OTARU KOURAKUEN
| Weak Alkaline Simple Hot Springs | pH |
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| 弱アルカリ性単純温泉（低張性 弱アルカリ性 低温泉） | ||
| （Hypotonic, Weak Alkaline, Low temperature springs） | ||
| 旧泉質名：単純温泉 | ||
Ideal for people like this
- Those who are not good with stimulating hot spring
- Those with sleep disorders
- Those who are feeling stressed
- Those undergoing post-illness rehabilitation
- Address
- 5-18-2 Shinko, Otaru City, Hokkaido, 047-0152, JAPAN
- Phone
- +81-(0)134-54-8221
Official Website
Travel Journal
Hot Spring Power Chart (5-point scale)
Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
- Comment
- Hot spring for beauty with little stimulation
Hot spring Specification
※This is an easy-to-understand expression based on the indications for each type of spring in the "Standard Methods of Analysis for Mineral Springs" revised in July 2014 by the Ministry of the Environment.
| ①Mental recovery | ②Insomnia | ③Promote blood circulation | ④Sensitivity to cold | ⑤Dry skin |
| ⑥Cuts | ⑦Skin diseases | ⑧Hypertension (mild) | ⑨Heartburn (drinking) | ⑩Gastrointestinal disorders (drinking) |
| ⑪Constipation (drinking) | ⑫Lifestyle-related disease | ⑬Diabetes | ⑭Gout | ⑮Countermeasures against metabolic syndrome |
| ⑯Biliary system anxiety | ⑰Anaemia | ⑱Arthritis rheumatica | ⑲Spinal pain | ⑳Improved immunity |
| ㉑Muscle pain・Neuralgia | ㉒Mild asthma | ㉓Hemorrhoidal pain | ㉔Recovery from an illness | ㉕Recovery from fatigue |
- ※Note①･･･Indications for each spring include autonomic instability and depression.（Simple springs・Chloride springs・Carbon dioxide springs）
- ※Note③･･･Indications for each spring include peripheral circulatory disturbance（Chloride springs・Carbonate springs・Carbon dioxide springs・Hydrogen sulfide type Sulfur spring）
- ※Note④･･･Indications for each spring include sensitivity to cold（Chloride springs・Carbonate springs・Sulfur springs・Carbon dioxide springs）and Iron containing springs
- ※Note⑦･･･Indications for each spring include xeroderma, atopic dermatitis, plaque psoriasis, epidermoid suppuration, chronic eczema（Chloride springs・Carbonate springs・Sulfate spring・Acid springs・Sulfur springs）
- ※Note⑨･･･Indications for drinking each spring include reflux esophagitis（Carbonate springs）
- ※Note⑩･･･Indications for drinking each spring include atrophic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcerations（Chloride springs・Carbonate springs）
- ※Note⑪･･･For drinking, Chloride springs and Sulfate spring
- ※Note⑫･･･Indications for each spring include hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, gout（for bathing, Acid springs・Radioactive springs／for drinking, Carbonate springs・Iodine containing springs・Sulfur springs）
- ※Note⑮･･･Indications for drinking each spring include hypercholesterolemia（Sulfate spring・Iodine containing springs・Sulfur springs）
- ※Note⑱⑲･･･Indications for each spring include rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis（Radioactive springs）
- ※Note⑳･･･Radioactive springs
- ※Note㉑㉔･･Simple springs is suitable for rehabilitation due to its low level of stimulation, and is also called "hot spring for neuralgia" and "hot spring for stroke", although these are not listed as indications by spring quality.
| Applicable to indications by spring quality | Applicable to general indications |
7 Elements of Hot Springs for Beautiful Skin
Total1Points ※The number of points represents the quality of the "hot spring for beauty".
| Skin cleansing effect | Skin reviving effect | Skin whitening effect |
|---|---|---|
| Carbonate Springs | Sulfate Springs | Sulfur Springs |
| Skin smoothing effect | Skin Coating and moisturizing effect | Skin moisturizing effect | Cleaning Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weak alkaline | Chloride | Metasilicic acid （100mg/kg） |
Metaboronic acid （10mg/kg） |
- ※The "Four Best Beauty Springs" are said to be "Carbonate spring", "Sulfate spring", "Sulfur spring", and "(weak) Alkaline simple hot spring".
- ※Hot springs containing 100 mg/kg or more of metasilicicic acid have an excellent moisturizing effect and are said to be "hot spring for beauty".
- ※The "Chloride spring" coats the skin with a salt pack, keeping it warm and moisturized at the same time. It is also called "hot spring for finishing touch" to be taken after the "hot spring for beauty" in which exfoliation has been removed.
