Best 10 Hakodate Ryokan for Your Seaside Retreat

Last Updated on December 12, 2025 by Audrey

Trying to choose which Hakodate ryokan to stay at? Your search is over!

When I visited Hakodate last year, my favorite experience was staying overnight in a ryokan.

Enjoying the peaceful ocean views at sunset while bathing in the steaming hot spring water, eating the incredible food made from local produce, and overall having a peaceful respite in the middle of our travels was just incredible and a memory I will never ever forget.

Hakodate wasn't my first ryokan experience, but it still stands as the best ryokan experience I've had so far. The city is famous for being one of the top 3 onsen areas in Hakodate, and that title is so deserved.

After having such a great time, I want to help you make your decision and choose which ryokan will suit you best in Hakodate. Let's get into it!

Top 3 picks: Best Hakodate Ryokan

What’s Special about Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen?

There are a couple options where you can stay in Hakodate, but Yunokawa Onsen is famous in Hokkaido and is a popular retreat destination. What makes this hot spring area so unique?

The History of Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen

Yunokawa Onsen is considered one of the top three hot spring regions in Hokkaido! Its history dates back to 1653, during the Edo Period. Takahiro, the ninth lord of the Matsumae clan, is said to have recovered from an incurable illness after bathing in the spring.

To show their gratitude, his mother rebuilt Yakashiro Hall and offered a crocodile bell, which marked the beginning of Yunokawa Onsen’s legacy.

The name "Yunokawa" comes from the Ainu words yu (hot water) and pettsu (river).

Why do people visit Yunokawa Onsen?

Millions of visitors come to Hakodate and Yunokawa onsen annually. This lovely city is the perfect blend of relaxation, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. I absolutely fell in love with this town when I visited myself.

There's a good amount of things to do around the area, the food is incredible, and it's a terrific place to enjoy the hot springs.

What makes Yunokawa Onsen special?

The waters of Yunokawa Onsen are known for having a high content of minerals, especially sodium, calcium, and chloride.

The high salt concentrations prevent your skin from drying out, while also improving neuralgia, myalgia, and arthralgia, and promoting healing and recovery.

Top 10 Hakodate Ryokan

Now, let’s break down the top 10 ryokan in Hakodate. I’ve divided them into traditional ryokan, hybrids with a traditional and modern blend, and modern ryokan. 

Traditional ryokan offer a classic experience, with tatami flooring, yukata robes, futon beds, kaiseki meal, and an authentic old-school Japanese atmosphere. 

Some ryokan aren’t totally traditional, and have some modern twists like western bed options, buffets, and updated decor. Since they are still ryokan with some hotel aspects, I’ve labeled these as hybrids.

Lastly, I’ve categorized modern ryokan as ryokan-inspired hotels that still offer onsen and Japan-style rooms, but are very contemporary. The interiors are sleek and new, rooms are more universally accessible, and amenities include massive buffets and beautiful rooftop baths. These best suit people who want to experience a ryokan but love modern comforts.

Traditional Ryokan

You want a cultural experience. Sleeping on the floor, tatami mats, the whole shebang. In that case, here are two ryokan that are perfect for a traditional ryokan experience!

1. Chikuba Shinyotei Ryokan (4⭐) ($$$)

💎 Standout feature: Huge VIP suite best for families/large groups.

My Thoughts on Chikuba Shinyotei Ryokan

Established in 1949, Chikuba Shinyotei is a traditional ryokan that incorporates stunning natural materials throughout a tranquil space. 

You’ll immediately notice the soothing indoor zen garden once you enter, with windows peering into the tranquil outdoor space decorated with greenery.

The ryokan has a peaceful open air hot spring as well as an indoor bath, both with 100% natural onsen water that flows directly from Yunokawa onsen. Lush bamboo surrounds you, providing a scenic view and setting just the right atmosphere to encourage complete relaxation.

The rooms here are generally Japanese-style, but there are a couple of Western-style rooms with beds and blends of both. 

If you’re interested in a private onsen, the VIP room Fukuju, also known as the Japanese Suite Room, features a private outdoor onsen, indoor cypress bath, two queen beds, and 8 futons that is perfect for large groups or families. The cost of this special room ranges from 55,000 to 80,000 yen, and includes dinner and breakfast.

