Uncover Hidden Japan: Shikaribetu's Mystical Hot Springs Retreat
Uncovering Shikaribetsu's Secrets: A Hot Springs Dive (and a Whole Lot More)
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind adventure to Shikaribetsu, Hokkaido, and let me tell you, it’s a place that burrowed its way right into my soul. We're talking Uncover Hidden Japan level of amazing – and, well, also a bit… challenging. Let's get it straight, folks - this isn't the perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is the REAL DEAL with all the bumps and bruises of a true travel experience.
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First things first: Accessibility. This is super important, and it's where things got a little… complicated. The hotel itself, nestled in the heart of nature, was trying hard. They have facilities for disabled guests listed, and the elevator was definitely a lifesaver for weary legs after a day of exploring. But navigating the surrounding areas? Let's just say it wasn't always a smooth ride. Definitely check in advance about specific pathways and potential challenges if accessibility is a primary concern. The trying was there though.
Now, the things to do part? Ooof, buckle up. Shikaribetsu is a place you go to disconnect and reconnect, with yourself and nature. Forget pounding city pavements; here it's all about immersion.
Wellness Wonderland (or at least, the potential for it):
The spa was my main motivation for booking this place. And the spa/sauna was, well, divine. The sauna, especially after a brisk hike in the crisp mountain air, was pure bliss. There's also a pool with view, and a whole lot more. And the thought of going from sauna to pool, was just… chef's kiss.
The massage? Okay, confession time: I'm a sucker for a good massage. And this one? It was like the masseuse had a direct line to my knotted muscles. I'll be honest, afterwards I nearly floated away, feeling rejuvenated.
Getting Down & Dirty (and Clean!) with Cleanliness, Safety & Dining!
Okay, COVID considerations. Top marks for the cleanliness and safety protocols. They’ve clearly taken things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. I felt safe, which is a HUGE deal in these times. Shout out to the hand sanitizer stations strategically placed everywhere. I really appreciated the Individually-wrapped food options too - made buffet time a little less anxiety-inducing.
Dining, drinking, and snacking – ah, the cornerstone of any good vacation! The Asian breakfast, and buffet in restaurant had everything you could want. Okay, let's get real: I may have indulged in a few too many croissants. The desserts in restaurant were a weak spot, and I'm not even ashamed. I do miss the desserts in restaurant on most days.
Food
- A la carte in restaurant: Got it, but didn’t try it. Too much buffet action!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yep
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Excellent.
- Bar: Yes. I'm a fan.
- Bottle of water: Always.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was a highlight for me.
- Breakfast service: Good.
- Buffet in restaurant: Phenomenal.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Abundant.
- Coffee shop: Didn't find one, but the tea selection was ample.
- Desserts in restaurant: DANGEROUSLY good.
- Happy hour: Yes please.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Check.
- Poolside bar: Sadly, the weather didn't really permit this.
- Restaurants: Multiple options.
- Room service [24-hour]: Convenient, although I mostly ate in the restaurants.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh and plentiful.
- Snack bar: Handy for a quick bite.
- Soup in restaurant: Very welcome on a chilly day.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Options available.
- Western breakfast: Yep.
Room Ramblings and a Few Imperfections
Okay, let's talk rooms! The rooms sanitized between stays was reassuring. You've got your standard comforts: air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, coffee/tea maker. The Wi-Fi [free] was mostly reliable (more on that later). The blackout curtains were amazing for beating jet lag.
The beds were comfy, not too soft, not too hard, and that's important after a day of exploring.
- Additional toilet: Didn't have it, but it wasn't a dealbreaker.
- Internet access - LAN: Didn't use this.
- Internet access - wireless: Worked most of the time.
- Non-smoking: THANK GOODNESS!
- Room decorations: Simple, but tasteful.
- Seating area: Nice for relaxing.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Excellent.
- Slippers: A must.
- Soundproofing: Surprisingly good.
- Wake-up service: Worked perfectly.
- Window that opens: Always appreciate this.
