Shika-no-Yu 定山渓温泉 ホテル鹿の湯 鹿之湯酒店

Hotel Shikanoyu is a long-established ryokan located near the center of Jozankei Onsen, Sapporo’s historic hot spring retreat. With a history of more than 100 years, it is known as one of the area’s signature large-scale ryokan. The property sits along the valley of the Toyohira River, surrounded by greenery and mountain scenery, and features a traditional Japanese-style exterior. Its address is Jozankei Onsen Nishi 3-chome 32, within easy walking distance of footbaths, souvenir shops, and local walking paths in the heart of the hot spring town.

Access is convenient: from central Sapporo, the drive takes roughly 50–60 minutes via Route 230 (Ishiyama-dōri). From New Chitose Airport, the journey is about 90–120 minutes using expressways. Public transportation is also practical, with direct buses to Jozankei Onsen departing from JR Sapporo Station and Makomanai Station. The hotel additionally operates a free reservation-only shuttle bus (“Shikanoyu-gō”) from Sapporo Station North Exit, which is especially helpful for travelers carrying luggage.

Guest rooms are primarily Japanese-style, with Japanese-Western rooms, larger rooms, and valley-view rooms also available. Standard Japanese rooms accommodate around three guests, while more spacious layouts suit families and three-generation trips. All rooms include essentials such as a TV, refrigerator, safe, electric kettle, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms facing the river offer serene views of the Toyohira River and surrounding mountains, creating a peaceful backdrop throughout the seasons.

The hotel’s signature attraction is its expansive hot-spring bath area, “Shikanoyu,” located on the second basement floor. Its chloride spring has been flowing naturally since Jozankei’s early days, offering clear, slightly salty water with a gentle touch that warms the body deeply—often described as a “heat-retaining spring.” Multiple baths at different temperatures allow guests to soak at their preferred warmth, and themed bathing experiences such as “Hotoke-no-Yu” and “Kizu-no-Yu” add a unique touch.

The outdoor baths face the river, allowing guests to enjoy the sound of flowing water and seasonal landscapes while soaking. In the evening, the riverside is illuminated, creating a softly atmospheric setting. The indoor area includes wash stations and a rest space, making it easy to unwind at a comfortable pace. The sodium chloride spring is said to help with fatigue, cold sensitivity, and muscle tension. The hotel also welcomes day visitors, making it a popular choice for those who want to prioritize hot spring time.

In recent years, the property has invested in sauna facilities, most notably the stadium-style sauna “Shika no Jō.” It features a powerful iki stove loaded with 600 kg of sauna stones and an automatic löyly system that produces dynamic bursts of steam. The cold baths use fresh mountain stream water from the Toyohira River basin, with multiple temperature options nicknamed “Iyashi-mizu” and “Shibire-mizu.” Guests can enjoy a full hot–cold cycle, followed by outdoor cooling while listening to the river—an experience highly praised by sauna enthusiasts.

Meals center on seasonal Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Dinner typically includes appetizers, sashimi, simmered dishes, grilled items, and tempura, highlighting seafood, vegetables, and meats from Jozankei and the greater Hokkaido region. Breakfast varies by season and plan, sometimes offered as a Japanese-Western buffet and sometimes as a set meal, but generally includes rice, miso soup, grilled fish, egg dishes, and various sides. A full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages—including local sake and Hokkaido wines—is available at dinner.

Hotel facilities include a lobby lounge, shop, game corner, banquet halls, bar/Karaoke area, and relaxation spaces, making the property suitable for group trips and larger gatherings. The lobby area offers free Wi-Fi and seating for guests waiting before check-in or after check-out. The gift shop carries regional specialties, snacks, and drinks, making it convenient for last-minute souvenir shopping. Overall, the hotel retains the charm of a traditional hot spring ryokan while gradually updating its facilities to meet modern needs.

Parking is available at the hotel entrance and in nearby dedicated lots. During busy periods, staff may valet-park cars at nearby spaces; guests simply hand over their keys at check-in. This setup makes the hotel easy to use for those arriving by rental car or planning a scenic drive through local attractions such as Hoheikyo Dam, Jozankei Dam, or the surrounding mountain routes.

In summary, Hotel Shikanoyu blends a historic natural hot spring, a full-scale sauna experience, and a wide range of facilities into one large ryokan. Its Japanese-style rooms and versatile amenities cater to families, groups, couples, and multi-generational travelers alike. With good access from Sapporo and the availability of a free shuttle, it is also approachable for visitors without a car. For those seeking a stay in Jozankei that emphasizes both hot springs and sauna culture—while still enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere of a classic onsen town—Shikanoyu is a strong candidate.