Yunokawa Hot Spring Yunohama Hotel

The open-air bath was a lovely place to hear the waves through the night and take in the ocean view. Our Japanese-style room also faced the sea, and the Saturday night rate with two meals was good value. They’d already laid out the futon before check-in, which left little space in the room. The hotel was quiet, with mostly Japanese guests. At dinner, the buffet had fresh sashimi, salt ramen, and grilled lamb from the live kitchen. There weren’t as many choices as at other ryokan, but the dishes seemed thoughtfully prepared. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5.

For a day visit, the baths are affordable and the beach view is wonderful. I only stayed a short while, but really enjoyed it. Thanks!

The sea-facing onsen is really nice.

I picked this hotel for the hot springs, and they were the best part. They sit right by the sea, about 20 meters from the water, at eye level. Soaking while listening to the waves and feeling the sea breeze was deeply relaxing. The water was around 43 degrees Celsius, which felt a little hot. The large baths switch between men and women, and the experience changes a lot from the first day to the second. The first day’s indoor bath was ordinary; on the second day, it felt like a greenhouse, with a lovely sea view and a reclining bath. Both room types have an “infinity open-air bath” for that feeling of being at one with the sea. This place suits people who care more about a spectacular sea-view bath than the room itself. The main building is somewhat dated, and my room felt cramped and had no sea view, though it had all the essentials. At 21,000 yen per night during Golden Week, the price seemed fair for the location. It’s about a 10-minute walk along the river from the Hakodate tram stop, and having a convenience store right next door was useful.