The 10 Best Ryokans in Sapporo

Looking for a ryokan stay in Sapporo? You’re in the right place!

While Sapporo is a modern, well-planned city, it’s also a fantastic gateway to some of Hokkaido’s most relaxing ryokan experiences. Staying in a ryokan here offers a chance to slow down and enjoy more traditional aspects of Japanese culture, like soaking in natural hot springs and enjoying beautifully prepared seasonal meals. It’s the perfect contrast to the city’s lively energy!

Ryokans in and around Sapporo range from sleek, contemporary inns in the city to traditional onsen resorts in nearby hot spring towns. We’ve rounded up the best options to help you find a stay that suits your travel style and budget — let’s get into it.

Where to Find the Best Ryokans in Sapporo 

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers an immersive cultural experience rather than just a bed for the night! Rooms typically feature futon beds, tatami flooring, and shoji doors, while onsen baths and traditional kaiseki dinners are a big part of the stay. 

Unlike Japan’s historic cities, Sapporo is a modern metropolis, which means traditional ryokans are few and far between within the city itself. Most ryokans are located outside the centre in nearby hot spring resort towns, with Jōzankei being the most popular option. We’ve got a quick overview of the best areas below to help you experience a more traditional side of Hokkaido without straying too far from the city.

• Downtown Sapporo – Best for an urban ryokan stay – This is the best place to stay if you want to experience a ryokan stay without leaving the city. ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo is a stylish mid-range choice that brings a traditional ryokan feel into a very urban setting.

• Jōzankei – Best for onsen escapes near the city – Jōzankei is Sapporo’s main hot spring town, known for its riverside onsens and resort-style ryokans. Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta is a top-rated ryokan that offers a refined experience without the luxury price tag.

• Lake Shikotsu – Best for scenic, secluded soaking – This scenic area sits on the edge of one of Japan’s clearest lakes and feels far removed from city life, although it’s still an easy drive from Sapporo. Marukoma Onsen Ryokan is a well-loved stay that’s famous for its open-air baths right on the lake — talk about scenic! 

Downtown Sapporo 

BEST FOR AN URBAN RYOKAN STAY

Pros

• Central location with easy access to transport, shopping, and dining
• Close to major sights like Odori Park and Sapporo Station
• One of the few areas where you can enjoy a ryokan-style stay without leaving the city

Cons

• Limited choice of traditional ryokans compared to resort areas
• Less of a nature-focused onsen experience
• Can feel busy, especially during festivals or peak travel times

Downtown Sapporo is the heart of the city and one of the most convenient areas to stay, especially if it’s your first time visiting. This is where you’ll find the main transport hubs, major shopping streets, and a huge concentration of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district, is also nearby, making this a great base if you want to experience the city’s nightlife and famous food scene!

One of the biggest perks of staying downtown is how easy it is to get around. Sapporo Station and Odori Park act as central anchors, putting attractions like the Sapporo TV Tower, the Former Hokkaido Government Office, and the Sapporo Clock Tower within easy walking distance. The area is also well connected for day trips, whether you’re heading to Otaru, Jōzankei, or even out to the slopes during ski season.

We think that choosing a ryokan stay in downtown Sapporo is also a good idea if you’re short on time. The area isn’t exactly packed with traditional ryokans, but it’s still one of the few places where you can enjoy a ryokan-style stay without leaving the city.

ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo – $$

ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo is one of the best places to stay if you want a ryokan experience right inside the city. It blends traditional Japanese design with a modern, minimalist style, which makes it feel calm and polished rather than overly formal.

This is a great option for travellers who are curious about ryokans but still want the convenience of a central location! The standout feature here is the rooftop onsen, which uses hot spring water brought in from Jōzankei. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city!

Dining is another highlight, with a seasonal Japanese breakfast that focuses on local Hokkaido ingredients, and you’ve got the option to add dinner if you want a more complete ryokan experience. Prices start at around 44,000 JPY ($280 USD) per night, with a 2-night minimum stay.

Nakamuraya Ryokan – $$

Nakamuraya Ryokan is a classic, family-run ryokan that offers a more traditional stay right in the heart of Sapporo. It’s been welcoming guests for decades and has maintained a warm, old-school atmosphere that feels refreshingly personal compared to larger hotels!

What really sets Nakamuraya apart is its hospitality. The staff have a knack for making guests feel genuinely welcome from the moment they arrive, and meals are a big part of the experience here, too, so you can enjoy a kaiseki dinner right in the heart of the city.

It’s just a short walk from Sapporo Station, so staying here offers both tradition and a super central location. Prices typically range from 16,000 to 30,000 JPY ($100 to $190 USD) per night.

Jōzankei

BEST FOR ONSEN ESCAPES NEAR THE CITY

Pros

• Sapporo’s main onsen and ryokan resort area
• Beautiful natural surroundings with a strong focus on relaxation
• Wide range of ryokans

Cons

• Less convenient for sightseeing and nightlife
• Limited dining options outside of ryokans
• Requires a bus or car to reach from Sapporo

Jōzankei is Sapporo’s most famous hot spring town and hands down the best place to stay if you want a proper ryokan and onsen experience! It’s located in the mountains, about an hour from the city, and it feels like a total escape. It boasts forested scenery, and a river runs through the cute little town, which has outdoor onsens dotted all around.

