Tokachigawa Onsen Kangetsuen

Tokachigawa Onsen is blessed with the abundant nature and cuisine of the Tokachi Plain. Located right in front of the clear Tokachi River, “Kangetsuen” is a hot spring inn that combines three essentials: a Hokkaido Heritage–recognized “moor hot spring,” “cuisine that makes the most of seasonal ingredients,” and a “space of relaxation.”

Moments spent gazing at the clear stream and heartwarming time over delicious meals help you forget the everyday. Let’s dive into why, from seasoned hot spring lovers to visitors from Japan and abroad, so many people choose Kangetsuen.

A long-established Tokachi inn with about 70 years of history

Kangetsuen has a long history, growing alongside the Tokachi River. You can feel that heritage in the ambience of the buildings—truly “a representative hot spring inn of Tokachi.” Step through the entrance to the front desk and you’ll find a spacious area that retains a Japanese aesthetic while feeling open and airy.

“Lounge Togetsu,” where modern interiors blend seamlessly with a Japanese setting

To the left of the front desk is “Lounge Togetsu,” where you can admire the grand flow of the Tokachi River through large windows. Sinking into the premium sofas while savoring draft beer or Tokachi wine as you reflect on your travels is pure bliss. The scenery changes with the seasons and time of day.

Enjoy an extraordinary moment in an intimate space where the contrast between Japanese and Western design leaves a striking impression.

The Tokachi River looks different with every visit

Savor Tokachi’s flavors with all five senses

The “seasonal Tokachi cuisine” at Kangetsuen is one reason guests come specifically to dine. As an agricultural and dairy powerhouse, Tokachi brings together a wide range of fresh ingredients—meat, vegetables, dairy, grains, and seafood. Dishes that embrace this bounty are not only visually beautiful and delicious, but also let you feel the “culture of this land.”

Japanese & Western buffet “Nire no Mori”

Renewed in April 2024, the river-view kitchen “Nire no Mori” offers a carefully curated Japanese/Western/Chinese buffet with an abundance of dishes.

In the cooking area at the back, you’ll see chefs at work, striving to serve delicious food to many guests. The sizzling of ingredients and the beauty of the dishes stimulate the senses—you’ll find yourself reaching out almost instinctively. The face-to-face cooking is possible precisely because they’re confident in the freshness and safety of their ingredients.

The lineup spans Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines, featuring locally minded dishes such as roasted Tokachi beef loin, raclette cheese grilled on a ceramic plate, and grilled seasonal seafood. Appetizers include local cheeses and pickled Tokachi beans, while the dessert corner boasts Hokkaido milk soft-serve and cakes. A “tour of Tokachi’s flavors” is possible right at Kangetsuen’s buffet.

Sharing time while gazing at the same view is one of travel’s joys

After choosing favorites from the abundant selection, enjoy a leisurely meal with your loved ones. Table seating facing each other is lovely, but the window seats overlooking the Tokachi River are prime.

For those seeking kaiseki cuisine

For a quieter dining experience, private dining rooms such as “Senka” and “Ichii” are recommended. With sunken kotatsu seating and table seating available, you can enjoy creative kaiseki in a serene Japanese space.

Dining room “Ichii”

Accommodating up to about 10 guests, this dinner venue is perfect for group reservations. The kaiseki menu is tailored to the season and available ingredients.

Dining room “Senka”

A classic Japanese dining room where you can enjoy your meal in calm surroundings. Both sunken kotatsu and table seating are available for a kaiseki experience.

Optional extras for premium seafood

If you want to enjoy even more of Hokkaido’s distinctive flavors, additional dishes are available. Options include Tokachi beef grilled on a ceramic plate, horsehair crab, king crab, and salmon ruibe—plenty of luxury ingredients to elevate your trip. (*Advance order required at least one week in advance.)

[Breakfast Buffet] The featured favorite: DIY seafood rice bowl!

Mornings at Kangetsuen begin with a breakfast brimming with “Hokkaido/Tokachi character.” The popular “katte-don” lets you pile on as much ikura, sweet shrimp, tuna, and more as you like to create your own seafood bowl. The seafood is so fresh and delicious that you’ll polish it off even first thing in the morning. The lineup also includes Tokachi sausages, chicken curry, and classic breakfast side dishes.

And “bread-for-breakfast” fans can relax—there’s a full selection of breads made with Tokachi wheat, perfect for a refined moment with coffee. You can even compare the flavors of fresh milk—something unique to Tokachi. Every ingredient is chosen with care so breakfast becomes another page in your travel memories.

Ryokan highlights

Amber-glowing “moor hot spring”

A “moor hot spring” beloved by hot spring aficionados nationwide

Tokachigawa Onsen is renowned for its moor hot springs, also known as “beautifying baths.” The amber waters, which spring up through plant layers deposited millions of years ago, are rich in botanical extracts and minerals and are said to offer lotion-like moisturizing effects.

At Kangetsuen, we’ve focused on creating an environment where you can fully enjoy this “miracle hot spring,” with comfortable bathing and vistas that let you soak while appreciating the scenery.

Large public bath and garden open-air bath

In addition to spacious indoor tubs, the bathing area includes reclining baths and walking baths. It’s not just about warming up—you can truly relax and soothe away fatigue.

In the garden-style open-air bath, spend a luxurious moment while gazing at the grand Tokachi River and seasonal scenery. Sit on the outdoor relaxation sofas and you’ll find the Tokachi sky stretching endlessly overhead.

Rooms with private hot springs

For those who “want to focus on hot springs” or “soak as much as they like without worrying about others,” rooms with open-air baths are recommended. Options include 8-tatami and 10-tatami Japanese rooms and Japanese-Western rooms—perfect for families or friends. Each room features a different style of open-air bath.

If you want an especially memorable stay, consider the special rooms with panoramic open-air baths that make the most of Kangetsuen’s unmatched Tokachigawa Onsen location. Enjoy moor hot springs in a private space while having the seasonal views all to yourself.

Concept room, Chic Modern “Fugetsu”

Concept room, Ladies’ Modern “Meigetsu”

Finnish-style sauna “löyly”

Kangetsuen’s sauna is authentic Finnish-style “löyly.” Pour water yourself over heated sauna stones and feel the comfort of enveloping steam. Experience the pleasures of löyly for yourself.

Cold-water immersion after the sauna, followed by outdoor air bathing, is the classic route to “totonou.” Feeling the river breeze as your senses sharpen is an incomparable exhilaration.

Dog-friendly “Wan-chan Rooms”

Responding to requests to “relax with your dog at an inn by the Tokachi River,” the “Wan-chan Rooms” were renewed in 2022! Two new room types have been added with plans to fully enjoy your stay with your dog. The spacious Japanese-Western rooms are equipped with pet amenities such as cages and toilets.

There’s also a paw-washing area for when you return from going out. Under the clear blue sky, enjoy luxurious moments with your dog while taking in the superb views of the Tokachi River.

*For eligible dog breeds and sizes, please check the Kangetsuen website.

Access & Nearby Information

Kangetsuen is about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Station. Even if you’re sightseeing in downtown Obihiro until evening, you’ll have plenty of time to check in.

There’s also an express bus running from Sapporo/New Chitose Airport to Obihiro/Tokachigawa Onsen! It’s recommended as a Tokachi base if you’re using public transportation or traveling long-term.

The Tokachigawa Onsen area is rich with spots to enjoy the great outdoors, such as “Tokachi Nature Center” for outdoor sports and “park golf” courses. Spend the day immersing yourself in Tokachi, then soak in Kangetsuen’s hot spring at night with a relaxing drink—how about that for a Tokachi travel plan?

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