OTARU KOURAKUEN -Article(5)-

As you will see when you visit Otaru Kourakuen, it has a very relaxing atmosphere that does not make you feel like you are on a high place. The reason for this must be that each and every one of the staff thinks about how to make the customers' stay enjoyable, rather than just providing manual service.
The third president, Yukihiro Yoneyama, and all the staff work together as a team to fulfill their roles, which is probably one of the reasons for the good teamwork.

Lounge in front of the reception

Lounge in front of the reception

We thought again about the secret of attracting so many customers in Otaru, Hokkaido, where the climate is harsh.
Japanese gardens that take advantage of the vast grounds, private baths that are large and open, cuisine that makes the most of Hokkaido's seasonal ingredients...these are just a few of the elements that make the inn such a big seller.
Although located in the cool climate of the northern part of Japan, the inn seems to be running straight on the high road of traditional Japanese ryokan.

Waterwheel near the restaurant Saryo Kanon

Waterwheel near the restaurant "Saryo Kanon"

When looking at the room rates, it is also notable that the rooms can be selected according to budget, and are also set up to provide a sense of value.
The impression of this inn also changes depending on the choice of guest rooms.
The 28 rooms with open-air baths are also divided into different types.
The views of the garden from these baths have gained a reputation and are so popular that reservations are hard to come by.
The baths, which are unique to this inn, are sure to bring you a luxurious and healing experience while enjoying the Japanese garden and the clean air typical of Hokkaido. It is also a good choice for an anniversary trip with your loved ones.

Special room Kiri with open-air bath

Special room "Kiri" with open-air bath

In addition, general guest rooms are available for the upper 20,000 yen per person.
Even if you were unable to make a reservation for a guest room with an open-air bath due to your schedule or budget, there is now a private bath that boasts a large bathtub.

Otaru Kourakuen in the evening

"Otaru Kourakuen" in the evening

Otaru Kourakuen at night

"Otaru Kourakuen" at night

When checking the quality of inns, there are certain indicators. One of them is how much it is supported and loved not by tourists but by locals.
When we visited the inn a few days before its reopening on April 9, 2016, it was just holding a preview for people to see the newly renovated inn.
Despite it being a weekday, many people came throughout the day to see the reborn "Otaru Kourakuen".
Everyone seemed to be enjoying and delighting in its new beginnings.
When we saw this scene, we were convinced that this inn would definitely thrive again.
A TV station from Sapporo was also there to cover the event.
Other stations were broadcasting live on the day of the opening.

Emblem of Otaru Kourakuen created at the time of its reopening in 2016

Emblem of Otaru Kourakuen created at the time of its reopening in 2016

If the Otaru Kourakuen were to be summed up in one word, it would be "honest" inn. It is a relief to know that such a straightforward inn still exists.
That may be sensed by most of the guests.
Its founder, Mr. Seisaku Yoneyama, cultivated the land where nothing existed, one by one, built buildings, dug hot springs, and always thought sincerely about how to bring guests to the inn and what to do to make them happy.
Furthermore, he never forgot his gratitude for being able to work in this land.
This spirit seems to have been carried over to this inn.
We are sure that he is still gently watching over his descendants in heaven to see how they will develop "Otaru Kourakuen" in the future.

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OTARU KOURAKUEN Travel Journal


Articles
Articles

Otaru City is relatively mild climate in Hokkaido. However, when compared to the climate of Tokyo, it is Hokkaido. In image, the impression is that there is a difference of almost one month each. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom from late April to early May. In August, after the Obon season, it gets cold all at once, especially at night. Otaru Kourakuen is located in Otaru Asarigawa Onsen, a 10-minute drive from the city center of Otaru. Moreover, it is blessed with a location just a minute or two from the Asari Interchange on the expressway that connects to Sapporo......

