A hot spring spa in Hakodate, Hokkaido! Experience reservation site "Yunobura" is also introduced.

  • Hokkaido
  • Experience Gifu
Yunokawa Onsen Footbath Yumoributai (Image courtesy of Yunobura and Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association)
Hakodate is famous for its night views and exotic cityscape, but the hot springs are actually another attraction. Yunokawa Onsen, located near the city center, is one of Hokkaido's three major hot spring resorts and boasts a history of more than 350 years. Yunokawa Onsen is a place where you can spend a moment to heal your mind and body. Here are some of the attractions of this hot spring resort town by the sea, which boasts of its abundant hot spring water and history.

Yunokawa Onsen" with a history of over 350 years

Hakodate's Yunokawa Onsen is one of the three major hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, along with Jozankei Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen, and is the oldest of the three, with more than 20 lodging facilities, dating back over 350 years. One of the attractions of Yunokawa Onsen is its outstanding accessibility. It is a 25-minute bus ride from Hakodate Station, a 30-minute tram ride, and only a 5-minute drive from Hakodate Airport. Because of this convenience, Yunokawa Onsen attracts many visitors throughout the year, not only for overnight stays but also for day-trip bathing.
Yunokawa Onsen open-air bath overlooking the sea (Image courtesy of "Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association")

Yunokawa Onsen" started from a dream ⁈

The history of Yunokawa Onsen dates back to 1653. Takahiro Matsumae, the ninth generation lord of the Matsumae domain, suffered from an incurable disease as a child. One night, Takahiro's mother, Seirouin, had a dream that if she went to a hot spring east of Matsumae Castle, she would be cured of any illness. She followed her dream and made a hot-spring cure, and soon Takahiro recovered completely. This is said to be the origin of Yunokawa Onsen. The name "Yunokawa" is derived from the Ainu words "yu (hot water)" and "petu (river)," and has been familiar to people since ancient times. During the Hakodate War, Enomoto Takeaki, a member of the former shogunate's army, is said to have bathed in the hot spring to treat wounded soldiers, and Enomoto himself is said to have bathed in the spring.
Monument marking the birthplace of Yunokawa Onsen

It also has the effect of beautifying the skin! The quality and effects of Yunokawa Onsen

Yunokawa Onsen boasts an average temperature of 65°C and a daily output of more than 7,000 tons. The clear, colorless, refreshing water is rich in sodium chloride and calcium chloride springs, and has a high heat-retaining effect, making it difficult for the water to cool. The hot spring water is rich in sodium chloride and calcium chloride springs, which are effective in retaining heat and keeping the water cool. The hot spring water has many beneficial effects, such as easing coldness, relieving fatigue, and beautifying the skin.
Yunokawa Onsen (Image courtesy of Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association)

Yunokawa Winter Lights", a winter lighting event

Yunokawa Onsen will hold a four-month long illumination event, "Yunokawa Winter Lights," from November 29, 2025 (Saturday) to March 31, 2026 (Tuesday). The area along the Samegawa River will be illuminated from the footbath "Yumoributai" near the Yunokawa Onsen streetcar stop, and visitors can enjoy a fusion of "Japanese and modern" light displays with lanterns inspired by Kumiko patterns, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique. The "Yumori-Butai" will also be gently illuminated, and visitors can enjoy the changing colors reflected in the footbaths.

Period: November 29, 2025 (Sat) - March 31, 2026 (Tue)
●Lighting hours: Sunset - 10:00 p.m.
Yunokawa Winter Lights (as seen in 2024)
A footbath to relax (image courtesy of Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association)

Yunobura, an experience program you can enjoy at Yunokawa Onsen

We also recommend "Yunobura," an interactive program reservation site where you can enjoy not only hot springs but also a variety of other experiences, You can easily make reservations from your smartphone or tablet. The site offers a variety of attractive plans, including one-day hot springs, meals, bicycle rentals, Japanese cultural experiences, and more. With "Yunobura," you can make your stay in Yunokawa Onsen even more enjoyable.
Yunobura (Image courtesy of the Hakodate Yunokawa Hot Springs Ryokan Cooperative Association)
Experience program reservation site [Yunobura] is here

Let's spend a relaxing time in Yunokawa Onsen in winter!

What did you think? Hakodate in winter is full of contents! Warm your body from the inside out at Yunokawa Onsen and enjoy a slightly different kind of stay at Yunobura. Don't forget to experience the collaboration of footbaths and lights at the winter-only "Yunokawa Winter Lights.
"Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Association" HP is here

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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