Kuriyasuizan 厨翠山 廚翠山旅館

Kuriyasuizan (厨翠山) is an intimate ryokan-style retreat in Jozankei Onsen, a hot spring region just outside Sapporo. With only about 14 guest rooms, it is a small, adults-oriented property built around the concept of “a ryokan for food lovers.” Located in the quiet Nishi 3-chome area along the Toyohira River, it sits roughly 60 minutes by car or shuttle from central Sapporo and about two hours from New Chitose Airport via the expressway. As part of the Daiichi Takimotokan Group, the inn intentionally limits its room count to focus on culinary quality and a slow, personalized stay.

The word “厨 (kuriya)” refers to a kitchen or the craft of cooking, and true to its name, Kuriyasuizan is a chef-centric inn. The first-floor restaurant, also called “Kuriya,” features an open kitchen with minimal partitions, allowing guests to enjoy the sounds and aromas of dishes being prepared right in front of them. Each evening, a single prix-fixe course menu is created based on the ingredients delivered that day—seasonal produce from across Hokkaido, pure spring water, carefully selected salts, and other thoughtfully sourced elements. The cuisine deliberately avoids strict genre boundaries, presenting a seamless blend of influences rather than categorizing dishes as Japanese, Western, or Chinese. Dinner begins at a unified start time so all dishes can be served at their optimal moment.

The inn offers around 14 rooms, ranging from Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western rooms to special detached suites. The design is simple and understated, avoiding ornate decoration. Windows open onto views of Jozankei’s mountains, valleys, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes, creating a natural backdrop that changes with the seasons. Some rooms feature private hot spring baths, including detached first-floor suites with open-air baths and second-floor suites with cedarwood indoor tubs. The largest units measure around 120 square meters and can accommodate up to six guests, making them suitable for families or small groups. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, TV, refrigerator, individual climate control, washlet toilets, yukata robes, towels, and other essentials—modern convenience blended with a calm, ryokan-like atmosphere.

The hot springs feature Jozankei’s signature sodium-chloride onsen water, available in both the indoor bath and the outdoor bath. The baths are surrounded by forest, creating a peaceful setting for soaking, and a small stream flowing just below the open-air bath adds to the ambiance with the sound of running water. The onsen is known for its excellent heat retention, making it especially comforting when you feel cold or fatigued. A spa and esthetic menu is also available onsite, allowing guests to combine bathing with body treatments for a restorative stay.

The restaurant “Kuriya” includes 20 counter seats and several table seats. At the counter, guests can watch the chefs prepare each course as it is served. There is usually only one course menu each evening, assembled according to the day’s deliveries—from appetizers to seafood, meat dishes, rice, and dessert, all highlighting seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido. A sake pairing option is also available, featuring local Hokkaido sake selected to complement the progression of dishes.

Public spaces include a lounge, lobby area, and a small bar corner—comfortable places to relax before or after meals or after soaking in the baths. On certain days, light snacks and drinks are offered in the lounge as complimentary refreshments, creating a relaxed environment where guests can chat or unwind between activities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and the inn provides shuttle service and parking, making access easy whether arriving by car or public transportation.

The official address is “Jozankei Onsen Nishi 3-4, Minami-ku, Sapporo.” A free, reservation-required shuttle runs from around JR Sapporo Station, taking roughly 60 minutes. Visitors can also reach the inn via bus from Makomanai Station. Situated slightly away from the busiest part of the onsen town, the ryokan offers a peaceful environment with walking paths and footbaths nearby. Rather than a large-scale resort, Kuriyasuizan is best suited for travelers—couples, friends, or adults on a quiet retreat—who want to savor exceptional cuisine and enjoy a slow-paced stay in a small, culinary-focused hot spring inn.