Hokkaido is loved for its vast nature and stunning seasonal landscapes. While well-known destinations like Sapporo, Asahikawa, Furano, Biei, and Niseko are popular, the Obihiro-Tokachi area is also full of hidden charm not to be missed.
Obihiro City, one of Hokkaido’s five major cities, is perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and travel at a relaxed pace. This season offers spectacular scenery unique to Hokkaido, from beautiful autumn leaves to vast snowy landscapes. Tokachi is also dotted with famous hot springs where you can heal both body and mind in nature. Among them, the most historic is “Metou Onsen.” Why not visit and experience Japan’s seasonal transitions ahead of time?
北海道足寄町の山あいにある「芽登温泉」は、120年以上の歴史を誇り、「日本秘湯を守る会」にも加盟する名湯。2025年、その未来を託された（事業承継予定）のは一組の若い夫婦、中村建一郎さん（32歳）と里紗さん（3...
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To the Retro Showa-Style Hidden Gem: “Metou Onsen”
“Metou Onsen” is located deep in the forest, about a 1-hour-40-minute drive away. It is surrounded by natural wonders such as Daisetsuzan National Park, home to Hokkaido’s highest peak Mount Asahi (2,291m), and Akan-Mashu National Park, where Ainu culture thrives.
It takes about 2 hours by rental car from the famous tourist spots of Furano and Biei to Metou Onsen.
From New Chitose Airport on the outskirts of Sapporo to the nearest JR Obihiro Station, access is excellent with JR limited express trains taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
However, this “hidden hot spring” rarely appears in travel guidebooks, and visitors are few. You won’t find large tour buses here. Instead, a single charming hotel reminiscent of “Showa retro” sits quietly in the forest.
The surroundings offer nothing but untouched wilderness. With limited mobile signal, it’s the perfect place to switch off your phone and enjoy a slow-paced offline journey. It’s truly a destination for seasoned travelers in search of authenticity.
Opened in 1904.
An Abundant Hot Spring Source Flowing Beside the River
“Metou Onsen” is a member of the association dedicated to preserving Japan’s hidden hot springs, “Nihon Hitou wo Mamoru Kai.”
It offers a total of seven baths, both indoor and open-air, available for day visitors and overnight guests, with warm hospitality. Loved as a “healing hot spring” since 1904 for over 120 years, it provides high-quality water straight from the source for ultimate relaxation.
The open-air baths are divided into men’s and women’s use depending on the time of day. Mixed bathing and private family/friend rentals are also available. While bathing nude is standard in Japan, Metou Onsen provides bathing attire for mixed-use sessions, so everyone can enjoy the hot springs comfortably regardless of gender.
While soaking, the sound of the stream flowing right in front of the hotel becomes your natural background music, enhancing relaxation. You may even spot forest wildlife such as chipmunks, Blakiston’s fish owls, or the rare Ezo flying squirrel, found only in Hokkaido. Unexpected encounters could make your soak even more memorable.
The MATOKA editorial team most highly recommends visiting “Metou Onsen” in winter. The magical snow-view open-air bath experience, unique to snowy Hokkaido, will never disappoint.
The Warm Hospitality of a Family-Run Inn
Today, “Metou Onsen” has seven guest rooms (including detached cottages). With a capacity of about 20 guests, it is a small, family-owned hotel. Unlike flashy, famous brand resorts or luxury chains, it offers individuality and a charm that makes you want to support it as a fan.
One highlight is the dinner served here. While featuring luxurious Hokkaido ingredients such as wagyu beef and horsehair crab, the Japanese dishes evoke a nostalgic sense of “home cooking.” Seasonal fresh ingredients add color to the table, letting guests enjoy the true essence of Japanese cuisine with their eyes, palate, and heart. With fewer guests, the staff can provide attentive service tailored to each individual’s needs.
Honoring Tradition While Welcoming a New Generation of Leadership
While preserving Japan’s cherished hot spring traditions, “Metou Onsen” also continues to evolve to meet the modern traveler’s needs. The main building has been renovated to better accommodate families and senior travelers. Meanwhile, a new private cottage, completed in 2024, is perfect for couples and younger groups who value privacy.
In summer 2025, “Metou Onsen” appointed a couple in their 30s as the next-generation managers to carry the business into the future. With both smart, flexible sensibilities and professional hospitality experience from luxury resorts, this innovative leadership is set to enhance the inn’s welcoming spirit and broaden its appeal to even more guests.
Here is the private cottage limited to one group per day. Featuring its own open-air bath, sauna, and kitchen, this modern space allows you to enjoy a villa-like experience without worrying about other guests. Of course, the open-air bath is fed by natural hot springs, ensuring a soothing end to your journey.
「芽登温泉」は、開湯から100年以上にわたり訪れる方々に究極の癒しと静寂をお届けしてきた、十勝最古の湯治場です。2024年11月15日、1日1組限定で宿泊できる「蘇芳の庵（すおうのいおり）」が新たに完成いたしました。読者の皆様に、ぜひこの「蘇芳の庵（すおうのいおり）」での特別な体験を知っていただきたく、心を込めてご紹介します。今だけ限定価格で宿泊
【INFORMATION】
Phone: 0156-26-2119
Hours: Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00, Day-use bathing 11:00–18:00
Access: About 1 hour 40 minutes by car from JR Obihiro Station
*The information in this article is current as of the interview date.
*Please confirm details such as phone numbers, opening hours, and regular holidays in advance, as they are subject to change.
