Overview
You arrive at Hanabishi Hotel in Yunokawa Onsen, Hakodate—family-run since 1948 by locals of Hakodate. This place reflects decades of tradition: local staff speak with regional dialects while offering you a warm welcome. Around here, people have shared moments together for over 75 years, and the hotel celebrates its heritage alongside the 350-year history of Yunokawa Onsen. You’ll sense community in every corner, from the vegetables to the seafood.
Accommodation
You’ll find a relaxing mix of Japanese and Western-style rooms. Choose from tatami-mat rooms, spacious suites with sitting areas, and even rooms with private outdoor baths. The newly renovated “Washitsu Modern Twin” (opened June 2024) blends the elegance of Ryukyu tatami mats with high-quality Simmons beds, a 50-inch TV, USB ports, and modern fixtures like an auto-flush toilet. Barrier-free rooms with private onsen pools ensure accessibility and comfort.
Dining
Hanabishi Hotel serves creative kaiseki meals inspired by Hakodate’s seasonal harvest from sea and mountain. You enjoy fresh local fish, produce of the season, and regional specialties crafted with heartfelt hospitality. As a start to your day, a buffet offers both Japanese and Western breakfast options. You can dine in the serene Nanakamado restaurant, private banquet rooms, or even enjoy a kaiseki meal in the comfort of your room.
Onsen and Wellness
You can explore two large onsen floors—one with garden-style indoor/outdoor pools (Hishinoyu and Hananoyu) and another on the 7th floor (Gagyunoyu), where morning sunlight filters through stained glass. Yunokawa Onsen’s salt-chloride spring offers soothing, warm water renowned for skin benefits, fatigue relief, and lasting warmth even after bathing.
In April 2024, the hotel debuted Hakodate’s first auto-loylyu sauna—Finnish-style, with automated steam over hot stones, plus outdoor cold-water baths and sea-breeze rest areas. You can cycle between dry sauna, outdoor plunge pools, and relaxation zones to reach that deeply refreshed state known in Finland as “totonou.” The sauna runs from late afternoon to early evening, and early morning, with water stations and etiquette steps provided.
Facilities
Conference hall: The largest in Yunokawa Onsen, accommodating up to 400 people—ideal for events and meetings.
Amenities: Large onsen areas include full shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hairdryers, skincare products, and accessories. Women can easily head to the baths with just a towel and hair tie. You can also purchase bestselling bath products in the lobby shop.
Baby gear: The hotel provides a wide range of baby equipment—cribs, bassinets, feeding tools—so traveling families can relax.
Activities
- Onsen hopping: Enjoy two themed bath floors and a range of spa experiences.
- Sauna ritual: Experience auto-loylyu, outdoor dips, and rest spaces to rejuvenate both body and mind.
- Local culture: Stroll to nearby tram stops within a couple of minutes, explore Hakodate’s shopping district, and visit Mount Hakodate for nighttime views.
- Special events: Participate in Hakodate Marathon rituals or local festival prayers held at the hotel’s shrine.
Additional features
- Wedding services: Celebrate in traditional or Western attire, with specialized bridal staff on hand.
- Barrier-free design: Accessible rooms offer step-free entrances, sliding doors, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and optional baby/fold-out beds.
- Private outdoor baths: Select rooms include your own flowing hot-spring bath—enjoy ultimate relaxation any time.