The town developed in the late 1800s after hot springs were discovered along the Toyohira River, and it’s been a wellness destination ever since. If soaking in onsens is high on your Hokkaido wish list, this is where you want to be. It’s home to a wide range of ryokans, from small and traditional inns to large, resort-style properties that boast extensive onsen facilities. 

We strongly recommend Jōzankei for travellers who want to slow down and enjoy traditional Japanese culture to the fullest. It’s an ideal place to unwind after spending a couple of days in the city. If you’ve got the time, a stay in Jōzankei will wrap up your time in Hokkaido perfectly!

Shogetsu Grand Hotel – $$$

Shogetsu Grand Hotel is one of Jōzankei’s most well-known ryokans and a great choice if you’re after a refined onsen stay. It’s set along the Toyohira River and surrounded by forest, so this place feels super calm and secluded.

Onsens are the main draw here, and the facilities don’t disappoint! There are spacious indoor and outdoor baths, including open-air pools with river and mountain views. As for the rooms, they’re pretty traditional in style with tatami flooring and futon bedding, and many offer scenic views over the river gorge.

Shogetsu Grand is also an amazing place to enjoy a beautiful kaiseki meal made with the finest seasonal ingredients from the Hokkaido province. Prices usually start at around 45,000 to 81,000 JPY ($290 to $520 USD) per night, depending on room type and season.

Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan – $$$

Jozankei Onsen Yurakusoan is a great pick if you’re looking for a more intimate and traditional ryokan experience in Jōzankei. Tucked away in a quieter part of the hot spring town, it has a calm, understated feel that makes it a nice option if you prefer something quieter and less resort-like.

One of the standout features here is the onsen setup. In addition to the shared baths, many rooms come with private open-air baths, which is a huge plus if you want a more private experience. And the design feels cozy and classically Japanese, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a traditional mountain retreat. 

Prices generally range from around 60,000 to 120,000 JPY ($385 to $765 USD) per night, depending on the room type and season.

Suizantei Club Jozankei-Adults Only – $$$ 

Suizantei Club Jozankei is an adults-only ryokan that’s all about peace and privacy. If you’re planning a romantic trip or just want a quieter, more polished onsen experience, we think that this is one of the best choices in a quieter part of Jōzankei.

The ryokan has a refined, minimalist feel, with spacious rooms that blend traditional Japanese design with modern comfort. Many rooms come with private open-air baths, which makes it easy to enjoy the onsen experience at your own pace.

There are also shared indoor and outdoor baths if you feel like switching things up. Prices usually start at around 50,000 to 90,000 JPY ($320 to $575 USD) per night, depending on room type and season.

Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta – $$

Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta is a relaxed, resort-style ryokan that’s a great fit if you want an onsen stay that feels comfortable and approachable rather than overly traditional. Set slightly above the Jōzankei river valley, it’s especially popular with couples and families, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and spacious layout.

Onsens are a big focus here, with large indoor and outdoor baths surrounded by the forest. The property also has extra wellness touches like a spa, lounge areas, and seasonal activities, so there’s plenty to enjoy without ever leaving the resort!

We think it’s a great option if you want a ryokan experience with fewer formalities. Prices typically range from around 25,000 to 100,000 JPY ($270 to $640 USD) per night, depending on the season.

Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione – $$

Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione is a large, well-established ryokan that’s a solid choice if you’re looking for good value in the heart of Jōzankei. It has more of a classic resort feel compared to some of the smaller ryokans in the area, which makes it a popular option for families and travellers who like having lots of facilities on site.

There are spacious indoor and outdoor baths, plus sauna options. You’ve got the choice between Western- and Japanese-style rooms, some of which offer nice views over the surrounding mountains. 

Meals are typically served buffet-style, with a wide range of Japanese and Western dishes. It’s not the most refined dining experience in Jōzankei, but it’s convenient and works well if you prefer variety and flexibility. Prices usually range from around 24,000 to 50,000 JPY ($150 to $320 USD) per night, depending on the season.

HanaMOMIJI – $$

HanaMOMIJI is a lovely mid-range ryokan that’s especially popular during autumn, when the fall foliage paints the surrounding hills red and orange. It’s set along the river in Jōzankei and has a relaxed, welcoming feel that makes it a great choice for a first-time onsen stay.

This place feels sleek and modern, but for us, the highlight is definitely the onsen baths, which offer beautiful views of the forest and the surrounding valley. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape, this sleek and spacious property is an excellent choice.

Prices typically range from around 38,000 to 65,000 JPY ($250 to $415 USD) per night, depending on room type and season.

Related Read: Visiting in the colder months? Be sure to check out our 3-day winter Sapporo itinerary, which covers the best seasonal sights, food spots, and easy day trips.

