Shikotsuko Daiichi Hotel Suizantei 支笏湖第一寶亭留 翠山亭 支笏湖第一寶亭留翠山亭

Lake Shikotsu Daiichi Hotel Suizantei is a Japanese-style inn located in the Shikotsu Onsen area within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Designed as a “retreat for adults,” it sits along the shores of Lake Shikotsu, Japan’s northernmost ice-free lake, surrounded by untouched forest. The property features a refined traditional exterior with a copper-roofed design, and its interiors use natural wood tones to create a calm, understated atmosphere.

With just around 26–29 rooms, the inn maintains an intimate scale. Room types include Japanese-style rooms, Japanese-Western rooms, Western rooms, and premium suites with private open-air garden baths or hinoki tubs, all arranged with privacy and relaxation in mind. Many rooms combine tatami seating areas with beds, naturally separating lounge and sleep spaces. Rooms with private open-air baths feature small garden spaces, allowing guests to enjoy the hot spring atmosphere at any time. Children under 13 are not accommodated, ensuring a quiet, adult-oriented environment ideal for couples and relaxed getaways.

The hotel’s hot spring is a sodium–bicarbonate spring sourced from Shikotsu Onsen, known for its soft texture and skin-smoothing qualities—often called “bijin no yu,” or “beauty hot spring.” The large communal baths include indoor and outdoor tubs, rock baths, reclining baths, and a sauna, all designed so guests can soak while taking in the natural scenery. A private open-air bath is also available by reservation for couples or families seeking exclusive use. The mildly alkaline water is said to leave the skin feeling moisturized, making long, leisurely soaks especially enjoyable.

Meals center on seasonal kaiseki cuisine highlighting local ingredients from Hokkaido. Dinner typically features a balanced course of simmered dishes, grilled items, tempura, and small plates, using seafood from nearby waters, seasonal vegetables, and—depending on the time of year—Shiraoi wagyu beef or local river fish such as himemasu (kokanee). Breakfast is Japanese-style, with grilled fish, dashimaki eggs, small side dishes, freshly cooked rice, and miso soup. Rather than elaborate presentations, the inn emphasizes carefully prepared dishes served in a calm, traditional setting.

Facilities include a coffee lounge near the lobby, a small gift shop, and a second-floor terrace lounge. Guests can enjoy a welcome drink on arrival or relax with coffee after a bath. The shop offers original items from the Daiichi Takimotokan group, regional confections, and local goods from the Lake Shikotsu area — convenient for finding thoughtful souvenirs. While the property has some aging elements, it maintains a warm, classic ryokan atmosphere supported by attentive upkeep and service.

Access is convenient from Chitose and Sapporo. The inn is about 40–50 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport and roughly one hour from central Sapporo via Route 453. A free shuttle bus for staying guests operates daily from JR Chitose Station (advance reservation required, departing at 14:00), with a return shuttle at 11:00 the following day. Public buses are also available from the airport or Chitose Station to the “Shikotsuko” stop, from which the inn is a short two-minute walk. Guests arriving by car can use the 25-space free parking lot without reservations.

The surrounding area offers lakeside walking paths, scenic viewpoints, sightseeing cruises, canoeing, and clear kayak experiences. The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons—spring blossoms, fresh summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenes. During winter, the Shikotsu Ice Festival draws visitors with illuminated ice sculptures. Since the inn prioritizes a quiet “adult retreat” atmosphere, most guests spend the day strolling lightly around the lake, then enjoy the hot spring, dinner, and a slow-paced evening in their room rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.

Overall, Lake Shikotsu Daiichi Hotel Suizantei is well-suited for guests who value traditional Japanese ambiance, a quiet child-free environment, and unhurried time with hot springs and seasonal kaiseki cuisine. While modest in scale and intentionally understated, it offers spacious rooms, soothing hot springs, well-crafted meals, and the serene natural setting of Lake Shikotsu — making it an appealing choice for couples, special occasions, or relaxing mid-journey stays during a Hokkaido trip.