OTARU KOURAKUEN

Otaru Kourakuen has its own private source of spring on the premises. The advantage of private hot springs is that the distance between the spring and the bathtub is shorter, which reduces the chance of impurities mixing with the hot spring water before it is poured into the bathtub, keeping the water fresher. The further the bathtub is from the source well, the more the hot spring components deteriorate. Whether or not a facility has its own hot spring source is an important factor 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 refreshing effect. This refers to the mental rejuvenation one experiences when away from their usual environment. 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 404mg/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 makes this a “Gentle hot spring ” that does not irritate the skin. Therefore, the best thing about “Simple hot springs” is that you can enjoy a long, leisurely bath every day .
Chloride and sulfate springs with more than 1,000 mg/kg of dissolved substances may be a little too much for some people to bathe in daily, depending on the concentration of components. Some people may also experience hot spring fatigue.
However, Simple Hot Springs do not fall into this category. This may be one of the reasons why many of the excellent hot springs in Japan are simple hot springs.

In addition, the rule that a hot spring with less than 1,000 mg/kg of dissolved substances is a simple hot spring was set by humans, but the laws of nature are more complicated than that. In other words, how much difference is there between a simple hot spring with 999 mg/kg of dissolved substances and a chloride spring with exactly 1,000 mg/kg of dissolved substances?
If a hot spring is described as a simple hot spring simply because it contains less than 1,000 mg/kg of dissolved substances, it fails to capture the true characteristics of this simple hot spring.
If the dissolved substances in the hot spring at Otaru Kourakuen are 1,000 mg/kg or more, it is a “sodium–sulfate/chloride spring”. In other words, the spring has two spring qualities: a sodium–sulfate spring (former name: Glauber's salt spring) and a sodium chloride spring (former name: Weak salt spring). Sodium–sulfate springs are also known as “Hot springs for rejuvenation” because they stimulate the metabolism of the skin through collagen formation. Sodium chloride springs are also known as “Hot springs for warmth” because the salinity of the spring's water creates a veil over the skin after bathing, blocking the sweat glands and slowing down the rate of sweating, which helps retain body heat. Another common name for sulfate and chloride springs is “Hot springs for cuts”. Therefore, the true benefits of simple hot springs cannot be fully understood without carefully examining a Hot Spring Analysis Report.

The indications for the simple hot springs are autonomic instability, insomnia and depression. 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 offer a superior relaxing effect compared to hot springs.
Therefore, people of all ages and sexes can enjoy a leisurely soak in the bath.
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 t. Because of its low level of stimulation, it is sometimes used for stroke rehabilitation t, and is therefore sometimes referred to as “Hot spring for strokes t”,“Hot spring for neuralgia t”.

In addition, let us note that it is Weak alkaline (pH 8.4) t. 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 springs for beautiful skin t”.

Attention should also be paid to components that do not appear in the spring quality name. Metasilicic acid is 74.4 mg/kg per 1 kg of spring water, exceeding the standard value (50 mg/kg) for qualification as a hot spring. Metasilicic acid is a natural moisturizing ingredient and is sometimes used in certain lotions. Its moisturizing properties keep skin moist after bathing. The alkaline component removes excess keratin from the skin, and the sodium ions in the anions and metasilicic acid, a non-dissociated component, provide a moisturizing effect. This hot spring offers a double delight in one bath.

Because the temperature of Otaru Kourakuen hot spring is low at the time of gush (25.4℃), the hot spring water in the baths is heated. Heating the water has little effect on the hot spring components, such as degrading them. It is said that less than 3% 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 bathtubs 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. Otaru Kourakuen 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 bathtubs 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 Finnish-style saunas. 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 well-maintained. It is as if the hot spring itself expresses the ryokan's spirit of hospitality.

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