Brief history of Asahidake Onsen
Asahidake onsen has been enjoyed by people in Asahikawa area since early 20th century. The site was discovered by Mr. Akutsu in 1914 and soon later he established a simple onsen hut. Yukomanbetsu( area name)stands for ” stream beyond hot water” in native Ainu language, thus it was called Yukomanbetsu Onsen originally. In 1954 motorway was constructed, and Asahidake ropeway’s construction followed in 1967. Today the name has been changed to Asahidake Onsen, and its is still small spa area consisting 6 inns surrounded by national park forest. It is a popular stopover during hiking and ski trip, though there are quite number of onsen goers from Asahikawa area visiting this place sorely for Onsen dip.
Onsen contents/ what is “Gensen Kakenagashi “anyway?
Asahidake hot spring water mainly consists of Calsium, Magnesium, Sodium-sulfate, chloride spring. It also contains metasilicic acid which is known for its skin treatment effect. Most of inns offer “gensen Kakenagashi”onsen to visiters.
“Gensen Kakenagashi” in Japanese or Natural hot spring water is water that comes directly from the ground (free-flowing) and used in Onsen facilities. One important part of the water used at these types of Onsen is that the water that overflows from the bath is not filtered and reused or circulated.
In short, one main attraction of Gensen Kakenagashi Onsens is that they let you to enjoy the actual hot springs themselves without filtration or circulation of water, and it is considered luxury in Japan.
Activities and environment
ワサビ沼周辺の雪解け
夏の旭岳
Wild flower dotted spring, followed by spectacular summer hike in Daisetsuzan natuonal park, and colored leaves in Autumn, powder snow run in winter…… It is this ever changing environment in the forest that attracts many people here. It is also a perfect place to enjoy Onsen and do some remote-work.
Gensen Kakenagashi Onsens at Asahidake Onsen area
K’s House Hokkaido
K’s House Hokkaido opened its door in July 2019, and its Onsen is opened to public(day visit) between 2PM and 7PM.
It is rare for guesthouse to have Gensen kakenagashi Onsen facility on its own, and Ks House already attracting regular visits from local towns nearby.
Yukomanso
The oldest inn in asahidake Onsen area. It hosts 5 different onsen sources, and very relaxing atmospher with ambient lighting.
La Vista Daisetsuzan
Kyoritsu resort which operate business hotels also runs La Vista Hotels. La Vista Daisetsuzan has different types of bath such as Japanese cypress wooden bath and lay-down type bath. It is more like a spa instead of Onsen.
Asahidakeonsen Bearmonte
Hotel Bear monte is run by a group which operate several hotels in Hokkaido.
This hotel is right next to Asahidake visitor center and walking distance from Ropeway. It also has dry sauna!
Access and related information
Asahidake Ropeway Schedules and weather updates
Asahidake Visitor centor Visitor center runned by Dept of Environment.
Airport
Asahikawa Airport Airport in the middle of Hokkaido! Very high in-service rate even in winter.
40min by bus to Asahidake Onsen
Bus
Departs from JR Asahikawa bus and train station 90min to Asahikawa Onsen
Car
From Asahikawa take route294、and then route 1160 to Asahidake Ropeway