Water texture while bathing(5-point evaluation)
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Mushy | |
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| Powdery | |
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Chewy |  |
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| Fizzy | |
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Tingling | |
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 Men's and women's public baths "Mori-no-Yuya" |
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Skin feeling after bathing(5-point evaluation)
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Dryness | |
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| Powdery | |
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Sticky | |
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| Moistly | |
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Warmly | |
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| Men's and women's public baths "Mori-no-Yuya" |
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View from the open-air bath（5-point evaluation）
 View |
Japanese garden with a pond Snow-viewing in winter |
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| Bath |
Men's and women's public baths "Mori-no-Yuya" |
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Point 4 |
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Hot Spring Source Usage
| Water added No |
Heated No |
Disin fected No |
Circulated No |
Bath additive No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| △ | × | × | × | ○ |
| ※Because the temperature of the source is low and the amount of water gushing out is small, heating and circulating filtration are used for sanitary management. ※Of the one-hour period, 45 minutes is circulation only, but for 15 minutes, new hot spring water is poured into the bathtub at the same time (combined use of source water and circulation/filtration). ※Basically, it is 100% natural spring water from the source without addition of water, but a few percent of the spring water on the premises is used when changing the hot water. |
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| Percentage of hot spring source | Almost 100％ | ||||
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| Replacement frequency of hot spring water | Once every week | ||||
| Yield of hot spring water | Private source of power pumping hot water (pumped from 500 m underground) | ||||
| Distance from the source to the bathtub | About 100m(Gushing on the property) | ||||
| How hot spring water is drawn | Drawn by a pipe | ||||
| How water temperature is adjusted | Heating and adjusting as needed | ||||
| Drinking Spring | None | ||||
| “Gensen-Kakenagashi” Bath | None | ||||
Hot Spring Composition Table Hot Spring Analysis Report
| Spring Quality | Weak Alkaline Simple Hot Springs（Hypotonic, Weak Alkaline, Low temperature hot spring） 旧泉質名：単純温泉 |
|---|---|
| Color of hot spring | Almost colorless and transparent |
| Scent of hot spring | Odorless |
| Dissolved substances | 404mg／kg(Sum of components (1) + (2) + (3), excluding gaseous substances) |
| Temperature of spring | 25.4℃ |
| ｐH | 8.4（Weak Alkaline） |
| Yield | About 60 liters per minute Amount of hot spring use per person (yield / bath capacity)：About 0.375 liters/person(maximum capacity of 160 people) |
Hot Spring Composition (Amount contained in 1 kg of spring)
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| ①Positive Ions | mg | mval | mval% |
| Sodium Ion（Na+） | 101.0 | 4.39 | 87.10 |
| Potassium Ion（K+） | 4.1 | 0.10 | 1.98 |
| Calcium Ion（Ca2+） | 4.2 | 0.21 | 4.17 |
| Magnesium Ion（Mg2+） | 4.0 | 0.33 | 6.55 |
| Ferrous Ion（Fe3+） | 0.2 | 0.01 | 0.20 |
| Positive Ions Total(1) | 113.5 | 5.04 | 100.00 |
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| ②Negative Ions | mg | mval | mval% |
| Sulfate Ion（SO42-） | 106.8 | 2.22 | 45.96 |
| Chloride Ion（Cl-） | 48.8 | 1.38 | 28.57 |
| Bicarbonate Ion（HCO3-） | 46.4 | 0.76 | 15.73 |
| Carbonate Ion（CO32-） | 13.2 | 0.44 | 9.11 |
| Phosphate Ion（HPO42-） | 0.2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Fluoride Ion（F-） | 0.6 | 0.03 | 0.62 |
| Negative Ions Total(2) | 216.0 | 4.83 | 100.00 |
| Undissociated Components | mg | mmol | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metasilicic Acid（H2SiO3）★ | 74.4 | 0.95 | |
| Metaboric Acid（HBO2） | 0.50 | 0.01 | |
| Undissociated Components Total(3) | 74.90 | 0.96 | |
| Dissolved Gas Components | mg | mmol | |
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| Free Carbon Dioxide（CO2） | 0.30 | 0.01 | |
| Dissolved Gas Components Total(4) | 0.30 | 0.01 | |
| Other Trace Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Ions：0.01mg／kg, Total Arsenic(As)：0.006mg／kg Aluminum ion, Manganese ion, Cadmium ion, Lead ion, Copper ion, Zinc ion and Total mercury: Not detected |
★are the ingredients related to the "spring quality" and the ingredients that qualify conditions for "hot spring" and "therapeutic hot spring".