The Annoying Bits (Because No Place is Perfect)
Alright, I'm a real human and I'm not a massive fan of unrealistic reviews. My main beef? The Internet. While Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is advertised, the signal was a little… patchy. Fine for checking emails, less so for streaming movies. Also, this isn't a negative but just an observation: this is not a place for a wild party! This is the kind of place you go when you need to recharge.
Also, sometimes I felt a little lost in translation. Some staff members spoke limited English, but they were ALWAYS friendly and helpful.
Overall Verdict and Emotional Fallout:
So, would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the odd hiccup, the Shikaribetsu experience was truly magical. This place isn't about polished perfection; it's about authentic Japanese charm, breathtaking scenery, and a genuinely relaxing atmosphere. Embrace the imperfections, let go of your expectations, and just be. You might find, like I did, that you'll fall utterly, deeply, in love.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Consider me a convert, Uncover Hidden Japan, you've succeeded!
Sheraton Hartford South: Your Dream CT Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, and probably slightly embarrassing world of my trip to the Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui in Tokachi, Japan. This isn’t your perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is the raw, unfiltered truth of a slightly-stressed-but-mostly-thrilled traveler.
The Pre-Trip Freakout (and the Ramen Obsession)
Okay, so before we even get to Japan, there was the pre-trip jitters. The all-consuming dread. Did I pack enough socks? Did I remember my passport? Did I, in my sleep-deprived state, accidentally book a flight to, I don't know, Timbuktu? (Spoiler alert: I didn't, thank god.)
And the ramen research? Oh, the ramen research. Days, weeks, were spent obsessing over noodle profiles, broth viscosities, and the holy trinity of chashu pork. I was basically a ramen scholar, except instead of memorizing ancient texts, I was drooling over pictures of steaming bowls. My expectations? Sky high.
Day 1: Arrival – Jet Lagged and Jittery (and the Forest Bathing That Saved My Sanity)
7:00 AM (Tokyo Narita Airport): Landed! The airport was…big. Like, the size of a small city. Found the train to our connecting flight. Already feeling the delightful hum of jet lag. My internal clock is screaming, “Where is the caffeine, woman?!”.
10:00 AM (Domestic Flight to Tokachi-Obihiro Airport): More flying. More staring out the window, trying to decipher the landscape. The Japanese countryside, from above, is seriously stunning – patchwork fields, little villages nestled amongst the trees. I swear I could see the ghosts of ramen bowls past.
12:00 PM (Arrival at Tokachi-Obihiro): Finally! Obihiro. The air smells…crisp. And clean. Like actual, breathing-in-life-itself clean. We got picked up by the hotel shuttle. The driver bowed so low, I thought he was doing a full yoga pose. Impressed.
2:00 PM (Check-in at Fusui): Okay, this hotel is… breathtaking. Nestled on the edge of Lake Shikaribetsu, surrounded by lush forest. The air is so pure it felt like I could, and maybe I did, literally taste the oxygen. Room with a view! Immediately ditched the bags and made a beeline for the onsen.
3:00 PM (Forest Bathing – OH. MY. GOD.): This is the stuff of legends. I'm a city person, a concrete jungle survivor. Years spent in smog and sirens. But the pre-arranged forest walk? Pure magic. The guide, a wonderfully serene older woman, showed us what felt like the secret language of the trees – the way the sunlight dappled, the rustle of leaves, the quiet hum of the forest. I hugged a tree. I'm not even ashamed. I'm reborn. Forest bathing is the absolute best. I even cried a little. The jet lag was washed away by the power of photosynthesis.
6:00 PM (Dinner: First Ramen Attempt!): So, the moment of truth. The ramen at the hotel restaurant was… fine. A little bland, actually. GASP. My inner ramen scholar was slightly disappointed, but the overall experience of the hotel, the view, the post-forest-bath bliss, saved it.
8:00 PM (Onsen Debrief): Back in the onsen. This time, under the night sky. Soaking in the hot spring, watching the stars. My skin felt like silk, my mind like a freshly-waxed surfboard. Pure. Bliss. I will never be a morning person, but I could get used to this.