Private & Open-air Bath Reports
Private & Open-air Bath Reports

The private bath "Kokage-no-Ideyu" was newly built on July 21, 2007. The large windows create the semi-open-air bath atmosphere. The bath is located on the second floor and offers a view of the Japanese garden, the pride of the inn......

Facilities & Hot Spring Reports
Facilities & Hot Spring Reports

Otaru Asarigawa Onsen is located about 15 minutes by car in the southeast direction from the center of Otaru, one of Hokkaido's leading tourist cities. Although it is called a hot spring area, there are no more than 10 lodging facilities......

Guest Room Reports
Guest Room Reports

"Otaru Kourakuen" has 35 guest rooms on its vast grounds. Surrounded by a Japanese garden with many kinds of trees and plants, the inn has a unique appearance of being in the great nature that is typical of Hokkaido......

Cuisine Reports
Cuisine Reports

In July 2009, the restaurant Saryo Kanon was opened. Dinner at Otaru Kourakuen is basically served in a room for up to three people, except for guests using a Western-style room......

Extra Reports
Extra Reports

After the renovation of Kourakuen, a new "Select Store by the Landlady" was opened. The store, built in front of the main entrance of the main building, features works by local Otaru artists as well as special items that are also used at the inn......

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Keywords for this ryokan
Japanese garden spread over an area of 8,000 tsubo (approx. 6.5 Acres)
Various types of 28 guest rooms with open-air baths
Cuisine that offers the best of Hokkaido's seasonal ingredients
Esthetic course using Chinese herbal oil
Easy access to Otaru Canal and Yoichi Distillery

OTARU KOURAKUEN Basic Information

Accommodation Information

Check-In 3:00 p.m.
Check-Out 11:00 a.m.
Card usage Allowed
Room Views Garden
In-room Meal Dinner is basically served in the room for up to 3 persons except for guests using Western-style rooms.
Breakfast is served in the restaurant.
Dinner Japanese Kaiseki (partly in combination with French cuisine)
Breakfast Japanese-style meal

Room Rates ※Rates are for 1 person when 2 people stay in 1 room (tax not included)

Official website's online reservation benefits The most economical rates are available for reservations through official website.
3% discount for reservations made from the Official Website
Special Packages A special package for a reason♪ etc. Check theOfficial Website for details★
Western-style room (twin) (Max. 2 persons) From 26,400 yen ※Room "Icho" (2F) ※Twin bed room + Restroom
Japanese-style room (Max. 2-5 persons) From 33,000 yen ※Five rooms: "Kikyo", "Tsubaki", "Kashi", "Suzuran", and "Suisen" (all on 2F) ※10 tatami mats Japanese-style room + Veranda + Restroom
Japanese/Western style room with open-air bath (Max. 2-4 persons) From 44,500 yen ※Three rooms: "Karin", "Shirakaba", and "Hagi" (all on 1F) ※6 tatami mats Japanese-style room (dining table) + Twin bed room + Wooden room + Open-air bath + Shower room + Restroom
Barrier-free room with open-air bath (Max. 2-4 persons) From 44,500 yen ※Two rooms: "Momiji" and "Keyaki" (both on 1F) ※6 tatami mats Japanese-style room (dining table) + Twin bed room + Wooden room + Open-air bath + Shower room + Restroom
Japanese-style room with open-air bath (Max. 2-4 persons) From 44,500 yen ※11 rooms in total: "Kaede", "Katsura", "Ayame", "Sumire", "Fuji", "Kiku", "Yanagi", "Popura", "Take" (1F), "Nire", "Kobushi" (2F) ※10 tatami mats Japanese-style room + Indoor veranda + Open-air bath + Shower room + Restroom
Maisonette room with open-air bath (Max. 2-4 persons) From 44,500 yen ※Eight rooms: "Ume", "Matsu", "Hinoki", "Hiba", "Aoi", "Akashiya", "Sugi", and "Tsutsuji" (all on 2F) ※10 tatami mats Japanese-style room + Indoor veranda + After-bath living room + Open-air bath + Shower room + Restroom
Room with open-air bath and second room (Max. 2-6 persons) From 46,750 yen ※Two rooms: "Hamanasu" and "Tsukimisou" (both on 2F) ※10 tatami mats Japanese-style room + 9 Ryukyu tatami mats second room + Wooden floor + Veranda + Open-air bath + Shower room + Restroom
Special room with open-air bath (Max. 2-6 persons) From 50,050 yen ※Two rooms: "Tamo" and "Kiri" (both on 2F) ※10-12 tatami mats Japanese-style room + Twin bed room + Wooden floor + Veranda + Open-air bath + Shower room + Restroom