Indications for Bathing (Revised on July 1, 2014)
Indications by Spring Quality for Bathing
Autonomic instability, Insomnia, Depression
General Indications for Bathing
Chronic pain or stiffness of muscles or joints (chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains, etc.),
muscle stiffness by motor paralysis, sensitivity to cold, peripheral circulatory disturbance,
gastrointestinal hypofunction (slow digestion, intestinal gas formation, etc.),
mild hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), mild hypercholesterolemia,
mild asthma or emphysema, pains of hemorrhoidals, autonomic instability,
various symptoms from stress (sleep disorders, depression, etc.),
restorative phase from illness, recovery from fatigue, health promotions
Contraindications by Spring Quality for Bathing
None
General Contraindications for Bathing
Active stage of diseases (especially when fever is accompanied), active tuberculosis,
advanced malignant tumor, or the case of significant debility involving severe anemia,
severe cardiac or lung diseases involving suffocation feelings with a little movement,
severe kidney disease involving edema, gastrointestinal bleeding,
when there is visible bleeding, acute exacerbation stage of chronic diseases, etc.
Indications by Spring Quality for Drinking
Not drinkable ※Non-submission of application for drinking to the health department
Date of Analysis (The above hot spring composition table is cited from the survey data of the following institution)
May 14, 2012 (Hokkaido Pharmaceutical Association Public Health Examination Center)
- ※Indications and contraindications for hot springs are in accordance with "Standard Methods of Analysis for Mineral Springs" revised on July 1, 2014.
- ※Data was provided by the ryokan.
20 qualifications for "hot spring" and 8 qualifications for "therapeutic hot spring"
| Conditions／Components（contained amount in 1kg） ※If even one of the conditions is cleared, it is a "hot spring" or "therapeutic hot spring" |
A【Hot Springs Act】 Conditions of the "hot spring" |
B【The Guideline for analysis of Kosen】 Conditions of the "therapeutic hot spring" |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Temperature (when collected from source) | 25℃ or more | |
| 2 | Dissolved substances（excluding gaseous） | total amount 1,000mg or more | |
| 3 | Free carbon dioxide （CO2） | 250mg or more | 1000mg or more（Carbon dioxide springs） |
| 4 | Lithium ion（Li+） | 1mg or more | ― |
| 5 | Strontium ion（Sr2+） | 10mg or more | ― |
| 6 | Barium ion（Ba2+） | 5mg or more | ― |
| 7 | Total Iron Ion［Fe2+（Iron(Ⅱ) Ferro ion）＋Fe3+（Iron(Ⅲ) Ferri ion）］ | 10mg or more | 20mg or more（Iron containing springs） |
| 8 | First manganese ion（Mn2+） | 10mg or more | ― |
| 9 | Hydrogen ion（H+） | 1mg or more | 1mg or more（Acid springs） |
| 10 | Bromine ion（Br-） | 5mg or more | ― |
| 11 | Iodide ion（I-） | 1mg or more | 10mg or more（Iodine containing springs） |
| 12 | Fluoride ion（F-） | 2mg or more | ― |
| 13 | Hydro Arsenate ion（HAsO42-） | 1.3mg or more | ― |
| 14 | Meta Arsenite（HAsO2） | 1mg or more | ― |
| 15 | Total sulfur （S） [HS-（Hydrogen sulfide ion）＋ S2O32-（Thiosulfate ion）＋ H2S(Free hydrogen sulfide)] | 1mg or more | 2mg or more（Sulfur springs） |
| 16 | Metaboric Acid（HBO2） | 5mg or more | ― |
| 17 | Metasilicic acid（H2SiO3） | 50mg or more | ― |
| 18 | Bicarbonate soda（NaHCO3） | 340mg or more | ― |
| 19 | Radon (Rn) | 20 or more (unit: ten ppb curie) 20×10-10 Ci（curie） or more 20 or more（ten ppb curie） ＝74Bq（becquerel）／5.5 mache or more |
30 nanocurie or more（Radioactive springs） 30×10-10Ci（curie） or more 30 or more(ten ppb curie) ＝111Bq（becquerel）／ 8.25 mache or more |
| 20 | Radium salt (as Ra) | 10-8mg or more 1/100 million mg or more |
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| Number of conditions cleared this "hot spring" or "therapeutic hot spring" is: | 2 | 1 | |
| Total 3 Points | |||
※Conditions called "hot spring" in Japan are expressed in terms of number of points.
