Shukubai Onsen

I made a revenge visit on April 26th, 2025. It was originally scheduled to reopen on April 4th, but was delayed a little and reopened yesterday, April 25th (400 yen for adults). My first impression was, frankly, amazed at how quickly you warm up after soaking. I casually overheard a conversation between what appeared to be locals in the rest area, which basically boiled down to "it warms you up quickly, so avoid soaking for too long; it's best to get out after 2-3 minutes and rest around the bathtub for 7-8 minutes," and "if you soak for 10 minutes, you're more likely to get overheated." I thought to myself, "I knew it would happen." There are three washing stations, buckets and chairs to put away after each use, everyone must bring their own shampoo and soap, there's only one hair dryer (apparently two in the women's bath), old-fashioned baskets in the changing room, lockers in the rest area for valuables, and one vending machine. While there aren't any luxurious facilities, the water is incredibly hot! The water is heated because the source temperature is low, but the aroma of the firewood used to heat it is nostalgic. The family who runs the facility is also heartwarming. It felt like a relaxing bath at home, and I'll definitely be back. Apparently, the bath is quite hot shortly after opening, so I recommend coming around 3 p.m. 🤗 My first visit was on January 25, 2025, but I was surprised to find that they were "closed for the winter." I assume this decision was made due to the rising cost of gasoline and kerosene. There was a sign on the entrance door that read, "Closed from January 15 to April 3, regular hours from April 4." Since the end of November last year (2024), I've been visiting a few day-trip hot springs in the Chitose area. Due to personal circumstances, I ended up visiting Shukubai Onsen today, but I never expected it to be closed! (Later, when I enlarged the image of the entrance from a review from three weeks ago, I saw it on a sign. I overlooked it because the word "closed" wasn't mentioned in the review.) 😱😞 Although I was disappointed, I changed my mind and headed to "Neshikoshi Onsen Kurumi no Yu." I'll give Shukubai Onsen 5 stars with high hopes of returning in the spring.

Located less than 20 minutes by car from both Chitose Station and New Chitose Airport, this hidden gem of a hot spring features free-flowing hot spring water, is extremely cheap, and has a traditional Japanese feel. Once you enter, put your shoes on, and step inside, you'll feel a little unsettled, as it feels like an ordinary home, lol. You pay in cash at the reception counter. Just to be safe, I put only a single 1,000 yen bill in my pocket and left my valuables in the car, but there were lockers for valuables that didn't cost 100 yen. Bathing fee: 400 yen Rental towels: 150 yen There is no shampoo or body wash provided. However, the owner of the hot spring kindly asked, "Why don't you have some?" and lent them to me for free. I was very grateful. The men's and women's doors lead directly to the changing rooms, so if you're standing near the door, you're completely visible. lol There are no lockers in the changing rooms, only baskets, so it's best to put your valuables in a locker. The bathtub is indoors and quite spacious, so you'll have plenty of room to relax, but there are only three washing areas, so you might have to take turns when it's busy. Perhaps there's a local rule, but everyone greets you with "Good evening" as they enter or exit, which is very pleasant. The hot spring was a brownish moor spring with a very slippery texture, which was great♪ The water temperature was neither too hot nor too cold, just right. Apparently, the source temperature is low, so it seems to be heated with firewood. Indeed, when you get close to the building, you can smell the firewood, which was very soothing. The location and exterior make it seem like a lonely house, with a secret feel, and it's rare to find such high-quality hot springs. I highly recommend it♪ The landmark is a large fallen bowling pin!

*Please note that this facility does not offer amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, or body wash. Used in December 2024 When I arrived 10 minutes before opening, there were already three cars parked there, and some people had even walked from nearby areas. When you pay at the reception, you are asked not to fill the bathtub with water, even if it's hot. The changing room only has baskets, and there are coin-free lockers with locks next to the reception, so you can put your valuables in those before going to the changing room. There are only three washing areas, so you may have to wait if it's crowded. After using the bathtub, do not leave your personal belongings in the washing area; instead, place them in the corner. Right after opening, the water is freshly boiled, so it's hot enough to burn you. The stirring sticks are Although the hot spring water is provided and mixed well, no one entered the men's bath, so we only washed our bodies and left. A regular customer said it was particularly hot today, so I think the temperature varies depending on the day. I was able to soak in the women's bath for about three seconds, but it was so hot that it left my body numb. The area near the drain is relatively easy to soak in, but be careful as the area on the other side is particularly hot. Even if you can't soak in the water, the shower dispenses hot spring water at just the right temperature, so it feels great just to shower. The water has a thick, viscous texture that leaves your skin feeling moisturized. There are hair dryers and tissues in the changing room. Apparently, the bath water is refilled in the evening, so it stays the same except at opening time and during the evening changeover. Therefore, depending on the time of day, there may be a lot of floating particles.

This is a fairly rare type of hot spring. The quality of the hot spring water is good, and it warms you up nicely. There's only one indoor bath, but there aren't many visitors, so it's spacious enough. However, the water coming out of the taps is also hot spring water, so you can't wash your hair or body with it. The water is heated to about 21 degrees Celsius, so the water temperature fluctuates. According to regulars, it's hotter at the beginning and around 5 PM. It's located in the back, but the road is wide enough for two cars to pass each other. The entrance is marked by a giant bowling pin that looks like it might have been on the roof of a bowling alley somewhere. There are also 350 yen adult multi-visit passes available. A gentle dog that barks will greet you.

Even though Hokkaido is a large area, there are many moor springs, but this is a unique privately run day-trip hot spring. The price is cheap at 400 yen, and although it is an indoor bath, it is made of rocks and has seats on the edge of the tub so you can get in and out, so it's great that you can always have it all to yourself. What's more, the hot spring water flows from a faucet that can only be experienced here, and it's a skin-beautifying water that makes your body slippery, known only to those in the know. Of all the hot springs I've visited in Hokkaido, this is by far the best!