Sapporo's Secret Onsen Sanctuary Marukoma Onsen Ryokan

Fantastic night stay. Was picked up by shuttle bus at Lake Shikotsu village (ensure you request this when booking). Onsen was amazing: could choose from different temperature baths near the bath house. Two outdoor baths available for each gender: one being right down at the lake water line (80m along a covered wooden walkway). Had the Kaiseki dinner and it was amazing - tasty & so well presented. Was provided a shuttle bus back to the village in the morning after a hearty buffet breakfast. A must "do" for onsen experience. We were lucky with the weather: went in Feb = lots of snow but saw a beautiful sunrise & sunset.

The natural hot spring, as well as the onsen baths, feature what might be the most breathtaking view I have ever had the pleasure to experience. You feel like you are in the Shikotsuko lake, rather than in front of it. The service, staff, room equipment were absolutely spotless, and the irori kaiseki dinner we had was just A++ marks on all fronts, environment included. The fact that you cannot take pictures of the onsen except during the first 20 minutes of the cleaning shift adds to the magic, making it an experience during which you must and want to be completely aware, to take it in to the fullest and engrave the scenery in your memory.

The entire feel of the ryokan was exceptional. At first glance it may seem slightly dated but on further experience, it brings out the true experience of the ryokan and its history. The room I stayed in had beautiful view over the lake, and the bed was so comfortable! It was my first experience not having an individual toilet/bath in the room but the public bath was actually a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The public bath facilities were also well managed and the outdoor bath allow me to immerse myself in the beautiful nature of the lake. The service of the staff and the food served for breakfast and dinner were also top notched!

I specifically created this vacation around the criteria of wanting, Onsen in Hokkaido in the winter. I wanted remote location, natural environment, nature, and snow to be falling around me while I was in the hot spring. I also wanted authentic decor, and history. Marukoma delivered. I loved everything about this place. The futons were perfectly comfortable. The service was excellent. The food was amazing! And the hot spring was perfect. I especially loved the cold plunge.

Gorgeous location right on a pristine lake with no other buildings around it that we could see. Sakura blooming outside our window. Good breakfast w chef making Japanese omelets fresh, good variety, quality, Japanese or Western. Good onsen w perfect outdoor rock pool w lake water mixing with hot spring water, but men only. Wonderful unpaved wildlife trail just outside, deer, long ear squirrels, woodpeckers, no people.