Overall, this is the quintessential cultural experience of a real ryokan! Also, if you plan on visiting for a day trip, the ryokan offers a seasonal dining plan for two people that can also be upgraded for celebrations and anniversaries. 

"It was very spacious, clean, comfortable, and the staff were friendly. The food served at dinner was exceptional, and breakfast was good too. We really liked our suite room, it came with a private garden and outdoor bath."

- Jennifer (Read more reviews)

2. Ryokan Ichinomatsu (4⭐) ($$$)

💎 Standout feature: Budget friendly ryokan featuring delicious kaiseki meals with amazing proportions.

My Thoughts on Ryokan Ichinomatsu

Ryokan Ichinomatsu is a cozy option with 29 rooms, but in turn the customer service is outstanding and there is so much care and attention to detail. Almost all of the reviews mention how kind and hospitable the staff are, so you’ll feel like a VIP here.

Check in is a restful event, with complimentary tea and handmade yokan, a traditional Japanese dessert. Rooms are all Japanese-style with natural wood, and face a serene outdoor garden in the courtyard. Some rooms have a TV, and separated dining area.

There are two public onsen here, separated by gender. It looks just like the bathhouse you see in anime, with several wash stations and an open air bath made of cypress wood. 

One of the highlights of this ryokan is their incredible kaiseki meal with 12 dishes made of seasonal delicacies straight from Hakodate. In particular, the fried kinki (deep fried rockfish) is a specialty of Ryokan Ichinomatsu, so make sure to try it out!

If you’re traveling solo, you can get a great deal here for only $70 a night, with meals included!

"This was one of my favorite parts of my trip, and I will definitely stay again if I have the chance. The food was a traditional Japanese-style meal with fresh seafood. The onsen facilities were great, and they offer a good price on massages and a karaoke room if you have a desire to sing!"

- Victor (Read more reviews)

Traditional Modern Blend

These hybrid options feature both classic features of traditional ryokan, such as tatami rooms and kaiseki meals, but have some contemporary features such as Western beds, roof top baths, and more. 

3. Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei (4⭐) ($$$)

💎 Standout feature: Private outdoor onsen overlooking the ocean

My Thoughts on Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei

I personally stayed at Yunokawa Prince last year and loved my experience!

This four-star hotel offers incredible service, delicious food, and the outdoor open-air onsen was better than anything I could have imagined. 

During the evening, we watched the sun set over the beach while soaking in our private stone bath. Afterwards, we put on their comfy yukata and took our time enjoying their indulgent dinner buffet while the hardworking staff laid out our futons.

I had the best sleep I’ve ever had on the plush futon bed after a long week of exploring Hokkaido. Overall, Yunokawa Prince was amazing and I can’t recommend it enough. 

In total, we paid $422 for one night, which was $211/person split between me and my partner. This included both the dinner and breakfast buffet. 

Pricey? It is. However, it’s worth it. Trust me. For my entire review about my stay at Yunokawa Prince, click here.  

"We had an en-suite onsen that had incredible views of the ocean. We found ourselves looking forward to the end of the day because we could take a dip and relax. Many of our group even woke up early to start the day with onsen as well! Highly recommend."

- David (Read more reviews)

4. Heiseikan Shiosaitei (4⭐) ($$$)

💎 Standout feature: Aesthetic open air hot springs with sea views

My Thoughts on Heiseikan Shiosaitei

Heiseikan Shiosaitei has beautiful ocean views everywhere you look, and will take your breath away every day as you enjoy your time here. It’s a true seaside getaway.

Their public onsen has panoramic views overlooking Tsugaru Strait, making you feel like you’re floating in the sea.

They also have charming traditional Japanese rooms with private ceramic open air baths alongside sunny ocean views. The rooms are very spacious, with tatami floors and natural wood.

For dinner you can choose between multiple options. The buffet has been highly reviewed with endless snow crab legs, fresh sashimi, and a huge variety of dishes highlighting Hakodate’s local produce.

Heiseikan also has a separate annex called Hanatsuki, which offers private open air baths made of cypress wood, in addition to Western-style beds if you prefer a regular bed.

