As soon as you walk in, it’s super quiet—really gives you that “cut off from the world” feeling. The rooms are standalone cabin-style units, and each one has a private onsen, so the privacy is great.
The whole place is surrounded by forest. Waking up to the fresh air in the morning feels so healing.
Tsuruga Akan Yuku no Sato
Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Akan, Hokkaido’s fifth-largest freshwater lake and a renowned tourist destination in eastern Hokkaido, this resort hotel offers an exceptional stay.
As soon as I got to the hotel, it felt like a real vacation and I instantly slowed down. The hot spring was really nice—after soaking, my whole body felt super relaxed, and I slept great that night.
Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, stretching approximately 20 kilometers north to south, and the largest freshwater lake that freezes over on its entire surface. Mt. Mokoto, which created Lake Kussharo, is known for its volcanic eruptions that covered the entire Hokkaido region with its ash in ancient times.
The vibe is totally different in winter. The steamy spots along the shore look pretty magical.
Zao Ropeway Restaurant "Sancho"
The "Zao Ropeway" is an easy way to enjoy the magnificent nature of Zao. Located at an elevation of 1,661 meters, about 17 minutes by two ropeways from Zao Ropeway Station and close to the summit of Mt. Jizo, the restaurant "Sancho" is open year-round in Jizo Sancho Station.
The weather was bad and it was seriously freezing—I could barely feel my hands and feet.
Thank goodness the restaurant had warm heating, so we could duck in for a bit 😶🌫️