Day 2: Lake, Laughter, and the Quest for the Perfect Egg (and a Minor Meltdown)
8:00 AM (Breakfast – The Egg Incident): Breakfast was a beautiful spread. However, the eggs… They were, shall we say, underwhelming. Overcooked. Rubber-y. The worst thing to start the day. I was close to tears. My carefully constructed vision of the perfect Japanese breakfast was shattered. Dramatic pause. I recovered.
9:00 AM (Lake Shikaribetsu Exploration): We rented a canoe and paddled around the lake. OMG. The water was crystal clear, the reflections of the mountains perfect. Totally worth the minor egg trauma of the morning. Saw some ducks. Ducks of Japan are clearly superior to those in, say, my backyard.
12:00 PM (Lunch): Light lunch at the hotel restaurant. Nothing to get excited about, but the views are making everything better.
2:00 PM (The Quest for The Perfect Egg, Part Deux): Determined, I asked the hotel staff if they happened to have any recommendations for where one might find a proper soft-boiled egg in the area. My request must have seemed a little… intense. They gave me a sympathetic look and pointed me to a small restaurant in a nearby village.
3:30 PM (Village Exploration and Egg Redemption): The village was super cute! So was the restaurant run by two amazing Japanese people. We found the restaurant, which was a tiny, family-run place, serving traditional dishes. I ordered the ramen - of course - but was really there to try the egg. And… glory be. The egg was perfect. Runny yolk, cooked just right. I almost cried again. This time, tears of pure joy. My faith in Japanese cuisine, and the universe, was restored.
6:00 PM (Dinner - Okonomiyaki and Karaoke): The hotel has a karaoke room… so, naturally, we had to go. The okonomiyaki was great. The karaoke? Let's just say there were some questionable vocal choices. And a lot of laughter.
9:00 PM (Onsen & Stargazing): Back to the onsen. More stars. More bliss. I’m starting to think I could live in a hot spring.
Day 3: Farewell, Fusui (and a Promise to Return)
8:00 AM (Breakfast – SUCCESS!): This time, with the egg secret weapon! I shared the news with the staff and they all gave us a hug! The hotel chef came out to meet me and we shared the perfect-egg tips.
9:00 AM (Last Hike) : One last hike through the forest. I am now officially addicted.
11:00 AM (Check-out): Saying goodbye to the Fusui was harder than I anticipated. This place… got to me. The beauty, the peace, the food, even the (at times) terrible eggs!
12:00 PM (Journey to Obihiro and Departure): Saying goodbye to the Fusui was harder than I anticipated. This place… got to me. The beauty, the peace, the food, even the (at times) terrible eggs!
The Aftermath: On the plane, back home to real life, I’m already dreaming of the next trip back. I’ll be perfecting my ramen recipe, I'll be ready for the egg challenges, and ready to hug more trees. I learned that it's okay for things to be a little messy, and that even a bad egg (or three) can't ruin a perfect experience. Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui, you stole my heart. See you soon!
Okay, so, Shikaribetsu? Is it even *real*? I mean, it looks like a fairy tale.
Alright, deep breath. Yes, Shikaribetsu is REAL. And yes, it *does* look like it fell out of a Miyazaki movie. Honestly, when I first saw photos, I was convinced it was Photoshopped to death. But then I actually *went*. And let me tell you, the reality? Way more jaw-dropping. Think pristine lake, the most insane onsen lodges (the ones in the water!), and a silence so profound you can practically *taste* it. I spent the first hour just wandering around, muttering "This can't be real" under my breath. Almost tripped over a tiny wild deer in the process. So, yeah. Real. And utterly, ridiculously beautiful. Prepare to have your Instagram feed *blown up*.
The onsen thing... that's the big draw, right? Naked people and hot water. Spill the tea. What's *actually* up?