"A stay at this comfortable onsen hotel offers breathtaking ocean views and an authentic Japanese experience. The traditional Japanese-style rooms are beautifully designed, providing a serene and relaxing atmosphere. The warm hospitality of the friendly and attentive staff enhanced the entire experience, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay."

- Audrey (Read more reviews)

5. Hanabishi Hotel (4⭐) ($$$)

💎 Standout feature: Temperature-adjustable private onsen, and tattoo-friendly public onsen.

My Thoughts on Hanabishi Hotel

Hanabishi Hotel keeps its cultural roots with rooms focused on calm Japanese-style arrangements and a soothing atmosphere, but offers modern twists by adding Western beds to these traditional tatami spaces.

If you can afford the upgrade, I recommend booking their deluxe suites, which can fit up to 5 people. These special rooms feature private open air stone baths that are temperature adjustable. If you’ve already tried an onsen before, you might know that some of these hot springs run really hot. Being able to control the temperature is a gift from God.

Hanabishi also has 4 tattoo-friendly public onsen, with indoor and outdoor options in a beautiful garden setting. There’s also a Finnish sauna on-site.

With 131 rooms set in a serene, upscale setting, you’re bound to enjoy your stay at this grand hotel. 

"I had the best sleep in YEARS, and I tried every climate, bed and pillow (okay, maybe not every, but I changed 16 countries/states in 2 last years). The whole place is just perfect: tattoo friendly public bath, tradition-inspired rooms. But the bed – is the true wonder! Thank you, Hanabishi team!"

- Alexey (Read more reviews)

6. Yunohama Hotel (3⭐) ($$$)

💎 Standout feature: Incredible views of Tsugaru Strait

My Thoughts on Yunohama Hotel

Yunohama Hotel features incredible seaside views from every guest room, complete with your own private in-room onsen! You can choose between soaking in either a ceramic or cypress bath as you overlook the Hokkaido Sea.

The rooms were updated in 2024 and feel bright, breezy, and comfortable. Natural light pours in through the large windows and balcony, filling the space with a warm glow. Most rooms with a private onsen are traditional Japanese-style, but if you prefer a regular bed, you can try for one of their few Western-style rooms, though they tend to book quickly.

 Meals feature fresh seafood and mountain vegetables, along with Hokkaido favorites like Hakodate salt ramen and Genghis Khan-style grilled lamb. 

During your visit, I recommend trying their specially made ramen. They start cooking the broth early in the morning and use the best ingredients! It’s better than a restaurant you’ll find in Hakodate.

"The open-air bath overlooking the Tsugaru Straits is a wonderful setting where you can feel one with the waves and the sea breeze. The rooms are simple and beautiful, and the picturesque ocean view is overwhelming. The staff are also very friendly, making for a wonderful stay."

- Mizue (Read more reviews)

7. Emi Hakodateya (3⭐) ($$)

💎 Standout feature: Complimentary all-you-can-eat ice cream, coffee, and sparkling wine.

My Thoughts on Emi Hakodateya

Emi Hakodateya is a cozy 26-room ryokan just steps from the beach, so you can enjoy mornings and sunsets with your toes in the sand. 

Rooms come in both Japanese and Western styles and fit up to four people. Most of the rooms feature a TV, dining table, and desk area.

Dinner is omakase style made with local fish and decadent red king crab from the nearby ocean. The best thing about this ryokan, though? From 3-10 PM, guests get unlimited soft serve made from Hakodate milk, sparkling wine, and coffee! 

There’s no private onsen, but you’ll find four public baths made with tile and stone, as well as a peaceful lobby with a hot spring hearth, library, and quiet garden terrace.

"The accommodation is clean, and the hot spring is great. The outdoor bath temperature is just right, and being able to drink sparkling wine after the bath is the best!! The breakfast buffet is also diverse and satisfying. Definitely recommend!!"

- Kayo (Read more reviews)

Modern Ryokan

Finally, let’s get into your modern ryokan options. These have their toes dipped quite far into the hotel category, but are still technically ryokan. Just barely!

These picks are ideal if you’re used to modern hotel comforts. Sleeping on the floor? I don’t think so. Don’t worry, you’ll have your own bed and much more. 