Facility Information

Establishment / Reconstruction Established: 1957 / Reconstructed: 1992 / Renovated: 2010
Partially new constructed: 2016
Number of Rooms All 34 rooms / Guest room with open-air bath: 28 rooms (25 Japanese style rooms and 3 Japanese/Western style rooms)
General guest rooms: 6 rooms (Japanese-style 5 rooms, Western-style 1 room)
Number of People Accommodated 160 persons
Private bath ・Private bath ×1 ・Open-air baths in room ×28
Bath Information Guest room open-air baths, Open-air baths, Public baths for men and women, Private bath "Kokage-no-Ideyu"
Parking Area 30 cars
Pets Not allowed
Barrier Free Two rooms: "Momiji" and "Keyaki"
Esthetics / Massages Face esthetics: From 6,000 yen (tax not included) ※Not available for men only
Internet Wi-Fi available on all floors
DVD Available
TV Channels NHK: 2 stations, Private Broadcasting: 5 stations
Facilities Lounge, Tea room, Esthetic salon, Smoking room, Banquet hall, Finnish sauna, Kanon cafe
Vending Machine Beer and juice
Sales shop Available

Private bath Information

For overnight stay Private bath "Kokage-no-Ideyu" : 2,000 yen (tax not included) / 45 min.
Usage hours ①3:30-4:15 p.m.
②4:45-5:30 p.m.
③6:00-6:45 p.m.
④8:00-8:45 p.m.
⑤9:15-10:00 p.m.
⑥10:30-11:15 p.m.
⑦7:30-8:15 a.m. (next morning)
⑧8:45-9:30 a.m.
⑨10:00-10:45 a.m. ※Limited to 9 groups
How to reserve Reserve at check-in

Private Day Trip Hot Spring Information

Charges Private bath "Kokage-no-Ideyu" : 2,000 yen (tax not included) / 45 min. ※Additional bathing fee: Adult 800 yen, Child 400 yen (tax included)
Usage hours ①12:00(noon)-12:45 p.m. ②1:15-2:00 p.m. ※Limited to 2 groups per day
Others

Bath Facility Information

Private bath "Kokage-no-Ideyu" ※If a window is opened, it is a half-open-air bath. There is a lounge.
View of private bath Garden
Other baths Public open-air baths for men and women / Sauna

Room Information (Amenities)

Refrigerator System Report only what you use (with space for drinks you bring in)
Freezer No
Drinks in the refrigerator Beer, juice

Other Service / Rental Information / Extra Information

Wheelchair Wheelchair-accessible guest rooms / Entrance slope / Stairway and passageway handrails / Free wheelchairs for rent
Child
Foreign Languages English / Chinese

Extra Information

Recommended Souvenirs
Nearby Convenience Store 1 min. walk (Seicomart)
Cellular Antennas ◎docomo ◎au ◎softbank

Amenities

Yukata Bath towels
Towels Soap
Body wash Shampoo
Conditioner Rinse in shampoo ×
Shower cap Toothbrush
Hair dryer Brush
Comb Razor blade
Cotton bud Toilet with washer

