Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa MIZU no UTA

It’s about a three-minute walk from the resort to Lake Shikotsu, so you can enjoy the lake whenever you like. The public bath was the best hot spring I’ve visited in China, Korea, and Japan. Service felt like a five-star hotel, with staff communicating in English, standard porter service, and people coming directly to help with questions or requests. I also liked removing shoes before entering from the reception lobby, which felt hygienic and familiar as a Korean. We stayed in a spacious, comfortable room with a private onsen pool, which was excellent for easing travel fatigue. Guests in this room type seem to be able to check in as early as 2 pm. The resort offers a round-trip shuttle from New Chitose Airport free of charge if you apply ahead. The driver carefully checked each passenger against the list and handled all the luggage with care. I’d definitely like to visit again.

The location is next level, and the Onsen was a great way to relax each day. Amam restaurant had an amazing buffet. The facilities and staff were excellent. A wonderful resort.

My wife and I stayed for three nights and absolutely loved it. We felt a little foolish being among only a few foreigners, but the staff were patient and kind about our poor Japanese, and many spoke very good English. The whole facility was beautiful, and our room was clean and comfortable. The real treat was the onsen, which we used every day. The outdoor bath and sauna were incredible, made even more special by the use of water from Lake Shikotsu. We were so glad we stayed here.

The staff were warm and made our stay comfortable, with excellent hospitality all the way from airport pickup through check-out. The food was great and offered a good range. In winter, it’s a nice spot for a one- or two-night stay, with the ice festival within walking distance, a lovely lake view, and a snow activity operator nearby.