8. Bourou Noguchi Hakodate (4⭐) ($$$$)

💎 Standout feature: Panoramic views of Hakodate City in a luxurious space.

My Thoughts on Bourou Noguchi Hakodate

Bourou Noguchi Hakodate combines the best features of a ryokan and hotel to create one of the most high-end stays I’ve ever seen.

First, there’s the rooftop outdoor onsen where you can watch Hakodate city lights sparkle at night, with the refreshing ocean breeze blowing over your shoulder.

In addition to that, the hotel has 4 whole floors of lavish guest rooms that all come with private onsen featuring scenic views of Hakodate city and the port. There are 3 rooms, and you can choose between a modern duplex-style suite, a traditional Japanese room reminiscent of retro Hakodate, and an intimate space ideal for solo travelers. 

The hotel is undoubtedly amazing, with stunning views of Hakodate everywhere you look. There’s a luxurious sky lounge with ceiling-to-floor windows, and a popular stone sauna “Ganban-Yoku”, which does wonders for your skin and health. 

Overall, if you want an impressive, high-class stay in Hakodate, this is it.

"Our room was superb, with a view of the port. The in-room hot spring bath was a real winner!! As it was our first time, it was easier for my kids to have family privacy than the public bath. The stone sauna that they have is a gem! If only I found it earlier! Being in there really helped my tired muscles from all the walking."

- Vanessa (Read more reviews)

9. Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort (3⭐) ($$$$)

💎 Standout feature: Awarded 1 star in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido

My Thoughts on Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu

The charming hotel that has been awarded one Michelin Star in the Hokkaido Guide will take your breath away with its ocean views, high quality hot springs, and decadent meals.

Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu has 22 rooms which all offer stunning ocean views. You can choose between 3 room options, with a Japanese suite and Family Suite that both incorporate tatami floors and dining areas overlooking the sea, as well as a Western-style maisonnette with an in-room ocean view tub.

Onsen water is freshly pumped from the well right in front of the hotel entrance, so you can experience it directly from the source. While many hotels have to pump the onsen water from miles away, you’ll get to enjoy it right away and experience the wonderful effects such as stress relief, hormone regulation, and muscle recovery immediately.

Additionally, the onsen have different temperatures! The hot spring water is usually too hot for me personally, so this way you won’t feel like you’re burning.

The hotel offers fun classes to learn more about Japanese culture, including an authentic “Sado” tea ceremony, Japanese flower arrangement, Soba noodle making, and outdoor activities like hiking or canoeing in Onuma.

Lastly, the customer service is outstanding. During check-in, you’ll be served Japanese matcha and a special cake specifically made by Wakamatsu, and during mealtime the perfectly balanced dishes will blow you away. The textures, appearance, and timing of each dish is carefully planned and prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients before being brought before you one by one in order to get the temperature and taste just right.

"This was our absolute favorite hotel during our entire trip to Hokkaido! The hotel is incredibly beautiful, with aesthetic details everywhere you look. Everything was spotlessly clean, and all the staff were so kind and welcoming. You can even book a private hot spring, which was such a special experience!"

- Qu (Read more reviews)

10. Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort (4⭐) ($$$)

💎 Standout feature: Largest buffet dinner in Hokkaido, and universal rooms designed for accessibility.

My Thoughts on Hewitt Resort

Hewitt Resort is a highly rated hotel that won the Rakuten Travel Japanese-style Hotel Award in 2023! There are several standout features of this hotel, such as being one of the biggest buffet dinners in Hokkaido, an infinity onsen, and their universal rooms that are accessible and designed with everyone in mind.

Accessible hotels are very difficult to find in Japan, yet these rooms are barrier-free and have hand rails, two double beds, and scenic views of the mountains and lush forest.

The other guest rooms have awesome scenery overlooking Tsugaru Strait or showing airplane departures from Hakodate Airport.

In case you have tattoos or prefer privacy, there are two private open-air onsen available to rent, with incredible views of Hakodate City from the 12th floor. And with over 150 dishes available at their buffet, you’ll be able to taste anything you want. You can also try traditional Hokkaido dishes, like jingisukan, soup curry, and their local seafood!

Their public onsen is a beautiful infinity onsen, seamlessly blending into the endless ocean in the background. Take a sip of tsukimi-sake, Hakodate’s locally brewed sake, and take your time melting away in the bath.