OTARU KOURAKUEN Hot spring Information

Spring quality Weak Alkaline Simple Hot Springs (Hypotonic, Weak Alkaline, Low-temperature springs)
Hydrogen ion pH 8.4
Total dissolved substances (excluding gases) 404mg / kg
Temperature of the source 27.4℃
Gushing of the source Private source of power pumping hot water (pumped from 500 m underground)
Output rate 60ℓ / per min.
Add water / Circulation Filtration Some yes
※45 minutes of the one-hour period is circulation only, but for 15 minutes, new hot spring water is poured into the bathtub at the same time (combined use of source and circulation/filtration) ※Basically, it is 100% spring water from the source without addition of water, but a few percent of the spring water on the premises is used when changing the hot water
Water heating Yes (Details: Heating circulation)
Sterilization of bath Yes (Details: Chlorine sterilization during cleaning)
Replacement of hot water in bathtub Once a week
Bath Additive No using
Indications by Spring Quality (Revised on July 1, 2014) Autonomic instability, Insomnia, Depression
General Indications for Bathing (Revised on July 1, 2014) Chronic pain or stiffness of muscles or joints (chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains, etc.), muscle stiffness in motor paralysis, excessive sensitivity to cold, peripheral nerve disorder, decline of gastrointestinal function (slow digestion, intestinal gas formation, etc.), mild high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), mild hypercholesterolemia, mild asthma or emphysema, hemorrhoid pain, autonomic instability, various symptoms from stress (sleep disorders, depression, etc.),convalescence stage of illness, recovery from fatigue, promotion of health.
Color of water Almost clear and colorless
For drinking Cannot
Indications for drinking
Smell / Taste Tasteless and odorless
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OTARU KOURAKUEN Access & Nearby Information

Access

By train ●From JR New Chitose Airport Station
Take the rapid airport train bound for Otaru (approx. 80 min.) →JR Otaru Chikko Station Approx. 10 min. by cab after train.
●From JR Sapporo Station
Take the rapid train bound for Otaru (approx. 30 min.) →JR Otaru Chikko Station Approx. 10 min. by cab after train.
Shuttle bus None
By car Approximately 60 minutes from New Chitose Airport (from Chitose IC to Asazato IC on the Hokkaido Expressway)
Approximately 40 minutes from Sapporo (to Asazato IC on the Hokkaido Expressway)
Approximately 1 minute from the Asazato IC of the Sapporo Expressway

Nearby Information

Nearby Sightseeing Spots Otaru Canal
Recreation (tourist farms, parks, etc.) Tourist farms around the city, Otaru Aquarium
Sports Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Sapporo Golf Club, Otaru Country Club
Staff messages Messages from President Yoneyama: Customers often tell us that they are surprised to discover such a green ryokan just outside the city center of Otaru.
Please enjoy and relax while listening to the sound of birds playing in the garden and the sound of the waterfall.

Publication ・ Update information

Publication Date May 2016
Information Updated June 2024

※When making a reservation, please mention that you saw "kashikiri-onsen.com"

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Comments from guests who stayed at this inn
30's Female, Ms. S

Living in Sapporo

This was my fifth time staying at this inn and the last time was a year and a half, still the same warm hospitality and relaxed family time. The food was very satisfying. The bath was wonderful and we would like to come back again on another visit.

Room "Aoi" where guests stayed

30's Female, Ms. A

Living in Tokyo

We invited our parents to celebrate our one year old son. We will never forget the way the staff took care of our one year old son. Thank you very much for your hospitality. We would like to stay here again.

Room "Kashi" where guests stayed

40's Female, Ms. B

Living in Hakodate

The food was very good. The interior of the Japanese ryokan was very nice. The person who guided us to the room was lovely and made a good impression.

Room "Icho" where guests stayed

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Article creator of this ryokan

CEO of Onsen.com Co.,Ltd.

For more than 30 years, he has been visiting hot spring ryokans all over Japan, persuading innkeepers of the need for "private baths". He is still a traveler who spends half of the year at a hot spring. In addition to being a article creater, photographer, and drone pilot, he also designs websites and provides consulting services.