Onsen, the quintessential Japanese experience. Dipping into the volcanic water is a panacea for pretty much all that ails you, enthusiasts would have you believe.
Swapping stories from the day’s skiing / golf / cycling with your buddies while soothing your aching limbs is almost as enjoyable as the activity you just came from.
Like pizza, pretty much any onsen is great, but where are the best onsen in Niseko, you ask?
It depends what you’re looking for from an onsen, but this list is a great place to start.
Best All-rounder – 綺羅乃湯 – Kiranoyu Onsen (Niseko Town)
© 綺羅乃湯 キラッと ニセコ 子
Previously an off the tourist track spot known only to locals, the secret is out, and Kiranoyu is bustling every winter.
Situated next to Niseko Town train station, it is easily accessed from Annupuri, Niseko Village or on the way back from Rusutsu.
A large capacity onsen with indoor & outdoor baths, saunas, a hinoki bath in one side, a jacuzzi in the other, and a large relaxation room, there’s something for everyone here.
Pro tips
- Men & women switch sides on odd & even numbered days, so you can try both sides if you go back again.
- It gets very busy at peak periods (weekends and towards the end of the ski day) so be prepared to cosy up to your fellow bathers
- The on-site bakery has some fantastic treats.
Best for getting everyone together – ニセコグランドホテル – Niseko Grand Hotel
© Niseko Grand Hotel
The vast majority of onsen are gender-split. Given the amount of full frontal nudity involved, that makes perfect sense.
If you’re in a mixed group though and want to bath together, Niseko Grand Hotel is the way to go.
The onsen features a couple of gender split indoor baths, and a large, beautiful outdoor pool that is shared by all.
Men can rent a pair of onsen shorts, and ladies a functional (unflattering) dress so that all can comfortably enjoy the outdoor onsen together.
Pro tips
- The outdoor pool is a couple of degrees cooler than most in the area, so you can sit and marinade for a really good long time.
- The outdoor pool is a quite beautiful and tranquil natural setting, so this onsen is worth a visit – whether or not mixed gender bathing is what you’re looking for.
- Not everyone chooses to wear the onsen garments in the shared bath! Don’t be surprised if you see the odd exhibitionist out there.
Best for getting off the beaten path – ニセコ五色温泉旅館 – Goshiki Onsen
© ニセコ五色温泉旅館
Located around the back side of Mt. Annupuri, this onsen is effectively on the dark side of the moon for the average Niseko tourist.
A roughly 45 minute drive from Hirafu in the winter, you have to really want to go here specifically or combine it with a longer trip, taking in Annupuri & Moiwa en route.
It is gorgeous, authentic onsen though, filled with onsen water tapped direct from the source. For lack of a better word, it’s a proper onsen.
Pro tips
- Ski tourers take note! Lift accessed backcountry skiing down the back side of Mt. Annupuri. combined with an onsen here is a classic day out, for those who aren’t afraid of a bit of a hike.
- It’s bloody hot. Seriously. Inexperienced onsenners (onsenistas?) may want to dip their toes in elsewhere.
Best Onsen with that Mt. Yotei view – Hilton Niseko Village
©Hilton Niseko Village
A large capacity onsen with indoor & outdoor baths next to a tranquil koi pond.
On a clear day, there are few onsen that offer such a beautifully framed view of Mt. Yotei.
Pro tips
- The view is the best thing about this onsen. If the clouds are sitting low on Yotei (fairly common in winter), there are better options available.
- Thanks to its location at the base on the Niseko Village Gondola, it’s a great option for a quick lunchtime onsen during a ski day, if that’s your thing.
Honourable Mentions
Niseko Iroha Onsen – Great indoor & outdoor onsen with a variety of baths, near the gondola in Annupuri
Yugokorotei Onsen – At the base of Annupuri resort. Slightly more rustic than most, but one of the most “authentic” Japanese style onsen in the area
Hope you enjoyed this list, and note that it is by no means exhaustive – there are many more to discover.
Happy soaking!
