Shiraito 定山渓温泉 悠久の宿 白糸 悠久之宿白系旅館

Yukyu-no-Yado Shiraito is a small Japanese-style ryokan located near the entrance of Jozankei Onsen, about 50 minutes by car from central Sapporo. With fewer than ten guest rooms, it offers a quiet, intimate atmosphere that contrasts with the area’s larger, busier hotels. True to its reputation as a “small, warm-hearted inn,” the entire property has a homelike, unpretentious feel. Set in Jozankei Onsen Higashi 2-chome, it is also within walking distance of the town center, making it a convenient base for strolling along the valley or visiting local footbaths.

Access is straightforward: from JR Sapporo Station, take the bus bound for Jozankei Onsen and get off at the “Shiraito-no-Taki” stop, from which the inn is a short walk. The trip takes about 70 minutes. By car, it’s roughly 40 minutes south from central Sapporo via Route 230, or around two hours from New Chitose Airport via expressway. Because the inn is located near the gateway to the hot spring town, first-time visitors to Jozankei will find it easy to identify and reach.

The inn’s biggest appeal is its hot spring facilities. A large public bath, open-air bath, and a private family bath (reservable) all feature pure, free-flowing spring water. The sodium chloride spring is said to help with muscle fatigue, recovery, and overall wellness. Hot water at 60–80°C is stored in a tank and fed directly into the baths in a non-circulated, non-filtered “gensen-hōryū” style. Both the indoor and outdoor baths are generally available to staying guests 24 hours a day, allowing you to bathe whenever you wish—an especially welcome feature for onsen enthusiasts.

The open-air baths for men and women are almost identical in layout, offering wooden tubs where you can soak while taking in views of Jozankei’s mountains and sky. The indoor baths also use wooden tubs, creating a simple, comforting setting where guests can sit on the edge and relax. Showers are available, allowing you to wash thoroughly before soaking. The facilities are modest in scale, but many guests appreciate the peaceful environment and the freshness of the water, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet, traditional bath over a large resort-style spa.

Guest rooms consist mainly of Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western hybrids, including options with tatami flooring and low beds. Some rooms are designed with minimal steps, making them comfortable for families with small children or guests who prefer barrier-free layouts. Each room includes a TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, washlet toilet, and other basics. The entire property is non-smoking. With only seven to nine rooms depending on how booking sites list them, the inn rarely feels crowded, ensuring a restful stay.

Meals are served in private or semi-private dining rooms. Dinner features a seasonal Japanese kaiseki-style meal, including dishes such as appetizers, sashimi, hot pot, and tempura. Many plans also include the inn’s signature “Sankai-yaki” platter—a generous mix of river fish, snow crab, spare ribs, and seasonal vegetables, grilled at your table. For anniversaries or special occasions, upgraded courses and special plans are sometimes offered, making the ryokan well-suited to guests who want to enjoy unhurried, thoughtfully prepared cuisine in a small, intimate setting.

Breakfast is a Japanese set meal served in a calm dining space, typically including rice, miso soup, grilled fish, small side dishes, and a hot spring egg. While it is not a large buffet, guests appreciate the gentle flavors and relaxed pace. With dining areas located close to the guest rooms, movement around the inn is easy—an appealing point for older guests as well.

Facilities include the public baths, open-air baths, private bath, banquet room, small shop, and vending machines, with Wi-Fi available throughout. Décor in the lobby and hallways is simple and clean, favoring warmth over extravagance. Staffing is modest, but reviews often highlight the friendly, home-style service that suits the inn’s small scale. Being entirely non-smoking, the property is also comfortable for guests sensitive to tobacco odors.

For those arriving by car, about twenty free parking spaces are available on-site, with no reservation required. Because the inn is set slightly back from the main street, evenings are quiet and vehicle traffic is minimal. It is also convenient for those planning to explore nearby attractions by car—such as central Sapporo, Otaru, Jozankei Dam, and Hoheikyo Dam—before returning to the inn for a peaceful night soak.

Overall, Yukyu-no-Yado Shiraito is ideal for travelers who value “quiet, free-flowing hot springs and thoughtful Japanese meals” over large-scale facilities or entertainment. Its compact size makes it easy to settle into your own rhythm, enjoying onsen and meals at a relaxed pace. For couples, small families, or anyone planning a special occasion or a short restorative getaway near Sapporo, this intimate ryokan is a fitting choice.