🕓 2023/6/23
＃ホテル
Hokkaido is located at the northernmost tip of Japan and is a vast island rich in natural beauty. It accounts for about 22% of Japan's total land area, making it approximately four times the size of the Tokyo metropolitan area. The island boasts majestic mountains, expansive plains, and beautiful lakes and rivers, offering stunning landscapes throughout the four seasons. The climate is distinctly seasonal, with cool summers and harsh winters. Hokkaido is especially renowned for its heavy snowfall in winter, attracting many skiing enthusiasts to its resorts.
Culturally, Hokkaido retains strong influences from the traditions and history of the Ainu people, as well as from the pioneering efforts of the Meiji era. These elements contribute to the unique charm that captivates visitors to Hokkaido. Below, we introduce three select luxury hotels in Hokkaido for an exceptional stay.
Source: The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa
The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa is a top-class luxury resort hotel located in a magnificent setting overlooking Lake Toya in Hokkaido. This hotel offers luxurious accommodations, a wealth of activities, and an exceptional dining experience.
■ Spectacular Location
The Windsor Hotel Toya is situated to provide a panoramic view of Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay, allowing guests to fully enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The view from the open-air bath "Sansui" is particularly special, where you can relax in a traditional Japanese-style hot spring facility.
■ Luxurious Accommodations
The hotel offers a variety of room types, including suites and spacious standard rooms. All rooms are equipped with high-quality amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests staying in the "Premier Style" rooms receive special services such as access to a private lounge, valet parking, and complimentary use of the Crystal Blue Club.
■ Diverse Dining Options
With nine restaurants on-site, guests can enjoy a wide range of cuisines, including Japanese, Western, Chinese, and teppanyaki. The dishes, made with fresh local ingredients, are not only delicious but also visually appealing.
■ Relaxation Facilities
At the "Crystal Blue Club," guests can use the indoor pool and athletic facilities for free during their stay. There are also spa and massage treatments available to rejuvenate both body and mind.
■ Outdoor Activities
The hotel offers outdoor activities such as golf courses and tennis courts, with various plans available throughout the seasons. In the summer, guests can enjoy golf and horseback riding, while in the winter, skiing is a popular option.
■ Lake Toya
Lake Toya offers beautiful lakeside scenery and a variety of activities for visitors. You can take a leisurely stroll along the lake's edge or join a boat cruise to enjoy the spectacular views of the lake. The cruise offers a chance to admire the panoramic view of Lake Toya and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the nearby Lake Toya Hot Springs provides a relaxing opportunity to soak in the hot springs while enjoying the scenery.
■ Showa Shinzan
Showa Shinzan is a new mountain formed by volcanic activity from 1943 to 1945. Visitors can still observe the volcanic terrain and activity up close. At Showa Shinzan Volcano Village, you can learn about the history and impact of the volcano, experiencing the wonders of nature firsthand. This area is also popular for photography, especially the impressive sight of the volcanic smoke rising.
■ Mount Usu
Mount Usu, located south of Lake Toya, is an active volcano and an attractive spot for nature lovers. You can take a ropeway to the summit, where you will be greeted by stunning views of Lake Toya and the Pacific Ocean. There are also well-maintained hiking trails from the summit, offering opportunities for nature exploration. The crater and surrounding terrain of Mount Usu showcase the dynamic forces of the earth.
These spots are easily accessible from The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa and are worth visiting during your stay.
Shikotsuko Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA is a luxury resort located on the picturesque shores of Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido. Here are some of its key attractions:
■ Spectacular Location
Shikotsuko Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA is situated on the shores of Lake Shikotsu, offering breathtaking views of the lake from all guest rooms. Lake Shikotsu is renowned for its high water clarity and the natural beauty that changes with the seasons. The "Shikotsu Blue" of the lake surface is particularly famous, captivating all who visit.
■ Luxurious Accommodations
The 25 suite rooms are designed like spacious private villas. Each room comes with a private spa, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Shikotsu from the indoor bath with a jet bath. The rooms incorporate modern designs, blending comfort with luxury.
