Furukawa Onsen no Yado: A Playful Footbath Experience

🍁 "Furukawa Onsen no Yado" is a historic hot spring inn located in Jozankei, a suburb near Sapporo, Hokkaido. Despite its long history, the inn is far from outdated, having undergone renovations in 2001 and 2022. 🍁 From the moment you step into the hotel lobby, you'll be immersed in the nostalgic atmosphere of ancient Japan! Every corner is thoughtfully decorated, offering a visual journey before your stay even begins. 🍁 The welcoming lounge not only offers a variety of drinks and desserts but also features a wood-burning fireplace, enhancing the traditional ambiance. 🍁🍁🍁 Then, embark on a mysterious and exploratory journey: 🟡 The entrance to the "large communal bath" leads you to another building, which houses the [Hana no Yu] and [Tsuki no Yu] baths. 💫👉 However, don't rush to visit the open-air baths right after check-in❗ There's an even more important spot to explore first👇 🔴 "Mori no Bettei" ~ "Footbath." This hidden gem is located behind the large communal bath in another annex. Guests are provided with traditional straw sandals to walk along the stone paths and corridors, leading to a grand old house that feels like stepping back in time. 💫👉 Wow, what a delightful surprise! This annex not only serves as another welcoming area with drinks and snacks but also offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. The highlight is the "outdoor footbath," where guests can enjoy a relaxing soak with friends, much like an open-air bath, creating a unique and serene experience. 💫👉 Note the opening hours! The footbath is only available during two time slots each day: 13:00~17:00 and 19:30~23:00. If you're only staying for one night, you might miss the chance to visit the next day. The scenery around the footbath varies between day and night! During the day, you can admire the autumn foliage surrounding the area. At night, enjoy the warmth of the fireplace, hot mulled wine, and roasted sweet potatoes! 😋😋 🔵 As for the hot springs in the large communal bath, they are a must-visit. The men's and women's baths alternate daily, allowing guests to experience two different open-air baths over two days. 🟢 The inn's basement also features a boutique shop, a cultural artifact exhibition room, paid stone sauna facilities, and Japanese-style massage spas. 🟠 Breakfast is a feast of meticulously prepared dishes, including freshly baked croissants, kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot), seasonal Japanese fruits, and more. The variety is endless. 👉💫 From Susukino in central Sapporo, take the 7H public bus. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs only 790 yen. Get off at "Jozankei Onsen Town" and it's just a 2-minute walk to the inn. The transportation is very convenient.