Horoka Onsen (幌加温泉)

Introduction: The Primal Secluded Seepage of the High Daisetsuzan Mountains

Tucked away in the extreme interior of the Kamishihoro mountains, far beyond the reach of mobile signals and convenience stores, lies Horoka Onsen (幌加温泉). This is one of Hokkaido’s most legendary “Hitou” (hidden hot springs), consisting of a single, historic lodge—”Shika-no-tani”—that has guarded these waters for over a century. Located at an altitude near the Nukabira Gensen-kyo, Horoka offers a raw, unfiltered encounter with Hokkaido’s volcanic energy. Here, four different types of mineral springs emerge naturally from the rocky earth. For the international traveler, Horoka Onsen represents the ultimate “Digital Detox.” It is a place of profound mountain silence, where wild deer (Shika) often outnumber human guests, and where the thermal waters provide a primitive luxury that connects you directly to the heartbeat of the Daisetsuzan National Park.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: A Hydro-Geological Department Store

Horoka Onsen is geologically unique because it taps into four distinct underground veins, all available in one facility:
1. The Sodium Spring: Excellent for warming the body core.
2. The Iron/Calcium Spring: Known for its skin-softening and restorative properties.
3. The Bicarbonate Spring: The classic “Beauty Water” that gently cleanses skin oils.
4. The Sulfur Spring: A potent, milky-white soak for detoxifying and treating skin ailments.
The facility is 100% “Gensen Kakenagashi” (natural flow) with no heating, no cooling, and no chlorine. The highlight is the Outdoor Mixed-Gender Bath (Rotenburo), where the different springs spill over the stones into various pools. As you soak, you are surrounded by the towering spruce and fir trees of the national park, with the only sound being the flow of the hot water and the rustle of the wind.

Top Recommended Stay: Horoka Onsen Shika-no-tani

• Horoka Onsen Shika-no-tani (鹿の谷): This is the only lodge in the area. It is a traditional, no-frills “Toji” (healing) lodge. The rooms are simple tatami spaces. The building has a nostalgic, rugged atmosphere that attracts hardcore onsen enthusiasts from across Japan. The “Deer Valley” name is literal—Ezo deer are frequently seen grazing right next to the outdoor tubs. Note: Guest rooms do not have private bathrooms or Wi-Fi; the experience is about returning to the basics of life in the mountains.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Ghost Bridges and Forests

Taushubetsu River Bridge: A 15-minute drive takes you to the viewpoint for the famous “Ghost Bridge”—an old railway arch bridge that disappears under the lake water seasonally.
Lake Nukabira: A beautiful caldera lake perfect for canoeing in summer or exploring the “Phantom Railway” ruins.
Kamishihoro Aviation Park: Located in the town center, famous for hot air balloon festivals in August and February.

Local Gastronomy: The Bounty of the Kato Highlands

The Kamishihoro region is a hub for high-quality beef and mountain products.
Kamishihoro Beef: Try the local wagyu at the restaurants in the nearby town center; it is known for its lean, savory flavor.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: Being a remote mountain lodge, the menu is fixed and typically focuses on what is available seasonally.
For Vegans: We recommend bringing your own protein and snacks from Obihiro. At the onsen lodge, you can request “Mountain Vegetable Soba”—specify “Katsuo-dashi nuki” (No fish dashi). The local Honey from Kamishihoro is also world-class for vegetarians who consume it. The nearby “Roadside Station” in Kamishihoro has a high-end bakery with several vegan bread options.

Cultural & Historical Context

Horoka Onsen was discovered in the late 19th century by pioneers who were clearing the road between Obihiro and Asahikawa. For decades, it was a vital survival point for explorers and foresters. The lodge “Shika-no-tani” stands as a symbol of the “Slow Life” that predates modern technology. The name “Horoka” is derived from the Ainu word for a “river that flows backward,” referring to the unique hydrology of the mountain valley. Today, it remains a bastion of traditional Japanese bathing culture, resisting commercialization to maintain its spiritual and mineral purity.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: As a secluded “Hitou,” Horoka is generally very tolerant of tattoos. The staff and regular guests are focused on the quality of the water and the peace of the mountains. Full ink pieces are rarely an issue here.
• Bathing Style: The outdoor bath is Mixed-Gender (Konyoku). While many locals bathe naked, wearing a wrap or towel is permitted for female guests to ensure comfort. There is also a small dedicated indoor bath for women.
• Connectivity: Zero mobile signal. There is no Wi-Fi in the guest rooms. Prepare for an “offline” experience. Download your Mapcode and offline maps before leaving the town center.
• Cash Only: Horoka Onsen is a traditional mountain lodge. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring sufficient cash for your room and bathing fees. The nearest ATM is 30km away in central Kamishihoro.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Horoka Onsen introduced a “Stargazing & Silence” program, encouraging guests to keep their devices in a lockbox and providing high-quality binoculars for exploring the dark skies from the outdoor bath. For the 2026 season, the lodge is planning to revive their “Forest Survival Cooking” workshop, teaching guests how to prepare mountain vegetables on a traditional hearth.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always sit on the provided stools while washing and do not splash water. Because the water comes from multiple sources, some tubs are much hotter than others—always test the temperature with your hand before entering. Be “Bear Aware”—carry a bear bell if walking on the trails near the lodge. Finally, respect the quiet; many guests stay here for the silence of the spruce forest, so keep conversations in the communal baths to a soft whisper.