"The room was clean and the spa was really nice. The breakfast and dinner was amazing!! I would recommend anyone to go here if you are in Hakodate."

- Emma (Read more reviews)

Free Map of Hakodate Ryokan

Tips for Booking Ryokan in Japan

• Reserve early. Most ryokans open bookings around 3 to 6 months in advance, and they fill up fast. I recommend using Booking or Agoda because they have free cancellation. You can book early and always cancel if you find something better.
• If you want to include breakfast or dinner, be sure to confirm with the hotel after booking. Sometimes the meal reservation doesn’t go through when booking on American sites, so I would personally email them to make sure they know. 
• Don’t cram your itinerary too much during your stay. Ryokans are meant to be a slow, relaxing experience. If your itinerary is too cramped, you won’t get to enjoy the small things that make it special.
  • Once I booked a tour for 5 pm, an hour after checking in at a ryokan. The ryokan provided us with tea and snacks with a view of their scenic garden, and we had to rush through the whole thing.
• Everything is carefully arranged for you from the moment you arrive, so give yourself time to really soak it in. Ryokans are priced higher for their outstanding hospitality, but you can’t enjoy it if you’re barely there!

👉 Important: Even if you don’t plan on using the onsen, there’s a small onsen tax that gets added to your bill. It’s required by law at any accommodation with hot springs, and you pay upon check-in.

Japanese Bathing and Onsen Etiquette

Before the bath:

• Wash up thoroughly before entering the onsen so you’re clean when you enter the hot spring.
  
• Make sure all soap is rinsed off.
  
• Tie your hair if it’s long.
  
• Perform “kakeyu”: pour hot water from the basin over your lower body to help your body adjust to the temperature. I had to do this over and over because onsen water usually feels super hot to me!
  

General tips:

• Don’t overheat like the suits do in Kaiju No. 8! Step out and cool down if needed.
  
• Drink water after bathing to stay hydrated.
  
• A quick rinse with cool water at the end helps close your pores.

Hakodate Ryokan FAQs

Got some questions about staying in a ryokan? Don't worry, I did too!

What's the difference between an onsen and a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that usually has tatami flooring, futon beds, and attentive hospitality that Japanese culture is famous for. Stays often include both breakfast and dinner, typically served as a multi-course kaiseki or hotpot-style meal.

On the other hand, an onsen is a natural hot spring heated by geothermal energy. These mineral-rich waters are known for their healing properties, like soothing sore muscles, arthritis, and alleviating skin concerns.

Most ryokan also feature onsen, but some don’t. Also, not every booking includes meals by default, so double-check those details before you make your reservation.

Which ryokan have private onsen?

These are the ryokan with private onsen:

• Chikuba Shinyotei
• Yunohama Hotel
• Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei
• Heiseikan Shiosaitei
• Bourou Noguchi
• Hanabishi
• Wakamatsu
• Hewitt Resort 

For even more options of accommodations in Hakodate with private onsen, click here.

Are Ryokans more expensive than Hotels?

Yes, they are. However, remember that you’re paying for upscale Japanese hospitality, and most of the time your stay includes two meals. I personally think the food balances the cost and makes it well worth the value.

How many days should I stay in a ryokan?

I personally believe that the ideal amount of time to stay in a ryokan is 1-2 days.

One day feels a little short, but if that's all the time you have, then still go for the 1 day! You’ll still be able to enjoy dinner and breakfast.

Two days is perfect if you want to explore the nearby area while also enjoying all the hotel’s amenities.

After three days the meals might get a bit repetitive.

The Wrap-Up: The Best Hakodate Ryokan

So, what do you think? Let me know your favorites on the list, and if you end up staying at any of them! I loved my experience staying in Yunokawa Prince during my visit to Hakodate, so I hope you do too.

If you're planning your Hokkaido trip and aren't sure which city want to book a ryokan in, then I recommend checking out my Hokkaido onsen guide. However, I will say that Hakodate is absolutely beautiful and worth making the 4 hour trip from Sapporo!

If you need any help planning your trip, hit me up at audrey@getlostinjapan.com! I’m so excited for you to experience Japan!

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