Heavenly Hokkaido Hot Springs! The Charm of Kawashima Ryokan

Ranked in Japan's Top 100 Hot Springs

Kawashima Ryokan is located in Toyotomi Onsen, one of the northernmost hot spring resorts in Japan. Known for its petroleum-based spring water, Toyotomi Onsen is one of the most loved in all of Japan, thanks to its benefits for skin health and beauty.

Only a few hot springs, such as Tsukioka Onsen and Niitsu Onsen in Niigata, are naturally infused with petroleum. In fact, the hot springs in Toyotomi were discovered in 1926, during a search for oil.

The spring water is so dark that bathers can't see the bottom of the bathtub! One of the top 100 hot springs in Japan, the waters in this onsen resort is said to beautify skin and ease the symptoms of neuralgia and eczema.

To reach Toyotomi Onsen, visitors should take the JR Soya Main Line from Wakkanai Station to Toyotomi Station. The train ride takes about 45 minutes. From there, board a bus to the hot spring ryokan from Toyotomi Station.

Kawashima Ryokan: Welcoming Guests since 1926

Kawashima Ryokan, also known as Kawashima Inn, is the ideal place to stay when visiting Toyotomi Onsen. Although its exterior features a contemporary style, it opened in 1926 and has a distinguished history.

Yasuhiro Matsumoto is the third-generation owner of the facility. After working at various hotels and ryokans (Japanese-style inns), he renovated Kawashima Ryokan into its present style.

Mr. Matsumoto also worked at a high-end Japanese restaurant in Sapporo, and currently doubles as the chef! His wife, Miho, is the proprietor.

A Warm Wooden Interior

The building is designed to conserve energy while drawing in ample sunlight. The wood used in the interior creates a cordial and cozy ambience.

The reception counter is reminiscent of an old ryokan and decorated with colorfully patterned wallpaper.

There is a playroom for small children, and a cozy lounge next to the entrance. Although winters in Toyotomi can be harsh, savoring the scent of firewood while you warm up at the stove is sure to add a special touch to your trip.

Up these wooden stairs you'll find guest rooms and a small library!

Simple and Cozy Rooms

The single rooms are located on the first floor, and the twin rooms on the second. While there are no private bathrooms, the communal facilities lend perfectly to the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn.

The guest rooms are designed in a simple style, letting guests feel like they are relaxing in their own home! You'll also find a kotatsu heater in each room.

The lavatory bright and clean, and features mirrors from the old inn building.

There are bookshelves on the second floor lined with magazines and comic books on Hokkaido. It's the perfect place to take a rest after a long trip.

Hands down, the highlight of the inn is its hot spring bath. The main bath may look small, but it's just the right size for the number of guests that can stay at this distinguished ryokan.

Kawashima Ryokan also has a rotenburo (open-air bath), which can be reserved for private use at certain times.

Day-trippers are also welcome to soak in the onsen! The bathing fee for adults is 800 yen (after tax).

Delighting in a Hearty Meal

All of the inn's meals are planned by Mr. Matsumoto, the owner and chef. He creates seasonal dishes using local products.

On the day of our visit, the main dish was lightly roasted venison—a true Hokkaido feast.

Soft-serve ice cream made with locally-produced milk was served for dessert. This frozen treat had a deliciously distinct aroma.

To promote local products, Kawashima Ryokan uses Toyotomi Milk in various dishes. Their homemade cream and cheese are very popular with guests. Gourmet food lovers even visit the ryokan just for a chance to taste them!

Breakfast included an onsen tamago (egg slow-cooked in the hot spring) and seasoned seaweed. These delectable dishes are signature menu items at an onsen resort.

While our writer was eating, a ryokan staff member recommended the homemade sea urchin cream, which paired perfectly with rice. If you have the chance to stay at this ryokan, be sure to try some unique dishes alongside the traditional breakfast staples.

Nothing Short of Extraordinary

Northern Hokkaido is blessed with a serene atmosphere that's quite different from the bustling city of Sapporo.

It also offers a rare opportunity to bathe in a petroleum-infused onsen. The water left our skin moisturized, and gave us a feeling of relaxation that remained throughout the day.

Staying at this homey ryokan also allows guests experience the dishes cooked by Mr. Matsumoto, an incredible chef. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, turning our writer into a fan of this inn that felt like a second home.

Kawashima Inn

Hot springs in Toyotomi-cho, Teshio-gun, Teshio-gun, Hokkaido 098-4132

*This article was originally written in traditional Chinese and published on May 23, 2018.

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In cooperation with Kawashima Onsen