Okay, deep dive into the onsen experience. First, yes, the nudity is a thing. And let's be honest, it's a tad intimidating at first, especially for a Westerner who’s used to, you know, *clothing*. But honestly? You get over it. Fast. Everyone’s there for the same reason: bliss. Just remember the rules, the towel thing for when you're not *in* the water, and try not to stare (it's considered rude, duh). The water *itself*? Magical. The mineral content is supposed to be amazing for your skin. I don't know about that, but I *do* know that every single muscle in my body melted like butter. I've had a lot of aches that I didn't even realize existed until they dissolved in the hot spring.
I saw something about a 'Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan'. What's that all about? Is it… actually *cold*?
Kotan? Yep. Prepare for the *coolest* (pun absolutely intended) thing you've ever seen. Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan is an ephemeral village. A community built on the frozen lake. Think ice bars, cozy cottages crafted from snow and ice, and a feeling of pure, untainted winter magic. It's only there in winter. I. Was. Obsessed. I actually planned *my entire trip* around being there at the right time. The structures shift and change every year, but the heart of it, the feeling of being in a world constructed entirely of ice and snow, remains the same... or even better. One year, the ice bar had a *slide* inside it! Honestly, it felt like Disney World for adults (who love both hot springs and extreme chills). The "cold" part... yes, very cold. Bundle up appropriately. I learned the hard way (frozen toes!). BUT! The contrast with the onsen makes it even more enjoyable.
Okay, I'm sold. But travel logistics... how do I *get there*? I'm not exactly aiming for a 'lost in the woods' situation.
Alright, logistics. This is where it gets a little… adventurous. Shikaribetsu isn’t exactly on the well-worn tourist trail. First, you'll fly into New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo. Then, you'll need to rent a car. Public transport is an option but it’s seriously limited and time-consuming. Driving is *key*. The roads are well-maintained, even in winter (though, of course, snow tires are a must), but be prepared for some gorgeous, winding routes through the mountains. Think about downloading some Japanese music. The last hour or so is stunning. Oh! And make sure your GPS works. I nearly missed a turn and ended up (briefly) in what looked like a bear's den. Scary. But picturesque.
Food. What can I expect? I like to eat. A lot.
Oh, yes, the food! Prepare to gain weight. Seriously. The local cuisine is incredible. Fresh seafood (Hokkaido is famous for it), hearty ramen (perfect after a long day in the cold), and, of course, the onsen ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) offer multi-course meals that are pure culinary poetry. They are often seasonal too. Think fresh local vegetables, locally raised meat, and the most exquisitely prepared dishes you can imagine. If you get a chance to try the local *soba* noodles (buckwheat noodles), do it. They’re divine. I may have eaten a bowl whilst still wrapped in a (thankfully clean) bath towel and dripping water. Don't judge me. I was happy.
Is it expensive? Let's be real, I'm not made of money.
Okay, so, "expensive" is relative, right? Compared to a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia -- yes, it’s more. But for the experience you're getting, the isolation, the incredible beauty, the *soul-soothing* hot springs? I'd say it's worth every penny. The biggest costs will be the accommodation (ryokan can be pricey, but worth it for the full experience), and the travel (flights to Japan, car rental etc.). The food, surprisingly, is often more reasonable. There are places to economize (like eating at local restaurants instead of always at your ryokan) and activities that you can do to save costs (hiking is free!). Plan, budget, and you can make it work. It’s an investment in your sanity, I swear. I still dream about it.
What about the language barrier? I speak, like, *very* little Japanese. Am I doomed?
The language barrier… it's definitely a thing. Honestly, I speak about as much Japanese as my pet goldfish. *However*... The locals are incredibly kind and welcoming. They're used to tourists, and they'll do their best to help you out. I'd recommend learning a few basic phrases (hello, thank you, please) and maybe downloading a translation app. Point and smile go a long way, believe it or not. You'll encounter some English speakers in the ryokan and hotels, and even the local restaurants often have menus with English translations. I somehow managed to order a complete meal for myself (which included a single raw egg, I was a terrible cook, and a massive portion of pickles) using a combination of pointing, gestures, and sheer dumb luck. You'll be fine. Embrace the awkwardness, it's part of the fun.
Okay, but *what* do you actually *do* there? Besides soak in hot water and eat.
Besides the onsen and foodBook Hotels Now
