although the spring temperature is below 25°C, there’s also a Finnish-style low-temperature sauna for warming up. The on-site restaurant offers meals in a cozy log cabin atmosphere, with set plans combining lunch and bathing at a reasonable price.

4. Yumoto Iwamizawa Onsen Nagomi

Located near the Iwamizawa IC on the Dōō Expressway, Yumoto Iwamizawa Onsen Nagomi features a salt spring known for retaining warmth. Indoors, there’s a main bath, electric bath, jet bath, daily herb bath, and cold bath; outdoors, two open-air baths and a medicinal bath. A rare highlight is the herbal sauna, filled with the distinctive aroma of Chinese medicinal herbs.

When hungry, visit the dining area offering curry, soba, rice bowls, ice cream, and beer—perfect for after a soak. The combination meal-and-bath plan costs under 1,000 yen even on weekends, making it a great value. If visiting at midday, plan to stay for at least two hours to fully relax.

5. Mikasa Natural Hot Spring Taiko no Yu

Finally, we introduce Mikasa Natural Hot Spring Taiko no Yu in neighboring Mikasa City. It’s adjacent to “Michi-no-Eki Mikasa” and near the Mikasa IC on the Dōō Expressway. Shuttle buses also run from Iwamizawa and Bibai Stations, taking about 20 minutes from Iwamizawa.

The main appeal of “Taiko no Yu” is its extensive facilities. The baths use natural materials like cypress and hiba wood, creating a luxurious atmosphere. There are also spacious mist and high-temperature saunas, as well as lounges and rest areas for after your bath.

Beyond bathing, the dining area offers Japanese and Chinese dishes, and private banquet plans that combine meals with baths. Just 5 km down the highway, you can also find Japan’s longest straight road—making this a great stop before or after a long drive.

◎ Summary

Hokkaido has countless hot springs, but Iwamizawa’s options are limited—making these spots especially valuable in the area. They’re perfect for a relaxing break during a long drive or sightseeing trip. Since Iwamizawa is close to Sapporo, you can easily include these hot springs in your travel itinerary along with other attractions.