Lake Shikotsu 

BEST FOR SCENIC, SECLUDED SOAKING

Pros

• Stunning natural setting with a true escape-from-the-city feel
• Home to some of the most scenic onsen baths in the region

Cons

• Fewer accommodation options compared to Jōzankei
• Not convenient if you’re planning lots of sightseeing

Lake Shikotsu is one of the most beautiful places to stay near Sapporo and a fantastic choice if you’re craving nature and some seriously scenic onsens. The lake sits inside Shikotsu-Tōya National Park and is known for its incredibly clear water, volcanic landscape, and forested surroundings. But despite feeling super remote, it’s less than an hour’s drive from central Sapporo.

This area is best suited for anyone looking to slow things right down and spend most of their time relaxing. There’s not much in the way of nightlife or shopping here, but that’s part of the appeal! Instead, you’ll find walking trails and lake views aplenty, as well as tons of onsens that feel deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.

Lake Shikotsu is also one of Japan’s deepest lakes and rarely freezes in winter, which makes for a pretty special onsen experience when the snow starts falling. If you’re looking for a more upmarket, nature-focused ryokan stay that feels worlds away from the city, Lake Shikotsu is well worth the extra travel time. And to be honest, it’s not even THAT much travel time in the grand scheme of things.

Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta – $$$ 

Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta is a refined, design-forward ryokan set just steps from the shores of Lake Shikotsu, and it feels elegant while staying deeply connected to its natural surroundings. It’s luxurious without feeling over the top.

The onsen baths here are beautiful, with indoor and outdoor pools that overlook the forest and reflect the peaceful atmosphere of the lake. The rooms are spacious and carefully designed to blend traditional Japanese elements with modern comfort.

There’s also a modern gym and breakfast, and dinner is included. We like that the breakfast includes fresh smoothies and juices each morning — yum. Prices usually start at around 61,000 to 128,000 JPY ($390 to $820 USD) per night, depending on room type and season.

Marukoma Onsen Ryokan – $$

Marukoma Onsen Ryokan is one of the most unique ryokan stays near Sapporo and easily one of the most memorable. It’s famous for the natural open-air onsen that sits right at the edge of Lake Shikotsu, with the water level rising and falling with the lake itself. How cool is that?

The ryokan has a more traditional, slightly old-school feel, which adds to its charm. Rooms are simple and comfortable, and the focus here is very much on the onsen experience and the stunning natural setting. We love this ryokan because it offers a really special and memorable stay without a crazily high price tag.

Speaking of which, rates generally hover at around 47,000 JPY ($300 USD) per night. This is a very popular property, though, so you’ll want to book well in advance! 

Related Read: If you’re still deciding which area suits your travel style, check our guide to the best areas to stay in Sapporo and the best onsen hotels in Sapporo here for a deeper dive into neighborhoods and hotel options.

Top Activities to do in Sapporo

Now that you’ve found the perfect area and ryokan to stay, you can start planning your itinerary! Sapporo is fun to visit in any season, and we have a few activities that are available year-round. Here are a few of our favorite things we did in Sapporo: 

• Food and bar hopping tour – This 3-hour food tour was a great intro to Sapporo’s famous gastro scene. Known for its ramen and beer, we hopped through the city, stopping by izakayas and local watering holes – it was so fun and tasty!

• Soba cooking class – Learning how to cook soba noodles in this cooking class is perhaps the best souvenir you can take home. We had the best time learning the art of rolling the dough and mixing the delicious sauce to top it, plus our local guide was so helpful!

• Day trip to Otaru & Nikka Whisky Distillery – Step outside of Sapporo on this full-day tour to Otaru! The town was charming and beautiful, and we loved stopping by the Nikka Distillery to sample some locally made whisky. It made for a great day out!

• Sapporo sightseeing tour – If you’re short on time, this guided sightseeing tour is the best way to experience Sapporo! The guides will take you to 3-4 of the main city sights, which makes travel logistics a breeze, and you get to see so much more. 

• Enjoy Hokkaido’s outdoors – Escape the city and experience the greater region of Hokkaido on this full-day tour. We visited Asahiyama Zoo, Biei’s Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls, and Furano’s Ningle Terrace all in one day – which would have been impossible on our own!

Related Read: Looking for more activities? Here is the full list of the top things to do in Sapporo. You’ll never be bored here!

Thanks for reading!

Staying in a ryokan in or around Sapporo adds an entirely different layer to your trip, balancing the city’s modern energy with moments of calm, tradition, and seriously good onsen soaking. Whether you stay downtown, in Jōzankei, or by Lake Shikotsu, each area offers a more relaxed side of Hokkaido. Just be sure to book early, as the best ryokans here tend to fill up well in advance.

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, be sure to check out all of our Japan blogs here! From detailed itineraries to where-to-stay guides and top activities lists, we’ve got everything you need to plan an unforgettable adventure. Or here are a few of our favorites below to help get the ball rolling!

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