■ Hot Springs and Relaxation
The hot springs at Shikotsuko Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA are known as "Beauty Baths" for their silky, serum-like texture. The exclusive hot spring facilities for guests offer a relaxing experience. Additionally, the spa and esthetic services are comprehensive, providing a refreshing retreat for body and mind.
■ Gourmet Dining
The hotel's dining offers traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. The chef's creative dishes are a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes. Guests can enjoy their meals in private rooms, ensuring privacy and a leisurely dining experience.
Shikotsuko Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA not only offers beautiful views of Lake Shikotsu but is also surrounded by natural and cultural attractions.
■ Lake Shikotsu
Lake Shikotsu is one of the clearest lakes in Japan, offering beautiful natural scenery throughout the year. The blue color of the lake, known as "Shikotsu Blue," is particularly famous and captivates visitors. You can enjoy water activities such as canoeing and boating.
■ Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is a spot accessible by boat tour on Lake Shikotsu. Inside the cave, you can witness the enchanting blue glow created by the lake's clarity and light reflection. The boat tours offer different scenic views depending on the season, ensuring new discoveries with each visit.
Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu is a long-established ryokan located in the Yunokawa Hot Springs area of Hakodate, Hokkaido. Founded in 1922, it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. Here are the details of its attractions:
■ History and Tradition
Wakamatsu Ryokan honors its history and tradition while providing facilities and services that meet modern needs. The ryokan has been recognized with a Michelin star and has hosted many celebrities and VIPs, including Emperor Showa and Helen Keller, showcasing its prestigious status.
■ Location and Scenic Views
Located with a stunning view of the Tsugaru Strait, Wakamatsu offers beautiful ocean views from the guest rooms and open-air baths. On clear days, you can even see the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, making the scenery particularly impressive.
■ Room Features
All 22 rooms are spacious Japanese-style accommodations with ocean views. The rooms are designed for comfort, featuring hinoki (cypress) bathtubs and original bedding. The special room "Yachiyo" replicates the room where Emperor Showa stayed, offering a unique experience.
■ Hot Springs and Relaxation
Wakamatsu's hot springs are sourced from its own natural spring, known for their skin-beautifying properties. Guests can enjoy the spectacular views of the Tsugaru Strait from the open-air baths. The recent renovations include new private half-open-air baths, enhancing the relaxation experience.
■ Culinary Delights
At Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu, guests can enjoy kaiseki cuisine made with fresh, local Hokkaido ingredients. The dishes, carefully crafted by the head chef, have been recognized by the Michelin Guide and offer a delightful blend of flavors and visual appeal. Private dining rooms ensure a serene dining experience.
Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu is a top-class ryokan with a perfect combination of history, scenic views, hot springs, and cuisine, making it ideal for a special stay. When visiting, you can fully enjoy the charm of Hakodate by exploring the surrounding tourist attractions.
■ Mount Hakodate
Mount Hakodate is an iconic tourist spot in Hakodate, known for its beautiful night view, which is considered one of the "Three Major Night Views of the World." Standing at 334 meters tall, the mountain is visible from anywhere in the city, and the summit offers a panoramic view of Hakodate city, Hakodate port, and the Tsugaru Strait.
A ropeway can take you to the summit in just three minutes. During the day, you can enjoy the stunning views of the city and the port, and at night, the city's lights sparkle like jewels. The night view is especially beautiful in winter when the air is clear.
■ Goryokaku
Goryokaku is Japan's first Western-style fort, characterized by its unique star-shaped design. Built in the late Edo period as a defense base for the shogunate, it was the site of fierce battles during the Boshin War in 1869. Today, it is maintained as Goryokaku Park and is beloved by both locals and tourists.
In spring, about 1,600 cherry trees bloom, making it a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park also features the Goryokaku Tower, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire star-shaped fort.
■ Red Brick Warehouses
The Red Brick Warehouses are historical buildings constructed between the Meiji and Taisho periods. They have been repurposed as a tourist area where you can enjoy shopping and dining. While retaining the original architectural style, the interiors have been renovated with a modern touch, housing cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and boutiques.
Especially recommended are the restaurants serving dishes made with fresh local ingredients and shops where you can purchase unique Hakodate souvenirs. The area is also beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.