Horohoro Sanso
Communal sink and mirror area in clean washroom at Horohoro Sanso, Hokkaidō, Japan
Outdoor onsen bath with stone edging and concrete walls under blue sky at Horohoro Sanso, Hokkaidō
Spacious ryokan lounge with wooden seating, low tables and large windows at Horohoro Sanso, Hokkaidō
Traditional tatami room with low table, zabuton cushions and shoji screens at Horohoro Sanso in Hokkaidō
Ryokan exterior framed by autumn foliage, driveway and forested mountain backdrop at Horohoro Sanso in Hokkaidō
Spacious indoor onsen pool with wooden columns, vaulted skylight ceiling and polished stone floor at Horohoro Sanso, Hokkaidō
Buffet counters with warmers and dishes in Horohoro Sanso dining room, Hokkaidō

Horohoro Sanso

8.0
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.0/10, based on 188 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Forest Surroundings Riverside Location Hot Spring Town Mountain Setting Quiet Village Public Onsen
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 8,0/10
Cleanliness 8,0/10
Comfort 8,0/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 7,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A nature-focused hot spring ryokan in Kitayuzawa known for varied baths and family-friendly facilities.

Kitayuzawa SettingIn Kitayuzawa Onsen, surrounded by forested scenery in Date’s Otaki area.
Varied Hot SpringsLarge bath area includes open-air baths, sauna, and multiple bathing options.
Family Bath FunIts pool-style bath zone with slide stands out for families with children.
Pet-Friendly StayKnown for dog-friendly facilities, making it easier to travel with pets.
Buffet DiningBuffet-style meals emphasize local ingredients and interactive live-cooking elements.
Relaxed Value BaseBest suited to casual onsen stays over polished luxury-focused ryokan experiences.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen is the main reason to stay: arrive mid-afternoon, use the large bath complex, eat dinner, sleep, bathe again after breakfast, and leave; add a second night only if you want a slower hot-spring rhythm and a short walk or nearby nature stop in Kitayuzawa.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night onsen retreat or a quiet 2-night nature break in Kitayuzawa, not as a sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Limited base valueThe area is quiet and scenic but has modest attraction density, so many travelers will run out of things to do after two nights.
Remote without carAccess is manageable by shuttle or bus, but it is not a convenient luggage-light base for frequent station-to-station touring.
Not a private onsen stayThis property is strongest for shared bath variety rather than secluded in-room bathing or intimate luxury privacy.

Food & drinks

Verified as the Kitayuzawa hot spring ryokan in Date, with a named buffet restaurant on site and limited dining nearby.

Mori no Uta (on-site)
on-site

Main on-site dining room for breakfast and dinner buffet.

  • Seasonal buffetfoodJapanese and Western buffet dishes.
  • Otaki soupfoodSoup using local Otaki ingredients.
  • Kettle-cooked ricespecialtyRice cooked in a traditional stove.
  • Date vegetablesspecialtyLocal vegetable fair items may appear.
  • Winter hot potfoodBuild-your-own nabe in colder season.
Lounge (on-site)
on-site

Simple lobby lounge area for light drinks and breaks.

  • CoffeedrinkEasy warm drink in the lobby area.
  • TeadrinkSimple tea break option.
Milk Kobo (nearby)
nearbyabout 20 min drive

Popular nearby dairy stop known for sweets and light bites.

  • Soft servefoodRich Hokkaido milk ice cream.
  • Cream puffsfoodWell-known fresh cream pastry.
  • Cheese tartfoodBaked cheese dessert.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Kitayuzawa Onsen area and is most practically reached by hotel shuttle, bus from JR Date-Mombetsu Station, or taxi/car rather than on foot from any station.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a nature-focused hot spring stay in Kitayuzawa, Date, Hokkaido, best suited to travelers who value varied baths, relaxed mountain-lodge atmosphere, and pet-friendly options. It is less ideal if you want luxury polish, urban convenience, or a highly private ryokan experience.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Excellent bath varietyThe property is especially strong for onsen lovers, with a long large bath area and a wide mix of baths including open-air, tub baths, standing bath, fragrant bath, jacuzzi, sauna, and sleeping bath.
  • Good for traveling with a dogIt stands out in Hokkaido for dog-friendly stays, with dedicated pet rooms, in-room dog amenities, and support even for large dogs in limited rooms.
  • Relaxed mountain-lodge feelThe hotel leans into a warm alpine style rather than a formal luxury ryokan mood, with wood-heavy interiors and a casual atmosphere that feels easygoing after a day outdoors.
  • Seasonal local buffet touchesMeals are served buffet-style and include seasonal items tied to the area, such as spring mountain vegetable tempura and limited-time mushroom dishes that make dinner feel regionally grounded.
  • Useful access and practical perksFor a rural onsen area, it is relatively convenient thanks to free parking, a large lot, and a shuttle option from Sapporo, which lowers the stress of reaching Kitayuzawa.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not a secluded luxury ryokanIf you want an intimate, high-end ryokan with kaiseki dining and refined exclusivity, this property is more casual and group-friendly in style.
  • Remote setting limits flexibilityThe location works for a hot spring retreat, but it is not convenient for travelers who want easy station access, nightlife, or lots of walkable attractions nearby.
  • Meals are buffet, not fine diningThe buffet format offers choice, but travelers seeking a slower multi-course dinner experience may find it less special or less personal.
  • Pet concept may not suit everyoneIts dog-friendly positioning is a plus for pet owners, but travelers who prefer a strictly non-pet atmosphere may not find it as appealing.
  • Some pet restrictions add hassleDog stays come with rules and extra fees, and guests using the free Sapporo shuttle cannot bring dogs on that shuttle, which can complicate planning.

Ranking around this ryokan in Hokkaido

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 79th out of 97 ryokans in Hokkaido.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
74th Sasai Hotel 8.1/10 75
75th Horoshin Onsen Hotarukan 8.1/10 86
76th Oyado Kiyomizuya 8.1/10 1,124
77th Toya-onsen Hotel Hanabi 8.1/10 1,500
78th Yunohama Hotel 8.0/10 121
79th Horohoro Sanso Current ryokan 8.0/10 188
80th Yutorelo Toyako 8.0/10 461
81st Teshio Onsen Yubae 7.9/10 165
82nd Heiseikan Kaiyotei 7.9/10 226
83rd Shiretoko Village 7.9/10 297
84th jyozankei SHIKAnoYU 7.9/10 1,110
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

2 days – Tochigi > Hokkaido

2 stops
Liam Durand Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Forest Surroundings 25% Hot Spring Town 25% Mountain Setting 25% Quiet Village 13% Riverside Location 12%
1. Jizaiso 2. Horohoro Sanso

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