Hot Spring Legends and More
Traditionally documented efficacies
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Historical figures who bathed in this hot spring
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Celebrities who bathed in this hot spring
Author・Mr.Makoto Shiina, Musician・Mr.Chiharu Matsuyama, Actor・Mr.Yo Oizumi, Former Sumo wrestler・Ozeki Konishiki, Professional golfer・Mr.Ryo Ishikawa etc. Numerous celebrities have visited
Hot Spring (Onsen) Report
「OTARU KOURAKUEN」has its ownprivate source of springon the premises.The advantage of private hot springs is that the distance between the spring and the hot tub is closer, which reduces the chance of impurities mixing with the hot spring water before it is poured into the hot tub, and the hot spring water is fresher. The further away the hot tub is from the source well, the more the hot spring components deteriorate.Whether or not they have their own hot spring source is a point that hot spring enthusiasts should not overlook.
The Japanese garden that stretches across the grounds is illuminated at night. Bathing while gazing at the Japanese garden is likely to have a change of air effect. This refers to the ability to mentally refresh oneself when away from one's usual place of residence. Simply moving to a new location can also produce this effect, but the more unusual the scenery, the greater the effect.
Spring quality is「Weak Alkaline Simple Hot Spring」.
The amount of dissolved substances is relatively low at 655 mg/kg. Hot springs with less than 1 g (1,000 mg) of dissolved substances per 1 kg of source are classified as simple hot springs. The low amount of dissolved substances in the water makes it a「Gentle hot spring」that does not irritate the skin.
The indications for the simple hot springs are autonomic instability, insomnia anddepression. These are all indications related to mental health. This may be due to the fact that simple hot springs are less stimulating and gentle, and therefore have a better relaxing effectthan other hot springs.
Thus, people of all ages and sexes can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot spring.
It should be noted that even though simple hot spring water has a low amount of dissolved substances, it is many times thicker than commercial bath salts used at home. Because of its low level of stimulation, it is sometimes used for stroke rehabilitation, and is therefore sometimes referred to as「Hot spring for strokes」「Hot spring for neuralgia」.
In addition, let us note that it isWeak alkaline (pH 8.4).Since human skin is generally slightly acidic, soaking in this hot spring will cause a reaction between the hot spring and the surface of the skin, resulting in a smooth and mushy skin feeling. This feeling is caused by the dissolution of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. After soaking in the hot spring, the skin will feel smooth and silky. The alkaline nature of the hot spring is one of the conditions for its reputation as a「Hot spring for beauty」.
Attention should also be paid to components that do not appear in the spring quality name. Metasilicic acid is contained at 108 mg/kg per kg of spring water, more than twice the standard value (50 mg/kg). Metasilicic acid is a natural moisturizing ingredient and is sometimes used as an ingredient in some lotions. Its moisturizing properties keep skin moist after bathing. The presence of metasilicic acid is one of the conditions for being called「Hot spring for beauty」. The alkaline component removes excess keratin from the skin, and metasilicic acid, a moisturizing ingredient, permeates the skin. This hot spring is a double delight for one bath.
Because the temperature of the fountainhead here is low at the time of gush (27.4°C), the hot spring water in the baths is heated. Heating the water has little effect on the hot spring ingredients, such as degrading them in the first place.
It is said that less than 5% of all hot spring bathhouses in Japan have enough hot spring water to replace the entire bathtub within an hour. It is good that the required amount of hot spring water is available and that it is being poured over the baths, but it is a concern from a hygienic standpoint for all others. The baths that do not circulate, filter, or disinfect the hot spring water, despite the low volume of hot spring water, are a concern from a hygienic standpoint. The ryokan has a small amount of hot spring water, but it is circulated, filtered, and disinfected with chlorine (while new hot spring water is poured in). This is safer for a bathhouse where an unspecified number of people bathe. Even so, enough hot water is poured into the baths to replace it with new hot spring water at least two to three times a day.
The charm of this inn lies not only in its hot springs, but also in its Japanese garden, excellent cuisine, guest room open-air baths, and bedrock baths. This means that every service offered by the ryokan is full of hospitality. The hot spring water does not irritate the skin, so it is safe for anyone to bathe in, and the sanitary conditions are safe. It is as if the hot spring also expresses the ryokan's spirit of hospitality.
