Onsen Ryokan Yuen Sapporo ONSEN RYOKAN 由縁 札幌 溫泉旅館 由緣 札幌

ONSEN RYOKAN YUYUEN Sapporo is a hot spring ryokan–style hotel located in Kita 1-jo Nishi 7-chome in central Sapporo. Opened in 2020, it features 182 guestrooms and sits directly across from the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden. The surrounding area is a calm mix of greenery and office buildings, allowing guests to enjoy the changing seasonal scenery while still being in the heart of the city.

The nearest station is Odori Subway Station, about an eight-minute walk from Exit 1. JR Sapporo Station and Sapporo Subway Station are approximately 13 minutes on foot, and the hotel is also walkable from Exit 8 of the underground walkway. Nishi 11-chome Station is about a 10-minute walk away, giving the property convenient access from multiple points across central Sapporo. From New Chitose Airport, visitors can reach Sapporo Station via the JR Rapid Airport Line in about 40 minutes, then either walk or take an airport limousine bus to nearby stops such as “Dōchō Seimon-mae.”

The interior design concept is “Northern Journey Lodge,” using natural materials such as Hokkaido-grown oak and Sapporo soft stone, historically used in buildings around Sapporo and Otaru. The décor blends traditional ryokan sensibilities with a contemporary aesthetic. Soft, subdued lighting, along with views of the botanical garden and the courtyard, creates a calm atmosphere where guests can relax despite being in the city center.

Guestrooms include a wide range of options: Double, High-Floor Double, Hollywood Twin, High-Floor Twin, Corner Double, Corner Twin, Universal Twin, Maisonette Double, Family Suite, and Garden Suite. Room sizes vary from approximately 20㎡ for doubles to around 39㎡ for suites. While most rooms are designed for two guests, some twin, maisonette, and suite types can accommodate three to four people. High-floor and corner rooms offer views of the botanical garden or the surrounding cityscape.

Interiors emphasize natural wood textures, with some rooms featuring low beds, low chairs, and small tatami areas that allow guests to sit comfortably either at a table or on the floor. Most room types have a shower booth only, while suites include a bathroom with a bathtub. All rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, mineral water, tea, Japanese sweets, yukata robes, tabi socks, and geta sandals. Amenities include shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothbrushes, razors, hairbrushes, and towels.

The highlight of the property is its large hot spring bath. The outdoor bath uses natural spring water transported from Karurusu Onsen in Noboribetsu, allowing guests to enjoy a genuine onsen experience in central Sapporo. The indoor baths are designed using Sapporo soft stone for a soothing, understated look. The men’s bath features a dimly lit “komori-yu,” while the women’s bath offers a semi-open-air tub and a waterfall-style bath. Both sides include a sauna and cold bath, and guests can unwind while viewing the courtyard garden. Hours are split between morning and evening, and the facilities are exclusively for staying guests.

The spring water is a simple onsen type, known for being gentle and suitable for all ages. It is said to help with neuralgia, muscle pain, rheumatism, sensitivity to cold, and fatigue recovery. Seasonal themed baths are sometimes offered during holidays or special periods, allowing guests to enjoy different styles of bathing depending on the time of year.

Meals are served at the hotel restaurant “Natsushita Tōjō Sapporo.” Breakfast is a Japanese set meal featuring Hokkaido rice, miso soup, small dishes, and signature items such as a hokke (Atka mackerel) hitsumabushi-style dish, along with sashimi and other seasonal Hokkaido ingredients. Instead of a buffet, guests can enjoy each dish individually, making it ideal for those who prefer a quality-focused, thoughtfully prepared breakfast. In the evening, the restaurant operates in an izakaya style, offering seafood, Hokkaido beef, charcoal-grilled dishes, small plates, and local sake.

The hotel offers a lounge space next to the front desk, self-service laundry machines, and vending machines, making it suitable for longer stays. Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m., and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. The property is entirely non-smoking, and pets are not permitted. Families with small children will appreciate that co-sleeping for children aged five and under is free, with a limit of one child in double rooms and two children in twin and suite rooms.

The hotel has a guest-only multi-story parking structure on the west side (along Nishi 8-chome Street), with space for around 20 vehicles. Height, width, length, and weight limits apply, and only standard-size cars are accepted. Parking is first-come, first-served after 3:00 p.m., and if full, guests are directed to nearby coin-operated parking lots. The official website provides a downloadable map of nearby parking options, which is helpful for those arriving by car. As parking fees may change, guests are encouraged to check the latest details on the official website or posted notices.

Overall, ONSEN RYOKAN YUYUEN Sapporo is an excellent choice for travelers seeking “a true hot spring and ryokan-like atmosphere in central Sapporo.” Although it requires a bit of walking from the stations, the surrounding environment is peaceful, making it suitable for business travelers wanting to unwind after a long day, leisure travelers exploring Sapporo, and guests looking for a relaxing stay for special occasions.