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Hokkaido’s great outdoors and saunas are a perfect match.

2025.06.27

The Perfect Match Between Hokkaido's Great Outdoors and Saunas

Ultimate Relaxation Woven by Hokkaido’s Nature and Saunas

Hokkaido is renowned for its vast natural environment, but recently, the exquisite combination with “saunas” has been gaining attention. This experience, where you can relax both mind and body surrounded by expansive nature, becomes unforgettable once you visit. By enjoying it alongside Hokkaido’s unique hot spring areas and outdoor activities, it offers a special time that frees you from everyday life.

Especially in Hokkaido, where the seasonal landscapes are beautiful, you can enjoy different sauna experiences in each season. In spring, you can gaze at cherry blossoms, be enveloped by fresh greenery in summer, admire the autumn leaves in fall, and enjoy the magical snow scenes in winter. Moreover, blessed with climate conditions similar to Finland, it attracts many sauna enthusiasts.

Additionally, the style of “accommodation × sauna” is also popular, and by planning a one-night, two-day travel plan, you can achieve a deeper “totonoi” experience. In this way, Hokkaido’s saunas, resonating with nature, are increasingly gaining attention as a new tourism style.

The Charm of Hokkaido’s Nature and Saunas

Hokkaido offers a special sauna experience along with its vast natural environment. The captivating landscapes of Hokkaido are not just for visual enjoyment but are the perfect place to relax both mind and body. Particularly in recent years, the new tourism style of “accommodation × sauna” has been gaining attention, making the journey itself a well-rounded design.

Abundant Natural Hot Springs and Diverse Sauna Experiences

Hokkaido boasts abundant natural hot springs due to its active volcanoes. These hot springs have various mineral compositions, each offering different benefits. Bathing surrounded by the unique nature of this area deeply heals both mind and body. Also, in Hokkaido, which has a climate similar to Finland, you can enjoy outdoor baths against the backdrop of seasonal natural beauty. Enjoying outdoor baths while savoring spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter snow scenes provides even deeper relaxation.

What is the Unique “Totono” Experience?

What is the “totono” that is gaining attention in Hokkaido? It offers a refreshment effect deeper than mere rest. Among the various types, including dry saunas and salt saunas, the popular one is the löyly. By pouring water or aromatic oils on heated stones, steam is generated, stimulating the senses with its heat and aroma. This process helps flush out excess from the body, leading you to a “totono” state.

Recommended Spots: From Hidden Gems to Popular Destinations

Hokkaido offers a wide range of options from hidden gems known only to a few to famous tourist spots. Each facility has its own unique features, allowing you to spend time as you like.

Noboribetsu Onsen: Abundant Hot Water and Diverse Mineral Compositions

Noboribetsu Onsen, one of the most popular in the country, offers nine different types of mineral compositions. Therefore, you can experience different benefits and sensations in just one visit, combined with the luxury of merging with nature.

Fukiage Onsen: A Solitary Moment on the Slopes of Mount Tokachi

Located on the slopes of Mount Tokachi, Fukiage Onsen is surrounded by nature and offers self-catering accommodation as a single inn. Day-trip bathing is also possible, allowing you to spend a luxurious moment at your own pace.

The Charm of Community-Based “Sauna Tourism”

The recently popular “sauna tourism” is a new travel form that strengthens ties with the community. This movement is also due to people beginning to rekindle their interest in human relationships and regional culture after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feeling One with the Land Around Kushiro Wetlands

Around the Kushiro Wetlands, new and unique travel experiences are proposed in collaboration with local industries such as dairy farming, along with beautiful landscapes. It serves as a place where many people gather to communicate without barriers.

A Surprise Enjoyable Only in Cold Regions! What is Snow Diving?

Although limited to winter, snow diving is a recommended point unique to this season. This method, also practiced in Finland, is a rare attempt in Japan. It is conducted in extreme cold around -15°C.It involves the boldness of diving into pure white snow or a frozen lake, but the exhilaration that follows is an unparalleled bliss.

Thus, the sauna journey in Hokkaido, full of diverse and unique elements, is not only about that but is almost always followed by local gourmet “sauna meals.” The culinary delights enjoyed after achieving “totono” are another highlight. Most importantly, make sure to stay hydrated. Through this entire process, you can create an essential recharge time for yourself!

Q&A About Sauna Experiences in Hokkaido

Why is Hokkaido popular among sauna enthusiasts?

Hokkaido is gaining attention from sauna enthusiasts because its natural environment is similar to Finland. Especially the Tokachi area is popular as a place where you can relax both mind and body, with its beautiful nature and rich food offerings. A sauna experience integrated with nature offers a special time that cannot be experienced elsewhere.

What are the recommended river sauna spots near Sapporo?

Easily accessible river sauna spots from Sapporo include facilities like “Jozankei Onsen” and “Hoshino Resorts Tomamu.” These spots provide an environment where you can relax while feeling the grandeur of nature. They are perfect for busy people as they can be visited casually for a day trip.

What is a natural snow or river water bath?

Unlike typical water baths, in Hokkaido, you can enjoy water baths using natural snow or rivers. In scenic places like Hidaka, you can experience this extreme cold water bath. This experience is attractive for the exhilaration gained from the temperature difference, achieving the ultimate “totono.”

Tell me about sauna facilities for couples.

In Hokkaido, there are many sauna facilities that couples can enjoy. For example, “Maple Lodge in the Forest” is popular as a place where you can spend time together in a private space. You can enjoy a relaxing moment together, surrounded by the sounds of birds and rustling trees.

Which season should I visit?

Each season has its own charm, but winter is especially recommended. Enjoying outdoor baths with snow scenery and using natural snow and rivers as water baths are unique to this season. However, make sure to take proper measures against the cold. In spring and summer, the fresh greenery, clear streams, and beautiful flowers are highlights.

In conclusion, the precious sauna experience that can only be enjoyed in Hokkaido has been introduced. We hope this information is helpful. Please consider it as a candidate for your next outing.

Special Relaxation Brought by Hokkaido’s Nature and Saunas

Hokkaido captivates many people with its magnificent natural environment and the perfect combination of saunas. The different landscapes in each season offer new experiences every time you visit. Saunas enjoyed with spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, and winter snow scenery provide deep relaxation for both mind and body. Additionally, the travel style of “accommodation × sauna” allows for a deeper refreshment effect by staying overnight, gaining attention as a new form of tourism.

Diverse Hot Springs and Sauna Experiences

Hokkaido has abundant natural hot springs, offering the joy of choosing from various mineral compositions. Enjoying hot springs or outdoor baths surrounded by vast nature provides even greater healing. With climate conditions similar to Finland, a variety of sauna experiences are possible. Especially popular are menus like löyly that stimulate the senses.

Community-Based “Sauna Tourism”

“Sauna tourism,” which strengthens ties with the community, also contributes to enhancing interest in people and regional culture. Around the Kushiro Wetlands, unique travel experiences integrated with the land are proposed, allowing you to enjoy Hokkaido tourism in a new way.

Thus, the sauna experience in Hokkaido, fused with its majestic natural environment, becomes unforgettable once tried. Be sure to enjoy the local gourmet “sauna meals” afterward. This comprehensive relaxation and gourmet experience provide the highest quality time for recharging yourself.