| Open-air bath in the large public bath "Iwa-no-Yu" | Open-air bath in the large public bath "Mori-no-Yuya" |
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| The open-air bath in the large public bath "Iwa-no-Yu" is laid out with natural stones and has a wonderful ambience of wildness. 2 bathtubs are available, and a footbath is also provided. The indoor bath is also equipped with a bedrock bath. | The large bathtub has a great sense of openness with a Japanese garden spread out below. Depending on the season, you may hear frogs croaking in the background, giving you the feeling of being one with nature. |
| Private bath "Kokage-no-Ideyu" | Japanese/Western style special room "Kiri" open-air bath |
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| This bathtub was originally a renewal of the large bath in the detached building, and its size is impressive for a private bath. The large windows can be opened to create a semi-open-air atmosphere. The Japanese garden, the pride of the ryokan, can be seen below. | Facing a lush garden, visitors can enjoy the scenery in each of the four seasons. Especially in winter, it is illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere. The open-air baths on the open terrace offer an outstanding sense of spaciousness and luxury itself. |
Facility Report
Otaru City is considered a relatively warm place in Hokkaido. The ryokan Otaru Kourakuen is located at Otaru Asarigawa Hot Springs area, a 10-minute drive from downtown Otaru.
Although it is located in the city, the well-maintained garden spreads over a vast area of 8,000 tsubo (about 1,000 square meters), giving it quite a presence. Many of the trees in the garden are nearly 100 years old, and there is a wide variety of species. Upon entering the grounds, one finds a straight path leading to the entrance, lined with cherry blossom trees. It is said to be a famous spot among the locals, so much so that it is considered one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Otaru every season.
In 2016, the ryokan reopened after a renovations. Since the reopening, while maintaining support from local customers, customers from the Honshu area, neighboring countries such as China, Taiwan, and South Korea, and inbound customers from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines have shown rapid growth. The number of visitors from North America and Europe is also on the rise.
Knowing this ryokan, it is easy to understand why it is so popular among foreign guests. This is because "Hokkaido's character" and "the goodness of Japanese ryokan" coexist here.
The spacious garden and cuisine full of seafood truly represent Hokkaido, while the calm atmosphere of the guest rooms and the quality of the hot springs are the essence of a Japanese onsen ryokan. The relaxing atmosphere of the guest rooms and the quality of the hot spring water is the essence of a Japanese onsen ryokan, and the baths, while enjoying the Japanese garden, which is unique to this ryokan, combined with the clean Hokkaido air, will surely lead you to a luxurious and healing time. It is also a good choice for an anniversary trip with your loved ones.
If had to sum up this ryokan in one word, it would be "serious". It is a relief to know that such a straightforward ryokan still exists. This may be sensed by most of the guests.
The founder, Mr. Seisaku Yoneyama, cultivated the land where nothing existed, one by one, built buildings, dug hot springs, and always thought sincerely about how to attract guests and what to do to make them happy. Furthermore, he never forgot his gratitude for being able to work in this land. It seems that this spirit is still carried on at the ryokan today.
Travel Journal
Rates Data
| Room with two meals | From 22,310 yen per night（without tax） |
|---|---|
| Room with breakfast | No settings |
| Overnight stay without meals | No settings |
| Private bath fee for overnight stay | 2,000 yen (without tax)(45min.) |
| Public bath fee for day trip | Adult: 741 yen Child: 371 yen (without tax) Only on Saturday／Sunday／Holidays |
| Private bath fee for day trip | 2,000 yen (without tax)(45min.) ※Reservations required up to the day before |
Facility Data
| Founded in | 1957 |
|---|---|
| Check in | 3:00 PM |
| Check out | 11:00 AM |
| Location of the ryokan | Garden |
| Number of rooms | 35 rooms total |
| Capacity | 160 people |
| Parking | 30 cars |
| Facilities | Lounge, cafe, spa, smoking room, banquet hall |
| Internet | Wi-Fi available |
| Handicapped-accessible rooms | Supported |
| Toilet with shower | Equipped |
Transportation Access
| By train | ●From JR New Chitose Airport Station
Take the rapid airport train bound for Otaru (approx. 80 min.) →JR Otaru Chikko Station
Approx. 10 min. by cab after train. ●From JR Sapporo Station Take the rapid train bound for Otaru (approx. 30 min.) →JR Otaru Chikko Station Approx. 10 min. by cab after train. |
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| Shuttle bus | None |
| By car | Approximately 60 minutes from New Chitose Airport (from Chitose IC to Asazato IC on the Hokkaido Expressway) Approximately 40 minutes from Sapporo (to Asazato IC on the Hokkaido Expressway) Approximately 1 minute from the Asazato IC of the Sapporo Expressway |
| Address | Hokkaido／Otaru Asarigawa Onsen／Otaru Kourakuen 5-18-2 Shinko, Otaru City, Hokkaido, 047-0152 |
- Data
- 2024/01/18
